Work Congress – Rethinking Work

Speaker(s): Deeksha Joshi, President, No Worker Left Behind Inc

An inspiring opening by the founder of WorkCongress, discussing the vision and the imperative of rethinking work environments to enhance inclusivity and sustainability.

Speaker(s): Vishal Kumar, CEO, Tao.ai

The world of work is changing rapidly, and the future is full of possibilities. In this thought-provoking talk, Vishal shares three unique stories that will make you rethink your assumptions about work and its potential.
From unexpected transformations to insights drawn from surprising places, these narratives come together to paint a picture of what the future of work could look like. As Vishal shares these stories, he reveals thoughtful observations about the nature of work, human potential, and the role of leadership in shaping the future. These stories are one of few that has inspired TAO.ai architecture as well, so how we all should think in the age of AI and technology transformation.
Whether you're a leader looking to navigate the changing landscape of work or an individual seeking more meaning and fulfillment in your career, this talk will provide you with fresh perspectives and ideas to consider.
Join Vishal as he explores the future of work through this thought provoking talk. You'll leave with a new understanding of the possibilities that lie ahead and a renewed sense of curiosity about what the future may hold.

Speaker(s): Dr. Solange Charas, Founder and CEO, HCMoneyball

Speaker(s): Stela Lupushor, Founder, Reframe.Work Inc.

In recent years, the dynamics between employers and employees have undergone significant transformations, influenced by shifting societal values and rapid technological advancements. Join this session led by Solange Charas, Ph.D. and Stela Lupushor, co-authors of Humanizing Human Capital where they explore the rising power and voice of employees within organizations, examining how these changes challenge traditional workplace hierarchies and open new avenues for engagement and negotiation. The session delves into the evolving landscape of employee-employer relations in the digital age, discussing how technological advancements and changing societal values have amplified employee voice, and gain insights into navigating these changes, harnessing technology to foster employee engagement, and creating adaptable, inclusive workplaces.

Speaker(s): Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors

Work environments today needs to be designed to be inclusive for all. But to be inclusive we need to embrace design principles that aid in accommodating various personality traits, work styles and neurotypes. The fact is that today we are living in a time of increased numbers and awareness about individuals with neuro-sensitives and special needs, such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia. In fact, 1 in 5 people are considered neurodivergent, but fewer than 50% know it. And when we design for the extreme, we benefit the mean, for everyone is impacted for sensory stimuli in the build environment, even neurotypicals. Spaces today needs to reflect the diverse makeup of organizations. Not only is designing to be inclusive the right thing to do, there is a compelling business case for it as well. In 2021 HOK and partners undertook a study to determine the key factors that are impacting neurodivergents in the building environment. In 2022, we undertook the next phase of our research that compared the findings for the neurodivergent sample group to a mixed neurotypes in an effort to refine workplace solutions. And in early 2023 we launched a third and fourth survey and pilots to test the theories from our research. Join us as we share the findings to date, some case studies of clients that have designed for inclusion and share how we can design a more neuro-inclusion community.

Speaker(s): Dr. André Laplume, Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management

Many employees face an organizational environment with limited or diminishing options for career progression (i.e., the corporate ladder). Others want to work on projects that are not aligned with the core business of their employers. This talk explores spinout entrepreneurship as a career shift that involves leaving employment to pursue a new independent venture. Spinout ventures have an advantage over other types of startups because of the knowledge their founders bring with them from previous employment. Find out how recent changes (e.g., non-compete bans, open innovation) make it easier than ever for employees to transition to entrepreneurship while using the knowledge they gained from their experience.

Speaker(s): David Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of Degreed

In this talk, David Blake, CEO of Degreed, explores the evolving landscape of learning and the emerging trends that are shaping its future. Addressing the growing skills gap, he delves into the rapid acceleration of technology and how it impacts the way people learn and work. Blake highlights the concept of Skills-based Organizations (SBOs) and emphasizes the importance of building a future workforce focused on skills development. Through data-driven insights, practical examples, and a roadmap for implementing strategic skill-based learning, this talk will offer valuable guidance on creating a culture of continuous learning and embracing the future with confidence.

Speaker(s): Gary Hamel, Professor London School of Business

In an era where work is being redefined, organizations must adapt to stay relevant. Traditional management practices, deeply rooted in 150 years of orthodoxy, often stifle the creativity and potential of their workforce. Gary Hamel challenges this paradigm, arguing that to thrive in the future, organizations must rethink work and harness the collective genius of their people.
Drawing on the experiences of pioneering companies, Hamel will demonstrate how to create a workplace that unleashes human potential and fosters extraordinary results. He will explore innovative approaches to work design, decision-making, and organizational structure that empower employees to be daring, resilient, and inventive. Attendees will learn practical strategies for building an organization that is as adaptable and capable as the individuals within it.
By rethinking work and embracing the full potential of their workforce, organizations can not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Hamel's provocative and insightful presentation will inspire attendees to challenge the status quo and reimagine what work can be.

Speaker(s): Dr. Judy Ho, Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Author of The New Rules of Attachment and Stop Self-Sabotage

In the current landscape of workforce stress, heightened burnout rates, and challenges in maintaining motivation and strong connections for workplace success, Dr. Judy will teach you to tap into how to create secure attachment bonds at work to build personal resilience and a stronger workplace community.
Attachment is often thought of as most impactful for romantic relationships. But that’s a myth, In fact, this early bond forms the foundation for how we understand trust, security, and build our self-concept and self-esteem, which then affects how we achieve goals and how we related to colleagues, friends, and family. Dr. Judy loves to deliver pragmatic solutions to help people live their best. In this presentation, she will preview:
- Science-backed tips for goal achievement, enhancing motivation, and building resilience in the face of workplace challenges
- Exercises that help with values-based living, accessing deeper meaningfulness and joy in everyday life, and understanding how to set strong boundaries while still remaining empathic in your work relationships
-How to reduce burnout at work and career, fine tune communication styles for creative collaboration, and strengthening connectedness with colleagues

Unlock the power of networking at this exclusive career advancement session, designed to foster meaningful connections among professionals in the work-related fields. "Connect & Propel" offers attendees the unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers from diverse sectors. Whether you're seeking new career opportunities, aiming to enhance your professional trajectory, or looking to share knowledge and ideas, this session provides the ideal platform. Participants will be equipped with networking tools and strategies to effectively communicate their skills and goals, expanding their professional circle and gaining insights into the latest industry trends and opportunities. Join us to build lasting relationships that not only enhance your career but also contribute to rethinking and reshaping the future of work.

Speaker(s): Perry Timms, Founder and Chief Energy Officer, People and Transformational HR

For decades, the model for HR has been reflective of the need for operational stability and consistency. In an inconsistent and turbulent world, it's time to move from fixed jobs and verticals to adaptive roles and intersections. Perry Timms has devised a new operating model to act as the compass, map and framework for what Deloitte's Human Capital Trend report 2024 calls Boundaryless HR. How does this work? What are the four intersectional areas of Products, Science, Systems and Process going to provide for a liberated system of work that symbolises how the rest of the business world should also operate within? Perry's research over the last 20 years and applied approaches with clients and partners will reveal a glimpse of the future we can start to create now. To deliver purposeful, people-centric, prosperity for all.

Speaker(s): Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita Department of Informatics, UC Irvine

The promise of Large Language Models is to enhance our productivity. However, we are also finding out that the use of AI also poses significant challenges when used in work. I have been studying our use of personal technologies in the workplace for decades, and have discovered that our attention spans on screens have been shrinking over this time period. I have also found how our use of devices increases our stress. Research is showing that AI will also impact our attention. Though the promise is to increase our capabilities to produce more information, the human mind is still a bottleneck in processing that information. I will present some principles that we need to consider with the use of AI in the workplace such as how we need to guard against blindly trusting AI output and losing our critical reasoning skills. I will discuss how we might consider a path forward with AI use in the workplace.

Speaker(s): Hilke Schellmann, Investigative journalism professor and author of "The Algorithm"

Investigative journalist Hilke Schellmann has investigated the rise of AI in the world of work for the past five years. Drawing on exclusive information from whistleblowers, internal documents and real‑world tests, Schellmann discovered that the first generation of AI-tools in hiring do more harm than good and she has some ideas on how to reform the field.

Speaker(s): Primo Orpilla, CoFounder & Principal, Studio O+A

In this presentation, Primo Orpilla will explore a series of case studies that illuminate the evolving role of the workplace in fostering a sense of belonging. As companies transition from remote to in-person environments, it's crucial to establish spaces where employees feel compelled to attend and valued upon arrival. We will discuss innovative strategies that businesses are implementing to create welcoming and inclusive workplaces, essential in today's rapidly changing work landscape.

Speaker(s): Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment, Boston

Join Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Workforce Empowerment in Boston, as she discusses the city's forward-thinking approaches to workforce development and labor policies. This session will delve into how Boston is leading by example in shaping responsive policies that adapt to the evolving needs of workers and industries, ensuring economic resilience and inclusivity. Learn about the strategic initiatives and partnerships that aim to empower workers and foster a dynamic labor market in a post-pandemic world.

Speaker(s): Jo-An Occhipinti, Associate Professor, Co-Director, Mental Wealth Initiative, The University of Sydney

Work is fundamental to societal prosperity and mental health, providing financial security, identity, purpose, and social integration. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has catalysed debate on job displacement. Some argue that many new jobs and industries will emerge to offset the displacement, while others foresee a widespread decoupling of economic productivity from human input threatening jobs on an unprecedented scale. A/Professor Jo-An Occhipinti will explore the conditions under which both may be true and will present results from modelling and simulation to demonstrate the potential for a self-reinforcing cycle of recessionary pressures that would necessitate sustained government intervention to maintain job security and economic stability. She will underscore the need for proactive government measures and action by civic organisations to ensure a just transition to an AI-dominated economy; safeguarding work and the Mental Wealth of nations.

Speaker(s): Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation

This focused fireside chat features insights from Sharan Burrow, former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, and Deeksha Joshi, President of No Worker Left Behind. They will discuss critical shifts in labor policy required to manage the interplay between advancing technology and evolving worker rights. This session will explore strategic approaches to developing labor policies that ensure fair and inclusive work environments in a rapidly changing global economy.