“Jobs are just a silly phase work is going through.”This is a quote from Rishad Tobaccowala, this week’s guest on the DesuckifyWork® podcast. I love the quote—because it reframes what we’re all experiencing right now in a provocative way. Work and jobs are uncoupling—the stable nine to five is becoming a hodgepodge of freelance, gig work and side hustles. It’s how we work now and the trend is accelerating.

Historically, jobs are a blip on the work timeline. An Industrial Revolution creation to make sure widgets got made reliably and at scale. Before then, we had farmers and craftspeople. So what’s next?

Rishad believes we’re shifting back towards decentralized tasks. And he sees a fractional model as the best way for workers and companies to manage this. Pay folks for 50, 60 or 70% of their time, throw in some benefits and get consistent access to the skills you need. On the flip side, individuals get a stable foundation and room to explore whatever lights them up.

I’m a huge fan of this idea. And I’m genuinely shocked it’s not more prevalent, especially in the ad agency world. Look around on LinkedIn and you’ll see some of the most talented folks the business has ever seen with “open to work” banners on their profile pics. Imagine how much better our work could be if we tapped into that talent.

Rishad is a very smart man. He’s an author, podcast host and advisor to some top agencies. We touched on a bunch of topics related to the future of work. My biggest takeaway? We need strong leadership more than ever. And we need to remember that the best leadership is creative, curious and optimistic.

We can do great things. And we’ve never been in a better position to do so than right now.

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Welcome to the DesuckifyWork® podcast. The show where we cut through the BS and find ways to make work more fun, more human and less ridiculous. All of which makes your business more profitable, by the way.

(If you enjoy this one, please like, share, rate, review or subscribe to the podcast.)

Let the desuckifying begin.

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You can follow Rishad on LinkedIn and check out rishadtobaccowala.com to learn more about his work. Add /100 to that URL to see a curated view of his substack writing. And take a look at rishad.substack.com to see more.

If you enjoyed the conversation and would like to explore what a more human work culture could look like, I invite you to schedule a free half-hour discovery session. Type “meow” in the calendar invite and I’ll also send you a free DesuckifyWork® t-shirt!

Bye, everyone!

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Bonus question from Rishad:Why should you not think that the future is going to be far better versus far worse? Build the case for optimism. Would you be more better off living today than 20 years ago?