<![CDATA[Unlocked Professional: AI and Future of Work]]>Most companies are stuck in "experimentation theater". Buying AI tools that go nowhere while their teams are exhausted by the hype. Welcome to The Unlocked Professional, where we stop playing with AI and start running it like a business operation.

Hosted by Jeff Midland, we interview the visionaries from Chief AI Officers to Workforce Futurists. We give you the "Cheat Code" for staying relevant. Learn to move from being just a worker to an Architect of the future. We dive deep into Human-Centric AI, Agentic workflows, and the ADOPT method to ensure you remain irreplaceable. Stop the social grinding and start building a real strategy that works with AI, not against it.

]]>https://www.unlockedpro.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:37:15 GMTWed, 18 Mar 2026 17:31:07 GMT60Jeff Midland | AI & Future of Work Enthusiast<p>Most companies are stuck in "experimentation theater". Buying AI tools that go nowhere while their teams are exhausted by the hype. Welcome to <b>The Unlocked Professional</b>, where we stop playing with AI and start running it like a business operation.</p><p></p><p>Hosted by <b>Jeff Midland</b>, we interview the visionaries from Chief AI Officers to Workforce Futurists. We give you the "Cheat Code" for staying relevant. Learn to move from being just a worker to an <b>Architect</b> of the future. We dive deep into Human-Centric AI, Agentic workflows, and the ADOPT method to ensure you remain irreplaceable. Stop the social grinding and start building a real strategy that works with AI, not against it.</p>episodicJeff Midland | AI & Future of Work Enthusiastpurchasing@carmelpointegroup.comno<![CDATA[AI Won't Save You But This Will | Susan Caesar]]>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 Topics

The shift from technology to human skills in the workplace

The importance of mindset and human-centered design in AI adoption

Strategies for training and empowering employees for AI integration


Episode Timestamps

00:00 Navigating the Disruption of Work

03:04 The Human Operating System

05:53 Data-Driven Decision Making

08:47 Human-Centered Design

12:12 Empowering Employees in the Age of AI

14:47 AI Literacy and Training

17:54 The Future of Work and AI

20:47 Ethics and Safety in AI Usage

24:07 Embracing Change and Redefining Roles

26:56 The Role of Women in Shaping AI

29:49 The Future Landscape of Work

32:54 Finding Your Place in the New Economy

36:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook


Guest Links

Website: 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

]]>a314fa6e-a919-47a5-8714-c7ddcbbbc982Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>The shift from technology to human skills in the workplace</p><p>The importance of mindset and human-centered design in AI adoption</p><p>Strategies for training and empowering employees for AI integration</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Episode Timestamps</b></p><p>00:00 Navigating the Disruption of Work</p><p>03:04 The Human Operating System</p><p>05:53 Data-Driven Decision Making</p><p>08:47 Human-Centered Design</p><p>12:12 Empowering Employees in the Age of AI</p><p>14:47 AI Literacy and Training</p><p>17:54 The Future of Work and AI</p><p>20:47 Ethics and Safety in AI Usage</p><p>24:07 Embracing Change and Redefining Roles</p><p>26:56 The Role of Women in Shaping AI</p><p>29:49 The Future Landscape of Work</p><p>32:54 Finding Your Place in the New Economy</p><p>36:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Guest Links</b></p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.humain.org/" target="_blank">https://www.humain.org/</a></p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://coachingfederation.org/" target="_blank">http://coachingfederation.org/</a></p><p>Linkedin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancaesar/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/susancaesar/</a></p><p><br /><b>Keywords:</b> AI in the workplace, human skills, AI ethics, digital transformation, future of work, leadership, AI training, human-centered design</p>no00:43:543AI Won't Save You But This Will | Susan Caesarfull<![CDATA[Your Company Is Already Running The Numbers On Replacing You With AI | Stela Lupushor]]>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 Topics

The future of work is increasingly driven by AI and data

HR must transition from a compliance-focused role to a strategic partner

Employee experience is critical for retention and productivity

Shadow AI presents both opportunities and security risks

Data analytics can dispel common myths in HR practices.

