Navigating the Future of Work and Learning
LABOUR MARKETS | FUTURE OF WORK & AI | SKILLS & CAREER PATHWAYS
The world of work is changing faster than most organisations can keep up with. But too often, the conversation focuses on amplifying the risks and disruption ahead — without helping organisations understand what to do about them, or what these changes mean for the people they serve.
I’ve dedicated my career to understanding these changes and helping organisations prepare for them. Through research and analysis, I turn complex labour-market trends into clear insights that help policymakers, educators and businesses shape decisions and action.
ABOUT
Bocconi · UCL · Centre for Cities · Lightcast
I’m passionate about helping people live empowered lives, and I believe work plays a key role in that. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked across research, the public sector and tech, helping policymakers, educators and businesses understand how labour markets are changing and what this means for them. My expertise lies in bringing together research, policy analysis and practical insight to bridge the gap between understanding change and taking action.
MY TAKE ON THE FUTURE OF WORK
Prepare, don't predict: We cannot predict the future, but we can build the conditions to navigate it well.
Think in skills, not jobs: Change is happening at the skill level. Unpacking work into skills and tasks allows for greater adaptability in times of change.
Think in systems, not isolated shocks: AI is not the only thing happening in the world of work right now. It intersects with demographics, policy and local economies.
Redesign, don't just adopt: Don't just jump on the next AI innovation - ask what value it brings in solving business problems first.
Connect macro thinking with local action: Real change happens on the ground, locally, one conversation at a time.
“AI is coming, but we don’t need to be scared. We need to be prepared.”
-- Elena Magrini, CNBC Interview
A selection of my recent research, interviews and keynote presentations on the labour market and the future of work.
Why college graduates are stuck in jobs that don't require degrees
The AI Index 2026 annual report - Chapter 4.4: Jobs
Rethinking Your Academic Program Portfolio
BLOOMBERG | Interview & analysis | 2026
Beyond the buzz - developing the AI skills employers actually need
Skills for tomorrow: are we prepared for future challenges?
SELECTED WORK
BLOOMBERG | Interview & analysis | 2026
STANFORD UNIVERSITY HAI | Research | 2026
OFFICE HOUR | Podcast | 2026
LIGHTCAST | Research | 2025
What does it take to shape the future of work?
FUTURE TALENT COUNCIL | Interview | 2026
EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT | Speaking | 2025
Also seen at: Business Higher Education Forum · London School of Economics · OECD & Cedefop · Forbes · Bruegel · Economics Observatory · CNBC · Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)
COMMUNITY
The future of work requires all of us to work together. In the US, powerful networks bring key decision-makers together around this agenda. In Europe, we're still too fragmented.
I'm building a community to change that — a space bringing together researchers, practitioners, and organisations who care about what AI means for the next generation of workers.
If this is your world, I'd love you to be part of shaping it.
GET IN TOUCH
The future of work is being written right now - and the decisions we make today will shape it for years to come. If you're interested in working together, or simply want to talk about it, I'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch to discuss: research collaborations · advisory · speaking engagements · partnerships.
Please note: This is my personal website and I am not representing Lightcast here. For Lightcast-related enquiries, please contact Lightcast directly or mention Lightcast in the form and I’ll redirect your enquiry.
Elena Magrini | elena@elenamagrini.com | LinkedIn
