Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Work Week

What differentiates top-performing companies from their peers when it comes to how they think about and implement AI? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores how high-performing organizations are more confident, strategic, and optimistic in their approach to AI.

Drawing from an analysis of hundreds of company earnings call transcripts, this episode breaks down how leaders talk about AI in earnings calls, what their sentiment reveals, and what companies with a more cautious mindset can learn to stay competitive. If you want to shift your AI mindset from hesitant to high-performing, this episode is for you.

Organizations are rethinking how executive roles affect business agility — and fractional C-suite positions are on the rise. In this episode of Work Week, host Dr. Gabby Burlacu explores what’s driving the shift toward part-time and contract-based executives. We unpack new data and discuss use cases for fractional leadership, as well as the changing expectations of today’s workforce.

Hear firsthand examples of how fractional executives are redefining success — and what it all means for leaders, businesses, and the future of work. Tune in for key insights and action steps to rethink how your organization scales leadership.

Is your organization focused on automating the right tasks with AI — or just the ones that seem to drive the most productivity? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director at The Upwork Research Institute, discusses research from Stanford University that reveals a critical disconnect between AI investments and the tasks employees actually want automated.

We explore Stanford’s four-zone framework for AI task alignment. Learn which tasks are best suited for AI delegation, how shifting skill demands are reshaping the workplace, and three practical steps to align AI investment with worker preferences.

Why is demand for non-technical roles growing — even in an AI-powered world of work? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu from The Upwork Research Institute explores how trust is shaping demand for roles once considered at risk of automation. Drawing on the latest Upwork data, we discuss how freelancers and knowledge workers are leveraging AI as an augmentation tool that makes them irreplaceable — and why clients are more than twice as likely to trust work done by humans using AI than AI alone.

From legal consulting and financial strategy to design and project management, we’ll discuss how trusted professionals are applying their human judgment to their tech fluency. Whether you're a business leader or a freelancer, this episode offers strategic insights and practical steps for thriving in the trust-centered, AI-augmented workplace.

Are you taking AI generalist skills into consideration as you hire new workers and develop your existing team? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan of The Upwork Research Institute discusses the rise of the AI generalist: a new kind of worker who blends AI literacy with critical human strengths like creativity, strategy, and communication.

Drawing on recent Upwork platform data, this episode explores how AI is transforming roles across job categories. Rather than replacing workers, AI is reshaping work — and this shift is creating a talent premium for those who adapt. Learn how businesses can hire or develop AI generalists, and get tips for building these future-ready skills yourself. Whether you’re leading a team or growing your career, learn how to stay relevant and competitive in an AI-powered world.

Is AI closing the door on entry-level job seekers—or reshaping the path into the workforce? During this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores how recent college grads can compete in a hiring landscape increasingly shaped by automation, rising expectations, and evolving roles. With unemployment among recent college grads higher than the national average, job seekers are questioning the value of their college degrees and wondering how to stand out in an AI-driven job market.

In this episode, learn relevant data about the entry-level job market, as well as tips to stand out as a job seeker. If you’re a manager or business leader, also learn how you can rethink entry-level roles and your hiring process to future-proof your organization.

As climate events increase in frequency and intensity, they become more than environmental concerns—they become workforce issues. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores how weather-related disruptions are costing U.S. businesses billions in lost productivity each year, along with what leaders can do to build climate resilience. Learn how mental health and remote work infrastructure factor into your strategy, and what steps you can take today to future-proof your workforce while supporting employees. Whether you're an executive, HR leader, team manager, or front-line worker, this episode will help you navigate the rising climate risks impacting the future of work.

What happens when AI takes the tedious, routine work off our plates? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores how AI is enabling worker potential—not by replacing jobs, but by removing repetitive tasks and enabling more strategic and creative work. Based on exclusive research from The Upwork Research Institute’s Future Workforce Index and real-life freelancer success stories, learn how leaders and teams can partner with AI to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Whether you’re a business leader or independent professional, this episode will help understand how AI helps maximize human brilliance.

How can organizations rethink middle manager roles in an AI-driven workplace? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute examines the changing role of middle managers in an AI-powered workplace. We highlight findings from The Upwork Research Institute’s latest report, From Tools to Teammates: Navigating the Human-AI Relationship, as well as relevant industry research from Gallup, Gartner, and Capgemini.

We uncover why middle managers feel disengaged—and why their role is more important than ever as organizations integrate AI. Learn how freelancers are modeling sustainable AI use, why reimagining—not eliminating—middle management is critical, and how to support middle managers amid the AI transformation.

