The competitive advantage CEOs will need by 2030
As AI reshapes the workforce, Mike Erlin explores why mapping innate human capability, not just static skills, is the defining edge for future leaders.
Mike Erlin Feb 25, 2026
Mike Erlin
Co-Founder & CEO
Mike Erlin, based in Sydney and a native San Franciscan, is an experienced technology executive across education & industry across North America & Asia Pacific. He’s built and led high performing teams for some of the globe’s most innovative and successful human capital technology companies. Prior to AbilityMap, Mike led Cornerstone OnDemand’s (CSOD) ANZ business for the Enterprise & Mid-market/SMB solutions.
America’s Cup Sailor, elite athlete and technologist, Mike Erlin has spent decades focused on human performance, specifically how matching the individual to the role is a critical driver of success. This passion and knowledge sits behind AbilityMap’s powerful people technology.
Articles by Mike Erlin
Skills, skills, skills… they only matter if they’re applied
Skills only matter if they are applied. Discover why Capability is the missing link between having a skill and delivering repeatable, compounding business value.
HR Daily: Workforce decisions ignoring crucial ‘capability’ assessment
In a recent interview with HR Daily, AbilityMap CEO Mike Erlin explains why overlooking "capability" leads to inconsistent returns on talent investment. Discover how measuring innate DNA, not just skills, ensures that workforce decisions translate into repeatable business value.
Skills visibility has improved. Productivity hasn’t. Here’s why.
Skills visibility is at an all-time high, yet productivity is stalling. Discover why the "productivity leak" happens when skills aren't backed by capability.
The professional development trap: More training, less impact
Mike Erlin challenges the assumption that better professional development comes from offering more learning options. He argues that the real issue is not access to training, but a lack of alignment between what employees are learning and what their roles actually...
Skills get AI in the door. Capability determines whether it creates value
At Davos this year, one message was hard to miss: AI is no longer the differentiator. Human capability is. As generative AI becomes embedded across organisations, access to models, copilots, and tools is rapidly equalising. What once felt like a source of advantage...
One layer too high: why workforce decisions fail without precision
Most organisations are not short on talent data. They use psychometrics, behavioural profiles, skills frameworks, competency models, engagement surveys, performance histories, etc. And yet outcomes remain stubbornly inconsistent. Hiring accuracy varies. Learning...
Capability: the most misunderstood concept in talent and business performance
Most leaders don’t lack talent frameworks. They’re surrounded by them. Personality profiles. Skills matrices. Competency models. Behavioural indicators. Each promises clarity. Together, they often create confusion, and that confusion has real business consequences....
The ‘Moneyball’ operating system to build high performance teams
Why performance problems persist, even when you hire the best people.
Mike Erlin Ticker News Interview
Insightful interview with Mike about Human Performance and how AbilityMap Next-generation assessment technology is changing the conversation.