Organizations need to rethink the value exchange with employees

Investing in employee experience can lead to significant ROI

The traditional model of work is becoming obsolete

Collaboration between HR and IT is essential for modern workplaces

The future of work will involve a blend of human and AI collaboration


Episode Timestamps

00:00 The Future of Work: A New Paradigm

09:15 Stela's Journey: From Moldova to HR Innovator

14:28 Reframing HR: Breaking the Traditional Model

25:29 The Importance of Employee Experience

29:20 Shadow AI: Productivity vs. Security Risks

35:25 Myth Busting in HR: Data-Driven Insights

41:00 The Future of Work: Rethinking Value Exchange


Guest Links

LinkedIn: 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/1637741804


Keywords: Future of work, HR innovation, employee experience, AI in HR, human capital ROI, workplace transformation, shadow AI, data-driven HR, employee retention, workforce strategy.


]]>12d29da2-5490-4db9-875b-47e13308b7f3Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>The future of work is increasingly driven by AI and data</p><p>HR must transition from a compliance-focused role to a strategic partner</p><p>Employee experience is critical for retention and productivity</p><p>Shadow AI presents both opportunities and security risks</p><p>Data analytics can dispel common myths in HR practices.</p><p>Organizations need to rethink the value exchange with employees</p><p>Investing in employee experience can lead to significant ROI</p><p>The traditional model of work is becoming obsolete</p><p>Collaboration between HR and IT is essential for modern workplaces</p><p>The future of work will involve a blend of human and AI collaboration</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Episode Timestamps</b></p><p>00:00 The Future of Work: A New Paradigm</p><p>09:15 Stela's Journey: From Moldova to HR Innovator</p><p>14:28 Reframing HR: Breaking the Traditional Model</p><p>25:29 The Importance of Employee Experience</p><p>29:20 Shadow AI: Productivity vs. Security Risks</p><p>35:25 Myth Busting in HR: Data-Driven Insights</p><p>41:00 The Future of Work: Rethinking Value Exchange</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Guest Links</b></p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/slupushor/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/slupushor/</a></p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reframe.work/" target="_blank">https://www.reframe.work/</a></p><p>Books: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398604232/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398604232/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk</a> and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Human-Capital-Optimal-Business/dp/1637741804" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Human-Capital-Optimal-Business/dp/1637741804</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Keywords: </b>Future of work, HR innovation, employee experience, AI in HR, human capital ROI, workplace transformation, shadow AI, data-driven HR, employee retention, workforce strategy.</p><p><br /></p>no00:45:262Your Company Is Already Running The Numbers On Replacing You With AI | Stela Lupushorfull<![CDATA[LinkedIn's 1st CHRO: Why Learning Velocity Beats AI in 2026 | Steve Cadigan]]>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 Topics

The evolution of work and the impact of AI

Building a culture of learning and experimentation

Strategies for talent retention and recruitment

The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership


Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Steve Cadigan and his career

01:27 Steve's background and early life in South Africa and Connecticut

03:22 How Steve fell in love with HR and his career journey

05:17 The value of making mistakes and being human in leadership

07:28 Responding to interview questions about failure and mistakes

08:32 Building teams that attract top talent without high pay

10:21 The importance of a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

13:03 The changing landscape of careers and new industries

14:32 The rapid change in the world of work and how to prepare

16:27 Understanding workforce turnover and the impact of COVID-19

18:37 Advice for new graduates in a challenging job market

20:47 The importance of critical thinking and learning velocity

22:05 Jobs of the future: learning more than knowing

30:02 The creativity and innovation of outsiders in Silicon Valley

31:41 The power of giving employees new opportunities to grow

36:36 How AI is augmenting talent rather than replacing it

37:04 Motivations behind AI job displacement narratives

39:20 The cultural challenges of AI adoption and experimentation

41:55 The one move to gain an unfair edge in the future of work

42:34 Where to connect with Steve and learn more about his work


Guest Links


Keywords: Future of Work, Talent Retention Strategies, AI in HR, Leadership Vulnerability, Career Pivot, Workquake Book, Employee Engagement, Silicon Valley Innovation, Workforce Turnover, Steve Cadigan


