

Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan
Jacob Morgan
The future of work isn't coming. It's already here — and it's moving fast. Future Ready is the podcast for leaders who want to stay ahead of AI, workplace transformation, and the forces reshaping how organizations operate and compete. Hosted by Jacob Morgan, futurist and bestselling author, this is where strategy meets reality.
Every week, two formats in one feed: honest, unfiltered conversations with the CEOs, CHROs, and senior executives actually building the future of work — and sharp, no-fluff daily briefings that take the most important developments in artificial intelligence, AI agents, leadership, hybrid work, and organizational strategy and tell you exactly what they mean for your business.
No hype. No filler. Just the insights, frameworks, and real-world playbooks that help you lead smarter, build resilient teams, and make better decisions in a world that won't slow down.
If you're serious about leading what's next — this is your podcast. Subscribe to Future Ready wherever you listen.
Every week, two formats in one feed: honest, unfiltered conversations with the CEOs, CHROs, and senior executives actually building the future of work — and sharp, no-fluff daily briefings that take the most important developments in artificial intelligence, AI agents, leadership, hybrid work, and organizational strategy and tell you exactly what they mean for your business.
No hype. No filler. Just the insights, frameworks, and real-world playbooks that help you lead smarter, build resilient teams, and make better decisions in a world that won't slow down.
If you're serious about leading what's next — this is your podcast. Subscribe to Future Ready wherever you listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2023 • 47min
How to Attract and Engage Talent in a New World of Work: Insights from RGP CEO Kate Duchene
My interview today is with Kate Duchene, the CEO of RGP, a global consulting firm with over 4,500 team members. Kate originally started off her career as a litigator where part of her job was to know everything. As a leader, she had to shift from knowing everything to knowing who to go to when she needed help, this is something a lot of leaders struggle with today. In our conversation we look at what is going on in the world of work today, specifically if people even want to work anymore and if we have lost our respect and drive for working. We also look at the role that vulnerability plays at work, the changing stereotype of leadership, and the big trends that Kate is paying attention to. ------------------ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 14, 2023 • 18min
Embracing Vulnerability and Purpose with Former Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly
In the second part of my conversation with Hubert Joly, the former CEO of Best Buy and author of "The Heart of Business, we delved into Hubert's transformation from a young executive into a visionary leader, the crucial role vulnerability plays in leadership, and the life-changing moment that shifted his perspective on both life and work. Hubert imparts valuable advice for future leaders, emphasizing that "the best leaders don't climb to the top, they are carried to the top." Uncover the essence of heart-centered leadership and the significance of finding meaning and purpose in our professional and personal lives. Make sure to listen to this insightful interview today! _______________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 13, 2023 • 18min
How Hubert Joly Revitalized Best Buy by Putting People First
In this episode of the show, I talk to Hubert Joly, the man who turned around the fortunes of Best Buy. Learn how he defied conventional business wisdom by prioritizing people and customers, ultimately revitalizing the company. Hubert shares his four levers of a successful turnaround and explains why he considers cost reduction a last resort. You'll walk away inspired by Hubert's unique approach to leadership and tackling business challenges. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation – listen to the full interview now! _______________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 12, 2023 • 14min
Navigating Change and Fostering Inclusion as a Leader
In the concluding segment of my chat with Kate Johnson, former president of Microsoft US, she emphasizes the value of maintaining informal advisors from diverse teams and departments to offer sincere feedback. Kate shares some memorable experiences, such as witnessing 1,000 individuals applauding a speaker discussing racism, which inspired her to foster more conversations about inclusion. She also delves into her biggest business failure, her most embarrassing moment, and her proudest accomplishments. Additionally, she mentions her favorite books, her most influential mentor, and a possible alternative career path. Join us in this thought-provoking conversation to gain insights from Kate's experiences and reflections on leadership and personal development. ______________________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 11, 2023 • 14min
Juggling Family, Career, and Leadership Tips from Microsoft's President U.S.
