The Great Realization is now The Modern Independent. New name, new perspectives!

After publishing The Great Realization for many years, our newsletter is entering a bold new chapter with a new name and renewed mission! The Modern Independent marks the next step in our journey and the exciting evolution underway. With MBO Partners now part of Beeline, we’re combining two industry leaders to reshape what’s possible and push the boundaries in workforce management and the independent economy. 

This edition explores what the acquisition reveals about the future of work—and why it matters right now. From rising talent demands to rapid shifts like AI and globalization, companies are being pushed to rethink how they find, manage, and engage top talent. We’re here to help you make sense of it—and stay ahead of it.

This issue is just the beginning! We’ll take a short break and be back this August with a fresh new take on the newsletter to bring you more insights, bold ideas, and a continued commitment to helping you thrive in the world of work. 

Beeline + MBO Partners: Introducing a New Era in Workforce Management

In a move that’s redefining the industry, Beeline recently announced its acquisition of MBO Partners, bringing together two industry leaders to create a global network that now supports over 1,000 clients and a growing community.

The timing is noteworthy. According to SIA, mergers and acquisitions in the staffing sector jumped 25% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year, reaching their highest level since late 2022. This surge comes in the midst of several major challenges: ongoing talent shortages, the demand for smarter hiring solutions, and the race to keep up with rapid shifts like AI transformation and the expansion of a global workforce. Across the board, companies are feeling the pressure to move faster, work more efficiently, and stay agile.

Business leaders are now asking familiar questions with a newfound sense of urgency:

• What skills do we need?

• How do we find the right people?

• Are our hiring systems helping us succeed—or holding us back?

At the same time, new talent pathways and sourcing platforms are giving organizations greater access to in-demand expertise. The most successful companies are leveraging these options and moving beyond traditional workforce models, focused on better ways to access talent and unlock their team’s full potential. Independent professionals play an integral role in this mission.

“In today’s workforce, success comes down to flexibility and innovation. At MBO, we’re constantly pushing boundaries to help clients navigate this new world.” —Bob Lucas, Chief Revenue Officer, MBO Partners

Independents Are the Future of Work

The numbers speak for themselves: MBO’s State of Independence report found that over 72 million Americans worked independently last year, including 27 million full-time. That’s a 42% increase since 2021, a clear sign of just how quickly this talent pool is growing. 

These professionals bring speed, flexibility, and fresh perspectives—qualities that are increasingly valuable in an age of unprecedented change and innovation. They also enable organizations to scale quickly without the overhead of traditional hiring.

But as independents make up a larger share of the workforce, companies face a new challenge: managing all types of external workers while ensuring their talent solutions lead to better business outcomes.

“The future of the workforce is flexible, global, and independent. The key for businesses is to find ways to safely and successfully engage this talent while ensuring compliance and seamless integration into their operations.” —David Cassar, Chief Operations Officer, MBO Partners

Disconnected Systems Create Organizational Risk

Many organizations still rely on disconnected systems for recruiting, onboarding, payroll, and performance tracking. This often creates delays, limited visibility, and compliance risks that can be costly and damage their brand reputation. As a result, more companies are turning to trusted partners with enhanced workforce solutions in order to streamline processes and strengthen program capabilities. Over 80% of firms with 1,000+ employees now use a vendor management system (VMS) to manage their contingent workforce, up from just over 50% in 2009, according to SIA.

This is exactly why Beeline’s acquisition of MBO Partners provides significant value. We’re offering a truly unique comprehensive, end-to-end workforce management solution—one that combines Beeline's powerful VMS technology with MBO's extensive workforce management and compliance expertise. We can help clients access all types of external talent while using data-driven insights to align workforce strategies with their overall business goals.

“The future of talent management is about leveraging technology to create smarter, more scalable solutions that empower both businesses and individuals to thrive.” —Neil Bryson, Chief Growth Officer, MBO Partners

A Shared Vision for the Future

To stay competitive, forward-thinking organizations are building teams that consist of a mix of full-time employees, independent professionals, freelancers, and other essential contributors. Because tomorrow’s workforce won’t fit neatly into categories, they need solutions that help them anticipate change and stay ahead of the curve.

For nearly three decades, top companies have relied on MBO Partners to connect with independent professionals and manage those relationships with confidence. With Beeline, we’re creating an even more powerful platform that supports an increasingly diverse and dynamic workforce. We believe this evolution has the potential to reshape the entire workforce solutions ecosystem.

“At MBO Partners, we’re proud to support the independent professionals who power innovation around the world—and to help the organizations they work with build modern capabilities for the future of work. This next chapter, which combines the strength of both organizations, uniquely positions us to deliver smarter technology, deeper expertise, and a greater impact to our clients and the workforce we serve.”  —Teresa Creech, President, MBO Partners

Thanks for reading!

We’re just getting started. The Modern Independent will return soon with new perspectives, fresh thinking, and a closer look at how independent work is reshaping the world around us. Until then, enjoy the season and get ready for what’s next. Big things are ahead!