The Independent Workforce

freelancermap

Here we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, such as freelancers, contractors, fractional experts, you name it 💪

  1. 👑 Why Procurement Is the Future of Freelance Hiring | The Independent Workforce | Danny Gal

    1 HR AGO

    👑 Why Procurement Is the Future of Freelance Hiring | The Independent Workforce | Danny Gal

    "You’re already working with freelancers. The real question is whether you’re doing it strategically or accidentally." In this episode, we discussed how enterprises can strategically integrate freelancers into their workforce led by procurement, driven by small wins, and focused on real business impact, in particular: 👉 The real reason companies struggle to scale freelancer adoption. 👉 Why procurement, not HR, should own external workforce strategy. 👉 The cost savings potential of structured freelance programs. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Danny Gal, an experienced business leader and board director who stands right at the intersection of enterprise transformation and the rise of the independent workforce, who, as a co-founder of Proteams Europe, helps large organizations tap into Europe’s top flexible talent across IT, digital, and creative as their real business advantage. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Danny and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannygal/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Danny Gal (02:43) An enterprise external workforce strategy (and why terms matter) (04:45) Why procurement should own it (06:31) How to kick it off (08:08) Who ProTeam works with (09:34) Change management in big corporates (11:18) Finding the “neck on the line” leaders (14:04) What really motivates stakeholders (16:14) Biggest blockers (19:43) Sharing business success stories to scale adoption (22:35) Keeping Procurement in the Loop (24:34) Blended Workforce Reality Check (27:47) Why Flexibility Is Non‑Negotiable (31:10) The Simplest First Step to Build an Independent Talent System (33:50) What Happens If You Don’t Adapt (39:41) Tech to Match Work to the Right Supplier #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    46 min
  2. 💯 The Truth About Freelancers Inside Big Corporations | The Independent Workforce | Tony Buffum

    16 FEB

    💯 The Truth About Freelancers Inside Big Corporations | The Independent Workforce | Tony Buffum

    “If you only hire full-time employees, you’re building a workforce for yesterday’s economy.” In this episode, we discussed how enterprises really hire freelancers today, what blocks adoption internally, and why access to skills (not ownership of employees) defines the future of work, in particular: 👉 Why “talent access” is replacing traditional talent acquisition. 👉 Who owns freelance hiring inside corporations. 👉 What companies risk if they ignore the independent workforce shift. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Tony Buffum, a transformational HR leader and Head of Enterprise Strategy at Human Cloud, who works with global enterprises, investors, and governments to design flexible workforce programs and unlock the power of independent talent. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Tony and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-buffum-hrexecutive/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Tony Buffum (01:12) The Role of Freelancers in Large Enterprises (04:03) Market Dynamics and the Shift to Independent Work (08:24) Challenges and Solutions in Hiring Freelancers (09:30) A Tug War Between Departments (14:10) Start Small and Share Success Stories (19:03) What Blocks Working With Freelancers (23:46) Benefits of Hiring Freelancers (28:41) Navigating the Freelancer Hiring Process (36:50) Building Trust in the Freelance Marketplace (40:36) Advice for Freelancers and Enterprises #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    50 min
  3. 🚀 How Freelancers Help Startups Raise Money Faster | The Independent Workforce | Nir Melamud

    9 FEB

    🚀 How Freelancers Help Startups Raise Money Faster | The Independent Workforce | Nir Melamud

    “Startups don’t fail because they lack effort. They fail because they move too slow. Freelancers buy you time, and time is survival.” In this episode, we discussed how startups can use freelancers as strategic partners to move faster, hire smarter, and build scalable businesses from day one, in particular: 👉 How freelancers help startups move from idea to MVP faster. 👉 How freelancers can directly impact fundraising readiness. 👉 The biggest mistakes startups make when working with freelancers. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Nir Melamud, Head of Partnerships and Investments at ThinkUp, Managing Partner at Tech Investor Club, Founder of FreshStart, and startup ecosystem builder with over 20 years of experience helping startups go from idea to fundable business, who works with founders on investor readiness, go-to-market, and scaling. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Nir and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-melamud/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Nir Melamud (00:54) Connecting Startups and Freelancers (01:18) Nir's Professional Journey (04:25) Full-time vs Freelancers in Startups (06:39) Hiring Freelancers for Startups (09:43) Freelancers' Impact on Startups (14:41) Finding and Hiring Freelancers (21:12) How To Get The Best Freelancers (26:52) Where To Find Freelancers (33:14) The Role of AI in Hiring (35:28) Final Thoughts and Advice #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    45 min
  4. 🥇 Why Freelancers Are Already 40% Of Your Workforce | The Independent Workforce | Jack Spencer

