Josh Drean
Co-founder of Work3 Institute | International Keynote Speaker | Co-Author of Employment is Dead (HBR, 2025) | Work Tech Advisor, Harvard Innovation Labs | Future of Work Visionary
Josh Drean is a renowned expert in talent management, people analytics, and workforce experience, with a keen focus on integrating these areas with emerging technologies. As the Co-founder of the Work3 Institute, he specializes in enhancing workforce strategies through innovative approaches. His role as a Workforce Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs further underscores his commitment to transforming workplace dynamics.
He and his co-founder, Deborah Perry Piscione, are co-authors of EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work (Harvard Business Review Press, January 2025). With a master's degree from Harvard University and a background in I/O Psychology, Josh has a rich history of developing tech-driven solutions in the HR field. His achievements include the successful incubation and sale of an AIbased HR Tech startup at Harvard, recognized for its pioneering work in real-time sentiment analysis.
A thought leader in his field, Josh's insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist, and he has appeared on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business. As an international speaker, Josh excels in making complex topics like people analytics and workforce experience relatable and actionable for digital-first leaders. His mission is to empower organizations to leverage the latest in technology and analytics, ensuring ethical practices and driving business innovation.
For companies seeking a visionary leader to guide their talent management and workforce strategies, Josh Drean offers a unique blend of expertise and forward-thinking insights. He is dedicated to elevating organizational strategies, ensuring they are well equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Josh Drean is a renowned expert in talent management, people analytics, and workforce experience, with a keen focus on integrating these areas with emerging technologies. As the Co-founder of the Work3 Institute, he specializes in enhancing workforce strategies through innovative approaches. His role as a Workforce Advisor at the Harvard Innovation Labs further underscores his commitment to transforming workplace dynamics.
He and his co-founder, Deborah Perry Piscione, are co-authors of EMPLOYMENT IS DEAD: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work (Harvard Business Review Press, January 2025). With a master's degree from Harvard University and a background in I/O Psychology, Josh has a rich history of developing tech-driven solutions in the HR field. His achievements include the successful incubation and sale of an AIbased HR Tech startup at Harvard, recognized for its pioneering work in real-time sentiment analysis.
A thought leader in his field, Josh's insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist, and he has appeared on The Today Show, NBC, and FOX Business. As an international speaker, Josh excels in making complex topics like people analytics and workforce experience relatable and actionable for digital-first leaders. His mission is to empower organizations to leverage the latest in technology and analytics, ensuring ethical practices and driving business innovation.
For companies seeking a visionary leader to guide their talent management and workforce strategies, Josh Drean offers a unique blend of expertise and forward-thinking insights. He is dedicated to elevating organizational strategies, ensuring they are well equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
THE ERA OF HUMAN+ Leveraging AI to Augment Human Potential at Work
Format: 60 minute [in-person keynote, virtual presentation]
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the role of humans at work is evolving.
AI has the power to take on repetitive, mundane tasks, freeing people to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and human connection. Yet, many organizations misstep by viewing AI solely as a replacement for human labor, focusing on cost-cutting instead of growth.
In this keynote, Josh Drean redefines the...
Your Competitive Advantage: Making Work MORE HUMAN + MORE DIGITAL
Format: 60 minute [in-person keynote, virtual presentation]
The future of work demands more than incremental improvements—it requires a reimagination of how we connect, collaborate, and innovate.
In this keynote, Josh makes the case that emerging technologies are catalysts for deeper human connection and more meaningful work. By integrating these principles into HR tech and people operations, organizations can create environments where employees feel truly...
Thriving in the Age of Disruption: Where Innovation Meets Humanity
Format: 60 minute [in-person keynote, virtual presentation]
The world of work is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. From advancements in AI to shifting employee expectations, the traditional employment model is rapidly evolving.
In this keynote, Josh draws insights from his book Employment is Dead to explore how leaders can reimagine work to meet the demands of the modern workforce and thrive in a decentralized, technology-driven era.
The...
Redefining the Employee-Employer Relationship Through Employee Experience Design
Format: 60 minute [keynote, virtual-presentation]
The world of work is being reimagined, and at its center is the employee experience.
With hybrid work, decentralization, and the rise of the gig economy reshaping how we think about employment, workers today have more options—and more power—than ever before. They demand meaningful work, flexibility, and respect for their contributions. As a result, millions are seeking opportunities that align with their...
FUTURE SHOCK: How Emerging Tech Will Radically Change the Way We Work
Format: 60 minute [keynote, virtual-presentation]
This keynote explores the future of work, blending bold insights from Employment is Dead with cutting-edge trends. From digital avatars and virtual collaboration to blockchain-powered transparency, these innovations are transforming not just how work gets done, but why people work.
As decentralized workforces and the gig economy rise, leaders must rethink outdated paradigms to build resilient,...
Winning the War for Talent: Rethinking Recruitment for the Modern Workforce
Format: 60 minute [keynote, virtual-presentation]
The competition for talent has never been fiercer. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, top candidates are no longer just looking for a paycheck—they’re searching for purpose.
In this keynote, Josh challenges organizations to rethink talent acquisition as more than just filling roles—it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating experiences that attract the best talent in a dynamic and...
