Future of Work Visionary | Co-founder of Work3 Institute | HR Transformation & AI Expert | International Keynote Speaker | Co-author of Employment is Dead (HBR, 2025)
MEET JOSH
Josh Drean is Co-founder & Senior Partner at The Work3 Institute, and Co-author of Employment is Dead (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025). He is an HR Transformation and AI expert who marries web3 technologies with workplace strategies. As Co-founder of The Work3 Institute, a research, and consulting agency focused on human-centric digital transformation, Josh’s aim is to help companies thrive in the rapidly changing world of work. Josh’s work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist and he has made appearances on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business. He speaks internationally to bring workforce trends to digital-first leaders. Josh earned his undergraduate degree in I/O psychology and a masters degree at Harvard University, where he incubated and sold an HR Tech startup pioneering sentiment analysis in real-time.
TOPICS
ThrivE Through Disruption: How Leaders Boldly Stay Ahead in the Rapidly Changing Era OF AI
LEADERSHIP + AI + FUTURE OF WORK
AI is reshaping every industry, every business model, and every competitive advantage you thought was secure. The leaders who win the next decade are the ones who learn to harness the power of emerging technologies. In this electrifying keynote, Future of Work strategist and HBR Press author, Josh Drean, shows your audience how to move past incremental thinking and practically embrace AI-driven transformation with clarity and confidence at the speed you need to embrace. Drawing from global research, executive advisory work, and real-world case studies from the world’s most innovative organizations, Josh reveals the emerging technologies that matter now, and the mindset leaders need to implement them before they’re outpaced. He translates cutting-edge trends into simple, actionable strategies any organization can use to accelerate growth and increase resilience to unlock next-level performance. Josh brings an energetic, story-rich delivery shaped by his background as a performer and international keynote speaker, creating a dynamic experience that keeps audiences laughing and thinking differently about what’s possible. Attendees walk away with a blueprint they can act on immediately, equipped to make smarter decisions to empower their teams and build an organization capable of thriving through whatever comes next. Audience Takeaways: 1. How to spot and capitalize on emerging trends before competitors do 2. A simple framework for integrating AI and other disruptive technologies 3. Why adaptability, not efficiency, is the new currency of high-performing organizations 4. How to build teams and cultures that remain resilient under pressure 5. Clear next steps to lead confidently through the next wave of change This keynote is ideal for: C-suite leaders, executives, industry associations, innovation teams, HR leaders, operations leaders, and any organization preparing for the future of work.
THE ERA OF HUMAN+ Leveraging AI to Augment Human Potential at Work
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Generative AI has the ability to create and accelerate data driven decision-making. This shift brings new opportunities and challenges, but embracing change will help to drive better creativity, strategic thinking, and efficiency. AI has the power to relieve us from tasks that are mundane and repetitive, but to replace humans with automation is a fundamentally flawed approach for many companies who focus solely on the bottom-line rather than the potential for top-line growth. In this keynote, Josh reveals that by focusing on systems that amplify, rather than replace human capabilities, we can bridge the gap between the speed of technology and the pace of human adaptability. AI isn’t here to render us redundant; rather, it supercharges our capacity to do work that requires the human touch. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this keynote, participants will understand how to use AI as a force multiplier for human potential and leave equipped with actionable strategies to implement in their organizations. 1. Understanding the Role of AI in Enhancing Human Potential Attendees will explore how AI can eliminate repetitive tasks and empower employees to focus on higher-value work that requires creativity, empathy, and innovation. This includes real-life examples of how AI tools are driving growth and transformation across industries. 2. Frameworks for AI-Driven Decision Making and Employee Experience Leaders will learn practical frameworks for using AI to make data-driven decisions while improving employee experience. This includes ways to leverage AI tools to streamline processes, personalize work experiences, and foster organizational culture. 3. Actionable Strategies for AI Adoption Participants will leave with a clear plan for integrating AI into their organizations, including how to balance automation with the human touch, prioritize ethical considerations, and align AI strategies with business objectives.
Your Competitive Advantage: Making Work MORE HUMAN + MORE DIGITAL
HR TECH
The future of work demands more than incremental improvements—it requires a reimagination of how we connect, collaborate, and innovate. In this keynote, Josh makes the case that emerging technologies are catalysts for deeper human connection and more meaningful work. By integrating these principles into HR tech and people operations, organizations can create environments where employees feel truly valued, trusted, and engaged. This session offers a compelling roadmap for using these emerging technologies to enhance workplace culture, improve employee satisfaction, and secure a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. DEEPLY CONNECTED WORKPLACES WILL THRIVE IN THE FUTURE OF WORK Disruptive technologies are poised to transform HR tech and people operations by enabling unprecedented levels of transparency, accountability, and autonomy. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this keynote, participants will understand the transformative potential of Web3 and decentralized technologies and leave equipped with actionable strategies to enhance people operations and workplace culture. 1. Understanding Web3 and Its Impact on People Operations Leaders will learn the core concepts of decentralized technologies and their implications for HR tech, including how these tools enhance transparency, trust, and collaboration in the workplace. 2. Strategies for Improving Employee Satisfaction and Engagement Attendees will gain practical insights into how Web3 technologies can foster autonomy, improve work-life balance, and strengthen employee loyalty. This includes real-world examples of organizations leveraging these tools to drive meaningful change. 3. Implementing Decentralized Solutions in HR Tech Participants will explore frameworks for integrating Web3 into people operations while addressing key challenges such as privacy, security, and organizational readiness. They’ll leave with an actionable plan to embrace these technologies responsibly and effectively.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JOSH DREAN