David Chestnut is a Principal Director of Human+AI Talent Strategy. In this episode, David joins Al to explore how AI is changing the relationship between human expertise, effort, and work itself. Drawing on his experience helping organizations adopt AI, David explains why AI is not a technology adoption challenge but a human capability challenge. During this conversation, David shares insights on developing judgment, expertise, and critical thinking in an era where outputs are increasingly easy to generate, and discusses the implications for early-career talent, learning and development, and organizational design.

David also explores why authenticity, trust, and uniquely human perspectives may become even more valuable as AI-generated content becomes more widespread.

Links

• David’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchestnut/
• David’s Medium Page: https://medium.com/@chestnut.david

Robin Barbacane is the Head of Talent Development and Workforce Transformation at Rackspace. In this episode, Robin joins The Edge of Work to discuss what it takes to move beyond AI experimentation and drive enterprise-wide workforce transformation. She shares how Rackspace has approached becoming an AI-first organization, including the development of AI-powered solutions, employee-led innovation programs, and new operating models designed to embed AI into everyday work.

During the conversation, Robin also explains why successful AI adoption is fundamentally a change management challenge, how HR can play a more strategic role in transformation, and why organizations should focus on developing new ways of thinking and working rather than simply deploying new tools.

Links

• Robin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbarbacane/

Kelly Monahan is an Author, Speaker and Researcher. She is the Co-Founder of Beyond The Desk, where she researches the intersection of AI, leadership, and the future of work. In this episode, Kelly shares her perspective on how organizations are navigating the growing gap between AI investment and measurable business value.

She shares insights from her work with executives and boards, including why many organizations lack a clear AI strategy, how leadership behaviors influence adoption, and what it will take to unlock value beyond individual productivity gains. Kelly also explores the changing nature of careers, the challenges facing early-career talent, and why organizations may need to rethink leadership and even the purpose of business as AI continues to reshape work.

Links

• Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-monahan-ph-d-18879413/
• Beyond the Desk: https://www.beyondthedesk.com/

Melody Wilding is the Author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. In this episode, Melody and Al explore why managing up is not about pleasing your boss, but about creating the clarity, influence, and support you need to do your best work. She shares practical strategies for navigating workplace relationships, aligning priorities, setting boundaries, building visibility, and taking ownership without overstepping.

Links

• Melody’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/
• Melody’s Website: https://melodywilding.com/
• Melody’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psychology-at-work-career-success-leadership-communication/id1762458121
• Managing Up: https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Up-What-People-Charge-ebook/dp/B0CXLSH6Y6/

Dr. Jerry Kane is a Professor at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. In this episode, Jerry joins The Edge of Work Podcast to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, learning, and leadership faster than most organizations can keep up.

Drawing on his work with students and executives, he shares why artificial intelligence is less about technology and more about building an entrepreneurial mindset that helps people experiment, adapt, and create value. Jerry also explains how organizations can move beyond fear and hype to build real AI fluency, why human skills will become even more valuable as automation grows, and what leaders can do now to help their teams prepare for what comes next.

Links

• Dr. Kane’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldckane/
• Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-take-jobs-question-misses-whats-actually-happening-gerald-kane-bssce/?trackingId=Ychj1h8FRAGHafoDDSbv4w%3D%3D

Charlene Li is the Author of Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success. In this episode, Charlene joins Al to break down what it really takes for organizations to move beyond AI experimentation and start creating real business value. She explains why companies should stop thinking about AI as a separate strategy and instead use it to strengthen their existing business goals. Charlene also shares practical advice on building AI fluency across teams, avoiding common adoption traps, and helping leaders guide their organizations through change.

Links

• Charlene’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleneli/
• Charlene’s Book: https://winningwithaibook.com/

In this solo episode of the Edge of Work, host Al Dea shares his perspective on what it means to lead through uncertainty in a world of work that refuses to stand still. Drawing from his research and work with leaders across industries, Al explores why traditional playbooks are falling short and what it takes to navigate constant change with confidence. He breaks down five key behaviors for leading at the edge of work, from focusing on your highest value contributions to building relationships, developing earned insight, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. This episode offers a practical framework for leaders who want to adapt, grow, and help shape what comes next.

Links

• Al Dea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsaldea/
• Al Dea’s Website: https://www.al-dea.com/

JD Dillon is a Speaker, Technologist, and Author of The Frontline Enablement Playbook, a new book focused on helping organizations better support frontline and deskless workers. In this conversation, JD shares why frontline managers are some of the most important and overlooked people in the workplace. He unpacks the challenges they face every day, from constant unpredictability to limited support, and explains why traditional leadership development often misses the mark. Finally, JD also explores what organizations can do differently to better enable frontline teams, build stronger workplace communities, and create environments where people can thrive.

Links

• JD’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jddillon/
• JD’s Book: https://jddillon.com/frontlinebook/