SPOS #974 – Rishad Tobaccowala On Rethinking Work

Welcome to episode #974 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Rishad Tobaccowala is one of those rare thinkers who can seamlessly connect the dots between business, technology, media, and human behavior - so it's always a pleasure to have him back on the show. A true industry veteran, Rishad has spent decades shaping the marketing and media landscape, from his time as Global Chief Strategist and Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe to becoming a sought-after author, advisor, and speaker. His latest book, Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why, dives deep into the fundamental shifts happening in the workforce, from the decline of the 9-to-5 model to the rise of hybrid work, decentralized careers, and leadership that prioritizes talent over corporate loyalty. Rishad's first book is Restoring The Soul Of Business and his newsletter, The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past, and podcast, What Next?, are not to be missed. In our conversation, we explore the evolving role of leadership, the impact of AI on employment, and how brands must rethink trust in an era where consumers are more aligned with individuals than institutions. Rishad also shares his insights on how businesses can remain relevant by embracing change rather than resisting it, and why the future of work will require companies to shift from management-driven structures to ones that emphasize agility, learning, and human connection. Thoughtful, provocative, and always ahead of the curve, Rishad brings the kind of clarity we need as we navigate a world of constant disruption. If you want to stay relevant in a fast-changing business landscape, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 1:08:19.
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• ...or on X.
• Here is my conversation with Rishad Tobaccowala.
• Rethinking Work - Seismic Changes In The Where, When, And Why.
• Restoring The Soul Of Business.
• The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past.
• What Next?
• Book Rishad for your next meeting on ThinkersOne.
• Follow Rishad on LinkedIn.
• Follow Rishad on Instagram.
• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Rishad.
(03:08) - The Political Landscape of Tech and Media.
(06:06) - The Power Dynamics of Big Tech.
(09:03) - The Influence of Money in Politics.
(11:55) - The Shift in Consumer Trust.
(15:08) - The Erosion of Brand Trust.
(17:52) - The Changing Nature of Work.
(20:53) - The Crisis of Leadership in Business.
(35:15) - The Entrepreneurial Vision and Workforce Dynamics.
(36:25) - Leadership vs. Management: The New Paradigm.
(37:45) - Diversity in the Workplace: Ageism and Work Styles.
(38:44) - The Irrelevance of Traditional Business Models.
(39:57) - The Importance of In-Person Interaction.
(41:40) - The Future of Work: Hybrid and Remote Models.
(43:34) - AI's Impact on Employment and Business Structure.
(46:32) - The Transformation of Knowledge Work.
(49:50) - Reimagining Business Strategies in the Age of AI.
(52:33) - The Financial Play: Mergers and Market Relevance.
(56:18) - Aligning Talent and Corporate Goals.
(01:01:48) - The Future of Work: Companies as Talent Aggregators.