The Future of Work

We're diving into a topic that's more urgent than ever: the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations, and the profound impact artificial intelligence is having on these initiatives. As economic pressures mount, budgets tighten and politics change, a concerning trend is emerging: Organizations are scaling back their DEI initiatives. These pullbacks are raising alarms about what the future of work will look like—especially for underrepresented groups. And when you add in the impact of companies adopting artificial intelligence to streamline operations and make decisions, the risk of algorithmic bias becomes even more pronounced. Without strong DEI frameworks, AI systems and those who are coding them can unintentionally perpetuate inequalities—widening opportunity gaps rather than closing them. To talk about this important topic, we're delighted to welcome Bo Young Lee.Read the transcript from this interview @https://bit.ly/428vdpP. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3XtuHkP.

In this episode, we're diving into a critical transformation happening across industries—the decline of middle management. As companies flatten their structures in pursuit of efficiency, what happens to organizational communication and workplace culture? Are we losing vital connectors who bridge leadership and employees, or is this the evolution of a more agile and collaborative workforce? To talk about this important topic, we're delighted to welcome Ron Coverson, an executive-level human resources professional and business consultant, and is currently the Assistant Dean of Academic Personnel and Human Resources for the University of California, Berkeley Law School. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4hXbD6N Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FqqyIc

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's reshaping modern workplaces and unlocking incredible potential—neurodiversity. From creating inclusive environments to tapping into the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, we'll explore how organizations can evolve beyond traditional approaches and thrive in a world that celebrates and leverages difference. To talk about this important topic, we're delighted to welcome Khushboo Chabria, a neurodiversity specialist and a transformational leader. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3PP8Xvz Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/4irhzoA

As we look toward 2025, we're reflecting on how much AI has made deep inroads into our future of work. From creating new opportunities for automation and entrepreneurship to its impact on how we hire new talent, AI will no doubt continue to stay at the forefront of our conversations. But we need to remember that there are actual humans coding the AI, responding to the outputs and implementing change. Where does the intersection of people and AI convene? Are we embarking on a new set of technical and people skills? To future-cast what this relationship might look like in 2025, we're excited to welcome back esteemed guests Vaneese Johnson and Chalenge Masekera. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/41InVKV Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FB1iii

In this episode, we're going to shed light on a sensitive subject that many professionals encounter, but very few understand: performance improvement plans, or PIPs. It's time to bring PIPs out of the shadows and talk about them. You may be a manager trying to guide your team to success and have a challenging employee who is struggling, and you face having to put them on a PIP. Maybe you are that employee, struggling to understand what is expected of you and frustrated by your lack of advancement and facing a PIP. Let's explore and break down the stigma of what a PIP really is, how it can be used to support growth—rather than be used as a disciplinary measure—and what both employees and managers can do to navigate this often tricky process. To explore this growing trend, we're delighted to talk with Sonya Sigler, founder of PractiGal Coaching and Consulting, an IP lawyer, and best-selling author of Welcome to the Next Level and What's Next for My Career? Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3O55nwr Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3DoW5ty

In this episode, we're asking the question of, are side hustles the new normal? In recent surveys, nearly 50-percent of the population has a side hustle in addition to their full-time work. What starts as a side hustle often begins with a spark of passion or a desire to explore an idea outside the confines of a regular job. It's a space for creativity, a chance to build something meaningful on your own terms. But as this small venture grows, it presents a unique opportunity: the chance to transform that side hustle into a full-fledged startup. To explore this growing trend, we're delighted to talk with Chuck Temple and see if a startup might be part of your future of work. Read the transcript @https://bit.ly/3FoHVcm Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4dKKgK1

In this episode, we're helping to unlock access to coaching—both for your career and your personal life. Perhaps you have never thought about working with a career coach, or maybe you thought about it but hiring a coach was not financially viable. Some may feel an unfounded concern that coaching puts a spotlight on identifying your weaknesses. To unravel the mysteries of coaching and how this could be an avenue toward your own success, we're delighted to welcome founder and CEO of the Timmermann Group and unhamster, Michael Timmermann. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4gv5fTJ Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3FCNfsz

Social impact, change-making, entrepreneurship. Opportunities abound to affect positive impact and influence by leveraging your passions. Extraordinary things can happen when passion meets purpose. Sounds overwhelming? It doesn't need to be. You may already have a side hustle that spotlights your passion. You may already be thinking about that one project that you never seem to have enough time to put into motion. Find out how you can get started on a path toward social entrepreneurship! Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/4fEEagB Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/4iLNXC9

Audrey McHale, a strategist at Opportunity at Work with a strong background in corporate advisory, dives into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. She discusses how millions of job seekers without traditional degrees are opting for alternative credentials and gaining skills through on-the-job training. Audrey emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and dismantling degree requirements that shut capable applicants out. She advocates for innovative recruitment strategies and highlights the need for employers to recognize diverse career paths.

In this episode, we're taking a very real look at how AI is changing the hiring landscape. Applicants are using ChatGPT to write job opening-specific resumes, which in turn is making applicants meld together and what this episode's guest calls a sea of sameness. On the other side of the application, managers are turning to ChatGPT to help write job descriptions. This is creating job description templates that are not specific to the actual open position. So how do you cut through the AI "red tape" when it comes to job descriptions and applying? To discuss this important topic, we're delighted to speak with Kat Kibben. Kat is an award-winning writer and renowned keynote speaker known for helping hiring teams write inclusive, unbiased job postings that help them hire the right person faster. Learn more about UC Berkeley Extension @https://bit.ly/3XB9bv9 Read this episode's transcript @https://bit.ly/3DAk1Ku