Learning from the workspace innovator playbook with Kelly Monaghan, Managing Director, Upwork Research Institute

Our latest guest on The Desana Podcast is Kelly Monahan, Managing Director at the Upwork Research Institute. In discussion with Desana CEO and Co-Founder Michael Cockburn, she shares insight from the latest Upwork study “Work Innovators: A Playbook for Innovation in an Uncertain World”, as well as other workplace nuggets like the role of generative AI and the importance of upskilling your workforce. 

Key takeaways 

• Work Innovators thrive by streamlining their technology systems, fostering ethical collaboration between people and AI, building a culture of innovation, and establishing a strong, adaptable operating model.
• True innovators overcome challenges like economic disruption and cultural resistance by focusing on employee engagement and workforce development, especially in adopting new technologies.
• Leaders need to embrace technology whilst simultaneously upskilling their workforce so that Generative AI becomes part of their role, rather than a replacement. 
• The old work model is broken in many ways. Organizations need to question their modus operandi and lean into iterative and incremental ways of working that foster innovation rather than perfection
• Organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion are better positioned to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. Kelly reminds us that "Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative solutions," 

Content:

• 00:00-02:59 Introduction to the future of work
• 03:01-05:59 Kelly's journey into the future of work
• 06:00-08:53 The UpWork Research Institute
• 08:54-11:55 Defining work innovators
• 11:56-14:55 The importance of integration in innovation
• 14:56-17:43 Financial correlations with work innovation
• 17:44-21:02 Anti-fragility and Kaizen principles
• 21:03-23:58 The shift in narrative
• 23:59-26:59 Practical application of AI in organisations
• 27:00-29:56 Examples of successful work innovators
• 29:57-33:02 Kelly's upcoming book and its insights
• 33:03 Key takeaways for leaders