AI and the Future of Work: Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace, Business, Ethics, HR, and IT for AI Enthusiasts, Leaders and Academics

320: How Disruptive Technologies are Revolutionizing the Way We Work: A Conversation with Josh Drean, Co-Author of Employment is Dead

Jan 27, 2025

Josh Drean, Co-founder of the Work3 Institute and co-author of "Employment is Dead," shares his insights on the evolving job landscape. He discusses the challenges traditional work models face, highlighting a shift in expectations among younger generations. Drean emphasizes the need for decentralized collaboration and innovative compensation structures. He advocates for prioritizing employee experience and well-being as companies adapt to AI's growing influence in the workplace, urging a more human-centric approach to employment.

39:20

Episode guests

Josh Drean

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The traditional employment model is failing as younger generations seek flexibility and meaningful work outside corporate hierarchies.

AI's role in the workplace is changing job dynamics, emphasizing the need for workers to adapt and embrace technology for continued relevance.

Deep dives

The Current State of Work

Work is increasingly failing to meet the needs of employers, management, and frontline employees. Many individuals remain in jobs they dislike primarily for financial security, but this security is fading, especially for younger generations. This demographic, witnessing the struggles of their parents, has begun to reject the outdated notion of lifelong employment in favor of freelance and hybrid opportunities. The traditional model of working for a company for decades in exchange for security has become untenable, leading many to seek alternative income streams.

Intro

5min

Exploring the Future of Work and the Impact of AI

1min

Exploring Employee Experience and Its Impact on Productivity

3min

Reimagining Work for a New Generation

19min

Embracing AI in the Workplace

11min

Josh Drean is a leading voice in the future of work community, known for his advocacy on bringing more humanness into the workplace. As Co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Josh specializes in the intersection of employment and emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and AR/VR. He is the co-author, along with Deborah Perry Piscione, of the forthcoming book "EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work", to be published by the Harvard Business Review Press. Josh holds a master's degree from Harvard and has studied I/O Psychology. His insights have appeared in renowned publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company, and he has been featured on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business.

In this conversation, we discuss:

The challenges of traditional work models and why they no longer serve the needs of today’s workforce.
How the next generation is reshaping expectations around job security, compensation, and career fulfillment.
A fresh take on decentralized work and how it could change the way we collaborate and earn.
What contribution-based compensation could look like and how it aligns with shifting values in the workplace.
The evolving role of AI in our careers and why adapting to new technology is essential for staying competitive.
Insights on how companies can attract and retain the best talent by prioritizing employee experience in a rapidly changing world.

Resources

Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work Newsletter - https://aiandwork.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdrean/

AI fun fact article - https://www.semafor.com/article/12/02/2024/employee-lawsuit-accuses-apple-of-spying-on-its-workers

On How to Measure the Business Impact of Machine Learning and why all AI isn't Generative AI - https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/episodes/14464391

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