Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: This technology is rapidly changing the way work is done, and in the future, virtual assistants powered by AI will be able to perform complex tasks with ease, freeing up time for business owners to focus on more strategic initiatives.
When it comes to designing the future of work, one size fits none. Discovering success isn’t about a hybrid model or offering remote work options. Individuals and organizations are looking for more freedom. The freedom to choose the work model that makes the most sense. The freedom to choose their own values. And the freedom to pursue what matters most. We reached out to successful leaders and thought leaders across all industries to glean their insights and predictions about how to create a future that works.
As a part of our interview series called “How Employers and Employees are Reworking Work Together,” we had the pleasure to interview Chris Kille. Chris is the entrepreneur behind two successful companies — a payment processing firm and a virtual assistant agency.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today.
As an entrepreneur of two companies, I have had countless life experiences that have shaped who I am today. However, two experiences that stand out to me are starting my first business and overcoming a personal obstacle. Starting my first business taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of a strong vision. It was a challenging and humbling experience, but it taught me that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Overcoming a personal obstacle also taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the power of a positive mindset. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, there is always a way to move forward. These experiences have taught me to approach challenges with a can-do attitude and to never give up on my dreams.
Let’s zoom out. What do you predict will be the same about work, the workforce and the workplace 10–15 years from now? What do you predict will be different?
I predict the drive for innovation and technology integration will remain constant in the workplace over the next 10–15 years. However, how we work and the workforce composition will shift towards more remote and diverse teams, as well as an increased emphasis on work-life balance and mental health support. The physical office space may also evolve to prioritize flexibility and collaboration.
What advice would you offer to employers who want to future-proof their organizations?
I have seen firsthand the impact that technology and automation can have on the future of work. My advice to employers looking to future-proof their organizations is simple: embrace change and be proactive in seeking out new tools and strategies that can help you stay ahead of the curve.
One of the key benefits of virtual assistants is that they are highly adaptable, able to quickly learn and integrate new technologies and processes. This means that as your organization evolves, so too will your virtual assistant, always keeping you at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
Another important aspect of future-proofing your organization is developing a strong culture of learning and growth. Encourage your employees to embrace new technologies and tools, and provide them with the training and support they need to succeed. This not only helps you stay ahead of the curve, but it also boosts employee engagement and satisfaction, making your organization a more attractive place to work.
Finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore new and innovative ways of doing things. Virtual assistants are a perfect example of this, offering a fresh and innovative approach to work that can revolutionize the way you do business.
What do you predict will be the biggest gaps between what employers are willing to offer and what employees expect as we move forward? And what strategies would you offer about how to reconcile those gaps?
The biggest gap between employer offerings and employee expectations will be flexibility and work-life balance. Employers may be hesitant to offer remote work options or flexible schedules, but employees will increasingly expect these perks as the norm. To reconcile this gap, employers must be willing to think outside the box and create innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of their employees. This could include offering flexible work arrangements, implementing a remote work policy, or investing in employee wellness programs.
We simultaneously joined a global experiment together last year called “Working From Home.” How will this experience influence the future of work?
I am uniquely positioned to comment on the “Working From Home” experiment’s impact on the future of work. To put it simply, it has been a game-changer. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to reassess how we work, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. The virtual assistant model has proven to be a highly effective way to increase productivity and efficiency while providing employees with a flexible and comfortable working environment.
The future of work will undoubtedly involve a greater reliance on virtual assistants and remote work. We have seen a tremendous surge in demand for virtual assistant services over the past year, and this trend is only set to continue. Companies and entrepreneurs recognize the many benefits virtual assistants bring, including cost savings, scalability, and increased productivity.
Additionally, the “Working From Home” experiment highlighted the need for a new workforce. One that is highly adaptable, highly skilled, and highly motivated. Virtual assistants are all of these things and more. They are dedicated professionals committed to helping their clients succeed and constantly looking for ways to add value.
We’ve all read the headlines about how the pandemic reshaped the workforce. What societal changes do you foresee as necessary to support a future of work that works for everyone?
I foresee a future of work that prioritizes flexibility and inclusivity. This includes more remote work options, a shift towards skills-based hiring, and a renewed focus on mental and emotional well-being for all employees. Additionally, there needs to be a greater emphasis on providing education and training opportunities for those impacted by the pandemic’s economic downturn. Together, these societal changes will create a more equitable and sustainable future of work for all.
What is your greatest source of optimism about the future of work?
