The Independent Workforce

“Big consultancies feel safe, but often you’re just paying for a polished version of the same thinking.”In this episode, we discussed how the flexible workforce is reshaping modern business and how shifting from a “vendor mindset” to a “partner mindset” unlocks speed, expertise, and real competitive advantage, in particular:👉 The real difference between freelancers, contractors, and fractional leaders.👉 How freelancers bring “external intelligence” into your business.👉 The truth about agencies vs. freelance teams.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Jamie Read, a founder of BriteBirch Collective, a global consultancy built on the power of freelance talent, a fractional CMO with 20 years of experience helping brands grow through flexible, high-impact marketing leadership, and a true champion of the future of work helping companies scale with curated freelance talent while empowering independent professionals to build sustainable businesses.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Jamie and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjamieread/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Jamie Read(01:09) Fractional vs Freelance(02:25) Flexible Workforce Terms(05:02) Freelancer Skill Ladder(07:50) Where To Find Talent(09:26) Business Sizes And Barriers(14:47) Freelancers As Superpowers(15:46) Procurement Versus HR(19:21) Why Big Firms Feel Safer(24:20) Layoffs To Freelance(26:31) Contracts And Cybersecurity(29:32) Freelancing Risks(32:46) Building Reliable Teams(36:00) Three Step Hiring System(38:18) Advice For Both Sides#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Freelancers aren’t a risk to your business. The real risk is not knowing how to work with them. The companies that figure this out early will win access to the best talent in the world.”In this episode, we discussed how companies and freelancers can successfully collaborate in a rapidly evolving, compliance-driven, outcome-focused future of work, in particular:👉 Why top talent is choosing independence over full-time roles.👉 How compliance becomes a strategic advantage, not just a legal necessity.👉 The hidden risks of misclassifying freelancers (and how to avoid them).Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Jeff Nugent, a global contingent workforce strategist, managing editor at Contingent Workforce Strategies, Linkedin's Largest Community of HR, procurement and contingent workforce professionals, one of the leading voices in independent contractor compliance and the founder of Independently.ai, the world’s first Compliance-as-a-Service platform for independent talent, who has spent decades helping enterprises manage billions of dollars in contract, freelance, and temporary workforce spend while turning compliance and risk into strategic advantage.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Jeff and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffnugent/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Jeff Nugent(02:13) Y2K and enterprise scaling(03:20) Internet era and compliance focus(05:13) Future of work and AI(08:50) Shift from hours to outcomes(10:11) Company blockers control and compliance(15:44) Misclassification and contractor tests(21:30) How to work productively together(24:23) Who owns onboarding inside companies(28:49) Three-step freelancer system(31:30) Advice for companies and freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“If you don’t invest in how freelancers experience your company, you’re not just losing talent. You’re losing time, money, and future opportunities you don’t even see.”In this episode, we discussed how companies and freelancers can work better together by shifting from “plug-and-play hiring” to building trusted, human-centered, long-term collaboration systems, in particular:👉 How building a trusted freelance network reduces costs and increases quality.👉 Why freelancer experience directly impacts productivity and creativity.👉 Simple steps companies can take today to become “freelance-friendly”.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Matthew Knight, an independent strategist who has worked with brands like LEGO, Klarna, Accenture, and Adidas, the founder of Leapers, an award-winning initiative supporting the mental health of freelancers, a Chief Freelance Officer at The Independency Co., helping companies and independent professionals collaborate better together, and someone who has spent years standing in the space between freelancers and the organizations that hire them, exactly where the future of work is being shaped.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Matthew and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkplaymake/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Matthew Knight(01:30) What is Chief Freelance Officer(03:40) Building trusted networks(06:01) Market maturity shifts(09:38) Hybrid teams and AI(13:04) Mindset and misalignments(16:07) Process onboarding pitfalls(17:47) Freelance friendly framework(21:15) ROI of supporting freelancers(23:51) Why hiring stays slow(26:20) Learn by Doing(30:03) Freelancer Value Case(32:05) Who Owns the Process(34:52) Why Process Matters(36:10) Client Behavior and Wellbeing(38:50) Advice for Companies(40:31) Advice for New Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“You don’t need more employees. You need access to the right expertise at the right moment. That’s the difference between scaling slowly and moving fast.”In this episode, we discussed how companies can unlock more value by working with freelancers, and why success depends more on mindset, trust, and clarity than cost, in particular:👉 Why hiring freelancers is shifting from “cost-saving” to “value creation”.