Michael interviews Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward and former Google and Slack executive, about AI and the future of work through a human-centered lens. Elliott explains how his Future Forum research on workplace flexibility evolved into AI-focused advising, arguing that technology and policies are tools and the real work is alignment, culture, and motivating diverse teams. They discuss research showing most leaders say AI speeds work but few can prove ROI, often due to output over outcomes, poor goal alignment, and “AI work slop.” Elliott shares examples from Zapier, Guild, and Anthropic using outcome scorecards, training, leadership participation, and pathways for roles. They warn against performance-review metrics tied to AI usage and emphasize team-based learning, empathy, time for training, and listening to employees.

Timestamps:
00:24 Welcome and Setup
01:23 Meet Brian Elliott
02:07 From Remote to AI
03:44 Culture Over Tools
05:24 AI ROI and Alignment
07:56 Approach Goals and Pathways
11:09 Engagement and Meta Backlash
13:45 Gen X Leadership Moment
17:18 Practical Catch Up Tactics
19:23 Performance Reviews Trap
22:15 Expertise Identity and Judgment
25:50 Empathy Time and Training
29:50 Future of Transformation
32:17 Key Takeaways and Wrap
34:08 Closing

Connect with Brian:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliott/
https://theworkforward.substack.com
https://www.workforward.com

Michael's National Workforce Study on Change Management:
https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/research