FOWX LIVE Archives - The Future of Work Exchange

The New Rules of Talent Strategy

Uncategorized by Christopher J. Dwyer on 07/06/2026

Last week, Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange hosted an exclusive webcast, The New Rules of Talent Strategy, focused on breaking down the new “rules” shaping how organizations attract, develop, and deploy talent in 2026. Building on the insights and energy from the 2026 Future of Work Exchange Live executive roundtable event in Boston, this webinar translates the June 10 event’s in-room breakthroughs into a clear, actionable blueprint for what leaders must do next. The webcast featured thought leaders from Opptly, Allegis Global Solutions, AMS, Atrium, and TalentProcure, who contributed to the expanding definition of the Future of Work in 2026…and beyond.

The Future of Work Exchange LIVE 2025 Recap: The Future of Work Awaits

Uncategorized by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/17/2025

June 14, 2022. Harvard Club, Boston, MA. 6:17am.

I sit nervously in the lobby, watching a sunny Tuesday come to fruition while the bustling Boston workday begins to awaken. It’s been over two years since I last attended a conference, let alone spoke at a corporate event (you know, the pandemic). And now, with the members of the Ardent Partners team either already in the building or on their way into the venue, I’m about to kick off the very first Future of Work Exchange LIVE executive roundtable event. Under a year ago, we launched the Future of Work Exchange destination site, a go-to, everyday source of workforce, talent, HR, technology, and Future of Work news, resources, insights, and intelligence. Deep breaths.

June 10, 2025. Harvard Club, Boston, MA. 6:43am.

Wow…this is the FOURTH iteration of this event. Let’s rock!

Consider this your Rolling Stone-style prologue to a very special recap of the fourth annual Future of Work Exchange LIVE executive roundtable. The reflections above? They’re not just scene-setting—they’re genuine moments from two very different mornings that bookended something extraordinary.

As I sit here replaying the day—the powerful conversations, the handshakes and hugs, the unforgettable Harvard Club lunch (yes, the Sacchetti purses!), and the unmistakable feeling that something real happened—I can’t help but smile.

So, with that spirit in mind… let’s dive in.

The Future of Work, Established 2025

The anchor of the day’s discussions was unveiled during the welcome address. It has become clear that we’re entering a transformational era—one defined by adaptability, AI-driven collaboration, and reimagined talent strategies. Here’s how I kicked off the event:

🔹 Leadership for the Age of Agility (and Adaptability). Today’s workforce demands leaders who embrace fluidity. The conversation underscored that agility isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a leadership imperative. Organizations that foster adaptable cultures will be best positioned to thrive.

🤖 AI: The Ultimate Workforce Partner. AI is not here to replace human ingenuity—it’s here to elevate it. Thought leaders explored AI’s role as a trusted ally in talent acquisition, workforce planning, and productivity enhancement, reinforcing that strategic adoption is the key to unlocking its full potential.

🔄 Talent Tech Ecosystems (Reimagined). The event highlighted a fundamental shift in how companies build and integrate talent technologies. The ecosystem approach is replacing fragmented solutions, enabling seamless collaboration between platforms, recruiters, and workforce leaders.

🚀 Talent as a Dynamic Asset. Gone are the days of static workforce models. Talent today is fluid, multifaceted, and deeply integrated into business growth. The session reinforced the importance of viewing talent through a dynamic, evolving lens rather than conventional job descriptions.

*Lori Hock (CEO, Opptly) and Craig Coe (SVP Global Customer Success, Beeline) kick off the FOWX Live 2025 event.*

AI in Talent Tech: Enabling a New Era of Hiring

And, not only that, AI is the perfect complement to two major hiring movements today: skills-based hiring and direct sourcing. Opptly CEO Lori Hock and Beeline SVP of Global Customer Success Craig Coe teamed up for a morning panel that focused on the implications of AI, how businesses can trust artificial intelligence, and why AI is the foundational form of automation that will supercharge recruitment, hiring, extended workforce management innovation, etc.

Expert Panel Key Takeaway: Trust AI, deploy AI, leverage AI, and consider it the ultimate workforce partner…in time.

