Episode 17 | How Upwork Defines the Multiple Value Propositions of Blended Workforces with Tony Buffum

Blended Workforces at Work

IN THIS EPISODE...

In today's dynamic work environment, blended workforces revolutionize productivity by fusing full-time staff with diverse freelancers, creating unparalleled agility. This approach not only accelerates project delivery but also infuses organizations with fresh perspectives, turning traditional talent acquisition on its head and setting the stage for a flexible, future-ready workforce.

Tony Buffum, VP of HR Client Strategy at Upwork, joins today's conversation. With over 20 years of global HR leadership experience, Tony excels in driving enterprise growth and addressing complex HR challenges. His notable past roles include transformative positions at FLIR Systems and Stanley Black & Decker, and he currently chairs the PEI Human Capital Forum and advises at SemperVirens.

------------

Full show notes, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Tony”)

If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to http://RateThisPodcast.com/blended

Be sure to:

• Check out our website at http://BlendedWorkforcesAtWork
• Follow Karan on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
• Follow SDL on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram

ABOUT SHOCKINGLY DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP (SDL):

This podcast is brought to you by Shockingly Different Leadership, the go-to firm companies trust when needing to supplement their in-house HR teams with contract or interim HR, Learning, and Culture experts to assist with business-critical People initiatives during peak periods of work. Visit https://shockinglydifferent.com to learn more.

-------------

ABOUT TONY BUFFUM:

Tony Buffum is VP of HR Client Strategy at Upwork. As a vital member of the senior-level executive client strategy team, Buffum is responsible for accelerating the growth of current and prospective Upwork enterprise clients, helping them solve HR challenges related to finance, procurement, and talent transformation. Buffum is an accomplished HR professional with over two decades of experience leading global HR teams and driving transformational change in company culture, organizational design, performance management, and employee integration and engagement.

He joined Upwork after several noteworthy leadership positions, including chief human resources officer (CHRO) at FLIR Systems, VP of global human resources at STANLEY Security, and VP of human resources at Stanley Black & Decker. Alongside his role at Upwork, he serves as Chairperson of the PEI Human Capital Forum. He is the HR Venture Advisor at SemperVirens, an early-stage venture capital fund investing in technology transforming healthcare work and financial wellness.

------------

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

1. Why is it challenging for large enterprises to adopt agility?

2. What are the main benefits of having a blended workforce?

3. How does a blended workforce enhance speed and adaptability?

4. How can embracing the access mentality benefit organizations?

5. Why is flexibility and agility necessary for organizations today?

6. What role can AI play in the future of HR?

7. What is the digital transformation gap in HR?

8. How can AI help HR departments adapt to digital transformation?

9. What are the main challenges of transitioning to independent work?

10. How important is self-marketing for independent professionals?

------------

FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:

[02:51] Tony's Personal Life

[04:51] Tony's Journey from Early Career Steps to Becoming a VP at Upwork

[09:24] Adopting Agility in Large Enterprises

[12:12] The Game-Changer of a Blended Workforce

[16:09] Paradigm Shift in Talent Acquisition

[20:51] Embracing Flexibility and Agility in the Modern Workforce

[22:11] AI for Enhanced Productivity

[26:05] Bridging the Digital Transformation Gap in HR

[28:36] Signature Segment: Tony's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Balancing Freedom with the Need for Self-Marketing

[31:48] Signature Segment: Tony's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Strategic Decision Making

[34:15] Explore the Global Talent Marketplace with Upwork!

------------

LINKS FOR TONY:

• Website: upwork.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-buffum-hrexecutive/

------------

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:

Overview: The Lead at the Top of Your Game Leadership Development Experience