Unlocked Professional: AI and Future of Work

Епизоди

• The Self-Made AI Champion: How She Built Her Career by Saying Yes to the Scary Stuff | Ashley Gross 03.06.2026 45мин

  In this conversation, Ashley Gross shares her journey from being a self-described workaholic to becoming a leading AI advocate. She breaks down how she leveraged artificial intelligence to help scale business revenue from $90 million to $115 million while simultaneously reclaiming her time. The discussion covers her proprietary AI Impact Alignment system, practical sourcing tools for LinkedIn, and how solopreneurs and small teams can utilize automation to boost efficiency without losing the essential human element.Key TopicsMoving away from the hustle culture myth that equates raw hours to financial successHow Ashley applied her computer science background to drive massive revenue growthImplementing the AI Impact Alignment system to integrate technology into team structuresCase studies of increasing profitability and scaling revenue without cutting corporate payrollHighly accessible entry points for solopreneurs and small teams to adopt automated toolsPositioning yourself strategically as an internal AI Subject Matter Expert for career growthBuilding a customized talent sourcing tool using compliant LinkedIn integrationsAshley's predictions on future workforce trends and evolving human-AI collaborationManaging AI hallucinations and the critical importance of keeping a human in the loopEpisode Timestamps00:00 Rethinking Hard Work: Achieving strategic success through automation03:25 Creative Roots: Ashley's early development projects and coding background08:35 The Turning Point: Realizing traditional corporate work structures are broken09:10 Strategic Systems: Introducing the AI Impact Alignment framework12:25 Scaling Revenue: The tactical playbook behind a $25M growth surge15:26 Career Leverage: How to position yourself as an AI Subject Matter Expert27:19 Lean Operations: Low friction AI adoption tactics for small teams and solopreneurs42:28 Tool Building: Creating custom sourcing workflows with respectful LinkedIn integration57:34 The Future of Work: Long term trends in human and machine collaboration60:29 Governance and Quality: Detecting hallucinations and keeping humans in the loopGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleygross/Website: https://www.theashleygross.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theashleygross/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theashleygrossKeywords: AI strategy, Ashley Gross, revenue growth, AI Impact Alignment, future of work, solopreneur automation, LinkedIn sourcing, human in the loop, corporate innovation, workforce efficiency
• Beyond the Search Bar: How AI is Redefining Visibility for Small Business | Maria Elena Duron 27.05.2026 51мин

  In this conversation, Maria Elena Duron explores how small business owners can navigate digital transformation and rapid algorithmic shifts without losing their human touch. As a national Grow with Google Coach and founder of the Smart Brand System, she breaks down complex tech changes into clear marketing plans. The discussion covers how to balance AI tools with secure data governance, preserve a founder's authentic story, and optimize content for modern, AI-driven search environments.Key TopicsHow AI and changing search algorithms affect small business local visibilityTranslating advanced tech updates into highly actionable growth plansWhy relationships and personal customer service cannot be replaced by automationNavigating modern retail changes like cashierless environments and dynamic pricingThe necessity of personal data organization, cybersecurity, and secure governanceUsing creative hobbies and a digital detox to reset strategic business focusHow small businesses can adapt content for AI engines while preserving their original voiceOvercoming search hurdles by optimizing business profiles, YouTube, and LinkedInDeploying an AI Readiness Kit as a first step to centralize company dataEpisode Timestamps00:00 The algorithmic race small business owners face in search visibility00:29 Maria Elena's background and translating tech into simple plans01:06 The transition from traditional retail to digital innovations03:12 The accessibility of large language models for everyday business use04:37 Protecting the human customer service elements AI cannot replace05:05 Navigating future retail shifts like cashierless environments07:49 Using Renaissance Fairs as a digital detox and creative reset13:41 Securing data usage with proper governance and human oversight14:10 Preserving the authentic stories of legacy business founders16:32 Maria Elena’s decade long journey as a Grow with Google trainer19:20 The importance of controlling corporate data access and permissions25:23 Common search and local visibility challenges modern businesses encounter28:02 Managing internal AI tools and steering clear of shadow AI practices29:31 The future of search: Evolving behaviors and maintaining uniqueness32:19 Adapting SEO: Optimizing business profiles, YouTube, and LinkedIn38:26 Deploying an AI Readiness Kit to gather and organize core data43:42 Measuring the digital divide and manual operations in legacy industries47:30 Moving toward human centered tasks as agentic AI manages busyworkGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaduron/Website: https://www.smartbrandsystem.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingcoachmaria/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaElenaDuronKeywords: AI for small business, Grow with Google, Smart Brand System, digital transformation, local SEO, future of search, artificial intelligence, content strategy, data governance
• The Recruiter Who Says Resumes Don't Matter & Beat the Giants with a 2-Person Firm | Bryan Lee 20.05.2026 49мин