My greatest source of optimism about the future of work is the boundless potential for innovation and disruption. The constantly evolving technology landscape and the rise of remote work and freelancing create new opportunities for businesses to adapt and thrive. I am excited to see how these changes will shape our work and what new possibilities they will open up for the workforce.
Our collective mental health and wellbeing are now considered collateral as we consider the future of work. What innovative strategies do you see employers offering to help improve and optimize their employee’s mental health and wellbeing?
We are seeing more and more employers offering their employees paid time off for mental health. This is an excellent way to help employees feel cared for and supported at work, which can positively impact their mental health.
Employers can also offer programs that help employees learn about self-care and preventative care, such as stress management or meditation classes. These programs will help employees learn how to take care of themselves, which is not only good for their mental health but also great for the company.
Finally, employers can offer employee assistance programs that give employees access to therapists or counselors who can help them deal with any issues they might have at work or in their personal lives.
It seems like there’s a new headline every day. ‘The Great Resignation’. ‘The Great Reconfiguration’. And now the ‘Great Reevaluation’. What are the most important messages leaders need to hear from these headlines? How do company cultures need to evolve?
I believe the most important message leaders need to hear from these headlines is the need for adaptability and flexibility in the face of constant change. The “Great Resignation” highlights the importance of employee engagement and retention, while “The Great Reconfiguration” emphasizes the need for companies to be agile and ready to pivot their business strategies. The “Great Reevaluation” highlights the need for leaders to constantly reassess their company’s values, mission, and purpose. For company cultures to evolve, leaders must foster open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. This means being open to new ideas and perspectives and actively seeking feedback and input from employees at all levels. Ultimately, the key to success in today’s rapidly changing business environment is to be open to change and embrace it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Let’s get more specific. What are your “Top 5 Trends To Track In the Future of Work?”
Absolutely, I am happy to share my top five trends that I am tracking in the future of work.
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: This technology is rapidly changing the way work is done, and in the future, virtual assistants powered by AI will be able to perform complex tasks with ease, freeing up time for business owners to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Remote Workforce: The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, and in the future, we will see a significant shift towards a more distributed workforce, allowing businesses to tap into a global pool of talent.
- Employee Well-being: With the rise of remote work, employers will need to focus on the well-being of their employees, ensuring they have the right tools and support to work effectively from home.
- Automation & Process Efficiency: As technology continues to evolve, businesses will continue to automate processes to increase efficiency and streamline operations, making virtual assistants even more valuable.
- The Gig Economy: The rise of the gig economy means that businesses will need to find new ways to manage their workforce, leveraging virtual assistants to handle tasks that don’t require full-time employees.
I keep quotes on my desk and on scraps of paper to stay inspired. What’s your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? And how has this quote shaped your perspective?
My favorite life lesson quote is, “If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” This quote resonates with me deeply as an entrepreneur because it reminds me that the only way to achieve the success I desire is to take control of my destiny and make my dreams a reality. This quote has shaped my perspective by making me realize that I am the only one responsible for my success and that if I don’t take action, I will be stuck helping others achieve their goals instead of my own. It has also made me realize the importance of taking risks and not being afraid to fail, as failure is just a stepping stone to success.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she, or they might just see this if we tag them.
Oh, this is a tough one! I admire so many people and would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with. But if I had to choose one, it would have to be Elon Musk. He’s a visionary entrepreneur and a leader in the tech industry. I’d love to pick his brain on how he balances running multiple companies while pushing innovation boundaries. I’m fascinated by his approach to solving complex problems and his relentless drive to create a better future. Plus, who wouldn’t want to chat with the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, and the Boring Company? I think he would have some valuable insights into the future of work, especially as we continue to see the integration of technology into our daily lives. And who knows, maybe he’ll even be intrigued by our virtual assistant agency and want to join forces to revolutionize our work further!
Our readers often like to continue the conversation with our featured interviewees. How can they best connect with you and stay current on what you’re discovering?
I am always looking for new opportunities and ways to connect with others in the industry. The best way for our readers to stay current on what I’m discovering and connect with me is through my social media channels. I am very active on Twitter and LinkedIn, where I share my thoughts and insights on the latest industry trends and developments. I also write blogs on Forbes and Entrepreneur. I am always happy to connect with like-minded individuals and am excited to continue the conversation with our readers.
Thank you for sharing your insights and predictions. We appreciate the gift of your time and wish you continued success and good health.