IN THIS EPISODE...

In today's dynamic work environment, blended workforces revolutionize productivity by fusing full-time staff with diverse freelancers, creating unparalleled agility. This approach not only accelerates project delivery but also infuses organizations with fresh perspectives, turning traditional talent acquisition on its head and setting the stage for a flexible, future-ready workforce.

Tony Buffum, VP of HR Client Strategy at Upwork, joins today's conversation. With over 20 years of global HR leadership experience, Tony excels in driving enterprise growth and addressing complex HR challenges. His notable past roles include transformative positions at FLIR Systems and Stanley Black & Decker, and he currently chairs the PEI Human Capital Forum and advises at SemperVirens.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Tony”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Tony Buffum is VP of HR Client Strategy at Upwork. As a vital member of the senior-level executive client strategy team, Buffum is responsible for accelerating the growth of current and prospective Upwork enterprise clients, helping them solve HR challenges related to finance, procurement, and talent transformation. Buffum is an accomplished HR professional with over two decades of experience leading global HR teams and driving transformational change in company culture, organizational design, performance management, and employee integration and engagement.

He joined Upwork after several noteworthy leadership positions, including chief human resources officer (CHRO) at FLIR Systems, VP of global human resources at STANLEY Security, and VP of human resources at Stanley Black & Decker. Alongside his role at Upwork, he serves as Chairperson of the PEI Human Capital Forum. He is the HR Venture Advisor at SemperVirens, an early-stage venture capital fund investing in technology transforming healthcare work and financial wellness.

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1. Why is it challenging for large enterprises to adopt...

IN THIS EPISODE...

Meet Garrett Delph, Founder & CEO of ClarityOps, dedicated to guiding businesses through the intricacies of expansion. With a first-principles approach, ClarityOps identifies the root causes of business challenges, ensuring comprehensive and effective strategies. Garrett and his team develop tailored solutions that eliminate chaos, restore order, and empower businesses with renewed momentum for sustainable growth.

During today's conversation, Garrett explores the power and challenges of a blended workforce, outlines crucial standards for achieving success with this approach, and delves into various other insightful topics!

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Garrett”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Garrett Delph brings over 25 years of experience building multiple globally scalable businesses specializing in high-value, high-profit, and bespoke scalable technology systems managed by human oversight. In his career, which has spanned over a quarter century, Garrett has dedicated 12 years to developing and leading both on-premises and remote international teams.

His core strengths lie in architecting finely tuned organizational cultures, cultivating leadership among management ranks, and driving significant business growth on a large scale.

Garrett is passionate about delivering dependable and repeatable planned operational business results. The benefits of his strategic initiatives include reduced operational expenditures, maximized efficiencies, enhanced organizational transparency, unity, measurable performance improvements, scalability, elevated morale, reduced stress levels, minimized turnover, and substantial margin growth.

He believes fervently in fostering a people-first environment where mutual empowerment and support thrive through a shared commitment to operational and cultural...

IN THIS EPISODE...

This episode unveils a narrative shaped by entrepreneurial spirit and global ambition!

Meet Andy De Silva, a Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Hotel Emporium, Inc. With a background spanning Hospitality, International Trade, and Tech Industries, Andy began his journey in Colombo before moving to the United States to pursue his career. Under his leadership, Hotel Emporium now services 14,000+ hotels and resorts globally, managing worldwide sales, operations, and strategic supplier relationships with over 1,000 vendors and factories.

Today, Andy shares his odyssey from Sri Lanka to pioneering sustainable amenities across 55 countries. Let's discover how he navigates a lean, global workforce—all while shaping the future of guest experiences worldwide!

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “ANDY”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Andy De Silva is a Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur who has founded companies in Hospitality, International Trade, and the Tech Industries. Growing up in Colombo, Andy had a passion for business enterprise and migrated to the States at a young age to pursue his career in hospitality. Shortly after, he co-founded Hotel Emporium, Inc., which services 14,000+ hotels & resorts worldwide today. Andy is responsible for the company's worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end global supply management. His Executive-level experience has amassed strategic supplier relationships of over 1,000+ vendors & factories.

Andy has extensive leadership experience, having opened 20+ international offices, building and structuring operating teams, and expanding the business' reach to over 50 countries. De Silva has 20+ years of manufacturing relations and supply chain management, amassing a network of over 1,000+ manufacturers & suppliers. He holds proprietary global patents for sustainable...

IN THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode features Keith Daser, founder of Deliver Digital. At Deliver Digital, Keith leads initiatives to optimize and manage technology partnerships and expenditures for SMBs and mid-market clients. With over fifteen years of experience in the technology industry, he has honed a passion for developing innovative solutions, bringing them to market, and mobilizing teams to tackle intricate challenges.

Join us as Keith dives into topics ranging from digital transformation strategies to navigating the complexities of AI and security integration, all while sharing insights and debunking myths surrounding these pivotal areas!

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Keith”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Keith is the founder of Deliver Digital, which guides business and IT leaders through the selection, management, and governance of key technology partnerships. This work is reshaping the technology solution provider landscape by helping to reduce cost and duplication, increase collaboration, and implement effective and sustaining governance models.

With 15 years of experience across the technology channel, he has orchestrated significant digital shifts of some of Canada's most progressive companies, led the sustained growth and transformation for one of the nation's largest IT service providers, and brought several new services and products to market.

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1. What are common myths about digital transformation?

