204 - Guest: Gary Bolles, Future of Work author, part 1
May 13, 2024
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Gary Bolles, an author and co-founder of eParachute.com, dives deep into the future of work. He discusses how the gig economy is reshaping job landscapes and roles in the wake of technological advancement. ChatGPT's influence on job markets is explored, alongside a fascinating idea called the community operating system. Bolles shares insights into the shift towards purpose-driven work and the challenges of automation. Prepare for an intriguing look at adapting to an AI-filled future while navigating new workplace dynamics!
The gig economy is reshaping employment dynamics, emphasizing flexibility and aligning roles with personal values and skill sets.
As AI technologies advance, individuals must adapt their skills and integrate these tools to thrive in the evolving job landscape.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on the Future of Work
Artificial intelligence is set to significantly transform the employment landscape, affecting how businesses operate and how individuals approach work. The speaker discusses the concept of the 'AI tsunami' and how it has shifted the theoretical discussions of the future of work into urgent, practical considerations. As AI technologies evolve, individuals must adapt their skills and learn to integrate these powerful tools into their workflows. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses and employees alike to thrive in an increasingly automated environment.
Changing Attitudes Towards Work
The traditional view of work has been challenged by a new generation with different motivations and expectations. While past attitudes focused on job security and pay, the current workforce often prioritizes purpose and the value of work to the world. This shift has led to a demand for roles that align more closely with personal values, pushing organizations to rethink their employment strategies. Young workers today seek fulfilling work that contributes to making a positive impact, rather than just a paycheck.
The Rise of the Gig Economy
The gig economy has accelerated, offering more flexible work options for individuals, driven by both necessity and the quest for purpose. Employment models are evolving from traditional jobs to unbundled work roles that allow for varied skill applications across different platforms. This shift reflects a broader change where workers are increasingly relying on technology to connect with opportunities that suit their skills and preferences. As these flexible work arrangements become more prevalent, adaptability and ongoing skill development will be key for individuals navigating the gig economy.
Capitalism and Work Evolution
The relationship between capitalism and evolving work dynamics is complex, as traditional job roles are being disrupted by advancements in AI and evolving market needs. While certain jobs are essential and will persist, the integration of AI is likely to take over repetitive tasks, reshaping the labor market significantly. There's a push for a better alignment of individual capabilities with market demands, allowing for increased fluidity in job roles. Ultimately, capitalism must adapt to support a workforce that values flexibility, creativity, and purpose.
There is, perhaps, no more burning topic at the moment than the future of work, and so I am particularly grateful to welcome to the show Gary Bolles, author of The Next Rules of Work and a co-founder of eParachute.com, helping job-hunters & career changers with programs inspired by the evergreen book “What Color Is Your Parachute?” written by his father. Gary's courses on LinkedIn Learning have over 1 million learners and he is a former Silicon Valley executive and a co-founder of SoCap, the world’s largest gathering of impact entrepreneurs and investors.
Gary is adjunct Chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University, and as a partner in the consulting agency Charrette, he helps organizations, communities, educators and governments develop strategies for “what’s next.”
In the first half of the interview, we talk about the gig economy, the new rules of work, what ChatGPT did to the job market, and an interesting concept called the community operating system.
All this plus our usual look at today's AI headlines.