In this episode, Kate Johnson, former president of Microsoft in the United States talks about her journey as a female leader in the corporate world. We delve into the significance of family support, striking the right balance between personal and professional roles, and embracing your true self. Kate shares her invaluable advice for female leaders to navigate the business landscape with patience and determination. Tune in to gain insights into the unique challenges faced by women in leadership positions and how to surmount them. __________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 10, 2023 • 44min
Understand Your Identity And Control How You Show Up: Lessons From A Rocket Scientist
In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Ozan Varol, an accomplished author, and professor who was once a rocket scientist. Ozan's previous book "Think Like a Rocket Scientist" was highly acclaimed, and his latest book "Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary," explores the importance of carving out your own path and understanding your identity. We discuss the reasons behind Ozan's latest book, and the hindrance of creativity in students by educators. Ozan shares his thoughts on separating identity from beliefs and the importance of understanding oneself to create their own path. We also discuss the different approaches to pursuing one's passion, and the significance of curiosity. ------------------ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 7, 2023 • 14min
The Power of Authenticity and Competence in Leadership
In today's episode, we are continuing our conversation that I had with David Novak, the former CEO of Yum Brands. In this part of my conversation with David, we delve into the significance of connecting with people and being open about one's personal experiences and struggles. David shares that he openly discusses his family struggles and personal challenges at work. He emphasizes the importance of revealing your personal side to others, which helps them see you as a human being, not just a company leader. David also talks about the necessity of being competent in your job and earning the right to lead. He believes that empowerment isn't simply given to people, but rather earned through demonstrating functional expertise and the ability to handle the responsibilities that come with a position. ______________________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 6, 2023 • 15min
How David Novak Prioritizes Frontline Employee Recognition
In today's episode, we are revisiting a conversation that I had with David Novak, the former CEO of Yum Brands. David and I talked about a variety of topics related to leadership, culture, and the future of work. One key theme that emerged was the importance of recognition in creating a positive workplace culture. David shared how he implemented a recognition program at Yum! Brands that encouraged employees to recognize and celebrate their colleagues' achievements. This program not only boosted morale and engagement but also contributed to the company's bottom line. We also talked about the future of work and how technology is changing the way we work. David highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies and using them to drive innovation and growth. ________________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 5, 2023 • 19min
Netflix's Radical Approach to Talent and Feedback
This episode is the last part of my interview with Erin Meyer, a professor at INSEAD and the author of the book "No Rules Rules" which is all about the innovative culture at Netflix. One of the most interesting aspects of this culture is the emphasis on candor and feedback. Erin explained how the company values honest feedback and encourages employees to be candid with each other, even if it means pointing out weaknesses or areas for improvement. Erin also shared some insights into the company's other unique policies, such as no KPIs and no management by objectives. While these may seem counterintuitive to traditional business practices, they actually help create a more flexible and agile organization that can quickly pivot and adapt to new challenges. ___________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Apr 4, 2023 • 17min
The Three Pillars of Netflix's Culture
This is the second part of my interview with Erin Meyer, a professor at INSEAD and the author of the book "No Rules Rules" which is all about the innovative culture at Netflix. Erin shares her insights into the three pillars that make up Netflix's culture: talent density, candor, and freedom. She explains how Netflix hires rockstars and pays them more to increase talent density, encourages candid feedback among employees to improve communication and decision-making, and removes traditional management controls like vacation and travel policies to give employees more freedom. We also discuss the challenges of balancing transparency with confidentiality and maintaining a sense of teamwork without job security. Erin shares examples of how other companies can adopt these principles and make them work for their own organizational culture. ________________________ Get ad-free listening, early access to new episodes and bonus episodes with the subscription version of the show The Future of Work Plus. To start it will only be available on Apple Podcasts and it will cost $4.99/month or $49.99/year, which is the equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.


