GlobalAutoIndustry.com’s latest Audio Interview “How Will A.I. Reshape the Future of Automotive Workers Across Skilled Trades and Professional Disciplines Globally?” with Ron Hesse features Elaina Farnsworth. Ms. Farnsworth is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SkillFusion, a cutting-edge customer success platform for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) operations and maintenance (O&M) providers. With a passion and career-long dedication to talent and workforce development, Farnsworth is focused on growing a certified talent pool with SkillFusion to operate and maintain electric vehicle chargers and facilitate the growth of the charging network across the country. Prior to SkillFusion, Farnsworth was the CEO of The Next Education where she developed best-in-class certification and training programs designed to upskill and reskill the workforce in automotive careers related to electrification, autonomy, and cybersecurity. Previously, Farnsworth was appointed as the Director of Global Communications by the Board of Directors of the International Connected Vehicle Trade Association where she served for more than a decade.
Audio Interview Guest:
Ms. Elaina Farnsworth
Co-Founder and CEO
SkillFusion
In the 22-minute Audio Interview, Ms. Farnsworth discusses these questions:
• How do you see AI transforming the day-to-day responsibilities of both skilled-trade workers and professional staff within the automotive industry?
• What new skills and qualifications will be most important for tomorrow’s technicians, engineers, and support teams as AI becomes embedded in operations?
• There is often fear that AI will replace jobs, how do you explain the difference between job displacement and job enhancement in this context?
• What role should companies and educational institutions play in preparing the workforce for AI-driven systems, particularly in fields like EV charging, BESS, and automotive maintenance?
• From your perspective, what are the biggest opportunities AI presents for improving workforce accessibility, safety, training, and long-term growth in the automotive sector?
About Elaina Farnsworth:
Co-founder and CEO, SkillFusion
Elaina Farnsworth is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SkillFusion, a cutting-edge customer success platform for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) operations and maintenance (O&M) providers. With a passion and career-long dedication to talent and workforce development, Farnsworth is focused on growing a certified talent pool with SkillFusion to operate and maintain electric vehicle chargers and facilitate the growth of the charging network across the country.
Prior to SkillFusion, Farnsworth was the CEO of The Next Education where she developed best-in-class certification and training programs designed to upskill and reskill the workforce in automotive careers related to electrification, autonomy, and cybersecurity. Previously, Farnsworth was appointed as the Director of Global Communications by the Board of Directors of the International Connected Vehicle Trade Association where she served for more than a decade.
Farnsworth was honored as one of the Top 10 Influencers for North American Automotive Suppliers in 2018 and received the prestigious Rule Breaker Award in 2017. Her contributions were further recognized as she was recognized among the Techweek100: Top Tech Leaders in Detroit in 2025, Detroit 40 under 40 in 2014, and Elite 40 under 40.
