The Future of Less Work Starts Here: Meet Nirit Cohen

In this debut episode of TheFutureOf [Less?] Work, host Nirit Cohen introduces herself and the driving force behind this podcast: to explore the evolving nature of work, one question at a time.

Joined by long-time colleague and leadership coach Eran Stern, Nirit shares her journey from a decades-long career at Intel to becoming a recognized thought leader on the future of work. Together, they discuss why the workplace as we know it is being unbundled—by technology, shifting employee expectations, and a changing social contract.

The conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges of this transformation: what it means to let go of outdated systems, embrace flexibility, and focus on purpose-driven work that benefits both individuals and organizations.

Discover why work can no longer be something we simply have to do—and how leaders, managers, and individuals can begin co-creating a win-win future where people want to work because it matters to them.

Whether you’re a senior leader grappling with change, an HR professional rethinking people processes, or someone curious about how work will shape your life, this episode sets the stage for an ongoing exploration of the “future of less work.”

Challenge:

Because I believe we’re co-creating the future of work, one question at a time, I’d like to ask you the same question I ask at the end of every episode:

What is the question you think we should be asking about the future of work?

Please share your thoughts in the comments on this episode. I’ll bring your questions to future guests as we continue piecing together the future of less work—together Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 02:21 Nirit's Journey to Thought Leadership 04:37 Defining Thought Leadership and the Future of Work 07:00 Personal Passion for Workplace Transformation 09:19 Why Launch a Podcast Now? 11:39 Exploring the "Less" in Work 14:04 Redefining Work and Ownership 16:19 Bridging Trends and Leadership 18:38 Learning to Create Culture in a Dispersed World 20:59 The Evolving Social Contract of Work 23:18 Managerial Empowerment in a Changing World 27:44 The Role of HR in Navigating Change 30:05 The Importance of Co-Creation 32:31 Black Elephants in the Room 34:45 Advice for Leaders and Managers 37:09 Preparing the Next Generation 39:31 Networking as a Career Strategy 41:43 Reframing Knowledge and Skills 43:36 Key Question for the Future of Work

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/iu0rO7mgMjk