081: The Fractional Workforce - Threat or Opportunity?

The workplace is changing faster than ever, and one of the biggest shifts leaders are navigating is the rise of the fractional workforce. But is this trend a threat to traditional employment—or a powerful opportunity for organizations to access talent, expertise, and flexibility in new ways?
In this episode of SpeakEasy HR, we sit down with Brook Rushing, Founder of The People Collab, for a conversation about the evolving world of work, leadership, culture, and the human side of organizational change.
Brook brings nearly 20 years of HR experience, including leadership roles with organizations like Nike and NBCUniversal, where she partnered with senior leaders through complex challenges including organizational transformations, leadership transitions, and culture shifts.
Together, we explore:
1. Why the fractional workforce is becoming a growing part of the future of work.

2, How organizations can determine when fractional talent is an opportunity versus a risk.

3. What HR leaders need to consider when blending full-time employees, contractors, and fractional experts.

4. How leaders can maintain culture and connection in an increasingly flexible workforce.

5. Why the best organizations focus less on frameworks and more on creating trust, clarity, and psychological safety.

6. How AI is reshaping HR and people work while keeping the human element at the center.
Brook also shares her perspective on why successful organizations are not the ones with perfect answers—they are the ones willing to have honest conversations about what isn’t working and create environments where people can grow.
Because the future of work isn’t just about where people work or how they’re hired.
It’s about how leaders create meaningful connections, develop talent, and build cultures where people can thrive.
Join us for an uncut, unfiltered, and authentic conversation on whether the fractional workforce is a threat—or one of the biggest opportunities ahead for HR leaders. For a free assessment with Brook, go schedule it here: https://calendly.com/thepeoplecollab/discovery-call?month=2026-07