Robin Barbacane is the Head of Talent Development and Workforce Transformation at Rackspace. In this episode, Robin joins The Edge of Work to discuss what it takes to move beyond AI experimentation and drive enterprise-wide workforce transformation. She shares how Rackspace has approached becoming an AI-first organization, including the development of AI-powered solutions, employee-led innovation programs, and new operating models designed to embed AI into everyday work.

During the conversation, Robin also explains why successful AI adoption is fundamentally a change management challenge, how HR can play a more strategic role in transformation, and why organizations should focus on developing new ways of thinking and working rather than simply deploying new tools.

Links

• Robin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbarbacane/

Kelly Monahan is an Author, Speaker and Researcher. She is the Co-Founder of Beyond The Desk, where she researches the intersection of AI, leadership, and the future of work. In this episode, Kelly shares her perspective on how organizations are navigating the growing gap between AI investment and measurable business value.

She shares insights from her work with executives and boards, including why many organizations lack a clear AI strategy, how leadership behaviors influence adoption, and what it will take to unlock value beyond individual productivity gains. Kelly also explores the changing nature of careers, the challenges facing early-career talent, and why organizations may need to rethink leadership and even the purpose of business as AI continues to reshape work.

Links

• Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-monahan-ph-d-18879413/
• Beyond the Desk: https://www.beyondthedesk.com/

Melody Wilding is the Author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. In this episode, Melody and Al explore why managing up is not about pleasing your boss, but about creating the clarity, influence, and support you need to do your best work. She shares practical strategies for navigating workplace relationships, aligning priorities, setting boundaries, building visibility, and taking ownership without overstepping.

Links

• Melody’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/
• Melody’s Website: https://melodywilding.com/
• Melody’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psychology-at-work-career-success-leadership-communication/id1762458121
• Managing Up: https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Up-What-People-Charge-ebook/dp/B0CXLSH6Y6/