Strategic advisor to organisations shaping the future of work
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, advisory, speaking and partnerships, I work with educational institutions, policymakers and businesses shaping the future of work to turn insights into strategic decisions and practical actions that empower people.
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 last ten years I've worked across research, the public sector, and tech — advising governments, educators, and businesses on how to navigate labour market trends and prepare for the future of work. I know the research. I know the people. And I know we need to close the gap between insight and action to help the next generation of workers feel empowered about work.
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
Why college graduates are stuck in jobs that don't require degrees
SELECTED WORK
INTERVIEW
Bloomberg
2026 · Link
PUBLICATION
The AI Index 2026 annual report - Chapter 4.4: Jobs
Stanford University · HAI
2026 · Link
KEYNOTE
From hype to evidence: three labour market realities right now
Future Talent Council, Abu Dhabi
2025 · Link
PUBLICATION
Beyond the buzz - developing the AI skills employers actually need
Lightcast
2025 · Link
KEYNOTE
Labour market outlook, AI, and the quest for talent
Outsells CEO Summit, London
2025 · Link
PANEL
Skills for tomorrow: are we prepared for future challenges?
European Youth Parliament, Strasbourg
2025 · Link
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 opportunities to work with me directly, please use the form below. 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
