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.

In this insightful discussion, Hayden Brown, CEO and President of Upwork since 2011, explores the transformative landscape of freelance work. She dives into Upwork's strategy to tap into the growing freelance economy, highlighting the launch of their AI agent, UMA, which simplifies hiring processes. The conversation also touches on the expansive $660 billion freelance market and how AI innovations are reshaping talent acquisition. Brown highlights the company's focus on enterprise customers and its unique position against traditional staffing agencies and emerging platforms.