  Bryan LeeBryan Lee, founder of Subgraph, shares innovative strategies for identifying and recruiting elite technical talent. Drawing on his background in competitive basketball, Bryan discusses systems thinking in recruitment, leveraging AI to compete with industry giants, and why full stack generalists are increasingly valuable over narrow specialists.Key TopicsWhy traditional hiring processes overlook elite technical talentApplying competitive sports thinking to corporate team buildingUsing AI and market mapping tools to build candidate signals fasterThe shift from niche expertise to full stack generalistsBuilding through the draft: nurturing junior talent earlyMoving from resumes to proof of skill via projects and contributionsHow recruiters can act as strategic advisorsStreamlining interviews for faster, smarter hiring decisionsEpisode Timestamps00:00 Rethinking hiring and elite talent pools01:17 Basketball background and modern team building02:42 Systems thinking in recruitment05:15 Leveraging AI to compete with larger firms06:44 The shift to full stack generalists09:57 Continuous candidate and hiring manager engagement11:18 Core soft skills: communication, curiosity, and passion12:32 Project-based proof of skill over resumes16:45 The advisory role of recruiters20:18 Interview processes built around real-world problem solving26:33 AI's future in talent acquisition30:37 Nurturing talent early to reduce recruitment costs39:19 Technological trends shaping interpersonal skillsGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-lee-tech-recruiterWebsite: https://subgraph.techKeywords: AI in recruitment, technical hiring, talent acquisition, systems thinking, full stack developers, future of work, candidate sourcing, team building
• The Generalist’s Revenge: How AI is Leveling the Professional Playing Field | Tim Cakir 13.05.2026 50мин

  Discover how AI can be transformed from a feared disruptor into a collaborative partner that boosts productivity, innovation, and human potential. Tim Cakir shares practical insights, success stories, and the ADOPT method to operationalize AI effectively.Key TopicsThe common pitfalls in AI projects and how most fail to generate real valueTurning teams into AI operators through the adopt methodThe importance of treating AI as a true partner, not just a toolPractical examples of AI-driven transformations in sales, marketing, and operationsReducing the number of tools needed for business efficiency with AIBehavior change programs to operationalize AI in organizationsThe 66-day habit formation concept for integrating AI into daily workThe future of work: a shift towards higher cognitive tasks and human-AI collaborationThe impact of AI on education and lifelong learningBuilding emotional intelligence and human connection in an AI-enhanced worldStrategies for future-proofing skills: systemic thinking, taste, and problem-solvingThe vision of a future where agents and AI enable more meaningful human experiencesEpisode Timestamps00:00 - Why most AI projects fail and how to turn AI into a competitive advantage02:00 - The adopt method: five steps to integrate AI smoothly into teams05:30 - Real-world success stories of AI transforming sales reporting and field work08:45 - How reducing tools and centralizing data unleashes AI potential12:00 - Behavior change programs: training humans to leverage AI effectively15:15 - Examples of AI automations that cut hours of manual work in sales and marketing19:30 - The importance of cross-team learning and integrated skills development22:45 - The 66-day habit: how to build lasting AI integration habits27:00 - The future of work: more human, more outdoor, more creative with AI support30:15 - AI and the evolution of education: interactive, personalized learning34:00 - The role of taste, first principles, and curiosity as future-proof skills37:45 - Building emotional intelligence and human connection in an AI world41:05 - The long-term vision: AI enabling better lives, not just better work44:30 - The architect’s perspective: designing the future of work and life with AI46:55 - Practical skills for future resilience: systems thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving50:15 - How to follow Tim, join AI for Better Work, and start your AI journey today Connect with Tim:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcakir/Website - https://www.timcakir.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timcakir/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@timcakir TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tim_cakir 
• The Super Age: What Happens When Seniors Outnumber Children? It's Time To Prepare | Bradley Schurman 06.05.2026 52мин