👉 The #1 mistake companies make when starting with freelancers.👉 Why the best companies buy expertise on demand, not full-time roles.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Przemek Glosny, a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Useme, a platform that helps companies work with freelancers quickly, legally, and securely, who, with the Useme team, has helped more than 50,000 companies (including IKEA, Samsung, and HBO) collaborate with independent talent.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Przemek and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/przemekglosny/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Przemek Glosny(01:18) Origin Story of Useme(02:18) Freelancer Label Shift(04:32) Who Hires Independents(07:15) Why Freelancers Win(08:53) Company Hiring Blockers(13:57) How to Change Mindset(18:10) First Steps to Start(20:47) Expectation Misalignment(22:50) Value Based Pricing(25:55) Freelancer Frustrations(34:23) Advice for Both Sides(37:51) Future of Global Work#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“The question isn’t whether freelancers will become part of your workforce strategy. The real question is whether you’ll adapt before your competitors do.”In this episode, we discussed why talent choosing independence will reshape how organizations hire in the next 3–5 years, in particular:👉 Why more professionals are choosing freelancing instead of traditional employment.👉 The mindset shift from “owning talent” to accessing talent on demand.👉 How staffing companies must evolve to stay relevant in the freelance economy.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Ray Culver, a global strategist in the talent and contingent workforce space with over 30 years of experience in staffing, workforce strategy, and talent marketplaces starting with leadership roles at Randstad, Manpower, and Scout Exchange, to now being a founder and CEO of CWsolutions Group, helping staffing firms and HR tech companies design go-to-market strategies across the US and Europe, and also a Managing Director for the Americas at TALiNT Partners, connecting leaders across the global talent ecosystem.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Ray and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayeculver/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Ray Culver(03:05) What We Call Freelancers(06:11) What Stops Companies From Using Freelancers(07:18) How to Start a Freelance Program(08:20) Finding Internal Champions(10:07) Who Owns Contingent Workforce(12:42) How the Market Has Evolved(16:01) Staffing Firms in the Crossfire(18:45) Mindset Shift and Pilot Wins(23:55) Competitors and Local Culture(25:20) AI vs Freelance Adoption(27:22) Risks of Not Adapting(29:27) When Companies Will Shift(31:27) Why Success Stays Secret(33:17) Dream Hiring Decision Tool(36:54) Advice for Both Sides#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“The ability to bring in specialized talent quickly is what allows startups and innovative companies to scale faster than their competitors.”In this episode, we discussed how companies can scale faster and smarter by working with freelancers, and what both sides must do to make those partnerships successful, in particular:👉 What is pushing more professionals into independent work.👉 The biggest fears companies have when hiring independent experts.👉 What the ideal system for hiring freelancers should look like.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Katherine Steiner-Dicks, the founder of BuzzVestor Media, business journalist, freelancer advocate, and editorial consultant for The Freelance Informer, who's been covering private equity and venture capital for over 20 years while building her own freelance career in parallel and helping businesses hire right independent talent.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Kate and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-s-1988017/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Kate Steiner-Dicks(03:59) AI and Rising Expectations(07:31) Company Concerns Hiring Freelancers(10:21) From Vendor to Partner(12:08) Expectation Gaps and Communication(14:32) Data Security and NDAs(17:39) Internal vs External Talent(22:27) Why Flexible Talent Scales(25:29) Hiring Fast and Letting Go(26:40) Freelancers Want Projects(28:02) Recruiter Trust Issues(32:27) Relationship First Recruiting(38:48) Pay Terms And Respect(40:32) Fixing IR35 Barriers(44:51) Advice For Companies And Newbies#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“If you’re afraid to bring in outside talent, ask yourself what you’re really protecting: your strategy or your comfort? Growth rarely lives inside comfort.”In this episode, we discussed how companies can unlock transformation, agility, and performance by strategically partnering with executive-level independent talent, in particular:👉 How “executive entrepreneurs” are redefining leadership.👉 A real transformation story from a global enterprise.👉 How to build a blended workforce strategy that actually works.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Jamie Jacobs, the founder and CEO of Gig Talent, where she helps companies solve their hardest leadership and transformation challenges fast without waiting for a full-time hire, and also a trusted advisor, keynote speaker, a professor at The University of Southern California, and the host of The Courageous Choice podcast where she explores the bold decisions that shape modern leadership.