In this episode of The Open Talent Report, host Connor Heaney sits down with Cara Kresge, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at C Squared Workforce Solutions, to explore the future of work, the rise of global hiring, and how companies can build agile, compliant, and truly frictionless workforce ecosystems.
Cara shares her fascinating journey from staffing and advisory roles to launching her own consultancy, why trust is the foundation of every great client partnership, and how technology, talent marketplaces, and AI are transforming how we think about work.
Whether you’re a talent leader, HR professional, or workforce strategist, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and what it really takes to shape the next generation of work.
🔍 In This Episode:
- The evolution of the extended workforce and C Squared’s story
- How to build trust-driven client partnerships
- The labor market paradox and future hiring trends
- Integrating technology across VMS, MSP, and marketplace ecosystems
- The real impact of AI on jobs and skills
- Why frictionless, human-centered design is the future of work
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & welcome
01:45 – Cara’s career journey: from staffing to strategy
09:50 – Founding C Squared Workforce Solutions
15:30 – The global labor paradox & workforce trends
21:10 – Tech integration: connecting VMS, MSP & marketplaces
27:00 – Talent marketplaces vs. traditional staffing
32:20 – Direct sourcing & evolving workforce models
36:50 – AI, change management & future-proofing your skills
42:20 – Industry consolidation: why it’s happening now
44:10 – Return-to-office mandates & the trust gap
47:25 – Cara’s predictions for the future of work
49:30 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Cara
👉 Subscribe for more conversations on global talent, contingent workforce trends, and the future of work.
🔗 Connect with CXC Global: https://www.cxcglobal.com
🔗 Follow Cara Kresge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmkresge/
🔗 Follow Connor Heaney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrmconnorheaney/
Listen to the Open Talent Report below, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Ep. 123 | Bruce Morton: Reinventing Work, AI, and the Future of Global Talent
Ep. 122 | Gareth Walls on Employment Law Reform, Labour Flexibility & Legal Tech
Ep. 121 | The Future of Work: AI, Procurement & Workforce Planning with Dennis Van de Vijver
Ep. 120 | Emergency Episode | When Competition Goes Too Far: An EOR Reality Check
Ep. 119 | From Procurement to People: Rethinking Workforce Strategies With Milena Cerdas
Ep. 118 | Total Workforce Strategy: The Future of Talent with Martin Thomas
Ep. 117 | From Local to Global: Unlocking Talent Without Limits With Kyle Smith
Ep. 116 | Beyond Borders: The Evolution of Global Workforce Strategies With Scott A. Aicher
Ep. 115 | Workforce Revolution: Talent, Tech, and the Future with Tim Jacob
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