  In this conversation, Bradley Schurman introduces the Geography of Prosperity, a free tool designed to help individuals and organizations navigate the demographic shifts of the "Super Age." Bradley explains how the tool ranks cities across five key dimensions to measure community potential and economic resilience. The discussion explores how aging workforces and geographic trends are reshaping the future of work, providing a data driven look at which regions are prepared to thrive in an era of rapid social and technological change.Key TopicsThe Geography of Prosperity as a free and accessible tool for city rankingHow the tool measures community health across five key dimensionsUnderstanding the "Super Age" and its impact on global employment trendsUsing data for strategic site selection and community planningHow geography influences economic prosperity and individual opportunityThe role of the Geography of Prosperity index as a foundation for Bradley’s upcoming bookHow aging populations and AI are intersecting to redefine the future of workComparing national city rankings to understand regional strengths and weaknessesThe shift in global perspectives regarding aging workforces and economic stabilityEpisode Timestamps00:00 The Shift to a Super Age: Understanding demographic change00:57 The Aging Workforce: Employment trends and economic impact11:46 Geography of Prosperity: How the tool and index work29:47 Future of Work: The intersection of human aging and AI40:39 Global Perspectives: International outlooks on aging populationsGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/Website: https://geographyofprosperity.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bradleyschurmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradley.schurman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurmanKeywords: Geography of Prosperity, city ranking, community development, free tool, site selection, future of work, demographic shifts, Super Age
• Your Team is Using AI Right Now And It's Not Helping You | Chris Daigle 29.04.2026 49мин

  In this conversation, Chris Daigle explores how companies can effectively prepare their executive teams for the integration of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes that a successful AI strategy is impossible without a shared baseline understanding across all business domains. Chris discusses the common hurdles organizations face, including human friction and the gap between AI's potential and its actual utility. By focusing on a structured approach to executive training and risk management, he explains how leaders can move past pilot projects and create a culture of continuous adaptation in an ever-evolving technological landscape.Key TopicsAI training for executive leadership teamsBuilding a unified understanding of AI tools and organizational risksDeveloping comprehensive AI strategies across various business domainsOvercoming human friction and the burnout associated with AI implementationThe 90 day roadmap for making AI effective within a companyIdentifying top impediments: risk assessment, use cases, and expertise gapsThe necessity of continuous training as AI tools evolveTransitioning workforces to adapt to new technological realitiesEpisode Timestamps00:00 Challenges in proving AI effectiveness and managing burnout00:09 Introduction to the 90 day step-by-step AI implementation plan00:15 Analyzing the gap between AI capabilities and actual human usage00:42 Identifying top organizational impediments and AI risks01:02 Why continuous adaptation is required after initial implementation01:29 Helping employees transition and adapt to evolving technologiesGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctordaigleWebsite: https://chiefaiofficer.com/Podcast: https://usingaiatwork.com/Keywords: AI, Future of Work, Executive Training, Business Strategy, AI Risks, AI Tools, AI adoption, leadership, organizational change, productivity
• 95% of Companies Are Failing At AI (And They Don't Even Know It) | Geoff Gibbins 22.04.2026 46мин

  In this conversation, Geoff Gibbins discusses the challenges organizations face in adopting AI technologies and the common pitfalls that lead to failure. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking workflows and processes rather than simply adding AI tools to existing systems. Geoff introduces CoreX, a tool designed to enhance collaboration between humans and AI, and explains how it assesses proficiency in using AI tools. The discussion also covers the future of work, where AI becomes an integral part of teams, and the need for organizations to adapt to these changes effectively.Key Topics95% of companies that try to use AI fail due to improper implementationPilot purgatory refers to endless testing without real resultsRethinking workflows is essential for successful AI integrationCoreX measures how individuals collaborate with AI tools80% of users add significant value when working with AIAI can enhance critical thinking and systems thinking skillsOrganizational change is necessary for effective AI adoptionThe future of work will see AI as a team memberIntelligent robotics will play a larger role in various industriesTraining and support are crucial for leveraging AI tools effectivelyEpisode Timestamps00:00 The AI Adoption Crisis03:47 Rethinking Workflows with AI08:07 Introducing CoreX: A New Tool for AI Collaboration11:57 Assessing AI Proficiency and Collaboration16:12 The Learning Flywheel: Humans and AI Together20:02 The Future of Work: AI as a Team Member24:12 Redesigning Processes for AI Integration27:58 Navigating Organizational Change with AI31:48 The Path Forward: Implementing AI EffectivelyGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffgibbinsWebsite: https://human-machines.com/Keywords: AI adoption, CoreX, AI collaboration, future of work, organizational change, AI tools, human-machine collaboration, training, productivity, technology integration
• AI Won't Save You But This Will | Susan Caesar 15.04.2026 43мин

  Explore how AI is transforming the workplace, emphasizing the importance of human skills, mindset, and ethical considerations. Susan Caesar shares insights from her experience at Airbnb and her work in AI, highlighting strategies for staying relevant and leveraging AI responsibly.Key TopicsThe shift from technology to human skills in the workplaceThe importance of mindset and human-centered design in AI adoptionStrategies for training and empowering employees for AI integrationEpisode Timestamps00:00 Navigating the Disruption of Work03:04 The Human Operating System05:53 Data-Driven Decision Making08:47 Human-Centered Design12:12 Empowering Employees in the Age of AI14:47 AI Literacy and Training17:54 The Future of Work and AI20:47 Ethics and Safety in AI Usage24:07 Embracing Change and Redefining Roles26:56 The Role of Women in Shaping AI29:49 The Future Landscape of Work32:54 Finding Your Place in the New Economy36:00 Conclusion and Future OutlookGuest LinksWebsite: https://www.humain.org/Website: http://coachingfederation.org/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancaesar/Keywords: AI in the workplace, human skills, AI ethics, digital transformation, future of work, leadership, AI training, human-centered design
• Your Company Is Already Running The Numbers On Replacing You With AI | Stela Lupushor 08.04.2026 45мин