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Jamie and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlatianojacobs/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Jamie Jacobs(02:04) How HR Has Changed(03:03) What Do We Call Independent Experts(05:11) Why Gig Talent Exists(09:52) Biggest Blockers For Companies(14:07) Leading Adobe's HRBP Transformation as an Independent Leader(22:32) Why External Experts Spot Blind Spots(26:16) Building an Integrated Talent Strategy(28:50) Blended Workforce Myths(30:47) Where Freelancing Is Headed(35:06) Experience “Great” Independent Talent Firsthand(38:40) Pilots for Companies + Finding Your Superpower as a Freelancer#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

"You’re already working with freelancers. The real question is whether you’re doing it strategically or accidentally."In this episode, we discussed how enterprises can strategically integrate freelancers into their workforce led by procurement, driven by small wins, and focused on real business impact, in particular:👉 The real reason companies struggle to scale freelancer adoption.👉 Why procurement, not HR, should own external workforce strategy.👉 The cost savings potential of structured freelance programs.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Danny Gal, an experienced business leader and board director who stands right at the intersection of enterprise transformation and the rise of the independent workforce, who, as a co-founder of Proteams Europe, helps large organizations tap into Europe’s top flexible talent across IT, digital, and creative as their real business advantage.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Danny and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannygal/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Danny Gal(02:43) An enterprise external workforce strategy (and why terms matter)(04:45) Why procurement should own it(06:31) How to kick it off(08:08) Who ProTeam works with(09:34) Change management in big corporates(11:18) Finding the “neck on the line” leaders(14:04) What really motivates stakeholders(16:14) Biggest blockers(19:43) Sharing business success stories to scale adoption(22:35) Keeping Procurement in the Loop(24:34) Blended Workforce Reality Check(27:47) Why Flexibility Is Non‑Negotiable(31:10) The Simplest First Step to Build an Independent Talent System(33:50) What Happens If You Don’t Adapt(39:41) Tech to Match Work to the Right Supplier#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“If you only hire full-time employees, you’re building a workforce for yesterday’s economy.”In this episode, we discussed how enterprises really hire freelancers today, what blocks adoption internally, and why access to skills (not ownership of employees) defines the future of work, in particular:👉 Why “talent access” is replacing traditional talent acquisition.👉 Who owns freelance hiring inside corporations.👉 What companies risk if they ignore the independent workforce shift.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Tony Buffum, a transformational HR leader and Head of Enterprise Strategy at Human Cloud, who works with global enterprises, investors, and governments to design flexible workforce programs and unlock the power of independent talent.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Tony and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-buffum-hrexecutive/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Tony Buffum(01:12) The Role of Freelancers in Large Enterprises(04:03) Market Dynamics and the Shift to Independent Work(08:24) Challenges and Solutions in Hiring Freelancers(09:30) A Tug War Between Departments(14:10) Start Small and Share Success Stories(19:03) What Blocks Working With Freelancers(23:46) Benefits of Hiring Freelancers(28:41) Navigating the Freelancer Hiring Process(36:50) Building Trust in the Freelance Marketplace(40:36) Advice for Freelancers and Enterprises#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Startups don’t fail because they lack effort. They fail because they move too slow. Freelancers buy you time, and time is survival.”In this episode, we discussed how startups can use freelancers as strategic partners to move faster, hire smarter, and build scalable businesses from day one, in particular:👉 How freelancers help startups move from idea to MVP faster.👉 How freelancers can directly impact fundraising readiness.👉 The biggest mistakes startups make when working with freelancers.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Nir Melamud, Head of Partnerships and Investments at ThinkUp, Managing Partner at Tech Investor Club, Founder of FreshStart, and startup ecosystem builder with over 20 years of experience helping startups go from idea to fundable business, who works with founders on investor readiness, go-to-market, and scaling.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Nir and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-melamud/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Nir Melamud(00:54) Connecting Startups and Freelancers(01:18) Nir's Professional Journey (04:25) Full-time vs Freelancers in Startups(06:39) Hiring Freelancers for Startups(09:43) Freelancers' Impact on Startups(14:41) Finding and Hiring Freelancers(21:12) How To Get The Best Freelancers(26:52) Where To Find Freelancers(33:14) The Role of AI in Hiring(35:28) Final Thoughts and Advice#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“If you don’t own your flexible workforce strategy, chaos will own it for you.”In this episode, we discussed the shift from accidental freelancing to intentional workforce strategy and how to thrive in the future of work, in particular:👉 How flexible work slowly “crept in” without strategy or governance.