Chief Change Officer Podcast: Episode #384 Guest: Deborah Perry Piscione Title: From Power Plays to Pay-It-Forward—How Work Got Rewritten — Part Two Release Date: May 22, 2025 Host: Vince Chan

Introduction

In Episode #384 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Deborah Perry Piscione, co-author of Employment is Dead and founder of the work3 Institute. This two-part series delves into the evolving landscape of work, education, and employment, offering insights into how individuals and organizations can navigate the future of work.

Deborah's Journey: From Politics to Silicon Valley

Deborah Perry Piscione brings a unique perspective, transitioning from an 18-year career in Washington D.C., where she worked in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and as a political commentator, to becoming an entrepreneur and Silicon Valley insider. Her move marked a shift from a culture of politics and power to one of collaboration and innovation, leading her to establish six companies and author multiple best-selling books.

Shifting the Paradigm: Moving Beyond Traditional Degrees

One of the central themes of the conversation is the diminishing value of traditional four-year degrees in the modern job market.

Deborah Perry Piscione [04:29]:
"Getting more employers to rethink their degree requirements will take hard work. Employees have grown up in a system where the four-year degree is the proxy, and that's a perception that it's risky to do things differently."

Vince Chen echoes this sentiment, reflecting on his own educational background and the traditional career path he once followed. He highlights the emergence of multiple avenues to achieve financial success, emphasizing that technology empowers individuals to define their own success.

Vince Chen [08:14]:
"If technology can be open source, then career development can be open-minded in the same way. In the end, technology is the enabler—it doesn't dictate how we succeed, but it empowers us to choose our own version of success."

Embracing Entrepreneurship and Portfolio Careers

The discussion pivots to the rise of entrepreneurship and the concept of portfolio careers, where individuals engage in multiple streams of income and diverse interests.

Deborah Perry Piscione [11:12]:
"We've now evolved into this portfolio career. It's almost like what was heralded during our generation is almost frowned upon. Now it's about maximizing the T shape of who you are."

She underscores the importance of adaptability and the ability to leverage various passions into sustainable career paths, facilitated by platforms like Upwork and emerging technologies such as blockchain and DAOs.

Guidance for Employers: Transforming Organizational Culture

Addressing employers, Deborah outlines a transformation map essential for companies to thrive in the future of work. The primary focus should be on transparent communication and understanding employees' comfort levels with new technologies like AI.

Deborah Perry Piscione [14:11]:
"The first thing is great, transparent communication with your employees and really learning. It's about making work more human and making your employees feel like they're a part of the family."

She emphasizes the importance of empathy and support during organizational shifts, drawing parallels to IBM's transition from hardware to consulting by fostering open dialogue and providing assistance to employees not ready to adapt.

Decoding "Employment is Dead": Clarifying Misconceptions

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around the provocative title of Deborah's book, Employment is Dead. Vince raises concerns about potential misinterpretations, using the example of a young adult disengaged from traditional employment to highlight the need for clarity.

Deborah Perry Piscione [18:58]:
"Traditional nine-to-five work has not worked for a long time. You could be a recent college grad and want to be in an office five days a week, but you don't need to be there all those hours."

Deborah clarifies that the phrase "Employment is Dead" signifies the end of rigid, traditional employment models rather than the demise of work itself. She advocates for life-stage flexibility, allowing individuals to tailor their work lives to their personal needs and passions.

Vince Chen [21:32]:
"Employment isn't dead, it's just evolving. The traditional model may be fading, but it's being reimagined in new and meaningful ways."

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Work

The episode concludes with an affirmation of the transformative journey individuals and organizations are undertaking. Deborah and Vince reinforce the message that while traditional employment models are changing, the essence of work—contribution, growth, and fulfillment—remains vital. They encourage listeners to embrace flexibility, pursue their passions, and leverage technology to forge their unique paths in the evolving landscape of work.

Vince Chen [22:12]:
"If you found this conversation valuable, share it, rate the show, and let's keep pushing these conversations forward. The future of work isn't coming. It's already here."

Key Takeaways

1. Redefining Success: Traditional four-year degrees are no longer the sole pathway to career success. Skills, adaptability, and entrepreneurial ventures are increasingly valued.

2. Portfolio Careers: Embracing multiple income streams and diverse interests allows for greater flexibility and fulfillment in one's career.

3. Organizational Transformation: Employers must prioritize transparent communication and support to help employees navigate technological advancements and shifts in the workplace.

4. Clarifying Employment: "Employment is Dead" signifies the end of rigid work structures, advocating for flexible, passion-driven careers that align with individual life stages and interests.

5. Technological Empowerment: Technology serves as an enabler, providing tools and platforms that facilitate new ways of working and achieving success outside traditional models.

Notable Quotes

• Deborah Perry Piscione [04:29]:
  "Getting more employers to rethink their degree requirements will take hard work."

• Vince Chen [08:14]:
  "Technology is the enabler—it doesn't dictate how we succeed, but it empowers us to choose our own version of success."

• Deborah Perry Piscione [11:12]:
  "Now it's about maximizing the T shape of who you are."

• Deborah Perry Piscione [14:11]:
  "It's about making work more human and making your employees feel like they're a part of the family."

• Deborah Perry Piscione [18:58]:
  "Traditional nine-to-five work has not worked for a long time."

• Vince Chen [21:32]:
  "Employment isn't dead, it's just evolving."

Join the Movement

With over 130,000 followers, Chief Change Officer continues to inspire and guide individuals and organizations through the complexities of modern work. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube @chiefchangeofficer to stay updated on future episodes and join a community dedicated to ambitious human transformation.