The 50 Most Innovative Humans Of 2023 (Part 2)

Hello again, sweet Monarch angels!

Bailey here👋🏼, excited to dive into the second portion of our exploration into the Forbes ‘Future of Work 50’ for 2023. Last time, we met some trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of our work lives… and that journey continues today with another batch!!

As a reminder, these people were chosen to be on this list by Forbes due to their groundbreaking work at the forefront of change 🚀 through challenging norms and redefining what it means to work, innovate, and succeed in our rapidly evolving world 🌎. So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired by the next wave of influential leaders and thinkers!

*Note for below list: FoW50 = Future of Work 50 2023 (I made this acronym up)

**Note2: The email may get slightly clipped at the end due to all the fun pictures I’ve included 🕺🏼- to view the rest of the email once you get down there, click ‘View Entire Message’

(26) Francine Katsoudas

• Role: Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer

• Company: Cisco

• Why FoW50: Francine Katsoudas is a linchpin in Cisco's recognition as a top workplace, even following workforce restructurings. She's instrumental in Cisco's office redesigns, turning them into "collaboration centers" while balancing sleek showcases for hybrid-work products. Cisco's experimentation with a four-day workweek and unique benefits like “grandparent leave” are part of Katsoudas's innovative approach to an evolving workforce.

(27) Jenny Lay-Flurrie

• Role: Chief Accessibility Officer

• Company: Microsoft

• Why FoW50: As a profoundly deaf executive, Jenny Lay-Flurrie is at the forefront of Microsoft's efforts in enhancing product accessibility and championing disability inclusion. Her advocacy focuses on reducing the disability employment gap and promoting inclusive hiring. Lay-Flurrie's leadership has led to Microsoft's development of a career platform for neurodiverse workers, sharing valuable inclusivity insights with other organizations.

(28) Roger Lee

• Role & Company 1: Founder | Layoffs.fyi

• Role & Company 2: Cofounder | Comprehensive

• Why FoW50: Roger Lee created Layoffs.fyi, a crucial resource in tracking tech industry layoffs, drawing over a million views monthly. His platform, ‘Comprehensive’, aids employers in designing equitable compensation packages and adhering to pay transparency laws. Lee's initiatives offer visibility for laid-off workers and aim to standardize fair compensation practices in tech.

(29) Fei-Fei Li

• Role: Professor

• Company: Stanford University

• Why FoW50: Fei-Fei Li advocates for inclusive AI development and equitable access, engaging with political leaders like President Biden on AI regulation and its public benefits. Dubbed the “godmother of AI,” Li's work at Stanford spans groundbreaking research in image recognition and labeling. Her memoir details her journey as a prominent figure in AI science.

(30) James Manyika

• Role: Senior Vice President, Research, Technology & Society

• Company: Google

• Why FoW50: James Manyika oversees Google's research initiatives, ensuring technology innovations serve the public good. Renowned for his expertise at technology's intersection with society, Manyika's work influences global tech development. As a former McKinsey Global Institute leader, he's shaped discussions on workplace organization and societal impacts of tech trends like automation.

(31) Dustin Moskovitz

• Role: CEO and Cofounder

• Company: Asana

• Why FoW50: Dustin Moskovitz, a Facebook cofounder, pivoted to developing Asana's enterprise collaboration software. His endeavors include launching Asana's "Work Innovation Lab" and increasing his stake in the company. Moskovitz emphasizes sustainable work practices and has committed to significant charitable donations.

(32) Shantanu Narayen

• Role: CEO and Chairman

• Company: Adobe

• Why FoW50: Shantanu Narayen, Adobe's long-standing CEO, champions AI integration across Adobe's suite, from creative tools to enterprise solutions. His leadership sees Adobe offering AI-assisted creative tools while addressing copyright concerns in AI-generated content. Under Narayen, Adobe maintains a stable workforce and has opened the innovative Founders Tower, designed for hybrid work environments.

(33) Kaz Nejatian and (34) Tia Silas

• Roles: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer

• Company: Shopify

• Why FoW50: At Shopify, Nejatian spearheaded the initiative to eliminate recurring meetings in 2023, reducing meeting times by 15% and sparking widespread discussions on meeting efficiency. Tia Silas complemented these efforts with the innovative "flex comp" program, allowing employees to tailor their compensation between equity and cash, and by redefining career progression beyond managerial roles.

(35) Andrew Ng

• Role & Company 1: Founder | DeepLearning.AI

• Role & Company 2: Chairman and Cofounder | Coursera

• Why FoW50: Andrew Ng, a pioneer in AI, has significantly influenced the field through roles at Google Brain and Baidu, advancing deep learning and machine learning applications. He's educated millions via Coursera and DeepLearning.AI and chairs Workera, focusing on AI skills development, showcasing his dedication to democratizing AI education and application.

(36) Alexis Ohanian

• Role & Company 1: Cofounder | Reddit

• Role & Company 2: Founder | 776

• Why FoW50: Ohanian, Reddit's cofounder, has been a vocal advocate for broader access to success tools post-Reddit, focusing on investments in AI and group-coaching platforms. His championing of fatherhood and family time, combined with his investments in future-of-work technologies, reflect his commitment to reshaping work and family dynamics.