👉 Who inside companies should really own the independent workforce.👉 Why the future of work is blended—not permanent vs freelance.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Jack Spencer, a flexible workforce specialist with over a decade of experience helping enterprises work smarter with freelance talent, the founder of Freeflexer, co-founder of Club Redundo, who's also led enterprise partnerships at YunoJuno, working with global brands across media, tech, and finance.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Jack and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackarthurgeorge/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Jack Spencer(01:17) Jack's Professional Journey(02:43) The Concept Behind Freeflex(04:32) Challenges in Managing Freelance Talent(05:53) Ownership and Governance in Freelance Management(12:51) Mindset Shifts for Embracing Independent Work(18:07) Future of Work and Adaptation(20:43) Engaging the Right Decision Makers(21:16) Persuading Businesses to Embrace Change(23:46) Finding the Right Freelancers(26:51) Building Long-Term Relationships with Freelancers(29:43) Addressing Common Barriers in Freelance Work(31:43) The Role of AI in the Freelance Market(38:09) Advice for Companies and Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Enterprises that don't adapt will find themselves running faster… in the wrong direction.”In this episode, we discussed how enterprises can overcome internal barriers and start working more effectively with independent talent, in particular:👉 How the role of the recruiter is changing in the age of AI.👉 Why enterprises are turning to blended workforce models (internal, external, and AI).👉 The hidden blockers: budgets, procurement systems, and terminology.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Rich Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of Gigged.AI, the blended workforce platform for enterprises, who, with prior experience at Gartner and Allegis Group, is reshaping how enterprises tackle skill gaps using freelancers, internal talent, and AI, and is also passionate about mental health, AI, and the future of work.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Rich and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlwilson/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Rich Wilson(01:22) Rich's Journey in Recruitment(06:06) The Evolution of the Recruiter Role(08:21) Gigged AI's Focus on Enterprise Solutions(12:06) Challenges and Strategies in Enterprise Adoption(20:53) Addressing Common Concerns About Freelancing(24:50) Understanding the Freelancer Marketplace(25:30) The Importance of Terminology in Enterprise(26:15) Budget Categories and Procurement(30:23) Building the Blended Talent Platform(31:51) Challenges in Enterprise Integration(33:53) The Future of the Blended Workforce(41:30) Advice for Companies and Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“When you earn the loyalty of an elite independent, you don’t just hire one person—you gain access to their network, their insights, and their industry radar.”In this episode, we discussed how freelancing has changed across major economic/tech shifts, and what both sides must do to thrive in the future—especially in an AI-shaped world, in particular:👉 The difference between platforms, specialized agencies, and communities when sourcing talent.👉 The biggest blocker for companies hiring independents.👉 How budget clarity and decision-maker involvement can make or break a deal.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Robert Vlach, a freelancing entrepreneur, who consults top-notch professionals and business owners on shaping their business strategy and systematically supports independent professionals, a founder of two of the largest professional communities Freelancing.eu and Navolnenoze.cz, an author of The Freelance Way, an international business bestseller, and a huge ambassador of freelancers.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Robert and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertvlach/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00 Meet Robert Vlach: Freelancing Entrepreneur(01:29) Robert's Freelancing Journey(08:43) Milestones in the Freelance Economy(13:35) Current Trends and Challenges in Freelancing(28:07) Advice for Companies Hiring Freelancers(49:49) The Future of Freelancing#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Stop hiring titles and start hiring outcomes; the work doesn’t care about your org chart.”In this episode, we discussed how companies can move from title-based hiring to outcome-based work—using freelancers plus AI to move faster, learn more, and avoid becoming irrelevant, in particular:👉 Why the “job” is fading—and outcomes are becoming the real unit of work.👉 The hidden cost of traditional hiring: friction, controls, and slow trust-building.👉 Why companies that resist independent talent risk being left behind within 5 years.