The Independent Workforce

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

    5D AGO

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

    FEB 2

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

    JAN 26

    🤑 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
  4. 🔥 7 Rules You Must Follow to Work With Elite Freelancers | The Independent Workforce | Robert Vlach

    JAN 19

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

    JAN 12

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

    12/15/2025

    🐱‍🏍 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
  7. 💪 How Microsoft Built a Global Freelance Workforce | The Independent Workforce | Nuri Demirci Lopez

    12/08/2025

    💪 How Microsoft Built a Global Freelance Workforce | The Independent Workforce | Nuri Demirci Lopez

    “Start small, go slow, and build trust through clarity. Once your freelancers understand the ‘why,’ they won’t just complete tasks—they’ll push your whole company forward.” In this episode, we discussed how companies can build resilient, scalable, human-centered organizations by integrating freelancers, contractors, and flexible talent, in particular: 👉 How Microsoft built a 900+ person freelance-powered global support ecosystem across 70+ countries. 👉 Why flexible talent gives companies speed, resilience, and competitive advantage. 👉 Why companies should start small, go slow, and iterate when hiring freelancers. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Nuri Demirci Lopez, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, AI startups founder, and author of Leading the Unknown and The Inevitable Future of Work books. 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 Nuri and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuri-demirci-lopez/ 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 Nuri Demirci Lopez (01:27) The Journey to Embracing Flexible Talent (02:34) The Impact of Freelancers on Microsoft Support (04:36) Scaling with Freelancers During Crises (06:29) The Curiosity and Drive of Freelancers (13:16) Trust and Security in Freelance Work (17:40) Freelance Platforms and Onboarding Processes (20:50) Onboarding Process and Tools (25:44) Importance of Community Building (28:30) Managing Freelancers Effectively (34:43) Final Advice for Hiring Freelancers #freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    40 min
  8. 😲 Hiring Freelancers: What Companies Still Get Wrong | The Independent Workforce | Kaja Storbeck

    12/01/2025

    😲 Hiring Freelancers: What Companies Still Get Wrong | The Independent Workforce | Kaja Storbeck

    “Don’t expect excellence if you haven’t communicated expectations. Freelancers aren’t mind-readers—they’re partners, and partners need clarity.” In this episode, we discussed the evolving freelance landscape, how high-skill experts are shifting into independent work, the practical steps companies must take to integrate them, and the common pitfalls, blockers, and mindset shifts needed to succeed, in particular: 👉 The biggest blockers preventing companies from hiring top talent. 👉 Where communication and expectations go wrong. 👉 The hidden risks of refusing to adapt to flexible talent models. Join Yurii Lazaruk, an Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at freelancermap, and Kaja Storbeck, a passionate recruiter at Progressive Recruiting (part of SThree), who is bridging the gap between companies that need specialized expertise and the professionals driving innovation forward, and is on a mission to bring skilled people together to build bright 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 Kaja and Yurii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaja-storbeck/ 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 Kaja Storbeck (02:10) The Evolution of the Independent Workforce (04:02) Benefits of Hiring Freelancers (05:02) Overcoming Objections to Freelancers (08:32) Steps to Hire a Freelancer (12:04) Administrative and Compliance Considerations (18:30) Client and Freelancer Collaboration (28:04) The Role of AI in Hiring Freelancers (33:57) Advice for Companies and Freelancers freelance #hiring #futureofwork

    38 min
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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 💪

Information

  • Creator
    freelancermap
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © freelancermap
  • Show Website
    The Independent Workforce