The Future of the American Workforce

As artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms continue to reshape how work is performed, and as immigration policy, demographics, and global talent flows evolve, participants explored the profound transformation underway in the American workforce and the strategic implications for boards and executive leadership.

The session began with a keynote presentation by William Kerr, D’Arbeloff Professor at Harvard Business School, followed by a panel discussion examining how emerging technologies are changing job design, productivity, and skill requirements. Panelists discussed the impact of demographic trends and immigration dynamics on talent availability, diversity, and competitiveness, and explored how organizations can balance innovation with responsible workforce strategies, including reskilling, redeployment, and human-AI collaboration. The discussion also addressed policy developments that may influence the long-term labor supply.

Attendees gained valuable insights into the future of work, including how workforce composition, organizational models, and leadership expectations are evolving. The session highlighted key questions boards should be asking management to help ensure their organizations remain resilient, competitive, and socially responsible amid a rapidly changing labor landscape.

This event was held virtually on Sept. 17, 2026.

Speakers

Steven Baert

Chief People Officer, GE Vernova

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Steven Baert is chief people officer of GE Vernova. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring our people, organization, and culture drive our performance and align with current and future-state business needs, including workforce planning, talent acquisition and development, compensation and benefits, labor and employee relations, and HR operations as well as engagement and inclusion. He is also responsible for Safety, Health, Security and the wellbeing of our teams...

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Tracey Franklin

Chief People & Digital Technology Officer, Moderna

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Tracey Franklin is Moderna’s Chief People and Digital Technology Officer, responsible for integrating people, technology, and business strategy to reimagine how Moderna operates and delivers for patients...

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William Kerr

D’Arbeloff Professor, Harvard Business School

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William Kerr is the D’Arbeloff Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Bill is  Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Research, co-director of Harvard’s Managing the Future of Work initiative, and faculty chair of the Launching New Ventures program...

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Moderator

Alison Quirk

Independent Director

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Alison A. Quirk is an experienced corporate director, senior advisor, and former C-suite executive with deep expertise in corporate governance, executive compensation, talent management, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational transformation...

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You can view the recording of this event here.