CW Partner Vetting, Compliance/Risk, Keisha Stephens, Job Update, Gig Matters Video, What Does Mickey Even Do?, AI in the Workforce News + Bonus Meme

Your newsletter for a lighter and different spin on the CW world.

The Latest AI in the Workforce News:

• Entry Level White-Collar Jobs Most Impacted by AI

• Workday Launches AI Agent Partner Network

• PwC Report Highlights AI's Economic Benefits

• Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas finds limited evidence AI is causing widespread job losses

• Rep. Nancy Mace Reintroduces AI Training Legislation

• Walmart Pilots AI-Powered Interview Coach

Newsletter Exclusive Content:

The CW Partner Vetting Checklist You’re Not Using

When it comes to selecting a VMS or MSP partner, most buyers pull out the same tired checklist:

• Big enough to scale

• Competitive rates

• Solid references

• Familiar name

To me, that sounds a little more like a sponsorship roster. And it’s why so many programs end up with a provider that looks great on paper but misses the mark in practice.

Here’s the checklist most teams don’t use, but absolutely should:

• Do they match our program’s maturity?
  A provider built for hypergrowth may frustrate a legacy enterprise. A boutique shop may get crushed by global complexity. Are they right for where you are today?

• Can they flex to how we actually operate?
  Do they have experience managing programs with your kind of hiring manager culture, internal politics, or approval cycles? Are they adaptable or opinionated?

• How do they drive adoption?
  It’s one thing to implement. It’s another to influence change across dozens of stakeholders. Ask for examples of how they’ve driven behavioral shift—beyond just configured workflows.

• Do they bring strategic POV or just react?
  Can they challenge assumptions, spot inefficiencies, and help evolve your model over time? Or are they order-takers with a shiny dashboard?

• Are they compatible with your tech stack and data vision?
  This matters more than people think. Reporting, integrations, API access—it all breaks fast if there’s misalignment.

• Who will be on the support team?

  The people that run the program/support the tech greatly impact the credibility of the operations. Having the right people can make or break the success. So knowing who or at least close examples of who will be on the program and meeting them (if possible) can impact your decision.

• And maybe most important: Do they fit your company’s tolerance for friction?
  Some providers thrive in disruption. Others play better in consensus cultures. Pick the wrong match, and you’ll burn cycles just managing the relationship.

Remember: We have to go beyong checking boxes and consider long-term fit, flex, and future-state enablement.

A good provider will pass your RFP. A great one will challenge you to rewrite it.

LinkedIn Content You May Have Missed:

Monday, June 2, 2025 - Compliance and Risk in CW

Join the dialog on this one!

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - Keisha Stephens

Keisha was our special guest this week for the Season 1 Finale. Watch the full video here!

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - Gig Matter Job Update

I’m a Founding Partner Gig Matters! Read more about it here or check out the Gig Matters website!

Thursday, June 5, 2025 - Gig Matters Video

Come watch and learn a little bit more about Gig Matters here!

Friday June 6, 2025 - What Does Mickey Even Do?

It can be confusing to understand the various companies I’m in and what I do in the industry, so I break it down in a carousel here.

Bonus Meme:

Thanks for subscribing! As a way of saying thanks for being here, I’ve got a bonus meme for you!

I guess the status quo does come with its perks? Nah, keep evolving.

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That’s it for this week, check out more content all throughout next week!