Hayden Brown

In a compelling discussion, Ken Frazier, former CEO of Merck, known for his equitable leadership, and Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, share insights on navigating crises with core principles. They discuss the importance of trusting values amidst social upheavals like the Ukraine war and the pandemic. Brown highlights opportunities for diversity and productivity growth during chaos, while Frazier stresses the role of socially conscious leadership. The conversation emphasizes empathetic, adaptive strategies over traditional top-down approaches, urging leaders to engage with pressing social issues.

Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork and a leader in the tech platform for freelancers, discusses the shift in work culture driven by crises. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 'who' rather than the 'where' in workforce management. Hayden shares insights on adaptive leadership during global challenges, the vital role of clarity in hybrid work policies, and empowering mothers to re-enter the workforce. She also explains how parenting skills can enhance workplace performance and highlights Upwork's evolution towards flexibility and employee appreciation.

Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, shares her journey in leading a public company with 75% of its workforce made up of freelancers. She dispels common myths about freelancers, emphasizing their reliability and the ability to build a strong company culture with them. The discussion highlights practical strategies for integrating freelancers into teams, enhancing creativity, and adapting to a flexible work environment. Brown argues that incorporating freelancers can lead to a more agile and productive organization, ready to thrive in today's dynamic landscape.