Unlocked Professional: AI and Future of Work

In this conversation, Bradley Schurman introduces the Geography of Prosperity, a free tool designed to help individuals and organizations navigate the demographic shifts of the "Super Age." Bradley explains how the tool ranks cities across five key dimensions to measure community potential and economic resilience. The discussion explores how aging workforces and geographic trends are reshaping the future of work, providing a data driven look at which regions are prepared to thrive in an era of rapid social and technological change.Key TopicsThe Geography of Prosperity as a free and accessible tool for city rankingHow the tool measures community health across five key dimensionsUnderstanding the "Super Age" and its impact on global employment trendsUsing data for strategic site selection and community planningHow geography influences economic prosperity and individual opportunityThe role of the Geography of Prosperity index as a foundation for Bradley’s upcoming bookHow aging populations and AI are intersecting to redefine the future of workComparing national city rankings to understand regional strengths and weaknessesThe shift in global perspectives regarding aging workforces and economic stabilityEpisode Timestamps00:00 The Shift to a Super Age: Understanding demographic change00:57 The Aging Workforce: Employment trends and economic impact11:46 Geography of Prosperity: How the tool and index work29:47 Future of Work: The intersection of human aging and AI40:39 Global Perspectives: International outlooks on aging populationsGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/Website: https://geographyofprosperity.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bradleyschurmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradley.schurman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurmanKeywords: Geography of Prosperity, city ranking, community development, free tool, site selection, future of work, demographic shifts, Super Age

In this conversation, Chris Daigle explores how companies can effectively prepare their executive teams for the integration of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes that a successful AI strategy is impossible without a shared baseline understanding across all business domains. Chris discusses the common hurdles organizations face, including human friction and the gap between AI's potential and its actual utility. By focusing on a structured approach to executive training and risk management, he explains how leaders can move past pilot projects and create a culture of continuous adaptation in an ever-evolving technological landscape.Key TopicsAI training for executive leadership teamsBuilding a unified understanding of AI tools and organizational risksDeveloping comprehensive AI strategies across various business domainsOvercoming human friction and the burnout associated with AI implementationThe 90 day roadmap for making AI effective within a companyIdentifying top impediments: risk assessment, use cases, and expertise gapsThe necessity of continuous training as AI tools evolveTransitioning workforces to adapt to new technological realitiesEpisode Timestamps00:00 Challenges in proving AI effectiveness and managing burnout00:09 Introduction to the 90 day step-by-step AI implementation plan00:15 Analyzing the gap between AI capabilities and actual human usage00:42 Identifying top organizational impediments and AI risks01:02 Why continuous adaptation is required after initial implementation01:29 Helping employees transition and adapt to evolving technologiesGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctordaigleWebsite: https://chiefaiofficer.com/Podcast: https://usingaiatwork.com/Keywords: AI, Future of Work, Executive Training, Business Strategy, AI Risks, AI Tools, AI adoption, leadership, organizational change, productivity

In this conversation, Geoff Gibbins discusses the challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies and the common pitfalls that lead to failure. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking workflows and processes rather than simply adding AI tools to existing systems. Geoff introduces CoreX, a tool designed to enhance collaboration between humans and AI, and explains how it assesses proficiency in using AI tools. The discussion also covers the future of work, where AI becomes an integral part of teams, and the need for organizations to adapt to these changes effectively.Key Topics95% of companies that try to use AI fail due to improper implementationPilot purgatory refers to endless testing without real resultsRethinking workflows is essential for successful AI integrationCoreX measures how individuals collaborate with AI tools80% of users add significant value when working with AIAI can enhance critical thinking and systems thinking skillsOrganizational change is necessary for effective AI adoptionThe future of work will see AI as a team memberIntelligent robotics will play a larger role in various industriesTraining and support are crucial for leveraging AI tools effectivelyEpisode Timestamps00:00 The AI Adoption Crisis03:47 Rethinking Workflows with AI08:07 Introducing CoreX: A New Tool for AI Collaboration11:57 Assessing AI Proficiency and Collaboration16:12 The Learning Flywheel: Humans and AI Together20:02 The Future of Work: AI as a Team Member24:12 Redesigning Processes for AI Integration27:58 Navigating Organizational Change with AI31:48 The Path Forward: Implementing AI EffectivelyGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffgibbinsWebsite: https://human-machines.com/Keywords: AI adoption, CoreX, AI collaboration, future of work, organizational change, AI tools, human-machine collaboration, training, productivity, technology integration