(37) Steven Paynter

• Role: Principal

• Company: Gensler

• Why FoW50: Steven Paynter at Gensler addresses the challenge of underutilized office spaces with innovative solutions. Leading the building transformation practice, he developed an algorithm to swiftly convert office spaces into residential units, showcasing his ability to revitalize real estate and adapt spaces to evolving work needs.

(38) Gabriel Pereyra and (39) Winston Weinberg

• Roles: Cofounders

• Company: Harvey

• Why FoW50: Pereyra and Weinberg's Harvey stands out in the legal tech landscape, integrating AI with expert legal knowledge to simplify complex legal and compliance issues. With significant funding and clients like PwC and Allen & Overy, Harvey, powered by GPT-4, is rapidly shaping the future of legal and compliance consultations.

(40) Melanie Perkins

• Role: CEO and Cofounder

• Company: Canva

• Why FoW50: Melanie Perkins, at the helm of Canva, has redefined the landscape of digital design. Her leadership has catapulted Canva into a favored tool among enterprise customers, thanks to its intuitive, AI-powered Magic Studio. Under her guidance, Canva's user base has nearly doubled, showcasing her commitment to democratizing design while fostering an employee-centric culture, exemplified by initiatives like "no meeting" Wednesdays and team alignment across time zones.

(41) Gina Raimondo

• Role: U.S. Secretary of Commerce

• Company: … United States 🤪

• Why FoW50: Gina Raimondo, a trailblazing leader and former Rhode Island governor, now spearheads the U.S. Department of Commerce with a keen focus on employment and workforce development. She oversees the distribution of significant funding aimed at reshaping the U.S. workforce landscape, including a $100 billion investment in the chip industry with childcare provisions and a $42 billion initiative for broadband expansion. Raimondo's efforts are not just shaping industries but are also redefining access to work and technology as fundamental rights.

(42) Carole Robin

• Role: Cofounder

• Company: Leaders in Tech

• Why FoW50: Carole Robin, renowned for teaching Stanford's "Interpersonal Dynamics" course, now co-leads Leaders in Tech, a pioneering venture in executive coaching. Her startup addresses Silicon Valley's toxic leadership issues by offering invite-only, high-stakes fellowships for tech leaders, costing nearly $20,000 annually. The program’s influence is profound, with alumni including CEOs of prominent tech firms. Robin's discreet guidance has become a coveted asset among tech founders and influencers, aiming to reshape leadership dynamics in the tech industry.

(43) Ryan Roslansky

• Role: CEO

• Company: LinkedIn

• Why FoW50: Under Ryan Roslansky's stewardship, LinkedIn, the professional networking giant owned by Microsoft, has thrived amidst the pandemic, becoming a critical platform for remote workers seeking connectivity and personal branding opportunities. Since Roslansky took the helm in 2020, LinkedIn has witnessed consistent growth, surpassing one billion members and introducing innovative AI tools. Despite facing a challenging labor market and executing layoffs, LinkedIn remains committed to investing in strategic areas pivotal for future growth.

(44) Rob Sadow

• Role: CEO and Cofounder

• Company: Scoop

• Why FoW50: Rob Sadow, alongside his brother, founded Scoop, an app revolutionizing how workplaces manage office attendance. However, his most notable contribution is the "Flex Index," a comprehensive dataset providing insights into remote work policies. This unique index aids job seekers in understanding potential employers' work policies and offers a valuable perspective on the evolving work-from-home landscape to both executives and researchers.

(45) Reshma Saujani

• Role: Founder

• Companies: Girls Who Code and Moms First

• Why FoW50: Reshma Saujani, a passionate advocate for inclusive workplace policies, founded Girls Who Code, impacting over half a million girls with coding skills. Her latest venture, Moms First (formerly Marshall Plan for Moms), aims to revolutionize the workplace and culture for mothers. This mission has gained urgency with the recent “childcare cliff,” amplifying the need for policies supporting maternal engagement in the workforce. Saujani's initiatives are pivotal in shaping a more equitable work environment for women and mothers.

(46) Josh Shapiro

• Role: Governor

• Where?: Pennsylvania

• Why FoW50: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has been a trailblazer in removing college degree requirements for most state jobs, a move he championed from his campaign through his first day in office. By eliminating this requirement for approximately 65,000 state positions, Shapiro not only opened up a vast pool of job opportunities but also initiated a trend that numerous other states have since adopted. This bipartisan approach is reshaping the job market landscape, making it more inclusive and accessible.

(47) Clara Shih

• Role: CEO

• Company: Salesforce AI

• Why FoW50: At the helm of Salesforce AI, Clara Shih is pioneering the integration of generative AI into Salesforce's suite of tools, transforming mundane tasks like client research and email follow-ups. Her leadership in automating these tedious processes is redefining work for professionals in sales, marketing, and customer service. Shih’s strategy is crucial in shaping Salesforce's future, as it seeks to embed AI more deeply into its core services.

