The Future of Work: Vikram Ashok on the Rise of Freelancing and Remote Talent

Prepare to unlock the secrets of successfully adapting to rapid changes in our personal and professional lives. Inspired by the unforgettable "pivot" scene from Friends and the recent passing of Matthew Perry, we explore the art of pivoting. We reflect on the necessity of staying flexible amidst global shifts and the relentless pace of advancements in AI, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on how to navigate these constant changes.

Vikram Ashok, the founder of Graphite, shares his incredible journey from a childhood fascination with marketplaces to creating a groundbreaking on-demand talent platform. Learn about the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, the valuable lessons he gleaned from launching and scaling Graphite, and the critical role of adaptability in achieving business success. Vik’s insights on pivoting and embracing change offer a compelling look into the future of work.

We then dive into the evolving landscape of the workforce, spotlighting the rise of the gig economy and freelance work. By 2027, more than half of the workforce is expected to freelance, reshaping how companies engage with talent. We discuss why freelancers should be seen as experts and how the pandemic has accelerated the acceptance of remote work.

About Vikram Ashok:
Vik is the Founder and CEO of Graphite, a technology platform enabling seamless access to the world's best independent talent. Graphite connects Fortune 1000 companies, professional services firms and investment firms with a pool of ~9,000+ independent consultants for on-demand work. Forward-thinking organizations partner with Graphite to operate with more agility by accessing critical skills and expertise in real-time, alleviating bandwidth constraints on their teams and innovating faster. Independent consultants turn to Graphite to access challenging and rewarding work and accelerate the growth of their businesses.

Prior to founding Graphite, Vik was a private equity investor at Quilvest Capital Partners, a multi-family office with $36B under management. Vik holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University.

Vik resides in Oakland CA with his wife. Outside of work, Vik enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, traveling to national parks and exploring the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

graphite.com
linkedin.com/company/graphitesolutions

This episode is brought to you by Graphite; the most flexible, right-sized approach to getting work done. Go to graphite.com to learn more.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday—hit “Subscribe” now!

💬 Love the show? Let us know! Leave a quick rating & review here—your feedback helps us grow!

📲 Stay connected with Marc Bernstein:
➡️ Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

🎤 Got a success story worth sharing?
We’re always looking for visionary founders to feature! Apply here to be a guest on the Founders' Forum Radio Show & Podcast.

📩 Join our email list here so you never miss an episode.