    2 FEB

    🥇 Why Freelancers Are Already 40% Of Your Workforce | The Independent Workforce | Jack Spencer

    “If you don’t own your flexible workforce strategy, chaos will own it for you.” In this episode, we discussed the shift from accidental freelancing to intentional workforce strategy and how to thrive in the future of work, in particular: 👉 How flexible work slowly “crept in” without strategy or governance. 👉 Who inside companies should really own the independent workforce. 👉 Why the future of work is blended—not permanent vs freelance. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Jack Spencer, a flexible workforce specialist with over a decade of experience helping enterprises work smarter with freelance talent, the founder of Freeflexer, co-founder of Club Redundo, who's also led enterprise partnerships at YunoJuno, working with global brands across media, tech, and finance. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Jack and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackarthurgeorge/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Jack Spencer (01:17) Jack's Professional Journey (02:43) The Concept Behind Freeflex (04:32) Challenges in Managing Freelance Talent (05:53) Ownership and Governance in Freelance Management (12:51) Mindset Shifts for Embracing Independent Work (18:07) Future of Work and Adaptation (20:43) Engaging the Right Decision Makers (21:16) Persuading Businesses to Embrace Change (23:46) Finding the Right Freelancers (26:51) Building Long-Term Relationships with Freelancers (29:43) Addressing Common Barriers in Freelance Work (31:43) The Role of AI in the Freelance Market (38:09) Advice for Companies and Freelancers #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    43 min
  5. 🤑 How Hiring Contractors Saves You Money And Time | The Independent Workforce | Rich Wilson

    26 JAN

    🤑 How Hiring Contractors Saves You Money And Time | The Independent Workforce | Rich Wilson

    “Enterprises that don't adapt will find themselves running faster… in the wrong direction.” In this episode, we discussed how enterprises can overcome internal barriers and start working more effectively with independent talent, in particular: 👉 How the role of the recruiter is changing in the age of AI. 👉 Why enterprises are turning to blended workforce models (internal, external, and AI). 👉 The hidden blockers: budgets, procurement systems, and terminology. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Rich Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of Gigged.AI, the blended workforce platform for enterprises, who, with prior experience at Gartner and Allegis Group, is reshaping how enterprises tackle skill gaps using freelancers, internal talent, and AI, and is also passionate about mental health, AI, and the future of work. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Rich and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlwilson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Rich Wilson (01:22) Rich's Journey in Recruitment (06:06) The Evolution of the Recruiter Role (08:21) Gigged AI's Focus on Enterprise Solutions (12:06) Challenges and Strategies in Enterprise Adoption (20:53) Addressing Common Concerns About Freelancing (24:50) Understanding the Freelancer Marketplace (25:30) The Importance of Terminology in Enterprise (26:15) Budget Categories and Procurement (30:23) Building the Blended Talent Platform (31:51) Challenges in Enterprise Integration (33:53) The Future of the Blended Workforce (41:30) Advice for Companies and Freelancers #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    47 min
  6. 🔥 7 Rules You Must Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | The Independent Workforce | Robert Vlach

    19 JAN

    🔥 7 Rules You Must Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | The Independent Workforce | Robert Vlach

    “When you earn the loyalty of an elite independent, you don’t just hire one person—you gain access to their network, their insights, and their industry radar.” In this episode, we discussed how freelancing has changed across major economic/tech shifts, and what both sides must do to thrive in the future—especially in an AI-shaped world, in particular: 👉 The difference between platforms, specialized agencies, and communities when sourcing talent. 👉 The biggest blocker for companies hiring independents. 👉 How budget clarity and decision-maker involvement can make or break a deal. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Robert Vlach, a freelancing entrepreneur, who consults top-notch professionals and business owners on shaping their business strategy and systematically supports independent professionals, a founder of two of the largest professional communities Freelancing.eu and Navolnenoze.cz, an author of The Freelance Way, an international business bestseller, and a huge ambassador of freelancers. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Robert and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertvlach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00 Meet Robert Vlach: Freelancing Entrepreneur (01:29) Robert's Freelancing Journey (08:43) Milestones in the Freelance Economy (13:35) Current Trends and Challenges in Freelancing (28:07) Advice for Companies Hiring Freelancers (49:49) The Future of Freelancing #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    59 min
  7. 🚨 From Titles to Tasks: The Future of Hiring | The Independent Workforce | John Winsor

