Now to Next with Jason Averbook

A deep look at why massive AI spending often fails to change outcomes. The idea of an 'embodiment gap' explains the split between using tools and truly redesigning work. Measurement pitfalls, psychological barriers, and managerial behavior are explored. The rise of agentic AI and risks like knowledge atrophy and accountability gaps are highlighted.

Heather Jerrehian, Founder and CEO of H22 AI and entrepreneurial futurist focused on human-AI collaboration. She warns that automating entry-level work is eroding future leadership pipelines. They discuss rising Gen Z underemployment, why skills and proof of work now matter more than GPA, a four-dimensional workforce model, and redesigning early-career roles as human-AI apprenticeships.

A look at a new K shaped divide driven by AI fluency that splits people within the same roles. Stories show how AI can multiply output and create hidden performance gaps. Discussion on why traditional reviews and training miss this shift. Calls to rethink hiring, learning, and mindset so teams can embody AI rather than just adopt tools.

Ophir Samson, Founder and CEO of Ezra and former PhD researcher in Applied Mathematics, built a voice AI interviewing platform after work in autonomous vehicles and enterprise tech. He discusses why resumes are failing in an AI age. He explores how voice interviews surface human insight, where AI should and should not be used in hiring, and the ethics, trust, and candidate experience issues that matter most.

In this engaging discussion, Al Dea, Founder of The Edge of Work and former Salesforce consultant, delves into the human side of AI integration in workplaces. He highlights the overwhelming feelings of change fatigue and how our survival instincts often lead to resistance. Al critiques current AI applications focused on efficiency rather than transformative redesign, emphasizing the overlooked role of middle managers. He advocates for curiosity and human skills as critical assets, urging leaders to choose agency over fear in an ever-evolving work environment.

In this timely solo episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook takes on a feeling many people are struggling to name. A sense that the usual paths around education, careers, and work no longer feel clear, especially as families come together during the holidays. Drawing from conversations with executives, parents, students, and mid career professionals, Jason explains why this moment is not about jobs disappearing or people falling behind. It is about the loss of a shared map for how we plan our futures. Questions that once had straightforward answers no longer do. What should I study? Is college still the right choice? Am I behind, or just early? Instead of framing this uncertainty as a problem, Jason reframes it as awareness. A sign that people are paying attention to how work is really changing. He argues that the biggest gap today is not skills. It is agency. The ability to notice what is shifting, make informed choices, and move forward without waiting for permission. Host Bio: Jason Averbook is a globally recognized thought leader, advisor, and keynote speaker focused on the intersection of AI, human potential, and the future of work. He is the Senior Partner and Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy at Mercer, where he helps the world’s largest organizations reimagine how work gets done — not by simply implementing technology, but by transforming mindsets, skillsets, and cultures to be truly digital. Over the past two decades, Jason has advised hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, co-founded and led Leapgen, authored two influential books on the evolution of HR and workforce technology, and built a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the industry. His mission is to challenge leaders to stop seeing digital transformation as an IT project — and start embracing it as a human strategy. Follow Jason Averbook: Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook (0:00) Introduction (2:12) Recent personal experiences and the changing landscape of work and education (6:32) Skills half-life, education system challenges, and AI's impact on work (10:04) Storytelling, agency, and system breakdowns in the job market (14:40) Debating the value of college and viewing careers as experiments (18:01) Learning from different company sizes and changing narratives (20:04) Closing remarks

A deep dive into two major AI reports that signal a fundamental shift in how work gets done. Highlights the invisible rewiring of enterprise workflows and the widening gap between workers who use AI and those who do not. Urgent arguments for HR to redesign jobs, fix data flows, and accelerate momentum so organizations do not fall behind.

Featuring Stephanie Loeck, VP at GPS Ed who expands access to work-based learning, and Alexandra Levit, workforce futurist and author on the future of work. They discuss replacing degree-only thinking with early real-world experience. Short takes on building student agency, aligning schools with employers, scalable models, and urgent shifts in hiring and pathways.

Is the world of work experiencing a normal cycle—or are we in the middle of a true workforce reckoning? In this solo episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook breaks down the four converging forces that are reshaping work faster than organizations can respond: collapsing workforce engagement, real-time job and skills restructuring, and the breakdown of the early-career pipeline. Jason calls this moment the “November 2025 Reckoning”—not because of hype, but because the data, signals, and lived experiences from leaders around the world show that organizations are hitting a wall. And it’s not AI causing the storm; AI is only accelerating cracks that were already forming. Speaking directly and candidly, Jason offers clarity on what’s happening, why it matters, and what leaders must do now to prepare their workforce for what’s coming next. Host Bio: Jason Averbook is a globally recognized thought leader, advisor, and keynote speaker focused on the intersection of AI, human potential, and the future of work. He is the Senior Partner and Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy at Mercer, where he helps the world’s largest organizations reimagine how work gets done — not by simply implementing technology, but by transforming mindsets, skillsets, and cultures to be truly digital. Over the past two decades, Jason has advised hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, co-founded and led Leapgen, authored two influential books on the evolution of HR and workforce technology, and built a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the industry. His mission is to challenge leaders to stop seeing digital transformation as an IT project — and start embracing it as a human strategy. Follow Jason Averbook: Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook (0:00) Introduction (0:06) The November 25 reckoning and the perfect storm in the workforce (1:50) Jobs, skills, and the early career on ramp (3:21) AI as an accelerant and exposing transformation needs (6:13) Breaking down engagement issues and job market evolution (11:51) AI pressure and organizational readiness (15:01) The interconnected ecosystem of work and predictions for the near future (18:46) The cost of skill mismatches and transforming work (21:15) Challenge for the next seven days (22:16) Closing remarks

As technology and AI reshape how organizations work, what happens when we react too late? In this episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook sits down with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, to talk about the danger of waiting for certainty before acting — and how to make sure people don’t become the collateral of change. Drawing on her experience helping organizations rethink HR strategy, operating models, and digital transformation, Alex shares why readiness isn’t about speed alone — it’s about balance, governance, and leading with humanity as technology accelerates. Guest: Alexandra Zea is an HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, where she integrates technology, strategy, and innovation to help organizations evolve the way HR delivers business value. Part of Mercer’s HR Digital Transformation practice, Alex guides clients through digital evolution while shaping the future of HR in a world transformed by AI. She holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership from Temple University, and is passionate about building human-centered, data-driven organizations that thrive through change. Follow Jason Averbook: Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook Follow Alexandra Zea: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdzea/ (0:00) Introduction (1:02) Alex Zea's career shift from print to digital media (4:35) The shift from reactive to proactive in business and HR (6:26) AI's impact on personal and professional life (7:11) Operating models for future HR readiness (10:28) Exploring HR operating model constraints (15:49) AI readiness in HR systems vs. AI absence (17:00) Understanding the evolving technology landscape in HR (19:49) Comparing car engines to AI in HR (21:33) The evolution of HR technology (23:50) Personal growth alongside technology advancements (25:00) Mindset's role in professional development (26:11) Business adaptability and the future landscape (29:15) Strategic actions for CHROs in the digital era (31:40) The importance of daily leadership resets (31:45) Closing remarks