New York Jobs CEO Council at Aspen Ideas Festival 

On June 30, our executive director, Kiersten Barnet, joined two powerful conversations at the Aspen Ideas Festival to explore how demographic shifts, AI disruption and changing workplace expectations are transforming the American labor market. 

Barnet participated in a panel discussion alongside The New York Times reporter Lauren Hirsch, Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler, Next50 President and CEO Peter Kaldes, and Edward Jones Head of External Affairs Ken Cella. The group examined the bold policies, essential skills and cross-sector collaboration needed to ensure the workforce remains competitive, inclusive and resilient amid rapid change. 

Later that day, Kiersten joined Olivia White and Jacqui Brassey, Ph.D., of McKinsey & Co. for a forward-looking dialogue on the connection between well-being and productivity — and how building healthy, supportive workplaces can drive sustainable performance and long-term impact. 

We’re grateful to the Aspen Ideas Festival for convening these vital conversations and to the event sponsors — including member companies Mount Sinai Health System and Wells Fargo — for championing this work. While there may not be a playbook for the pace of change we’re navigating, collaboration and dialogue remain powerful tools to shape a stronger, more equitable future of work.