  In this conversation, Stela Lupushor discusses the evolving landscape of work, emphasizing the need for HR to adapt to new realities shaped by AI and changing employee expectations. She shares her journey from Moldova to becoming a leader in HR innovation, highlighting the importance of reframing traditional HR practices to focus on employee experience and value creation. The discussion also touches on the risks of shadow AI, the necessity of data-driven insights in HR, and the future of work as a collaborative effort between humans and technology.Key TopicsThe future of work is increasingly driven by AI and dataHR must transition from a compliance-focused role to a strategic partnerEmployee experience is critical for retention and productivityShadow AI presents both opportunities and security risksData analytics can dispel common myths in HR practices.Organizations need to rethink the value exchange with employeesInvesting in employee experience can lead to significant ROIThe traditional model of work is becoming obsoleteCollaboration between HR and IT is essential for modern workplacesThe future of work will involve a blend of human and AI collaborationEpisode Timestamps00:00 The Future of Work: A New Paradigm09:15 Stela's Journey: From Moldova to HR Innovator14:28 Reframing HR: Breaking the Traditional Model25:29 The Importance of Employee Experience29:20 Shadow AI: Productivity vs. Security Risks35:25 Myth Busting in HR: Data-Driven Insights41:00 The Future of Work: Rethinking Value ExchangeGuest LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slupushor/Website: https://www.reframe.work/Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398604232/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk and https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Human-Capital-Optimal-Business/dp/1637741804Keywords: Future of work, HR innovation, employee experience, AI in HR, human capital ROI, workplace transformation, shadow AI, data-driven HR, employee retention, workforce strategy.
• LinkedIn's 1st CHRO: Why Learning Velocity Beats AI in 2026 | Steve Cadigan 01.04.2026 43мин

  The world of work isn't just changing; it is being completely redefined. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer and author of Workquake. Steve shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of work, talent retention, AI integration, and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Discover practical strategies for building resilient teams, embracing mistakes, and preparing for the future of work.Key TopicsThe evolution of work and the impact of AIBuilding a culture of learning and experimentationStrategies for talent retention and recruitmentThe importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadershipEpisode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Steve Cadigan and his career01:27 Steve's background and early life in South Africa and Connecticut03:22 How Steve fell in love with HR and his career journey05:17 The value of making mistakes and being human in leadership07:28 Responding to interview questions about failure and mistakes08:32 Building teams that attract top talent without high pay10:21 The importance of a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)13:03 The changing landscape of careers and new industries14:32 The rapid change in the world of work and how to prepare16:27 Understanding workforce turnover and the impact of COVID-1918:37 Advice for new graduates in a challenging job market20:47 The importance of critical thinking and learning velocity22:05 Jobs of the future: learning more than knowing30:02 The creativity and innovation of outsiders in Silicon Valley31:41 The power of giving employees new opportunities to grow36:36 How AI is augmenting talent rather than replacing it37:04 Motivations behind AI job displacement narratives39:20 The cultural challenges of AI adoption and experimentation41:55 The one move to gain an unfair edge in the future of work42:34 Where to connect with Steve and learn more about his workGuest LinksWebsite: https://stevecadigan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadiganBook: Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of WorkingKeywords: Future of Work, Talent Retention Strategies, AI in HR, Leadership Vulnerability, Career Pivot, Workquake Book, Employee Engagement, Silicon Valley Innovation, Workforce Turnover, Steve Cadigan
• TRAILER: The Future of Work is Here. Are you ready? 18.03.2026 1мин

  Welcome to the "Unlock" phase of your career. > In this 90-second intro, host Jeff Midland breaks down why the "old way" of working is dying and how The Unlocked Professional will give you the cheat codes to lead the AI transition.What to expect every Wednesday starting April 1st:Architect vs. Worker: Strategies to move up the value chain.Human-Centric AI: How to use tools without losing your soul.Expert Deep Dives: Conversations with the leaders building the future.🚀 LAUNCHING APRIL 1st, 2026 Action Step: Hit the "Follow" button right now so you don't miss our premiere episode.Visit us at www.unlockedpro.com