Art Bilger - Q & A
On May 18, 2023, the Ellis Island Honors Society was proud to recognize WorkingNation’s founder and CEO Art Bilger for his accomplishments on behalf of the American public and his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Art Bilger has been an investor in, and director of, various private companies, including Akamai Technologies, where he served as Vice Chairman. He was also President & COO of New World Communications Group, a Founding Partner of Apollo Advisors, and Executive Vice President & Co-head of Corporate Finance at Drexel Burnham Lambert. Mr. Bilger has been active in philanthropy throughout his career. He is Vice Chairman of the Skirball Cultural Center, and is an Advisory Council member for the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. He has been a board member of Bet Tzedek for many years, an important legal aid organization, and serves on the Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
WorkingNation was launched in 2016 by Mr. Bilger as a not-for-profit media organization focused on educating the citizenry of the contemporary developments in the workforce and the impact technology, worker longevity, and global markets will have on our labor requirements. The goal is to bring together public opinion and mobilize resources to mitigate the ever-widening employability gap in America.
Through original content and partnerships with corporations, NPOs, thought leaders, philanthropists, policymakers, and local governments, WorkingNation is highlighting the importance of balancing cutting-edge technology and advancements with the inevitable economic and demographic challenges to our workers. WorkingNation is at the forefront of finding solutions to create an empowered U.S. workforce ready to compete in any sector or market, with the goal of building a sustainable growth economy.
WorkingNation is producing film programing and marketing content that clearly illustrates the challenges of the growing employability gap. By working with acclaimed directors and producers, they highlight the dramatic impact of these global forces on real people. Art Bilger and WorkingNation have created a movement to help America build, restore, and shape sustainable pathways to prosperity so that, as a nation, we are ready to face the inevitable challenges and incredible opportunities of the future.
After receiving his Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Mr. Bilger spoke with us about what inspires him, his commitment to WorkingNation, and what he sees as the future of our nation.
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What motivated you to follow up your successful career on Wall Street to start a non-for-profit? What was the spark that created WorkingNation?
Unemployment is one of the biggest issues our nation is facing and I started thinking about how to utilize media, to educate the people of this country on the issues and opportunities. The word “employment” is often referred to by many as just having a “job”. It should be so much more. Employment should encompass the connection between people and the community, and making a difference in one’s life.
Was there a specific event or incident that made you realize that an organization like WorkingNation was needed?
I was attending a Deutsche Bank dinner where Larry Summers was the speaker. During the evening’s discussion on the economy, I realized how many people had so little understanding of the employment issues we will face as a result of globalization, technology, longevity, and a broken education system coming together like never before in history.
How do you hope WorkingNation can help America?
Working Nation identifies where the jobs of today, tomorrow, and the future will be by raising the voice of thought leaders who know that in order to rebuild a more robust economy, we need to prepare our workers. Through a unique blend of in-depth knowledge, key partnerships, and multi-sector relationships, WorkingNation is telling stories and promoting conversations about solutions that can lead to a thriving workforce. .
With all you’ve learned in your research about our workforce, what have you learned about America?
Labor force participation is drastically down. There's not just one reason that workers are sitting out, but several factors have come together to cause the ongoing shortage. Americans are concerned about having the proper tools to do their work and have a livable work-life balance. Flexible schedules, childcare, and job training are very important requirements when selecting a job. The connection between people and communities as a result of employment opportunities is key to a thriving society.
Who or what has inspired you to do your humanitarian work? Do you have any mentors or thought leaders that motivate your work?
Viktor Frankl made quite an impression on my outlook on life. His book “A Man’s Search for Meaning” details the underlying motivator in life is a “will to meaning”. That is why the link between employment and a purpose in life is critical for everyone and one we focus on at WorkingNation.
Where do you see WorkingNation in the next few years?
WorkingNation will be speaking to a much broader audience through potential partnerships, influencers, decision-makers, and the core population of this country.
What are you excited about for the future of WorkingNation?
As WorkingNation continues to expand its footprint, we are excited to analyze and share the results of our impact. WorkingNation’s focus continues to be educating the public on the jobs of the future and the organization looks forward to the critical discussion around adapting to AI and Machine Learning in the workforce.
