Ep. 166: Dustin Talley, Founder and Community Lead of Direct Collective, Building High-Impact Contingent Workforce Communities

Leaders, 

The contingent workforce space is evolving, and at the center of this transformation is the need for community, strategy, and problem-solving. In this episode, Dustin Talley shares his journey from intrapreneur at MBO Partners to launching Direct Collective, a peer-based community designed for contingent workforce leaders navigating the complexities of extended workforce programs.

Dustin discusses the importance of building relationships, creating value-driven communities, and understanding the challenges companies face when managing flexible talent at scale. He also breaks down key trends shaping workforce strategy, from data-driven decision-making to the growing role of independent workers.

Topics covered include:

• The transition from intrapreneur to entrepreneur in workforce management

• Why traditional contingent workforce programs focus too much on control instead of innovation

• The rise of independent workers and how companies are adapting their talent strategies

• How community-driven solutions help leaders solve real problems rather than just managing spend

• The evolving role of data, KPIs, and workforce visibility in shaping program success

For leaders working in contingent workforce strategy, procurement, or HR, this conversation provides key insights into building smarter, more agile talent programs.