HBS Managing the Future of Work

How to get past AI fatigue and anxiety to a more expansive view of the technology's potential—bolstering knowledge work vs commoditizing expertise. As it guides organizations through the experimentation phase and into redesigning business processes, the professional services giant is undergoing an internal transformation.

Maria Flynn, President and CEO of Jobs for the Future, leads the conversation on increasing job quality amid economic uncertainties. She highlights the need for equitable workforce development and the transformative role of AI in hiring. Emphasizing the distinction between job quantity and quality, Flynn advocates for pathways that provide access to quality jobs for all, especially marginalized communities. The discussion also touches on the importance of a bipartisan approach to tackling inequality and the urgency for education systems to adapt to future labor demands.

Harrison Keller, the President of the University of North Texas and former Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, discusses Texas's innovative outcomes-based funding model for community colleges. He reveals how aligning education with workforce demands creates a competitive economic edge. The conversation also highlights the importance of experiential learning for students and the critical need for reskilling amid the rise of AI in the workforce. Keller emphasizes collaborative efforts among educators and employers to prepare for an evolving job landscape.

Alok Chanani, Co-founder and CEO of BuildOps, dives into the challenges faced by commercial contractors, including administrative burdens and the shortage of skilled technicians. He highlights how integrated operations apps and AI can enhance efficiency and improve job prospects within the industry. Alok also discusses the transition of veterans into entrepreneurship, showcasing their leadership skills. Additionally, he explores how advanced scheduling technologies are transforming operations, emphasizing the need for better training and career paths in the trades sector.

Join Francine Katsoudas, Cisco's EVP and Chief People Officer, who drives sustainability and governance, alongside Jeetu Patel, the President and Chief Product Officer focused on tech innovation. They delve into the crucial intersection of people and technology, especially during the pandemic. Discover how cross-functional collaboration fosters efficiency and creativity. The duo also discusses the growing influence of AI on workforce dynamics and the evolving role of leadership in nurturing agile cultures amidst rapid change.

Iris Bohnet, a Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and Siri Chilazi, a researcher and co-author of 'Make Work Fair', discuss the critical need for workplace equity. They dive into how data-driven strategies can transform hiring practices by promoting skill-based assessments over traditional degree requirements. The conversation highlights the benefits of flexible work environments for diverse groups and the importance of public policy in fostering inclusion. Together, they offer actionable insights for organizations striving for fairness in their practices.

Amit Sevak, the CEO of ETS, leads innovations in workforce skills assessment and credentialing. He shares insights on the shift from traditional testing to continuous assessments, emphasizing AI's role in transforming educational benchmarks. Sevak reflects on his own path in merging business acumen with a mission for educational improvement. He also highlights the growing importance of skills-based credentials, advocating for equitable education that aligns with industry needs to better prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.

Nitin Tandon, Chief Information Officer at Vanguard, shares insights from his extensive background in technology and digital transformation. He discusses Vanguard's innovative approach to integrating AI and developing a global talent strategy, including new offices in India to tap into engineering talent. Tandon highlights the shift towards a people-centered tech transformation, the evolving role of the CIO, and the importance of adapting skills for a future driven by AI. The conversation emphasizes enhancing productivity while improving client outcomes through strategic data utilization.

Steph So, Chief Growth Officer at Shake Shack, shares her insights on how technology reshapes the dining experience. She discusses the impact of self-service kiosks on labor dynamics, emphasizing the balance between operational efficiency and the human touch. Alongside Chris Stanton from Harvard Business School, they explore employee engagement strategies in fast food, the evolution of customer interactions through innovative tech, and surprising employee preferences for more challenging roles, highlighting how these changes enhance guest experiences.

"Freelance by choice" can sound like a rationalization—or putting on a brave face—but has the contract labor market improved for white-collar workers, as more, particularly younger professionals, opt in? A look at the benefits for both sides of the bargain and how AI changes the calculus.