Yes, Direct Sourcing is For Real

For many organizations, direct sourcing is like Santa Claus: some believe wholeheartedly, others remain skeptical, and a few have yet to truly grasp its potential. But one thing is clear—it’s no longer a theoretical strategy; it’s a proven force in modern workforce planning. nextSource’s Deb Bergevine and Adam Klaucke, along with TalentProcure’s Denise Stalker, discussed why direct sourcing is emerging as an essential pillar in workforce agility. And for those still on the fence? The conversation made it clear—embracing direct sourcing isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about future-proofing how organizations attract, deploy, and retain top talent.

Expert Panel Key Takeaway: Direct sourcing is taking longer than anticipated to come to fruition, however, the companies that enable a deliberate approach towards implementing it and using it will reap the rewards.

The Time for Change? Right Now

One of the many highlights of last week’s event was the incredible dynamic between AMS’s Matthew Rodger and RSM’s Lizzie Parnell, who tackled the very-relevant topic of extended workforce management evolution. Matthew spoke about how CW programs must change given the impact and power of the extended workforce (along with why the talent technology ecosystem must also evolve), while Lizzie discussed her vast experience running extended workforce programs and the work, effort, and strategy required to spark a new era of change.

Expert Panel Key Takeaway: With the extended workforce comprising upwards of 50% of the total enterprise talent pool, businesses must act now to push their programs into a new era of value, impact, and innovation.

The Future of Work Awaits

As I wrapped up the day, I couldn’t help but take one final look around the room. What began as a nervous wait in the Harvard Club lobby back in 2022 has blossomed into something far more meaningful than an event series. Future of Work Exchange LIVE has become a movement—a space where ideas ignite, strategies evolve, and leaders connect over a shared ambition to shape what’s next. If this year taught us anything, it’s that the Future of Work isn’t on the horizon—it’s here, unfolding in every thoughtful conversation, every handshake, every bold commitment to rethink what’s possible. Until next year… keep driving the change. Keep leading forward. The future needs us. Now.

(And, to all of those wondering: Sawyer, the Chief Puppy Officer of Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange, was not allowed entry into this year’s event…but we’re working on Harvard Club rules for next year.)

Embracing Change, Unlocking Opportunities: A Recap of the “Future of Work Exchange LIVE” Event

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/15/2023

Did you miss the second annual Future of Work Exchange LIVE Executive Roundtable event? Well, there’s always next year, but, until then, here’s a recap of the day’s festivities.

*Ardent’s SVP of Research (and the Future of Work Exchange’s Managing DIrector), Christopher Dwyer, welcomes a packed room to the second annual Future of Work Exchange Executive Roundtable event.*

My colleague Andrew Bartolini (Ardent Partners’ Chief Research Officer) kicked off Tuesday’s conference and welcomed a packed room to a day filled with innovative insights. After a few minutes defining the Future of Work and setting the scene for the day ahead, Opptly CEO Lori Hock moderated an incredible panel discussion, “The Rising Tide of AI in Talent Acquisition,” that featured the solution’s Head of Operations, Rebecca Valladares, and Sevenstep’s Chief Solutions Officer, Paul Harty.

*Opptly CEO Lori Hock moderates an AI-focused panel discussion with Christopher Dwyer, Paul Harty, and Rebecca Valladares.*

The panel discussed how critical artificial intelligence’s impact could be in the world of talent, especially as attributes such as the candidate experience, hiring manager experience, and the role of recruiter become ever-so-crucial in a volatile labor market. Valladares spoke of the utmost importance of the technology, stating, “Ultimately, recruiters who use AI will replace recruiters who do not use AI.”

*A panel discussion on building direct access to talent, featuring Vanessa Miller (Graphite), Lizzie Parnell (RSM), and Kevin Leete (WorkLLama).*

The day’s second expert panel featured WorkLLama’s Kevin Leete, RSM’s External Workforce Lead, Lizzie Parnell, and Graphite’s VP of Alliances, Vanessa Miller. The panel, “Building Direct Access to Talent,” featured a lively conversation around the myriad ways talent acquisition is changing the ways businesses directly-access top-tier candidates. Parnell spoke about RMS’s unique “Work Your Way: An RSM Opportunity Marketplace” initiative, which prioritizes the candidate experience and encourages hiring managers to diversify their talent acquisition efforts through omni-channel sources of expertise.

