How Can the Gig Economy Unleash Talent in a Disrupted World?

 
Gig economy jobs have become increasingly common over the last decade or so. This economy is centered on flexible work that provides each worker with a wider degree of independence than a typical 9-5. While it might not work for everyone, there\ are certain aspects to the gig economy which could lead passionate people to big gains in their future. So, how can the gig economy help change the world?

In this newest episode of DisruptED, Ron J. Stefanski hosts a conversation with special guest Dr. Chaz Austin, about the future of the gig economy. Dr. Chaz has taught over sixty different courses over the years, but mainly focuses on business. After getting into education, almost by accident, he realized there was a missing step in education. Dr. Chaz said, “I found a gap between what’s taught in school and the business world, the real world…education lives in the past, we’re still training people for the factory workplace of the early 20th century.”

Stefanski and Austin discuss…

● Why education needs an overhaul

● How everything in life is an interpretation and believing this is empowering

● How to understand the various ‘rules’ within the gig economy in order to shift a hobby into a monetized venture

“…If anyone’s done this kind of work and sits in my classroom, it’s straight out of that work. It’s empowering and inspiring people and letting them see what’s possible in their lives that they hadn’t seen before…,” said Dr. Chaz.

Dr. Chaz has worn many hats throughout his life as an educator, including working in academia, leadership coaching, and as a TEDx speaker. He is a graduate of the City College of New York with a BA in Sociology, earned his MA in Broadcast Communication Arts from San Francisco State University, and his Ed.D in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

governance
Exploring the Intersection of Board Governance, Community Engagement and Creativity with Ann Margolin
February 23, 2026

Behind every city vote, hospital budget or zoning decision is a leader navigating tough, often conflicting priorities. Right now, public leaders are operating in an environment of rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages and heightened community expectations—especially within safety-net systems that collectively provide billions in uncompensated care each year. The stakes are real—they affect patients…

Read More
career-connected
Workforce Alignment, and the New Blueprint for Career-Connected Learning Ecosystems
February 23, 2026

Workforce shortages, shifting federal and state policy, and rising skepticism about the return on investment of a traditional four-year degree have pushed career-connected learning to the forefront of education reform. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment is expected to increase by nearly 4.7 million jobs between 2022 and 2032, with…

Read More
hiring strategy
AI Is Reshaping Hiring Strategy And Critical Roles Are Shifting to Permanent Talent
February 20, 2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future-state discussion—it’s a present-day leadership priority. As enterprises accelerate the adoption of generative AI and automation tools, hiring strategies are evolving alongside broader business transformation. According to McKinsey’s 2025 State of AI report, 88% of organizations now report using AI in at least one business function, underscoring how…

Read More
Larry North
Resilience, Reinvention, and the Relentless Pursuit of Growth: Larry North’s Journey from Fitness Icon to Private Equity Leader
February 20, 2026

Entrepreneurship is being glamorized in real time. Social media highlights overnight wins, AI tools promise instant scale, and private equity is reshaping industries at a rapid clip. Yet behind every “success story” is something far less flashy: failure, adaptability, and the discipline to keep going when life hits hard. According to the U.S. Bureau…

Read More