Kelly Monahan, Ph.D.

Co-Founder

Orlando, United States18 yrs 7 mos experience

Key Highlights

Bestselling author on future of work
Led global talent initiatives at top firms
Expert in AI and workforce change

Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic leader in the Future of Work and AI sectors.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

LeadershipBusiness StrategyResearch Design

Other Skills

Conference SpeakingOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational LeadershipQuantitative ResearchQualitative ResearchCross-functional Team LeadershipExecutive LeadershipData AnalysisSQLRPythonResearchPerformance ManagementManagementPublic Speaking

About

Most leaders don't set out to disengage people or burn teams out. They're moving fast, under pressure, distracted, and following a playbook that no longer works. I know this, because I've been inside it. My career began in analytics and HR, where I saw firsthand how business decisions shape real lives. One moment in particular changed everything. I was asked to layoff more than 200 people in a single day. That experience forced a hard question, what is business actually for? Since then, my work has focused on helping leaders answer that question with clear foresight. I've led global talent and future of work initiatives at Deloitte, Accenture and Meta. I later founded and led the Upwork Research Institute, the company's first-ever research arm studying the global labor market and AI. Today, I'm a bestselling author and co-founder of Beyond the Desk, where I work with leaders to rethink how business works today. Through advising, keynotes, and workshops, I help organizations navigate AI, workforce change and strained systems, without losing sight of what matters most: people, value and opportunity. The future of work is being shaped now. If you want to be ahead of it, reach out.

Experience

Upwork

Managing Director, Research Institute

Feb 2023 – Nov 2025 · 2 yrs 9 mos · Remote · Remote

Led the creation of Upwork's first Research Institute, focusing on global research in emerging technologies, distributed workforce models, and inclusive cultures.
Conducted surveys, interviews, and data mining to shape the future of work, one insight at a time.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative research methodologies and drive impactful findings.

Conference SpeakingLeadershipQuantitative ResearchBusiness StrategyQualitative ResearchCross-functional Team Leadership+4

Leading authorities, inc.

Speaker

Jan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 2 mos · Global

Keynote speaker, panel moderator and engaging facilitator on bringing a people first approach to the future of work and AI

Conference SpeakingLeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational Leadership

Accenture research

2 roles

Global Lead Talent Researcher, Principal Director

Promoted

Dec 2020 – Dec 2021 · 1 yr

Conference SpeakingLeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational LeadershipResearch Design

Lead Talent Researcher, Senior Principal

Mar 2019 – Dec 2020 · 1 yr 9 mos

Conceive, lead and execute major, multi-disciplinary thought leadership initiatives and deliver innovative ideas. Provide expertise and counsel to executives and decision makers on workforce of the future issues.

LeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational LeadershipResearch Design

Deloitte

Lead Researcher - Future of Work

Jun 2015 – Mar 2019 · 3 yrs 9 mos · Greater Philadelphia Area

Served as a subject matter expert on the future of work, consulting with internal and external teams on research integration.
Focused on how advanced technologies disrupt work, workplace, and workforce for Deloitte Insights.
Collaborated with teams to incorporate research into applied insights, driving innovation and strategic decision-making.

LeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational LeadershipResearch Design

Hartford funds

Human Resource Manager

Apr 2011 – Jun 2015 · 4 yrs 2 mos · Greater Philadelphia Area

To better align my academic and professional experiences I transitioned into leading talent management at Hartford Funds working as a business partner to our senior leadership team. In this role I was responsible for organizational development, performance management, employee relations, engagement initiatives and communication.

LeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational LeadershipResearch Design

Drexel university online

Marketing Analyst

Jun 2010 – May 2011 · 11 mos · Greater Philadelphia Area

Based on both professional and personal reasons I relocated to the Greater Philadelphia area and accepted a position within Drexel University's e-Learning division. Within this role I executed multi-facet integrated marketing communication plans targeted to reach potential online students. I also successfully launched multiple degree programs online as well as engaged in various levels of marketing research.

LeadershipBusiness StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentOrganizational Leadership

Butler/till media services

Media Manager

Apr 2009 – Jun 2010 · 1 yr 2 mos

Analyzed demographic media trends using sophisticated statistical software for CenturyLink Telecommunications.
Managed media planning and buying for a growing local advertising firm.
Identified and implemented strategies to optimize media campaigns for clients.

Jay advertising

Media Planner

Apr 2007 – Apr 2009 · 2 yrs

Developed weekly and quarterly client media presentations for St. John's University, Oneida Silverware, and GMC automotive.
Oversaw the design and development of integrated marketing communication campaigns.
Conducted demographic and consumer behavioral research to optimize media strategies.