*John DeWeerd and Kristen McArdle (HireGenics) join JLL’s Caitlin Klezmer to discuss why the extended workforce is an enterprise’s greatest asset.*

HireGenics’ John DeWeerd (Senior Vice President) and Kristen McArdle (SVP of Client Success), with JLL’s Senior HR Business Partner, Caitlin Klezmer, discussed the impact of today’s extended workforce during the day’s third expert panel, “Why the Extended Workforce Is Your Greatest Asset.” The panel conversed around the contingent workforce’s role during uncertain economic times, its place in the pantheon of flexible workforce strategies, and how agile talent cascades into deeper talent acquisition innovation.

Before capping off the day with an elegant Harvard Club lunch (always a highlight of any event at this prestigious venue), FOWX Live’s attendees gathered for interactive roundtable discussions on topics such as remote and hybrid work, extended workforce management, hiring challenges, and technology strategies.

This exclusive event was dedicated to exploring the Future of Work and addressing the unique challenges presented by the evolving workforce and business landscapes. For the procurement, HR, and talent acquisition executives in the room, this was another invaluable and engaging conference to help better guide them on their Future of Work journeys.

Looking Back on Last Year’s “FOWX LIVE” Executive Roundtable

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 05/22/2023

Today’s article features a recap of last year’s Future of Work Exchange Executive Roundtable conference. Registration is now open for this year’s edition, which will be held on June 13 in Boston at the historic Harvard Club venue. Register now!

In June 2022, Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange hosted “FOWX Live,” an executive roundtable event focused on the core Future of Work topics that are driving business transformation. For many in attendance (including me!), it was the first time attending a live event since before the beginning of the pandemic.

John Healy, founder of Whrrr.work and one of the earliest Future of Work evangelists (and a former workforce solutions executive), kicked off Tuesday’s agenda with a spirited morning keynote that distilled various points of research around the Future of Work. “The way people connect with work is broken” is how John began his keynote address, discussing how the world of work has been transformed and requires new and innovative thinking regarding how businesses connect their projects with open talent-led work models.

FOWX Live featured two engaging panels:

Atrium’s Nancy Maren, Utmost’s Dan Beck, and Sage’s Jessica Wall discussed how the extended workforce has impacted today’s businesses and how modern HR and procurement leaders can effectively harness the power of both VMS and MSP solutions to not only connect the enterprise with top-tier talent, but how to also drive true innovation and agility within extended workforce management.
I joined JLL’s Caitlin Klezmer and WorkLLama’s Kevin Leete for a conversation on perhaps the hottest topic of the day: remote and hybrid work. Caitlin, Kevin, and I discussed how businesses are adapting to fully-remote and hybrid workplace structures, as well as how talent engagement and talent acquisition strategies are shifting to account for the desired flexibility in the candidate pool.

One of the major highlights of FOWX Live was the ability for attendees to converse with each other at “roundtable” sessions on core Future of Work topics, such as remote/hybrid work, contingent workforce management, and technology strategy. These roundtable discussions featured lively discourse around these important areas of the Future of Work movement, and when it came time to “switch” roundtables (attendees could spend 30 minutes each at two different topic-led tables), it was tough for everyone to wrap up the conversations! Truly a highlight of this week’s event.

MA State Rep. Josh Cutler closed out the day as a special guest lunch keynote; Rep. Cutler was a prominent member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Future of Work Commission. He spent the lunch hour discussing the report’s major findings and how they were applicable to both professionals and businesses alike.

John Healy discusses why the way people connect with work is broken.

FOWX Live attendees listen to Christopher J. Dwyer’s opening address.

Jessica Wall, Dan Beck, and Nancy Maren discuss the agility and power of the extended workforce.

FOWX Live attendees spend the afternoon networking and conversing about remote work, contingent workforce management, and technology strategy.

The “FOWX Live” Executive Roundtable Is Back…Join Us In Boston on June 13

Uncategorized by Christopher J. Dwyer on 05/15/2023

Last year, the Ardent Partners team hosted the inaugural Future of Work Exchange LIVE (“FOWX Live”) executive roundtable event, which saw executives from around the globe connect, converse, and network around topics such as the extended workforce, remote and hybrid work, the evolution of talent acquisition, services procurement, etc.

The second annual edition of our exclusive executive roundtable series returns on June 13 in Boston at the historic Harvard Club venue. Join us for an engaging and exciting event in the heart of Boston as we discuss the topics that are driving change in the world of work and talent.