(48) Kieran Snyder

• Role: CEO and Cofounder

• Company: Textio

• Why FoW50: Kieran Snyder, CEO of Textio, is a driving force in using AI to combat workplace bias, particularly in language use. Textio's platform, co-founded with Microsoft veteran Jensen Harris, assists companies in creating less biased job descriptions and reviews, ensuring more equitable and inclusive language in business communications. Snyder's expertise in linguistics and cognitive science positions her at the forefront of developing technology that helps reduce unconscious bias in the corporate world.

(49) Anthony Stephan

• Role: Chief Learning Officer

• Company: Deloitte

• Why FoW50: At a time when many firms cut back on training, Anthony Stephan, Chief Learning Officer at Deloitte, leads the charge on an ambitious $1.4 billion initiative, “Project 120,” aimed at enhancing professional development. This investment in expanding Deloitte University and integrating advanced technology training reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development. Stephan’s stewardship in this realm, including the introduction of an AI chatbot for audit and assurance employees, exemplifies Deloitte’s commitment to equipping its workforce with cutting-edge skills and tools.

(50) Lorraine Stomski

• Role: SVP, Associate Learning & Leadership

• Company: Walmart

• Why FoW50: Lorraine Stomski spearheads innovative "skills-based" initiatives at Walmart, such as dropping degree requirements for corporate jobs and expanding career development programs. Under her guidance, Walmart's expansive enterprise offers unique opportunities for employees, like earning credit for on-the-job experience and participating in the Live Better U program. Stomski’s role in shaping Walmart’s workforce strategy is pivotal in influencing broader corporate approaches to talent development and inclusion.

(51) Jeremy Stoppelman

• Role: CEO and Cofounder

• Company: Yelp

• Why FoW50: Jeremy Stoppelman, Yelp's CEO, firmly advocates for remote work, having closed most of Yelp's U.S. offices. His stance against hybrid models as ineffective and his commitment to remote work are not only bold but data-driven, with Yelp reporting a significant reduction in hiring time. Additionally, Stoppelman takes a stand on social issues, offering to cover travel expenses for employees seeking out-of-state healthcare services, setting an example in corporate responsibility.

(52) Lisa Su

• Role: CEO

• Company: AMD

• Why FoW50: Lisa Su, the CEO of AMD, is a technological powerhouse leading the company's charge into the competitive AI market. Her focus on developing new AI and high-performance computing chips positions AMD as a formidable contender against Nvidia. Su's leadership, underscored by her commitment to supporting women in technology, exemplifies how visionary thinking and inclusivity can drive corporate success and industry innovation.

(53) Taylor Swift

• Role: Global Superstar (their words, not mine 😃💃🏼✨💘) (website)

• Why FoW50: Taylor Swift transcends her role as a global music icon by actively challenging industry norms and advocating for artists' rights. Her fight for creative control and intellectual property rights has inspired other artists to demand fair treatment and autonomy. Swift's impact extends beyond music; her tours significantly boost local economies, and her approach to staff welfare sets a benchmark for employer generosity and care!!!!!!

(54) Everette Taylor

• Role: CEO

• Company: Kickstarter

• Why FoW50: Everette Taylor, as CEO of Kickstarter, has made significant strides in enhancing the platform's impact and diversity. His leadership maintains the innovative four-day workweek and his openness about personal challenges resonates as an inspiring success story. Taylor's approach to leadership, emphasizing empathy and a balanced life beyond work, positions him as a role model in the tech industry and beyond.

(55) Tom Wilson

• Role: CEO and Chairman

• Company: Allstate

• Why FoW50: Tom Wilson leads Allstate with a forward-thinking approach, notably shifting the company's traditional office model to a more flexible, regional one. Allstate's departure from its suburban headquarters to modernized "hubs" under Wilson's leadership marks a significant cultural shift in the corporate world, embracing a work model that prioritizes adaptability and team preferences.

(56) Lareina Yee

• Role: Senior Partner

• Company: McKinsey & Co.

• Why FoW50: As McKinsey's first Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Lareina Yee has been instrumental in promoting diversity in the corporate sector. She co-founded the significant "Women in the Workplace" study, providing crucial insights into the state of women in corporate America. Now chairing McKinsey's Technology Council, Yee is at the forefront of integrating generative AI and emerging technologies into business strategies, emphasizing their productive and safe utilization.

And That's a Wrap! 🎉

What a ride this week has been, exploring those at the forefront of the Future of Work together :’)

From groundbreaking innovations to inspiring leadership, these individuals are not just predicting the future; they're actively creating it. As we close this chapter (for now👀), let’s carry their stories and insights as a beacon for our own paths, inspiring us to think bigger and push further💡

Thank you all!! For joining me!! Stay tuned for more engaging and insightful content here at Monarch Insights.

AND HEY - if there are any specific tech, finance, future of work, startups, budgeting, or similar topics you’d like to learn more about, please let us know!!!

Until next time, keep making your mark on the world sweet friends, family, and readers 🚀🌍

Signing off with anticipation for what's next,

Bailey 🌟💼

Main Source: Forbes Top 50 Article

(Other sources all linked to their respective company above)