]]>58853e24-445f-432e-8e3f-61b0968d5151Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:45:00 GMT<p>The world of work isn't just changing; it is being completely redefined. In this episode, we sit down with <b>Steve Cadigan</b>, LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer and author of <i>Workquake</i>. 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.</p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>The evolution of work and the impact of AI</p><p>Building a culture of learning and experimentation</p><p>Strategies for talent retention and recruitment</p><p>The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Episode Timestamps</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Steve Cadigan and his career</p><p>01:27 Steve's background and early life in South Africa and Connecticut</p><p>03:22 How Steve fell in love with HR and his career journey</p><p>05:17 The value of making mistakes and being human in leadership</p><p>07:28 Responding to interview questions about failure and mistakes</p><p>08:32 Building teams that attract top talent without high pay</p><p>10:21 The importance of a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)</p><p>13:03 The changing landscape of careers and new industries</p><p>14:32 The rapid change in the world of work and how to prepare</p><p>16:27 Understanding workforce turnover and the impact of COVID-19</p><p>18:37 Advice for new graduates in a challenging job market</p><p>20:47 The importance of critical thinking and learning velocity</p><p>22:05 Jobs of the future: learning more than knowing</p><p>30:02 The creativity and innovation of outsiders in Silicon Valley</p><p>31:41 The power of giving employees new opportunities to grow</p><p>36:36 How AI is augmenting talent rather than replacing it</p><p>37:04 Motivations behind AI job displacement narratives</p><p>39:20 The cultural challenges of AI adoption and experimentation</p><p>41:55 The one move to gain an unfair edge in the future of work</p><p>42:34 Where to connect with Steve and learn more about his work</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Guest Links</b></p><ul><li>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stevecadigan.com/" target="_blank">https://stevecadigan.com/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/</a></li><li>Tiktok: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan</a></li><li>Book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Workquake-Embracing-Aftershocks-COVID-19-Working/dp/1645434265/ref=zg_bsnr_2697_13?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=M6HAT3QZA6GMJRE1510Z" target="_blank">Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working</a></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b>Keywords:</b> Future of Work, Talent Retention Strategies, AI in HR, Leadership Vulnerability, Career Pivot, Workquake Book, Employee Engagement, Silicon Valley Innovation, Workforce Turnover, Steve Cadigan</p><p><br /></p>no00:43:241LinkedIn's 1st CHRO: Why Learning Velocity Beats AI in 2026 | Steve Cadiganfull<![CDATA[TRAILER: The Future of Work is Here. Are you ready?]]>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

]]>40158fa3-3c2a-4824-835f-f5263bfff45aWed, 18 Mar 2026 17:47:36 GMT<p><b>Welcome to the "Unlock" phase of your career.</b> &gt; In this 90-second intro, host Jeff Midland breaks down why the "old way" of working is dying and how <i>The Unlocked Professional</i> will give you the cheat codes to lead the AI transition.</p><p><b>What to expect every Wednesday starting April 1st:</b></p><ul><li><b>Architect vs. Worker:</b> Strategies to move up the value chain.</li><li><b>Human-Centric AI:</b> How to use tools without losing your soul.</li><li><b>Expert Deep Dives:</b> Conversations with the leaders building the future.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>🚀 LAUNCHING APRIL 1st, 2026</b> <b>Action Step:</b> Hit the "Follow" button right now so you don't miss our premiere episode.</p><p></p><p>Visit us at www.unlockedpro.com</p>no00:01:27TRAILER: The Future of Work is Here. Are you ready?trailer