    12 JAN

    🚨 From Titles to Tasks: The Future of Hiring | The Independent Workforce | John Winsor

    “Stop hiring titles and start hiring outcomes; the work doesn’t care about your org chart.” In this episode, we discussed how companies can move from title-based hiring to outcome-based work—using freelancers plus AI to move faster, learn more, and avoid becoming irrelevant, in particular: 👉 Why the “job” is fading—and outcomes are becoming the real unit of work. 👉 The hidden cost of traditional hiring: friction, controls, and slow trust-building. 👉 Why companies that resist independent talent risk being left behind within 5 years. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and John Winsor, one of the world’s leading voices shaping the future of work, an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design and Data Institute, the founder and chairman of Open Assembly, and the author of Open Talent, a landmark book on how companies can tap into global freelance expertise to solve their biggest challenges. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with John and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntwinsor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet John Winsor (01:22) The Journey from Publishing to Co-Creation (04:05) Building a Research and Strategy Company (05:27) The Rise of Crowdsourcing and Victors & Spoils (08:55) Transition to Harvard and the Impact of AI (10:17) The Future of Work: Taskification and Freelancing (13:29) Speed Is a Strategic Advantage (18:10) Freelancers Are Learners (21:30) Who's Responsible for Making Changes (30:12) Advice for Companies and Freelancers #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    36 min
  8. 🐱‍🏍 Breaking Into The Czech Freelance Market | The Independent Workforce | Klára Hrubá Kristýna Pechová

    15/12/2025

    🐱‍🏍 Breaking Into The Czech Freelance Market | The Independent Workforce | Klára Hrubá Kristýna Pechová

    "Hiring external experts isn’t a risk when you have the right partner. The real risk is delaying your projects because you’re afraid to try.” In this episode, we discussed how to navigate procurement and compliance, what clients misunderstand about independent talent, and why flexibility, speed, and partnership matter more than ever, in particular: 👉 What makes the Czech freelance ecosystem unique and more complex compared to 10 years ago. 👉 The real reason procurement slows down freelance hiring (and how to fix it). 👉 How gender, leadership, and communication shape collaboration in a male-dominated IT space. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, Klára Hrubá a leader who’s been shaping the talent and investment landscape of Central Europe for nearly two decades, from leading commercial strategy at Hays for over 11 years, to now serving as CEO of nemensis that creates a trustworthy connection between companies and freelancers that both sides can rely on, and Kristýna Pechová, with over 13 years in HR, contracting, and leadership, the Commercial Director for Technology at nemensis, where she builds new business divisions, drives growth, and helps teams and clients thrive, who's s also a certified coach and member of Inspire & Impact, and is passionate about developing people. Together, we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, and how companies can get the most out of such collaboration! Connect with Klara, Kristyna, and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klarahrubahayscz/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristynapechova/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/ Whether you’re looking to hire top freelance talent fast or are a freelancer ready to find your next big project, freelancermap connects the right people with the right work 💪 Visit https://www.freelancermap.com/ and start building your next success story today!🚀 Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Klára Hrubá and Kristýna Pechová (01:27) Klára's Journey into the Czech Market (04:15) Vision for nemensis in the Czech Market (06:05) Kristýna's Perspective on the Freelance Market (09:39) Women in Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry (16:05) Understanding the Freelance Market in the Czech Republic (19:07) Navigating Corporate Structures to Engage Freelancers (23:33) Challenges of Relying on Full-Time Employees (25:27) The Benefits of Hiring Freelancers (28:49) Client Success Stories with Freelancers (30:12) Navigating Client Agreements and Procurement (34:31) Overcoming Barriers to Freelance Collaboration (39:29) Advice for Companies New to Freelancers #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    48 min

About

Here we explore the now and the future of work through the lens of temporary employment, such as freelancers, contractors, fractional experts, you name it 💪