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 your example, like first draft, the data analysis, it's really good at that."

— David Armano [01:00:14 → 01:00:30]

🎙️ Introduction and Career Reflection (00:00 - 11:37)

• Daniel Nestle introduces the podcast and the guest, David Armano
• Discussion on the challenge of balancing future-thinking with present needs in communications
• David's background in integrated communications and marketing
• Reflection on David's first layoff experience

💼 Career Transitions and Workforce Trends (12:02 - 23:13)

• David's experience as 'CEO of TBD' after leaving a startup
• Discussion on the changing nature of work for Gen X professionals
• Exploration of hybrid work models and their impact on different generations
• Emphasis on the need for adaptability in the face of employment uncertainty

🔄 AI and the Future of Work (24:45 - 34:38)

• Analysis of AI's impact on entry-level work and its role as a virtual intern
• Discussion on the changing dynamics of hiring and team structures due to AI
• Exploration of how AI can enable professionals to expand their roles and skills

👥 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace (35:58 - 45:56)

• Examination of different generational attitudes towards work, especially Gen Z
• Discussion on the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce
• Analysis of how hybrid work models affect different age groups differently

🚀 Evolving Roles in Communications and Marketing (46:05 - 58:01)

• Exploration of how AI is changing traditional roles in communications and marketing
• Discussion on the need for professionals to become 'spectacular' at their craft
• Analysis of how AI can help professionals expand their skillsets and roles

🔍 Historical Perspective and Future Outlook (59:15 - 01:06:56)

• Emphasis on the importance of learning from historical technological revolutions
• Discussion on balancing the potential benefits and societal impacts of new technologies
• Encouragement to view current changes through the lens of past transformations

🧠 Final Thoughts and Career Advice (01:07:54 - 01:12:58)

• Emphasis on being an observer and synthesizing information for decision-making
• Discussion on the importance of balancing detailed work with big-picture thinking
• Encouragement to be curious and inquisitive in navigating career changes

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)