Josh Drean

Leading in the New Era: Adapting to the Workforce of Tomorrow

Leadership is evolving. In today’s workplace, traditional models of command and control are giving way to approaches rooted in empathy, adaptability, and vision.

Leaders are grappling with unprecedented challenges, technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, and the growing demand for purpose-driven cultures. The stakes are high: the ability to lead effectively in this era of transformation can mean the difference between thriving and falling behind.

In this keynote, Josh Drean challenges leaders to redefine their roles in a rapidly changing world. By embracing change, fostering human-centric leadership, and cultivating cultures of trust and innovation, today’s leaders can guide their teams through uncertainty while inspiring growth and resilience.

Key Focus Areas

• AA Shift in Leadership: Moving from authority-driven to influence-driven leadership to meet the expectations of today’s workforce.
• Navigating Workforce Disruption: How to lead effectively amidst hybrid work, decentralization, and generational shifts in the workplace.
• Building Cultures of Trust and Purpose: Why employees are demanding more from their work—and how leaders can deliver.
• Balancing Technology and Humanity: Integrating AI, Web3, and other technologies without losing sight of the human element in decision-making and collaboration.
• Inspiring Resilience and Growth: How to foster adaptability and innovation in teams, even in times of disruption and uncertainty.

Redefining the Employee-Employer Relationship Through Employee Experience Design

With hybrid work, decentralization, and the rise of the gig economy reshaping how we think about employment, workers today have more options—and more power—than ever before. They demand meaningful work, flexibility, and respect for their contributions. As a result, millions are seeking opportunities that align with their values, leaving organizations scrambling to keep pace.

In this keynote, Josh Drean explores how organizations can thrive by rethinking the employee-employer relationship. Drawing from cutting-edge research and practical experience, Josh provides leaders with tools to design employee experiences that aren’t just engaging, but transformational. By putting people first, organizations can unlock untapped potential, foster innovation, and build cultures that inspire employees to do the best work of their lives.

Let’s make work more human. Together, we can redefine what it means to put people first and design workplaces where employees and organizations thrive.

Key Focus Areas

• The Era of Employee Power: Understanding the shift in workforce expectations and why traditional corporate structures no longer serve today’s employees.
• Employee Experience Design as a Business Imperative: How EXD influences retention, productivity, and organizational performance.
• Practical Strategies for Creating Meaningful Employee Experiences: From effective onboarding to fostering work-life balance, this session provides tools to elevate the employee journey.
• Leveraging Human-Centric Technology: How organizations can integrate tools that enhance connection, streamline processes, and empower teams to thrive.

The Era of Human+: Amplifying Human Potential Through AI

AI has the power to take on repetitive, mundane tasks, freeing people to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and human connection. Yet, many organizations misstep by viewing AI solely as a replacement for human labor, focusing on cost-cutting instead of growth.

In this keynote, Josh Drean redefines the relationship between humans and AI, showing how organizations can harness this technology to augment, rather than replace, human potential. By creating systems that enhance adaptability, creativity, and innovation, leaders can bridge the gap between the rapid pace of technological advancement and the irreplaceable value of the human touch. This session challenges leaders to move beyond automation for efficiency and instead embrace AI as a tool for amplifying human capabilities to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation.

Key Focus Areas

• AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement: The role of AI in enhancing human skills and decision-making rather than replacing jobs.
• Real-World Case Studies: Exploring how leading organizations are leveraging AI to drive better outcomes for both employees and businesses.
• Transforming Employee Experience Through AI: How AI tools can immediately and tangibly improve the way people work by reducing friction and enhancing engagement.
• Balancing Technology with Humanity: Ensuring that AI adoption aligns with organizational values and prioritizes the human touch.

Future Shock: How Emerging Tech Will Radically Change the Way We Work

This keynote dives into critical trends reshaping employment.

The tools of tomorrow will amplify human potential, from collaborating in virtual spaces through digital avatars, to managing transactions transparently on the blockchain. Those who embrace these technologies—and the manner in which people want to work — will unleash unprecedented levels of productivity and innovation. Conversely, those who remain tethered to outdated work patterns risk losing out on the best talent, and even becoming obsolete.

Key Focus Areas

• Emerging Technologies Redefining Work: Explore how AI, blockchain, and Web3 are not just disrupting industries but also reshaping job roles, organizational structures, and employee expectations.
• Decentralization and Autonomy: Understand the rise of decentralized work models and the growing demand for flexible, purpose-driven careers that empower employees to take control of their professional lives.
• Human-Centric Innovation: Learn how to harness technology as a tool to amplify human potential, enhance collaboration, and create meaningful employee experiences without losing sight of the human element.
• Navigating Workforce Disruption: Gain insights into managing the challenges of hybrid work, generational shifts, and the increasing need for adaptability and continuous learning in a fast-evolving landscape.
• Ethics and Accountability in Tech Integration: Address the ethical implications of deploying emerging technologies, from ensuring data privacy and algorithmic fairness to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.