The Future Of Work: Reimagining the 9 to 5 | Adele Tilley-Jones | TEDxDeMontfortU

Drawing on both her personal and professional journey, Adele champions a bold reimagining of the traditional 9 to 5. She believes the future of work is not about fitting into predefined boxes, but about creating careers that align with who we are, what we value, and the impact we want to make. In her TEDx talk, Adele invites audiences to rethink everything they’ve been taught about work. Through honest reflection and real-world insight, she challenges us to break free from rigid career paths and instead design lives that allow us to create, work, and truly live on our own terms. Adele Tilley-Jones is a Senior Lecturer & Programme Leader in Entrepreneurship within the Faculty of Business and Law. An experienced business director whose career has been shaped not by a straight line, but by courage, change, and lived experience. Rather than following a traditional path, Adele’s journey reflects the realities of modern working life - one defined by adaptation, resilience, and the confidence to step into the unknown. Her path into higher education is grounded in this unique journey through business leadership. Rising to a director-level role, Adele gained first-hand insight into what it truly means to lead - making decisions under pressure, navigating uncertainty, and building value in ever-changing environments. These experiences didn’t just shape her career; they shaped her perspective. Today, they underpin everything she does, bringing authenticity, credibility, and real-world relevance to the way she teaches, leads, and inspires others. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx