What the AI Shift Means for Your Career with Kelly Monahan

Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of Upwork's Research Institute and co-author of Essential, reveals why 77% of employees feel AI makes work harder, not easier—and what leaders can do about it. In this eye-opening conversation with Paul Estes, Kelly breaks down the real forces behind today's labor market shifts, from inflation and capital costs to the pandemic's lasting impact on customer behavior. From her research on the frontlines of the future of work, Kelly shares practical frameworks for moving beyond resilience to "anti-fragility"—the ability to adapt and evolve when systems face stress and shock. Whether you're a leader trying to implement AI effectively or a professional wondering how to stay relevant, this conversation offers actionable insights on navigating our rapidly changing work landscape while keeping human creativity and relationships central. You'll Learn: Why the AI productivity paradox is happening and how to overcome it The difference between AI as a tool versus AI as a teammate, and what it means for your workflow How to move from fragile to anti-fragile thinking when facing career disruption Why skills are becoming more valuable than degrees and how to credential them effectively The "configuration mindset" that separates AI power users from frustrated beginners How to preserve cognitive capacity for creativity in an increasingly automated world What successful organizational AI strategies look like beyond mere cost-cutting References Mentioned: Essential by Christie Smith and Kelly Monahan Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Subscribe to Expert Intelligence so you don't miss future conversations with industry leaders at the forefront of technological transformation. Each episode brings you practical insights to navigate our rapidly evolving digital landscape. Producer: David Grabowski Theme Music: Aleksey Chistilin

Om Podcasten

The future is here, just not equally distributed. Join best-selling author and seasoned business leader Paul Estes in ”Expert Intelligence,” a bi-weekly podcast that focuses on the human-centric, AI-enabled approach to work, shedding light on key trends like the freelance revolution, the rise of generative AI and the changing dynamics of the workplace. With over 20 years of leadership experience at giants like Microsoft, Dell, Amazon, and numerous venture-based startups, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective. Whether you’re a business leader seeking guidance in this new era or an employee looking for inspiration and insights to navigate complex changes, this podcast is your go-to resource. Paul and his guests offer practical advice and thoughtful analysis to help you understand and adapt to these shifts, ensuring a healthy and productive journey in your professional life. Tune in to ”Expert Intelligence” every other week for engaging, conversational, and insightful discussions that will empower you to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of work.