HBS Managing the Future of Work

Join Joe Fuller, co-chair of the Managing the Future of Work project at Harvard Business School and lead author of the report "Hidden Workers: The Case for Caregivers." He delves into the economic impact of the caregiving crisis on productivity, emphasizing the urgent need for employers to adapt. Joe discusses challenges caregivers face, especially post-COVID, and advocates for flexible workplace policies. Plus, he explores how generative AI and government policy can enhance workforce participation, providing a roadmap for hiring untapped talent.

Anant Nyshadham, co-founder of the Good Business Lab and a professor at the University of Michigan, dives into the intersection of worker welfare and business success. He shares insights on integrating worker welfare into corporate strategies and highlights successful initiatives like soft skills training for women, which boosts productivity. Nyshadham discusses the tangible benefits of investing in employee training and the need for better support systems for gig workers, advocating for evidence-based practices that elevate both worker conditions and company performance.

Keith Fullenweider, a corporate law expert specializing in recruitment and collaboration, dives into the shifting dynamics of the legal workforce. He discusses the importance of mental health and work-life balance post-COVID and the role of technology, like AI, in enhancing productivity. The need for developing soft skills through mentorship is emphasized, along with nurturing a supportive culture to combat high turnover rates. Fullenweider also highlights the importance of teamwork and leadership in creating a thriving law firm environment.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Turner-Little, the President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards, shares insights on the critical role of workforce boards in today’s economy. He highlights the challenges these boards face with legislative changes while balancing economic development and community needs. Turner-Little delves into the importance of collaboration in job training, the need for equity in workforce initiatives, and how data and AI can enhance job matching. This conversation reveals the transformative power of work in combating poverty and supporting local economies.

Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach, dives into the essentials of leadership development. He stresses the importance of letting go of the past and embracing candid 360-degree feedback for growth. Goldsmith shares insights on integrating AI to enhance coaching and teaching, alongside the value of technology and Buddhist philosophy in leadership practices. He also emphasizes the role of active listening and personal fulfillment in navigating today's corporate landscape, advocating for diversity and collaboration as key to effective leadership.

Rick Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, both Harvard Business School faculty, dive into the world of acquiring small businesses. They discuss the advantages of acquisition over traditional startups, emphasizing better risk-return ratios. The conversation highlights their new show inspired by a popular course, aimed at sharing relatable success stories from entrepreneurs. Listeners will learn strategies for business search processes and funding options, making the journey of entrepreneurship through acquisition accessible and engaging.

Trent Henry, the global talent lead at Ernst & Young, dives into how AI is reshaping white-collar careers with a focus on skills building and employee wellness. He discusses the integration of human and synthetic skills to enhance productivity and personalized development. The conversation highlights the evolving role of CHROs in adapting to AI and the importance of maintaining employee health. Trent also reveals innovative tools like MyCareerHub for effective skill management, ensuring organizations stay competitive in a tech-driven world.

Future-of-work trendwatcher, Jacob Morgan, discusses leadership strategies, hybrid work tradeoffs, AI adoption, skills-based hiring, and what makes a good job in the evolving workplace.

Melissa Werneck, EVP and global chief people officer for the multinational food and beverage firm, on reskilling for web marketing and personalization, AI, hybrid work, and collaboration across time zones and cultures. Also, why diversity is good business for consumer packaged goods firms.

The ed-tech executive on shifting the discussion to emphasize the economic benefits of education, harnessing AI, skills-based hiring, employer-educator collaboration, and the public policy landscape.