Explore how AI is transforming the workplace, emphasizing the importance of human skills, mindset, and ethical considerations. Susan Caesar shares insights from her experience at Airbnb and her work in AI, highlighting strategies for staying relevant and leveraging AI responsibly.Key TopicsThe shift from technology to human skills in the workplaceThe importance of mindset and human-centered design in AI adoptionStrategies for training and empowering employees for AI integrationEpisode Timestamps00:00 Navigating the Disruption of Work03:04 The Human Operating System05:53 Data-Driven Decision Making08:47 Human-Centered Design12:12 Empowering Employees in the Age of AI14:47 AI Literacy and Training17:54 The Future of Work and AI20:47 Ethics and Safety in AI Usage24:07 Embracing Change and Redefining Roles26:56 The Role of Women in Shaping AI29:49 The Future Landscape of Work32:54 Finding Your Place in the New Economy36:00 Conclusion and Future OutlookGuest LinksWebsite: https://www.humain.org/Website: http://coachingfederation.org/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancaesar/Keywords: AI in the workplace, human skills, AI ethics, digital transformation, future of work, leadership, AI training, human-centered design

In this conversation, Stela Lupushor discusses the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the need for HR to adapt to new realities shaped by AI and changing employee expectations. She shares her journey from Moldova to becoming a leader in HR innovation, highlighting the importance of reframing traditional HR practices to focus on employee experience and value creation. The discussion also touches on the risks of shadow AI, the necessity of data-driven insights in HR, and the future of work as a collaborative effort between humans and technology.Key TopicsThe future of work is increasingly driven by AI and dataHR must transition from a compliance-focused role to a strategic partnerEmployee experience is critical for retention and productivityShadow AI presents both opportunities and security risksData analytics can dispel common myths in HR practices.Organizations need to rethink the value exchange with employeesInvesting in employee experience can lead to significant ROIThe traditional model of work is becoming obsoleteCollaboration between HR and IT is essential for modern workplacesThe future of work will involve a blend of human and AI collaborationEpisode Timestamps00:00 The Future of Work: A New Paradigm09:15 Stela's Journey: From Moldova to HR Innovator14:28 Reframing HR: Breaking the Traditional Model25:29 The Importance of Employee Experience29:20 Shadow AI: Productivity vs. Security Risks35:25 Myth Busting in HR: Data-Driven Insights41:00 The Future of Work: Rethinking Value ExchangeGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slupushor/Website: https://www.reframe.work/Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398604232/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk and https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Human-Capital-Optimal-Business/dp/1637741804Keywords: Future of work, HR innovation, employee experience, AI in HR, human capital ROI, workplace transformation, shadow AI, data-driven HR, employee retention, workforce strategy.

The world of work isn't just changing; it is being completely redefined. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer and author of Workquake. Steve shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of work, talent retention, AI integration, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Discover practical strategies for building resilient teams, embracing mistakes, and preparing for the future of work.Key TopicsThe evolution of work and the impact of AIBuilding a culture of learning and experimentationStrategies for talent retention and recruitmentThe importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadershipEpisode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Steve Cadigan and his career01:27 Steve's background and early life in South Africa and Connecticut03:22 How Steve fell in love with HR and his career journey05:17 The value of making mistakes and being human in leadership07:28 Responding to interview questions about failure and mistakes08:32 Building teams that attract top talent without high pay10:21 The importance of a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)13:03 The changing landscape of careers and new industries14:32 The rapid change in the world of work and how to prepare16:27 Understanding workforce turnover and the impact of COVID-1918:37 Advice for new graduates in a challenging job market20:47 The importance of critical thinking and learning velocity22:05 Jobs of the future: learning more than knowing30:02 The creativity and innovation of outsiders in Silicon Valley31:41 The power of giving employees new opportunities to grow36:36 How AI is augmenting talent rather than replacing it37:04 Motivations behind AI job displacement narratives39:20 The cultural challenges of AI adoption and experimentation41:55 The one move to gain an unfair edge in the future of work42:34 Where to connect with Steve and learn more about his workGuest LinksWebsite: https://stevecadigan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadiganBook: Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of WorkingKeywords: Future of Work, Talent Retention Strategies, AI in HR, Leadership Vulnerability, Career Pivot, Workquake Book, Employee Engagement, Silicon Valley Innovation, Workforce Turnover, Steve Cadigan

Welcome to the "Unlock" phase of your career. > In this 90-second intro, host Jeff Midland breaks down why the "old way" of working is dying and how The Unlocked Professional will give you the cheat codes to lead the AI transition.What to expect every Wednesday starting April 1st:Architect vs. Worker: Strategies to move up the value chain.Human-Centric AI: How to use tools without losing your soul.Expert Deep Dives: Conversations with the leaders building the future.🚀 LAUNCHING APRIL 1st, 2026 Action Step: Hit the "Follow" button right now so you don't miss our premiere episode.Visit us at www.unlockedpro.com