This event will bring together thought leaders and industry experts to explore key topics such as the impact of technology, the changing nature of work, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. Whether you’re looking to optimize your procurement processes, revamp your talent acquisition strategy, or improve your HR practices, this event is for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights that will help you drive success in your organization. Register now to secure your spot at the Future of Work Exchange LIVE executive roundtable event in Boston on June 13. We look forward to seeing you there!

Delivering Innovation and Agility to the Extended Workforce

Contingent Workforce Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/30/2022

The Future of Work Exchange‘s inaugural live event, FOWX Live, was just two weeks ago, but it seems like yesterday that we convened with HR, talent acquisition, and procurement executives to discuss the Future of Work and its many implications on the greater world of work and talent. Amongst the stellar lineup of discussions, keynotes, and presentations, one of the core focal areas for the event was the growth and impact of the extended workforce.

We are excited to share video from our “Delivering Innovation and Agility to the Extended Workforce” panel from the June 14 conference, featuring Sage‘s Jessica Wall, Utmost‘s Dan Beck, and Atrium‘s Nancy Maren:

FOWX Live: A Recap of the Future of Work Exchange Executive Event

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/16/2022

Earlier this week, Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange hosted “FOWX Live,” an executive roundtable event focused on the core Future of Work topics that are driving business transformation. For many in attendance (including me!), it was the first time attending a live event since before the beginning of the pandemic.

First and foremost, FOWX would like to thank Utmost, WorkLLama, and Atrium for their support of this event!

FOWX Live featured two engaging panels:

Atrium’s Nancy Maren, Utmost’s Dan Beck, and Sage’s Jessica Wall discussed how the extended workforce has impacted today’s businesses and how modern HR and procurement leaders can effectively harness the power of both VMS and MSP solutions to not only connect the enterprise with top-tier talent, but how to also drive true innovation and agility within extended workforce management.
I joined JLL’s Caitlin Klezmer and WorkLLama’s Kevin Leete for a conversation on perhaps the hottest topic of the day: remote and hybrid work. Caitlin, Kevin, and I discussed how businesses are adapting to fully-remote and hybrid workplace structures, as well as how talent engagement and talent acquisition strategies are shifting to account for the desired flexibility in the candidate pool.

That’s a Wrap on FOWX Live!

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/15/2022

The Future of Work Exchange held its inaugural live conference yesterday at the Harvard Club in Boston. The event featured engaging panel discussions, exciting keynote speakers, and a lively interaction between HR, procurement, and talent acquisition executives, who discussed best practices, strategies, and solutions for managing the many transformations inherent in the evolving world of work and talent.

Look for a full recap of the event tomorrow here on FOWX. Big thanks goes out to our event sponsors, Utmost, WorkLLama, and Atrium, our fabulous speaker lineup, and of course, everyone who took time to spend a half-day with us yesterday in the heart of Boston!

“FOWX Live” is ONE WEEK AWAY!

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/07/2022

Don’t miss the Future of Work Exchange’s inaugural live event, “FOWX Live,” happening a week from today (June 14, 9:30am to 1:30pm) at the Harvard Club in Boston, MA. If you’re interested in learning more about the strategies required to enhance management of the contingent workforce, distributed teams, remote work, and direct sourcing, this is the event for you! We’ve got a fantastic lineup of speakers and thought leaders, as well as the opportunity for attendees to not only network with each other, but spend time at topic-focused roundtables to discuss hot-button issues in the world of work and talent.

We’re TWO WEEKS Away from FOWX Live!

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 05/31/2022

We’ve been talking about it for the past month and now we’re only a couple of weeks away (two weeks from today, to be exact!). The Future of Work Exchange‘s inaugural executive roundtable live event is on June 14 in downtown Boston at the Harvard Club (Back Bay) and we’d love to see you there.

Are you a procurement executive that wants to better manage the growing complexities of the extended and contingent workforce? Are you an HR leader that is trying to balance the delicate nature of remote and hybrid work along with the many transformations within workplace culture? Or are you a talent acquisition executive that continues to face momentous pressure in light of The Great Resignation and extreme staffing shortages?

“FOWX Live” is the definitive Future of Work-oriented event of 2022 and you are cordially invited to attend this half-day conference, which will include:

Insights and commentary on the transformations within the world of work and talent.
Expert panels that will feature the industry’s brightest minds.
Opportunities to network with like-minded peers and colleagues.
An elegant lunch in one of Boston’s finest venues.