NOW of Work

In this conversation, the Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank discuss various themes including community engagement, personal experiences, and the implications of AI in our lives. They share insights from a recent women's summit, the importance of transparency in discussions, and the evolving role of AI as a tool for enhancing critical thinking rather than diminishing it. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, personal growth, and the need for thoughtful engagement with technology.

In this episode, hosts Jason Averbook and Jess Von Bank, delve into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping job descriptions and HR practices. Discover how AI is redefining the way organizations approach talent acquisition, employee management, and workforce planning. From automating routine tasks to providing data-driven insights, AI is not just a tool but a strategic partner in modern HR. Join us as we explore real-world examples and expert insights on how AI is revolutionizing the HR landscape, making it more efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

In this episode, Laura Maffucci, VP, Head of Human Resources at G-P, joins Jess and Jason to delve into how AI can transform transactional HR tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. We discuss the importance of rebranding and repositioning the HR function to align with its evolving role and combat existing stigma. Join us as we encourage HR professionals to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and agility in embracing new technologies like AI for a more innovative future.

• G-P recently released their 2025 AI at Work Report

This conversation couldn’t be more timely or more needed. Our Digital Meetup Friday meetups for the NOW of Work isn’t just a theme, it's a movement to re-humanize the workplace. One where fulfillment, connection, and purpose aren’t perks...they’re performance drivers.Dan Stradtman, CMO at Bloomfre, joins Jess and Jason to add his perspective. After years helping teams unlock speed, alignment, and impact through knowledge activation, Dan says he's learned this: the most transformational gains don’t come from technology alone. They come when people feel empowered, heard, and equipped to move with confidence. Listen to learn about the ways organizations can build clarity that leads to connection and insight that then leads to inspiration and action.

Bruce Randall, MBA, is an AI Thought Leader and Reiki Master who explores the intersection of technology, human consciousness, and the future of work. With over 25 years of experience in cloud strategy, AI-driven business transformation, and leadership roles.

Bruce joins Jess and Jason to address the influence of AI on the workforce, the importance of meditation for mental health, and the balance of perspectives on AI's future. Together they share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for healthy dialogue, personal growth, and the integration of technology in a thoughtful manner.

Tune in for this engaging discussion on human-centric AI readiness and the evolving landscape of work in the digital age with Bob Pulver, Founder & Principal, Elevate Your AIQ.

In this episode, we tackle the unique challenges of parenting in a tech-driven world, highlighting the essential role of AI literacy for the next generation. Our conversation dives into the intricacies of bias within AI systems, especially in hiring practices, and underscores the vital importance of human oversight in decision-making processes. Our speakers champion a proactive stance on understanding and addressing bias, while also celebrating the transformative potential of AI to empower individuals and boost productivity.

Charlotte Otter, Author, Speaker, Advisor at Otter Advisory, joins Jess and Jason to chat about her new book We Need New Leaders which details the role of CEOs as chief reputation officers and the necessity of storytelling in leadership to build trust and influence change. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities leaders face in navigating these changes, particularly in relation to diversity and the future of work.

You know we'll never abandon our Red/Yellow/Green and One Big Thing -- the community rituals that make us a community. This week, Jason and Jess have a lot to catch up on, and they want to hear from YOU, too.

Then we get into a Friday Freestyle! Jess + ChatGPT created a game for us with questions and prompts like:

• What’s on fire this week: A headline, trend, tweet, or moment that made you laugh, rage, or roll your eyes this week. What's your hottest or most ridiculous take from this week?

• What's one thing you wish every CEO knew about work today?
• Best boss you've ever had and why
• If your HR tech stack were a cocktail, what would it be called? And what's in it?

Filip Misoviski, CEO at Semos Cloud, joined Jason and Jess to dive into the shifts happening in leadership, work, and technology, and what they're learning at Semos Cloud as they help organizations lead with more clarity, connection, and impact.

On this week’s Now of Work Digital Meetup, Ritu Mohanka will joined Jess Von Bank and Jason Averbook to dig into how AI can actually reduce bias in hiring and why we should be moving away from a “matching” model.

Ritu shares how VONQ’s shift to a scoring system, evaluating candidates across 15 transparent, job-relevant criteria, is enabling skills-based hiring, improving candidate experience, and aligning with the EU AI Act’s push for explainable AI.