2. What are the opportunities in the role of technology in businesses?

3. What challenges do...

IN THIS EPISODE...

This episode features Erica McMannes, the co-founder and Chief People and Community Officer at Instant Teams. Instant Teams is a pioneering customer experience marketplace dedicated to sourcing exceptional diverse talent for companies while championing the empowerment and employment of military spouses through remote work opportunities. With a mission-driven approach, Erica and her team have revolutionized traditional workforce models, leveraging their innovative platform to connect skilled individuals with meaningful roles across various industries.

Join us as Erica shares insights into their journey from startup inception to navigating the evolving landscape of remote work while highlighting the transformative impact of their inclusive hiring practices!

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Erica”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Erica McMannes is the Founder and Chief People & Community Officer of Instant Teams and Twelve Million Plus. She has been a leader in the military community for more than two decades, holding various roles within the Department of Defense and private sector. Before starting Instant Teams, Erica was a consultant for veteran-owned startups in Silicon Valley, specializing in remote team development and management, brand distribution, and content creation.

Erica has been highlighted at HubSpot's INBOUND Conference, Amazon's Women in Operations Leadership Summit, SHRM's Visionary Summit, and is a four-time presenter at the Military Influencer Conference and the Department of Defense's Annual Military Spouse Employment Partnership Summit. Also, she has served terms on non-profit boards, including the Board of Directors for Hampton Roads Start Peninsula and the Board of Directors for Impact100 Greater Peninsula.

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1. How does Instant Teams uniquely integrate military spouses into...

IN THIS EPISODE...

This episode uncovers the transformative power of freelance management solutions (FMS) in navigating the rapidly changing terrain of modern employment. Buckle up as we embark on a journey to explore the evolving landscape of external workforces and the pivotal role Work Suite plays in shaping its future!

Meet Dave Colford, the Chief Customer Officer at Worksuite. As a premier “software as a service” and professional services company, Worksuite is dedicated to empowering the global freelancer, contingent, and influencer workforce. With a background in enterprise-level digital transformations, management turnarounds, and ongoing value creation for companies of all sizes, Dave brings over 25 years of industry experience and a wealth of knowledge to today's conversation.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Dave”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Dave Colford is the Chief Customer Officer of Worksuite, the premier SaaS and professional services company focused on the global freelancer, contingent, and influencer workforces. As an industry leader, Dave has been at the vanguard of enterprise-level digital transformations, management turnarounds, and ongoing value creation for over 25 years. In his private life, Colford is the proud father of five children and an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and the Red Cross. He is also a mentor with the Capital Partners for Education.

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1. Why is there a growing global trend towards freelance or contingent work?

2. What challenges do companies face regarding compliance when managing external workers?

3. How does Work Suite integrate with other platforms within companies?

4. What factors have contributed to younger generations' preference for independent contract...

IN THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode features Donna Parent, the Chief Marketing Officer at Dynamo Software. Dynamo stands at the forefront of innovation, offering a multi-tenant cloud software platform explicitly tailored for the alternative investment sector. Throughout today's conversation, we'll gain invaluable insights into this specialized industry as Donna guides us through her journey.

One of the strategies Donna champions is the use of blended workforces, a concept she mastered early in her career under the mentorship of pioneers. Through Donna's leadership, her team at Dynamo embraces the power of external talent and exemplifies a results-driven mindset that aligns marketing efforts directly with revenue generation. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of marketing in the alternative investment realm and discover how Donna navigates this landscape with finesse and innovation.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Donna”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Donna Parent's passion for marketing began as a love affair with writing. She started in newspaper reporting and saw firsthand the impact of storytelling. When she launched her marketing career, she quickly learned how to multiply that impact by leveraging branding, positioning, and multiple integrated communication strategies and platforms. Tracking that impact has prepared her to be a strategic marketer leading value-added integrated marketing programs that drive business goals and generate positive results for high-tech, emerging software companies.

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1. What is the importance of showing results in marketing?

2. What are the strategies for managing a team through objectives and key results (OKRs)?

3. What are some benefits of using a blended workforce?

4. What defines success in marketing?

5. How can results...

IN THIS EPISODE...

Frustrated by handoffs between teams? Say goodbye to inefficiencies with the 5-step OPTICS™ System!

Meet Ryan Weiss, the visionary president of Effective Performance Strategies, who is pioneering a paradigm shift in business optimization with the groundbreaking Optics System. In our conversation today, Ryan unveils the Optics system's transformative potential, from its inception to its streamlined evolution. He shares how it identifies root causes, resolves pain points, and empowers cross-cultural collaboration. Also, Ryan illuminates the path to business success through innovative processes and values alignment.

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Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Ryan”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

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Ryan Weiss is passionate about engaging with business leaders interested in positively influencing the world and has over 20 years of success leading teams, programs, and operations to drive business results and profitability. His strong appreciation for diverse cultures was gained through extensive international work experience, living in 3 countries, and leading global teams across more than 20 countries.

Ryan earned degrees in Chemistry (uiuc.edu) & Finance (ku.edu), creating a foundation for understanding businesses' technical, leadership, and financial needs to thrive. Throughout his career, he created what is now known as the OPTICS™ System to enable companies to align people & processes for accelerated performance. The OPTICS™ System has been designed as a simple way for leadership teams to align for improved performance. He is currently writing his second book, which is scheduled for release in 2024. The book will allow readers to understand your challenges through a new lens of clarity.

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1. What prompted the evolution of the optics framework?

2. How...