HBS Managing the Future of Work

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.

Jonas Prising, Chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup, dives into the evolving labor landscape filled with both opportunities and challenges. He discusses the rise of remote work, emphasizing the need for adaptability in talent management. Generational shifts demand flexibility in work environments. As AI transforms efficiency, he highlights the critical need for reskilling and upskilling to combat workforce disparities. Prising also touches on the global talent flow and the paradox of protectionism, underscoring the importance of inclusive hiring practices in today’s fragmented market.

Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas, leads a nonprofit transforming tech training for underserved communities. He shares how AI is reshaping career pathways and emphasizes the need for both hard and soft skills to thrive in the evolving job market. The conversation covers the importance of addressing 'hidden workers,' advocating for skills-based hiring, and strategic partnerships that enhance curriculum and job placements. Ayala's vision for the future includes expanding access to tech careers, ensuring economic mobility for all.

Erik Brynjolfsson, a Stanford economist and AI expert, shares invaluable insights on AI's disruptive role in the economy and workforce. He discusses how generative AI is reshaping productivity and job functions, emphasizing the balance between human skills and machine efficiency. Erik also highlights the need for innovative governance to harness AI safely while capturing the value of digital goods. He unveils projects aimed at redefining GDP metrics, showcasing the urgency of adapting to AI's transformative impact on labor and economic structures.

Cal Newport, a Georgetown University computer science professor and author, explores the pitfalls of modern productivity and digital distractions. He advocates for 'Slow Productivity' as a healthier approach to work. Newport discusses the role of generative AI, emphasizing its potential to augment jobs rather than replace them. He also highlights the need for tailored solutions in remote work environments and reflects on how technology can balance efficiency with meaningful living. Ultimately, he encourages mindful internet use to enhance life experiences.

David Deming, a Harvard professor focused on the intersection of labor markets and education, dives deep into AI's early impact on the workforce. He questions if the claims of revolutionary change are overstated while offering insights on technological disruption. The discussion covers the decline in community college enrollment linked to economic shifts, the impact of colleges on social mobility, and the importance of adapting education for an AI-driven economy. Deming also addresses public policy challenges in navigating these rapid labor market changes.

Ed Glaeser, a leading urban economist from Harvard, tackles the pressing challenges facing cities today. He analyzes how COVID-19 reshaped urban resilience and health disparities, while discussing the transformative potential of AI for future work dynamics, including the risk of losing mentorship in skilled professions. Glaeser also delves into urban planning complexities, such as congestion pricing in New York City, and emphasizes the need for innovative housing solutions and workforce development strategies that adapt to our post-pandemic reality.