The future of work isn’t on the horizon, it’s here, and it’s moving fast. NAB is committed to helping our member companies stay on the leading edge of these innovations, as well as providing resources for job seekers and professionals at every level of their careers.
At the 2025 NAB Show’s Community Exchange, a sharp mix of innovators, strategists and creators came together to unpack what that actually means. Spoiler: it’s not just about keeping up with the latest tech, it’s about rethinking how we lead, create and connect in a world that’s constantly shifting.
Across five fast-paced sessions, we explored everything from burnout-proof leadership to AI and accessibility, inclusive hiring in audio, smart content strategies and how women are rewriting the rules of the creator economy. It was insightful, energizing and refreshingly real. It was just the kind of conversations we need more of in this moment.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the biggest ideas, boldest takeaways and most actionable moments from each session:
Leading in the Moment – Navigating Change with Clarity, Courage, and Purpose
Executive and author Daisy Auger-Dominguez opened with an honest conversation on leading through disruption. She offered practical tools like “The Four Helpful Lists,” “Balcony vs. Dance Floor,” and “The Avocado Test” to support burnout resilience, decision-making discipline, and values-driven leadership. Her core message: joy and clarity are not luxuries, they’re leadership essentials.
AI’s Potential to Revolutionize Accessibility
Moderated by Joe Devon, speakers including Storm Smith, Ariel Simms, Rebecca Avery and Dan Caddigan illuminated the power (and risks) of AI in accessibility. While AI promises enhanced captioning, descriptive metadata and inclusive storytelling, panelists warned against bias in algorithms and the need for co-creation with people with disabilities. The consensus: true innovation centers those most impacted and uses AI as a tool to empower human experience, not replace it.
Beyond the Mic – Hiring, Accessibility and Authentic Representation in Audio Media
Broadcast journalist Paul Amadeus Lane and Edison Research’s Laura Ivey led a deeply personal conversation on disability representation and career pathways in audio. Lane emphasized the need for workplaces to embrace people with disabilities not just as talent, but as team builders and innovators. His message was clear: with the right opportunity, people with disabilities don’t just participate, they lead.
From Idea to Impact – Go-To-Market Strategies for Content That Expands Community Reach
This panel, moderated by Susan Oh at Gray TV and featuring voices from LatiNation Media, PlayersTV, and Opulent Entertainment Group, dove into how creators can authentically connect with underrepresented communities. The takeaway: success lies not just in representation but in cultural resonance. Brands must prioritize trust, relevance and multi-platform distribution to engage deeply with diverse audiences
Breaking Barriers – Women Shaping the Creator Economy
In an insightful closing session, trailblazers Tyler Chou, Gwen Miller and Thai Randolph tackled gender and racial inequity in the creator economy. Despite influencing most of the consumer spending, women remain underrepresented in brand deals and C-suites. The panel urged creators to protect their IP, diversify income streams, and take ownership of their business operations. As Randolph put it: “Women aren’t niche, they’re essential.”
Final Thoughts: Innovation Rooted in Centering Humanity
The 2025 NAB Community Exchange proved that the future of work in the media will be shaped by those who lead with clarity, build with community and challenge broken systems. These sessions didn’t just reflect where the industry is headed, they showed us how to get there.
Looking Ahead: Join the Workforce Conversation This Fall
Building on this momentum, NAB and the NAB Leadership Foundation will host their annual Workforce Strategies and Engagement Forum this fall on November 12 at NAB’s headquarters in Washington, DC. Tailored for broadcast executives, the forum will explore workforce trends, leadership strategies and the evolving skills and technologies reshaping our industry. Stay tuned for more details and ways to get involved in shaping the future of work in broadcasting.
Learn more about NAB’s educational offerings for broadcasters at NAB Show, NAB Show New York and year-round.
