Work Intelligence Lab

The Hard Part of AI: Scaling IT

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:00:23 +0000

AI is here, and it’s changing the way we work—but are we ready for it?

In this episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, we explore how AI is reshaping the workplace. Kicking off our special mini-series, The Human Edge: Leading People and Technology Through the Now and the Next, this conversation gets under the headlines to examine what responsible, people-centered AI adoption really looks like. From boosting productivity to enhancing job satisfaction, AI is a game changer. But it’s not just about implementing tech; it’s about training and empowering our teams to use it effectively.

Stephanie Cohen, Chief Strategy Officer at Cloudflare, shares her insights on the importance of security and fostering a culture of curiosity when integrating AI. The discussion emphasizes the human aspects of AI integration, highlighting the necessity for curiosity, empathy, and innovation in the workplace.

Chapters:

00:00 The Human Edge: AI and Productivity

05:27 AI in Action: Successes and Challenges

07:39 Curiosity and Grit in AI Utilization

09:49 Content Creators and AI Transparency

11:33 Differences in Workforce Approaches to AI

12:45 The Future of AI in Enterprise Processes

Why You Can’t Hire Your Way Out of a Skills Crisis

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:00:19 +0000

With up to $330 million annual losses at stake due to talent shortages, the aerospace and defense sector is at a breaking point. In this episode, Karla Fletcher sits down with Leanne Cann, People Services Director at Babcock International, to discuss why traditional hiring models are no longer fit for purpose and what needs to change.

They discuss the company's innovative approaches to addressing the talent shortage in the aerospace and defense industry. From international recruitment drives to implementing emerging talent programs and strategic partnerships with local universities and communities, Babcock is redefining traditional hiring practices. Leanne also delves into the role of AI in streamlining the hiring process and emphasizes the importance of human interaction in talent acquisition.

Highlights:

The "Perfect Storm": Why traditional "experienced hire" recruitment is no longer enough to solve the skills gap.
Emerging Talent & Rebranding: How Babcock scaled from 350 to 850 graduates and apprentices by redefining "Early Careers".
Transferable Skills: The "Train to Fit" program with a 93% conversion rate, focusing on potential over pre-existing technical skills.
The Role of AI: Where Babcock uses technology for speed and where human judgment remains non-negotiable.
Community Investment: Building pipelines through 7,000 hours of annual STEM activities and local university partnerships.

Tune in to learn how Babcock is building a resilient pipeline of skilled workers and contributing to local community growth.

You Can’t Plan What You Can’t See

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:20 +0000

From Talent Pools to Talent Meshes in the Future of Healthcare Workforce Planning

In this episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, our host Karla Fletcher sits down with Jonathan Shilton from Sanofi to explore the complexities and future of workforce planning in the biopharma sector.

With a sobering forecast of a potential 10 million health worker shortfall by 2030, the discussion covers how Sanofi is leveraging data, AI, and innovative workforce strategies to prepare for this challenge. Jonathan shares insights on connecting the dots between internal and external workforces, the role of artificial intelligence and data hygiene, and the ethical considerations in deploying AI in healthcare.

This in-depth conversation sheds light on the critical need for foundational work in workforce management to ensure future success and better patient care.

Chapters:

01:52 Introducing Jonathan Shilton and His Role at Sanofi

04:18 The Importance of Visibility and Skills in Workforce Management

06:36 AI and Data Hygiene in Healthcare

09:07 Global Workforce Standardization and AI Implementation

18:02 Future of Healthcare and Workforce Transformation

24:57 Voices in Technology: Builders, Sellers, and Clients

29:21 Future Workforce Trends and Career Planning

31:06 The Role of Generalists and Specialists in the Modern Workforce

35:00 Global Demographic Challenges and Workforce Planning

37:39 The Power of Data in Workforce Strategy

42:18 Exciting Innovations and Future Collaborations

Beyond Output: Rethinking Productivity and Purpose

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:00:26 +0000

In this enlightening episode of Work Intelligence Lab by ManpowerGroup, hosts Karla Fletcher and John Juliz who dive deep into what productivity truly means in today's rapidly evolving work environment. Joined by Dean Carter, a renowned leader in innovative employee experience, the conversation explores the intersection of purpose, culture, and productivity. Dean shares invaluable insights from his transformative work at Patagonia, emphasizing the importance of leaving every interaction better and his journey to writing 'Employee Experience Design.' The discussion also touches on the critical role of AI, the importance of fostering a culture of trust, and the transformative power of risk-taking with purpose. Tune in to learn how to reimagine productivity, leverage data for people-centric strategies, and create a thriving workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Employee Experience Design

04:59 Patagonia's Purpose Evolution

06:09 Regenerative Agriculture and Culture

13:33 AI and Workforce Dynamics

18:51 Human-Centric Work Culture

26:13 Knowledge Sharing and Workforce Dynamics

27:13 The Role of AI in Creativity and Curiosity

29:26 Human Elements in Productivity

31:54 Innovative Approaches to Employee Engagement

35:19 Measuring Energy Levels and Productivity

38:14 Rethinking Compensation and Risk-Taking

44:49 Purpose-Driven Leadership and Risk-Taking

52:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Book

Future-Proof or Fall Behind: What It Takes to Keep Manufacturing Competitive

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:00:18 +0000

In this episode of ManpowerGroup's Workforce Intelligence Lab podcast, our host Rebekah Kowalski explores critical topics in modern manufacturing with Liz Stuck and Berardino Baratta from MXD (Manufacturing Times Digital). They discuss the value of resources like the EV hiring guide, the impact of digital and cybersecurity advancements on U.S. manufacturing, and the critical need of upskilling the workforce. With over 2 million manufacturing jobs needing to be filled by 2030, the conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, agility, and equitable workforce strategies to keep the US manufacturing sector competitive.