Is AI eroding human connection? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores a surprising paradox in the modern workplace: AI is driving huge gains in workplace efficiency—but those who report the biggest productivity boosts are also most at risk of burnout and disconnection, even leading to resignation.

Drawing from The Upwork Research Institute’s latest research report, From Tools to Teammates: Navigating the Human-AI Relationship, we discuss how to strike the right balance between driving productivity and maintaining close, professional relationships in an AI-driven workplace. Plus, learn steps you can take to restore human connection in your workflows. Listen to the episode to discover how to build both high-performing and deeply connected teams.

What’s the difference between AI agents and agentic AI—and how do those differences affect you? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, breaks down how these two types of AI are shaping the future of work. While AI agents execute tasks, agentic AI systems pursue goals, adapt over time, and make complex decisions—often with minimal or no human intervention. We’ll explore research from Anthropic, insights from Upwork data, and how teams can effectively integrate and manage emerging AI technology. Whether you're a business leader building AI-powered workflows or a worker navigating a developing digital landscape, this episode will equip you with the clarity to act—and the questions to ask.

Is remote work a sustainable option for organizations and employees? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, discusses what recent research reveals about the effectiveness of remote and hybrid work environments. You’ll learn why visibility, alignment, and intentional communication—not physical location—are the keys to success. Kelly shares a real-world practice she uses with her team called “Mindset Mondays,” a quick yet powerful ritual that creates clarity, connection, and momentum at the start of each week.

Whether your organization is remote, hybrid, or fully in-office, this episode offers practical insights to help you drive alignment and clarity across your team.

AI is transforming hiring tasks including writing job descriptions, scheduling interviews, and evaluating candidates. But where is the line separating productivity gains from the loss of human insight and connection? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu explores candidate and employer perspectives and shares relevant data behind the role of AI in recruiting. The episode also covers how to strike the right balance between automation and human connection in the hiring process. Listen to learn how the mindful use of AI can support an improved hiring experience for both candidates and organizations without losing the human touch.

AI agents are autonomous software programs that can perceive their environment and make decisions, and they are reshaping the work landscape. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores a bold new vision of work, where AI agents operate alongside humans—and every employee becomes an “agent boss.” Drawing on insights from Microsoft and Upwork’s Future Workforce Index, we break down what it means to lead in the age of AI, why uniquely human skills are more valuable than ever, and how organizations can rethink structure, culture, and strategy to stay competitive. Whether you're a business decision maker or an independent professional, this episode will equip you to navigate—and shape—the AI-powered workplace of tomorrow.

Is a four-year college degree still the best predictor of workplace success? In this episode of Work Week, host Dr. Gabby Burlacu explores why companies are rethinking traditional hiring practices in favor of a skills-first approach. Featuring new data from the Upwork Research Institute and industry research from the World Economic Forum, we discuss why executives are removing degree requirements, as well as steps your organization can take to adopt skills-based hiring. Whether you’re a leader or hiring manager, or are curious about how talent is evolving, this episode offers actionable insights into building a more effective, agile workplace.

In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores the rise of mini-retirements—intentional pauses early- and mid-career—and what this trend signals about growing burnout in the workforce. Drawing on data from The Upwork Research Institute and external research, we examine how Gen Z and millennial workers in particular are redesigning their careers with intentional pauses, flexibility, and freelancing. Learn how organizations can respond by prioritizing flexibility and mental health in the workplace—before burnout drives talent out the door.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2030, one in five Americans will be of retirement age. Organizations are facing an urgent challenge: how to navigate massive talent shifts and skills gaps brought on by the wave of retirements, which experts are already calling the “Silver Tsunami.” In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of the Upwork Research Institute, explores the business impact of this retirement wave—and offers a practical playbook for bridging the growing skills gap. Learn how engaging freelancers, upskilling existing workers, and supporting flexible work arrangements can support business agility amid talent shortages.

As AI continues to automate simple, more tedious tasks, human skills are becoming foundational to success. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Manager of The Upwork Research Institute, explores why soft, human-centric skills like communication and adaptability are a competitive advantage in today’s disruptive workplace. Leveraging research from the Research Institute’s recently released Future Workforce Index, we uncover why skills often labeled as “soft” are least automatable, yet most essential, in an AI-driven world of work. We also share why skilled freelancers are outpacing traditional employees across human-centric competencies. Whether you’re a leader looking to future-proof your workforce or a professional navigating the new career landscape, this episode offers clear, research-backed strategies for strengthening the skills that matter most.

