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Kelly Monahan

Managing Director of the Future of Work Research Institute, Upwork; Former Director of Future of Work, Meta; Organizational Behaviorist

Upwork's director of future of work who designs research programs that provide data-driven insights to help solve the workplace challenges of today and tomorrow
Champions a people-first approach to the future of work that is being mirrored by top companies across the globe
Investigates the human side of workplace evolution and shares actionable strategies for creating workplace experiences that power the growth of organizations and the individuals within them

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A globally recognized leader in the field of future of work, Kelly Monahan is the mind behind some of the world’s leading companies’ efforts to bring the workplace of the future into the present. As the Managing Director of Upwork’s Future of Work Research Institute, Monahan is the architect of first-of-their-kind research programs — the findings of which are used to inspire workplace transformation at the world's top organizations and help them radically shift how they think and operate in order to unlock new avenues to success for their talent and business.

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Monahan introduces audiences to the human side of workplace evolution as she draws from her firsthand research to reveal current and future trends that are shaping the workplace and provide decision-makers with the information, tools, and resources they need to understand and meet the needs of their employees now and in the future of work. She points to key data that will provide the stimulus for improving people-related decision-making in the workplace, and discusses the role of technology as organizations rework their talent strategy. With a philosophy rooted in an unshakeable belief in human potential, Monahan’s people-first approach to the future of work is intended to help organizations arrive at their own personalized solutions to fostering more purposeful workplace experiences for all.

In her current leadership role at Upwork, Monahan is responsible for leading the organization’s data analytics and insights and advising top executives on how to incorporate those findings to augment the employee experience and create mutually beneficial workplace-worker dynamics. Her key focus areas include remote worker health and growth, developing best practices for distributing team effectiveness, and designing equitable workplace experiences for all. Monahan is no stranger to leading future of work initiatives at global companies. Prior to Upwork, she served as Director of Future of Work at Meta and as Principal Director of Global Talent Research at Accenture, where she provided expertise and counsel to executives and decision-makers on workforce of the future issues. Before that, she was the lead future of work researcher at Deloitte. In her early career, Monahan held roles as a human research manager, marketing analyst, media manager, and media planner.

An expert whose daily work is laying the foundation for a future of work that works, Monahan has been recognized and published in both applied and academic journals, including MIT Sloan Management Review and Journal of Strategic Management. In addition to being the author of How Behavioral Economics Influences Management Decision Making, she has written more than a dozen publications, is a TEDx speaker, and is frequently quoted in the media on talent decision-making and other aspects of the future of work. In her own words, her research is driven by her desire to make our workplaces more meaningful.

Speaker Video

Future of Work: Hiding in Plain Sight | Kelly Monahan | TEDxHartford

The Future of Management | Wharton People Analytics Conference

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Kelly Monahan’s research sits at the intersection of AI, workforce development, and performance management, offering deep insights into how organizations can navigate the future of work. She easily tailors her talks to appeal to various industries and roles—from C-Suites to HR teams and beyond.

AI and the Productivity Paradox: Are We Really Getting Ahead? Kelly Monahan explores how AI, when used solely for efficiency, can unintentionally fuel burnout, especially within traditional workplace frameworks that value output. She emphasizes that instead of focusing solely on outcomes, organizations should rethink how they measure performance and talent acquisition—shifting toward talent access and a human-centered approach. This discussion challenges leaders to protect their workforce by leveraging AI as a tool for growth, learning, and innovation rather than mere productivity. Dr. Monahan unpacks why many companies face a productivity paradox despite heavy AI investments and offers actionable strategies to overcome this disconnect, underscoring that true success in the AI era lies in human-centered leadership, not just in adopting new technologies.

An Essential Leadership Playbook: Shifting to Human-Powered Leadership. There’s no doubt that the workplace of yesteryear is rapidly changing, and leaders need to meet the people demands of today to succeed. Drawing insights from her new book, Kelly Monahan explains that there is a skill shortage and it’s unlikely that the average worker has the skills necessary to be leaders in the next five years, which poses real challenges for the future. In this talk, she gives the audience three key takeaways rooted in human-powered leadership to stay ahead:

Fostering autonomy and de-emphasizing hierarchical structures
Cultivating a sense of purpose
Focusing on wellness at the workplace

These strategies are vital to navigating today’s complex, distributed work environment and creating sustainable, happy teams.

Decoding Gen Z: Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace. In a lighthearted yet insightful exploration of Gen Z’s impact on the workforce, Kelly Monahan addresses common misconceptions about the youngest generation entering the workplace. She uses research and anecdotes to highlight the similarities and differences between Gen Z and older generations while emphasizing the unique challenges they face. As the most digitally native and tech-savvy generation, Gen Z needs people-focused leadership that fosters relationships. This talk provides strategies for business leaders to engage, mentor, and inspire the young workforce by embracing flexible work models, cultivating trust, and redesigning career paths for the future.