The workplace landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by forces such as artificial intelligence, shifting generational dynamics, and evolving business strategies. In this episode, I sit down with Alex Randall Kittredge, an expert in human resources and the future of work, to discuss the broader implications of these transformations.

Against the backdrop of anemic hiring and increasing automation across industries, we explore what’s driving these changes and what they mean for both employees and employers going forward. Alex explains that while AI is often cited as a reason for job cuts, the true culprit lies in broader economic shifts, corporate behavior, and changing labor market structures.

We also explore the role of AI in workforce management and generational shifts, particularly how Gen Z’s work preferences are disrupting long-standing norms. Alex shares insights on the rise of the gig economy, the decline in employer loyalty, and the growing importance of work-life balance.

You’ll learn

- How AI is reshaping the labor market and business priorities

- Why entry-level hiring is declining and its impact on the talent pipeline

- What’s driving the shift to specialized workers and its impact on hiring

- How employers’ treatment of employees as disposable assets harms both sides

- What the financialization of wages means for job security and corporate culture

- Why Gen Z values flexibility and career autonomy over traditional loyalty

- How to adapt to the rise of side hustles and gig work

- What employers must do to meet Gen Z’s demands and retain top talent

Subscribe to Bradley’s Newsletter:

Join (for free) the only newsletter breaking down global demographic trends into actionable strategies for your business and your community.

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Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P

Get in Touch with Alex Randall Kittredge:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrandallkittredge

Substack: https://alexrandallkittredge.substack.com/

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman:

Substack: https://populationnext.substack.com

Website: https://www.bradleyschurman.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/

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Rural America faces an uncertain future, shaped by a series of interconnected challenges that go beyond the simple ebb and flow of traditional agricultural cycles. As trade policies, weather shifts, and labor shortages converge, the very fabric of U.S. agribusiness is under pressure.

David Turner, an expert in agricultural talent acquisition, explains the state of rural labor markets, where population declines and shifting policies are creating an environment of uncertainty. From executive-level talent struggles to the aging workforce in rural towns, we examine how these disruptions are reshaping the workforce in a sector that feeds millions but now faces its most pressing challenges yet.

David also shares how the next wave of innovators and leaders will shape the industry's future. These leaders are not only adapting to economic pressures but also incorporating technological advances, like automation and AI, to secure the future of food production.

You’ll learn

- The effects of shifting policies, aging populations, and a shrinking workforce

- Why the agricultural sector is entering a cost-cutting phase

- How the population decline in rural America affects agriculture

- How immigration policies impact the future of food security

- AI and automation as solutions to labor shortages in agriculture

- Leadership qualities required in the next generation of agribusiness executives

- How rural communities are responding to depopulation

- Why rural leaders are divided on the future of agriculture

Subscribe to Bradley’s Newsletter:

Join (for free) the only newsletter breaking down global demographic trends into actionable strategies for your business and your community.

Subscribe here → https://populationnext.substack.com/

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P

Get in Touch with David Turner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-turner-24774b1/

Website: https://www.slaytonsearch.com/

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman:

Substack: https://populationnext.substack.com

Website: https://www.bradleyschurman.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/

Energy costs are rising, and it’s not just about paying more for groceries. With more extreme weather events and outdated infrastructure, energy demand is up. But long-duration energy storage could be the solution to making energy more affordable and reliable.

In today’s episode, I'm talking to Julia Souder, CEO of the Long Duration Energy Storage Association. Julia describes how long-duration storage works and how it can help us store excess energy for days, weeks, or even months. She also explains how this technology can lower costs and keep power flowing even when storms knock out the grid.

We discuss the role of regulations, how long-duration storage can improve grid stability, and why it's such a game-changer for communities and businesses. Julia shares her insights into what’s happening now, both in the U.S. and globally, and what the future of energy storage might look like.

You’ll learn

- How long-duration storage can lower energy costs for consumers.

- Why energy storage is essential for grid stability in extreme weather.

- What materials are used in long-duration storage

- How regulations affect energy prices and how policies can help.

- Why a mix of state and federal policies is key for storage expansion.

- How consumers can advocate for energy storage in their communities.

- How countries like Australia and South Africa use long-duration storage

- What the future holds for home-based energy storage solutions.

Subscribe to Bradley’s Newsletter:

Join (for free) the only newsletter breaking down global demographic trends into actionable strategies for your business and your community.

Subscribe here → https://populationnext.substack.com/

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P

Get in Touch with Julia Souder:

LinkedIn: https://be.linkedin.com/in/juliasouder

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman:

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com

Website: https://www.bradleyschurman.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman?sub_confirmation=1