People, culture and organisations are Michelle Fotheringham’s bread and butter. As the founder of Werkling – an on-demand talent platform – Michelle spends her day-to-day immersed in helping businesses assemble their dream teams.

But it wasn’t always the case. Michelle is a self-described corporate escapee who took the plunge into startup land during the pandemic, after realising people wanted to make the shift from work as life to work with purpose. If you want to get the lowdown on people and the future of work, Michelle shares plenty of advice as we delve into her first act as a founder.

KEY TOPICS

The rise of on-demand talent

• The growing trend of highly skilled professionals opting out of traditional employment to pursue freelance work.    
• There was a gap in the market for a platform that connects businesses with this high-quality on-demand talent.    
• This led Michelle to co-found Werkling, an on-demand talent platform that caters to the needs of both businesses and freelance professionals.    

The changing landscape of work

• The need for businesses to embrace more flexible and agile workforce models.    
• The growing trends of freelance work, the gig economy, and the increasing demand for purposeful and flexible work arrangements.    
• It is important to design work that aligns with people’s lifestyles and values, rather than forcing them to conform to rigid structures.    

The power of an entrepreneurial mindset

• Michelle reflects on her career journey and the various paths to becoming an entrepreneur.    
• She discusses the qualities of successful entrepreneurs, emphasising an obsession with solving problems and a willingness to try new things.    
• She differentiates between being an entrepreneur and having an entrepreneurial mindset, highlighting the value of the latter in various contexts.    

Building a successful business

• Michelle shares her first job experiences and the valuable lessons she learned about leadership and the impact it can have on employees.    
• She discusses the importance of relationships and ‘career karma’ in building a successful business.    
• She emphasises the need for authenticity, generosity, and a genuine desire to connect with and learn from others.    

The importance of purpose and wellbeing

• Michelle discusses her transition from marketing to the people and culture space, because people are the heart of any organisation.    
• There is an increasing importance of purpose and wellbeing in people’s career decisions.    
• The benefits of flexible work models, such as improved well-being and increased workforce participation.   

The Werkling approach

• Werkling differs from other talent platforms by focusing on peer recommendations and building a strong community.    
• The importance of trust, diversity, and inclusion in creating a thriving freelance ecosystem.    
• The platform’s role in fostering peer learning, connectivity, and a sense of belonging among on-demand talent.    

Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship

• The challenges of starting a business during the pandemic and the importance of balancing work and family life.    
• Michelle discusses the need for resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.    
• The value of seeking support from mentors, advisors, and a strong network of peers.    

The nuances of the gig economy

• Different types of gig work, highlighting the varying levels of security and vulnerability within the gig economy.   
• Michelle advocates for a more nuanced conversation around the gig economy that recognises the diverse experiences and needs of different types of gig workers.    
• It is important to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all gig workers, regardless of their industry or skill set.    

The power of personal values

• Michelle shares her personal experiences as a working parent and the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities.    
• The importance of aligning one’s work with personal values and priorities.    
• The need for greater flexibility and support for working parents, particularly women, to enable them to thrive both personally and professionally.