Work feels different today. Conversations about AI, hybrid schedules, shifting career paths, and talent shortages aren’t just industry headlines—they’re shaping everyday decisions for workers and employers alike. As people rethink what they want from their careers and companies rethink what they need from their teams, one theme keeps rising to the surface: the skills that separate good from great have less to do with tools and more to do with how humans show up. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs analysis, employers are increasingly prioritizing human-centered capabilities such as creative thinking, resilience, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to collaborate effectively.

How do we navigate a labor market in flux while staying rooted in human connection, communication, and service? And what does the future look like for professionals choosing between corporate paths, trade careers, and everything in between?

Welcome to Straight Outta Crumpton. In the latest episode, host Greg Crumpton welcomes Ben Brandon, Executive Vice President of Client Success at AccruePartners, for a thoughtful look at how the world of work is shifting. Together, they dig into career paths, the evolving value of soft skills, the impact of AI, and what frontline roles can teach every business about customer experience.

Top insights from the talk…

• Soft skills trump technology. Ben and Greg discuss why communication, reliability, problem-solving, and authenticity are more important than ever—especially as AI becomes more embedded in daily work.

• Career paths are no longer linear. From boomeranging between companies to exploring roles across industry sizes, Ben emphasizes the freedom workers now have to build careers that fit their strengths and values.

• The skilled trades are evolving fast. Technology and customer-experience expectations are raising the bar in frontline industries—creating strong career opportunities that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.

Ben Brandon is an experienced talent strategy leader with deep expertise in staffing, recruitment, and client success across functions such as accounting and finance, IT, HR, and corporate support. Over his career at AccruePartners and Vaco, he has led high-performing teams, supported major enterprise clients, and helped scale award-winning recruiting operations built on a proprietary 15-step talent delivery system. Known for his ability to connect people and solve complex workforce challenges, he now serves as Executive Vice President of Client Success at AccruePartners, guiding end-to-end talent solutions for businesses across the Carolinas and beyond.