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and John Winsor, one of the world’s leading voices shaping the future of work, an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design and Data Institute, the founder and chairman of Open Assembly, and the author of Open Talent, a landmark book on how companies can tap into global freelance expertise to solve their biggest challenges.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with John and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntwinsor/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet John Winsor(01:22) The Journey from Publishing to Co-Creation(04:05) Building a Research and Strategy Company(05:27) The Rise of Crowdsourcing and Victors & Spoils(08:55) Transition to Harvard and the Impact of AI(10:17) The Future of Work: Taskification and Freelancing(13:29) Speed Is a Strategic Advantage(18:10) Freelancers Are Learners(21:30) Who's Responsible for Making Changes(30:12) Advice for Companies and Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

"Hiring external experts isn’t a risk when you have the right partner. The real risk is delaying your projects because you’re afraid to try.”In this episode, we discussed how to navigate procurement and compliance, what clients misunderstand about independent talent, and why flexibility, speed, and partnership matter more than ever, in particular:👉 What makes the Czech freelance ecosystem unique and more complex compared to 10 years ago.👉 The real reason procurement slows down freelance hiring (and how to fix it).👉 How gender, leadership, and communication shape collaboration in a male-dominated IT space.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, Klára Hrubá a leader who’s been shaping the talent and investment landscape of Central Europe for nearly two decades, from leading commercial strategy at Hays for over 11 years, to now serving as CEO of nemensis that creates a trustworthy connection between companies and freelancers that both sides can rely on, and Kristýna Pechová, with over 13 years in HR, contracting, and leadership, the Commercial Director for Technology at nemensis, where she builds new business divisions, drives growth, and helps teams and clients thrive, who's s also a certified coach and member of Inspire & Impact, and is passionate about developing people.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Klara, Kristyna, and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/klarahrubahayscz/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristynapechova/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Klára Hrubá and Kristýna Pechová(01:27) Klára's Journey into the Czech Market(04:15) Vision for nemensis in the Czech Market(06:05) Kristýna's Perspective on the Freelance Market(09:39) Women in Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry(16:05) Understanding the Freelance Market in the Czech Republic(19:07) Navigating Corporate Structures to Engage Freelancers(23:33) Challenges of Relying on Full-Time Employees(25:27) The Benefits of Hiring Freelancers(28:49) Client Success Stories with Freelancers(30:12) Navigating Client Agreements and Procurement(34:31) Overcoming Barriers to Freelance Collaboration(39:29) Advice for Companies New to Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Start small, go slow, and build trust through clarity. Once your freelancers understand the ‘why,’ they won’t just complete tasks—they’ll push your whole company forward.”In this episode, we discussed how companies can build resilient, scalable, human-centered organizations by integrating freelancers, contractors, and flexible talent, in particular:👉 How Microsoft built a 900+ person freelance-powered global support ecosystem across 70+ countries.👉 Why flexible talent gives companies speed, resilience, and competitive advantage.👉 Why companies should start small, go slow, and iterate when hiring freelancers.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Nuri Demirci Lopez, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, AI startups founder, and author of Leading the Unknown and The Inevitable Future of Work books.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Nuri and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuri-demirci-lopez/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Nuri Demirci Lopez(01:27) The Journey to Embracing Flexible Talent(02:34) The Impact of Freelancers on Microsoft Support(04:36) Scaling with Freelancers During Crises(06:29) The Curiosity and Drive of Freelancers(13:16) Trust and Security in Freelance Work(17:40) Freelance Platforms and Onboarding Processes(20:50) Onboarding Process and Tools(25:44) Importance of Community Building(28:30) Managing Freelancers Effectively(34:43) Final Advice for Hiring Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Don’t expect excellence if you haven’t communicated expectations. Freelancers aren’t mind-readers—they’re partners, and partners need clarity.”In this episode, we discussed the evolving freelance landscape, how high-skill experts are shifting into independent work, the practical steps companies must take to integrate them, and the common pitfalls, blockers, and mindset shifts needed to succeed, in particular:👉 The biggest blockers preventing companies from hiring top talent.👉 Where communication and expectations go wrong.👉 The hidden risks of refusing to adapt to flexible talent models.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Kaja Storbeck, a passionate recruiter at Progressive Recruiting (part of SThree), who is bridging the gap between companies that need specialized expertise and the professionals driving innovation forward, and is on a mission to bring skilled people together to build bright the future of work.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Kaja and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaja-storbeck/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Kaja Storbeck(02:10) The Evolution of the Independent Workforce(04:02) Benefits of Hiring Freelancers(05:02) Overcoming Objections to Freelancers(08:32) Steps to Hire a Freelancer(12:04) Administrative and Compliance Considerations(18:30) Client and Freelancer Collaboration(28:04) The Role of AI in Hiring Freelancers(33:57) Advice for Companies and Freelancersfreelance #hiring #futureofwork

