The Human Cloud Podcast

Leaders,Tony joins us to break down what over two decades of crowdsourced software development can teach us about the future of work.He shares how Topcoder evolved from a coding competition into an enterprise-ready platform within Wipro, and why the crowd remains essential for solving complex, outlier problems that AI alone can’t handle.We unpack how AI and the crowd can complement each other, what makes crowdsourcing work at scale, and why flexibility, skill loyalty, and clear outcomes matter more than ever.Tony also reflects on lessons from the dot-com era, emphasizing that customer problems, not technology, should drive decision-making, and how leaders can get started with crowdsourcing today without needing to “read a book first.”If you're navigating how to build better and faster with fewer constraints, this episode is a masterclass in what works.

Leaders,In this episode, Ian reveals how his journey through tech startups led him to challenge the status quo in HR with Charthop. He discusses breaking into the HR space as an outsider, why traditional HR systems fall short of strategic workforce planning, and how embracing flexible structures, from matrix teams to on-demand talent, drives resilience in a rapidly changing workforce. Ian unpacks the transformative power of AI in people analytics and real-time scenario planning, showing HR leaders how to shift from compliance to a strategic partnership. Tune in to learn practical steps for integrating data and AI to build a future-ready organization.

Leaders,Cüneyt Erpolat joins us to explore how AI, flexible talent, and global reach are transforming customer experience. With over 30 years in tech, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Alibaba, and now as Co-Founder of Champs CX, Cüneyt shares why CX is far more than call centers—it’s about delivering meaningful, human interactions at scale.He explains why Champs chose Turkey as its base, leveraging the country’s deep talent pool and multilingual workforce to build a globally competitive CX platform. Cüneyt also discusses why customers still crave human connection, how AI is reshaping, not replacing, the CX landscape, and what today’s enterprise leaders need to rethink when scaling support operations.If you're leading a CX budget or rethinking your workforce model, this conversation will challenge how you define quality, loyalty, and operational flexibility.

Leaders,Flexible talent didn’t just survive in 2024—it evolved. But the road ahead is more complex. From AI disruption to changing demand across regions, freelancers face both new risks and new opportunities.In this special keynote recorded live at Freelance Unlocked 2025 in Berlin, Matthew Mottola shares the latest insights on where the freelance economy is heading through 2025 and into 2030. You’ll hear how the industry is shifting from freelance to flexible, why infrastructure like EORs and payment rails matter more than ever, and what freelancers and organizations must do now to stay competitive.Whether you’re leading transformation or building a career on your terms, this executive briefing outlines the roadmap.

Leaders,Mark Mullinix joins the Human Cloud Podcast to unpack the rapid rise of fractional work across Asia. Based in Singapore with nearly two decades of experience in the region, Mark explains why startups are turning to fractional roles for strategic talent, how flexible leadership differs from freelance or consulting, and what drives demand across fast-growing markets.He shares the unique cultural and structural dynamics that influence adoption in Asia, why the flexibility of fractional roles is becoming essential for startups and SMBs, and how platforms like the Fractional Directory are making access to top-tier talent more seamless.He discusses the emergence of “SWAT teams” of fractional leaders, the challenges enterprise companies face in adapting to flexible models, and why Singapore is positioned to lead the next wave of global talent transformation, powered by government support and an evolving ecosystem of flexible professionals.If you're navigating how to scale with less risk and more impact, this episode offers practical insight into what’s working now in one of the world’s most innovative talent markets.

Leaders,What happens when the labor force shrinks, demand surges, and we’ve overproduced college degrees at the expense of essential workers?Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast and author of The Rising Storm, joins us to break down the structural cracks in today’s labor market and what leaders must do before the storm hits in 2027. From healthcare and construction to tech and AI, Ron explains why the real problem isn’t just talent supply, but misaligned expectations and outdated strategies.We unpack the rising impact of labor force inversion, the flawed cultural obsession with college degrees, and why critical jobs like nursing, skilled trades, and food production are the hardest to fill. Ron also outlines the four paths forward: local hiring, immigration, automation, and global talent.This episode is a wake-up call for executives. Workforce planning is no longer an HR function. It is now a core business strategy. Whether you're scaling AI teams or keeping frontline operations running, it’s time to rethink how you attract, develop, and retain the people who keep your business alive.

Leaders, In this episode, Rubén Galindo, CEO of Airtm, shares what it takes to build financial infrastructure for the global workforce.While most platforms focus on finding talent, Airtm is focused on enabling it. It’s not just a payment tool, it’s a system designed for speed, trust, and scale, especially in markets where traditional finance falls short.Rubén explains how Airtm grew from a $250K seed round into a platform supporting thousands of online workers across the global South. He breaks down the role of stablecoins in hyperinflationary economies, the importance of identity verification and KYC, and how EOR services are making compliant cross-border hiring possible.They also explore how trends, such as the U.S. government's Bitcoin strategy and the concept of a global freelancer passport, are shaping the future of flexible work.For enterprises, Airtm offers the infrastructure to send fast, borderless, and flexible payouts at scale, helping companies support their workforce in even the most complex financial environments. Because ultimately, enabling the worker starts with enabling the companies that hire them.

Leaders, What happens when the consulting industry meets AI, change fatigue, and mounting pressure for real results?In this episode, Pat Petitti, CEO of Catalant, explains how consulting is being reshaped from the inside out. Pat shares how Catalant’s move to a curated, community-driven model is helping enterprises access proven talent more efficiently, why AI is automating junior-level consulting work, and what leaders need to rethink when transformation budgets are under scrutiny.Pat shares insights on why traditional consulting models are falling short, how adaptability and internal influence are critical to leading change, and what the next wave of talent transformation looks like in practice.This episode is for leaders who need strategy and execution and want to understand how the best are getting it done.

Leaders, In this episode, Chris Perkins, President at Model B, joins us to unpack the actual purpose of marketing and why the best brands succeed by creating consistent, additive experiences across every touchpoint. Chris explains why marketing is about changing minds, how empowered teams and freelancers often outperform traditional models, and why the best leaders treat brand as an extension of their company culture, not just a department.He shares how Model B uses a collective of top experts to deliver growth with precision, why most companies overcomplicate their marketing strategies, and what it takes to invest in a brand that lasts. We also explore how leadership alignment, freelance motivation, and clear customer focus are critical to building brand trust.This episode is a must-listen for any leader rethinking their growth playbook and wondering how to balance strategy, execution, and talent.

Leaders, In this episode, Dimitrio Gómez, founder of Catalis and former Bain and EY-Parthenon consultant, shares how consulting is evolving across Latin America and why independent consultants are leading the charge.He explains why traditional consulting models are falling short, especially for mid-sized companies, and how flexible talent networks offer faster, more cost-effective results. With over 30,000 mid-market businesses in Mexico alone, Dimitrio highlights the opportunity to deliver high-impact strategy through “dream teams” of seasoned experts and strategy consultants.You’ll hear how AI transforms delivery, why regional focus is critical, and how engagement, not scale, drives better outcomes. If you’re exploring new models for strategy, consulting, or talent, this episode breaks down what’s next.