Amid the ongoing impact of AI and other disruptors on the workplace, one thing is clear: workers need more than new skills—they also need guidance. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, explores why coaching, development, and human-centered learning are more important than ever in an AI-driven world. Drawing on data from Upwork’s 2025 In-Demand Skills Report, we dive into the rising demand on the platform for coaching skills, what this says about the state of the modern workforce, and why “learning how to learn” is emerging as a mission-critical skill. You’ll discover why coaching is no longer a luxury reserved for executives, but is a strategic imperative for organizations focused on agility, engagement, and long-term growth across the workforce.

In a continuation of our review of The Upwork Research Institute’s new Future Workforce Index, Dr. Gabby Burlacu  reveals how and why independent skilled professionals are redefining the modern workplace. We explore four distinct models of independent work—and why they’re growing. The episode also compares aspects of freelance to full-time employment, revealing surprising advantages in earnings, satisfaction, and future-readiness. Plus, we examine how traditional talent models may be holding back both organizations and individuals. Whether you’re a business leader adapting your workforce strategy or a skilled worker navigating change, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a more agile, empowered, and future-ready career or team.

Skilled work is evolving and careers are becoming more independent and less traditional. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Manager at The Upwork Research Institute, looks at recent findings from the Research Institute’s newly released Future Workforce Index. We explore how freelancing, AI adoption, and career autonomy are reshaping what it means to be a skilled worker. We’ll discuss why skilled freelancers are more future-ready, how they’re leveraging AI, and what business leaders need to do to adapt. Plus, we share an actionable pilot project strategy for bringing in freelance talent to address skill gaps. Whether you’re a leader navigating talent shortages or a professional charting your own path, this episode offers essential insights into the future of skilled work.

Is freelancing your solution to meeting the challenges of the modern job market? Data shows a job market paradox: despite strong employment numbers, job seekers are struggling. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director at The Upwork Research Institute, takes a close look at the numbers, breaking down the data to uncover key challenges. We explore why freelancing is becoming a viable and often preferable alternative to traditional employment. From individual success stories to Gen Z’s freelance surge, this episode offers insight into how today’s workers are redefining job security and career success, as well as practical steps to grow your freelance career.

How can leaders build teams that don’t just survive uncertainty, but thrive in it? Data shows that robustness and resilience aren’t enough; leaders need to inoculate their teams from disruption by creating antifragile processes. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, unpacks the concept of antifragility—a mindset that turns disruption into a catalyst for growth. We explore how organizations can foster agility, decentralize decision-making, and use controlled experiments to gain strength from volatility. Using insights from Upwork’s Work Innovator research and real-world examples, we break down the key traits of antifragile teams and provide actionable steps for leaders. If you’re looking to future-proof your organization, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and learn how embracing challenges can become your greatest advantage.

How are AI and automation reshaping the workplace? Data shows that, for companies with a strategic approach, AI can improve key metrics like workforce engagement and satisfaction. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Manager at The Upwork Research Institute, explores how AI is transforming work by augmenting workflows, creating new job categories, and increasing demand for specialized talent. We also discuss ways for businesses to integrate AI effectively and we share a practical “Task Audit” strategy to help organizations identify automation opportunities without sidelining their workforce. If you’re a leader, freelancer, or professional curious about AI’s impact on jobs, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to adapt, upskill, and thrive in an AI-powered future.

How can businesses navigate economic turbulence to emerge stronger? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, unpacks findings from Upwork’s Work Innovator Research to explore how agility, flexible talent strategies, and a people-first culture can help organizations thrive in uncertain times. We’ll discuss why forward-thinking companies rely on on-demand experts, upskilling, and adaptable structures to remain resilient. Plus, we’ll outline practical steps leaders can take to assess and enhance their workforce strategies. If you’re a business leader looking for innovative ways to stay competitive amid economic headwinds, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how embracing change can spark new opportunities for growth.

Learn how Gen Z is reshaping the labor market by redefining what a career looks like. The latest data shows Gen Z is prioritizing flexibility, autonomy, and skill diversification over traditional career paths. In this episode of Work Week, host Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Manager at The Upwork Research Institute, explores the benefits and risks of portfolio careers for the workforce, and steps companies can take to engage this new generation of workers. Whether you're a business leader rethinking hiring strategies or a worker considering new career paths, this episode offers key insights into the future of work. Tune in to Work Week and discover how today’s workforce is reshaping career norms.

Discover how AI is transforming the modern workplace in Episode 1 of Work Week. New research shows that AI isn’t just about automating tasks – it’s about augmenting human creativity and productivity. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of the Upwork Research Institute, explains how data from Anthropic and Upwork is redefining AI’s role from a cost-cutting tool to a strategic partner in innovation. Get practical tips on using AI to eliminate tedious tasks and boost collaborative problem-solving. Tune in for fresh insights that will empower you to lead and thrive in today’s dynamic AI-enhanced work environment.