Hashtags:

#MxDLearn #Workforce #Manufacturing #New Technologies

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:19 Addressing the Manufacturing Skills Gap

05:41 Exploring Electronic Vehicles (EV) in Manufacturing

10:33 Adapting to New Technologies and Continuous Learning

16:34 Closing Thoughts: Moving Technology and Workforce Together

Why Being Yourself at Work is Bad Advice

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:13:39 +0000

In this episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, host Karla speaks with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, author and advisor to ManpowerGroup's Work Intelligence Lab, about the complex topic of authenticity in the workplace and the challenges of promoting it at work.

They delve into why simply telling employees to 'be themselves' can be counterproductive and potentially harmful and discuss how creating an inclusive culture is essential for true diversity and inclusion. Dr. Tomas also shares insights from his book 'Don't Be Yourself' and the importance of balancing emotional intelligence with authenticity.

This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical advice for HR leaders and anyone interested in workplace culture.

Human and Machine: The New Dynamic in Workforce Innovation

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:48:07 +0000

In this episode of Manpower Group's Workforce Intelligence Lab podcast, host Rebekah Kowalski discusses the critical issue of skill shortfalls in the manufacturing sector with industry experts Paul Ryznar (CEO, LightGuide, Inc ), Liz Stuck (VP, Government Affairs at MXD), and workforce futurist Alexandra Levitt. The conversation covers the impact of technology on workforce dynamics, the importance of talent intelligence, and practical ways to address the skills gap through innovative training and recruitment strategies. Our guests delve into how augmented reality and AI can enhance workforce readiness, the importance of continuous learning, and how to strategically redeploy internal talent to create a more adaptable and resilient organization. They also highlight the potential for employing underrepresented groups, such as individuals with disabilities, to address labor gaps and create inclusive work environments.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Skills Gap in Manufacturing

00:38 Meet the Experts

03:35 Defining Workforce Evolution

04:09 Workforce Readiness and Technology Adoption

05:40 Talent Intelligence and Skills Adjacencies

08:06 AI in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities

10:38 Inclusive Hiring and Training Innovations

16:56 The Future of Workforce Strategy

21:10 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There: The Future of Work

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

In the inaugural episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, host Karla welcomes Becky, the newly appointed President and Chief Strategy Officer, and William, an editor, analyst, advisor, host, artist, and top 25 HR Tech influencer, to discuss the future of work. The conversation delves into topics such as the misconception of a 'destination' in the future of work, the role of AI in accelerating change, and the importance of skills development and adaptability. Becky and William share insights on how soft skills and constant learning are critical in a rapidly evolving job market, and they emphasize the need to shift from traditional educational paths to more practical skill-building routes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of curiosity and humility in leadership, and a look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead as technology continues to integrate into our daily lives.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:44 Misconceptions About the Future of Work

02:37 The Evolution of Work and Technology

04:39 Humanity and the Future of Work

06:34 Adoption of AI and Technology

07:09 The Role of Data in Decision Making

08:06 Incentivizing Adoption and Embracing Failure

16:12 Skills Development and Future-Proofing Jobs

18:07 The Changing Role of Leadership

19:42 Male Ego and Leadership Myths

20:13 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership

20:34 Questions for Business and Professional Growth

21:00 Learning from Everyone and Staying Humble

22:31 The Shift from Know-It-All to Learn-It-All

25:29 Preparing for the Future of Work

25:56 Challenges in Higher Education and Apprenticeships

28:01 The Role of Universities and Trades in the Future

35:46 Global Perspectives on Upskilling and Reskilling

36:30 Excitement for the Future and AI's Role

39:57 Conclusion and Future Discussions

#Future of Work #Evolution of Work #ManpowerGroup #Work Intelligence Lab Podcast

Trailer

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Big news! The ManpowerGroup Work Intelligence Lab Podcast launches September 15.

Each episode kicks off with a powerful data insight from ManpowerGroup research and trusted sources. Then, influential voices from across industries break down what that insight means in the real world — whether it confirms, challenges, or shifts how we think about work.

These are honest, thoughtful conversations that go beyond the headlines and dig into the trends shaping the world of work — with real, practical takeaways.

Looking for fresh ideas and real perspective on how work is changing? You’ll want to tune in.

Coming soon to all major podcast streaming platforms and our YouTube channel. Stay tuned — episode 1 drops next week!