“If upskilling your workforce feels impossible, bring the skills to them. Every freelancer you hire becomes a teacher to your entire team.”In this episode, we discussed how companies and freelancers can work together smarter through open innovation, trust, culture shifts, and examples straight from NASA’s journey into the freelance economy, in particular:👉 How NASA learned to leverage freelancers.👉 How technology is evolving so fast that traditional hiring models can’t keep up.👉 The role of curated digital communities in finding world-class talent.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Steve Rader, a true pioneer in open innovation and the future of work who spent almost 36 years at NASA and for more than a decade guided its Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, helping tap into the power of open talent and crowdsourcing to solve complex problems, who now, as the founder of Crowd Resources Consulting, continues to inspire organizations around the world to leverage collective intelligence, drive innovation, and rethink how we work together in a rapidly changing world.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Steve and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverader/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Steve Rader(01:49) The Birth of Open Innovation at NASA(03:44) Challenges and Reframing Open Innovation(04:58) The Tsunami of Technology and Open Talent(08:34) Freelancing: The Future of Work(14:03) Trust and Integration of Freelancers(17:15) Building Relationships with Freelancers(26:42) Learning Platforms(28:05) The Role of HR and Managers(30:31) Freelancer Satisfaction and Statistics(34:12) Challenges in Freelancer Relationships(37:05) Adapting Business Models for Freelancers(44:07) Advice for Companies Hiring Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“You don’t need a perfect system to hire freelancers—just a willingness to communicate, to be fair, and to invest a small amount of time in people who can transform your business.”In this episode, we discussed enormous opportunities in building the future workforce by collaborating effectively with freelancers and agile talent, in particular:👉 How freelancers bring speed, adaptability, and expertise.👉 The biggest misalignments between company expectations and freelance realities.👉 How blending employees, freelancers, and AI will define the next decade of work.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Matthew Dowling, the Founder of Freelancer Club, a platform that’s been educating, elevating, and empowering the next generation of freelancers for over a decade, who also advocates for fair pay and freelancer rights from launching the #NoFreeWork campaign to leading initiatives like "Rise, Freelancer", with the goal to empower and support one million individuals by 2026.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Matthew and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dowlingmatthew/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Matthew Dowling(01:27) Challenges and Triumphs in Freelancing(04:54) The NoFreeWork Campaign and Advocacy Efforts(07:38) Educating Freelancers and Clients(13:05) Ethical Hiring and Workforce Blending(19:58) Freelancer Integration and Company Benefits(29:27) Advice for Companies On Hiring Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork

“Companies that ignore independent talent won’t just miss the best, soon they won’t even get the good or the average. Flexibility is no longer a perk; it’s survival.”In this episode, we discussed why freelancers are rising, how companies can collaborate with them better, and what needs to change in mindset, policy, and practice for this model to thrive, in particular:👉 What companies risk losing when they ignore independent talent.👉 The mindset shift from job titles to value, skills, and measurable outcomes.👉 Practical advice for companies on how to build trust with freelancers.Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Glen Hodgson, the founder of Free Trade Europa, a think tank championing openness, free trade, and ethical policy-making across Europe, and the Freelance Movement, a platform uniting honest companies, policymakers, and freelancers to shape a fair and thriving platform economy.Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Glen and Yurii on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-hodgson-36136516/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Glen Hodgson(01:10) The Growing Freelance Market in Europe(03:49) Benefits for Companies Hiring Freelancers(06:08) Challenges and Solutions in Freelance Hiring(08:03) Glenn Hodgson's Personal Journey(09:26) Policy and Advocacy for Freelancers(22:58) Addressing Freelancer Concerns(32:19) Future of Freelancing with AI and Technology(35:26) Integrating Freelancers into Teams(38:42) Advice for Companies and Freelancers#freelance #hiring #futureofwork