Weird Unicorns, AI, and the TBD Career: The Future of Work - with David Armano

Is it wrong to be future-focused in your career? At what price should you pursue innovation or push boundaries in your organization? Are you aware that there could be a growing urgency gap between you and your employer that may eventually be too wide to cross?
In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle sits down with award-winning communications and marketing strategist, CX-UX-DX innovator, social media OG, and quite possibly one of the originators of the field of integrated marketing and communications as we know it, David Armano. A self-described "weird unicorn" currently serving a to-be-determined term as CEO of TBD, David shares his evolved perspective on the present and future of work in today's ever-changing career landscape. Together, he and Dan tackle the challenges and opportunities that arise from balancing future-focused innovation with present-day realities. David shares his unique insights on career transitions, the impact of generative AI on entry-level roles, and the implications of an increasingly multi-generational workforce.
Digging into what it means to be CEO of TBD, they address the cultural shifts redefining the workplace and how professionals can and should leverage AI to stay relevant - not to mention enhance productivity and creativity. Their conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the need for a historical perspective in understanding current trends and preparing for future challenges. From the rise of the contingent workforce to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's unpredictable and occasionally ageist environment.
Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of technology and adapt to the changing demands of workers of all stripes. Don't miss this extremely relevant discussion that challenges conventional thinking and will inspire you to take control of your professional journey.

Listen in and hear about...
Balancing future-focused thinking with present-day priorities in marketing and communications. Navigating career transitions and the concept of being the "CEO of TBD." The impact of generational differences on workplace dynamics, especially with Gen Z's unique work attitudes. AI's role in transforming entry-level tasks and its implications for the workforce. The evolving nature of work, including the rise of fractional roles and the contingent workforce. The importance of historical perspective in adapting to technological and societal changes. Opportunities for expanding roles in communications through AI and data-driven insights.
Notable Quotes
On Leadership Under Pressure:
"I've noticed the best leaders always do well under pressure. That's how you tell if you ever want to know the difference between, like, a really good leader and a not so good leader, watch them when things are not going well for them."
- David Armano [00:17:05 → 00:17:20]
On Navigating Career Changes:
"I think it's a healthy experience to go through, to go through a crisis of some kind in your life, and it sucks when it happens to you and you're suddenly without an employer or without a lifeline or without a safety net or whatever motivates you."
- Dan Nestle [00:17:54 → 00:18:10]
On Grief and Growth:
"Grief is both ugly and beautiful. It's ugly in the sense that it's painful... But there's a lot of gifts that do come with grieving."
- David Armano [00:20:59 → 00:22:20]
On Ageism in the Workplace:
"Age is actually sort of, you know, in most white collar cultures, it's something they kind of want to stay away from because of everything that we're talking about, because it's the one acceptable ism in the world of white collar work."
- David Armano [00:28:31 → 00:28:45]
On the Evolution of Work:
"The thing is, though, that there are so many, there's so much happening around us now that I think that the nature of work and the nature of this framework that almost all of corporate America at least functions within, which is that you age out, it's got to change, and it's changing in some places, but it really needs to change."
- Dan Nestle [00:31:38 → 00:31:54]
On AI and Entry-Level Work:
"AI does what likes, like someone coming into the workforce with no experience or very little experience. The tasks that you would give to those employees is what AI excels at."
- David Armano [00:35:20 → 00:35:30]
On the Future of Work:
"It's never been such a good time to be a CEO of TBD."
- David Armano [00:42:28 → 00:42:31]
On the Role of AI:
"One thing that AI is great at and should get better at is that is that first draft, that first draft of a business plan, that first draft of any written communication, that first draft of a data, to use...