THE MODERN INDEPENDENT | AUGUST 2025
The most recent edition of The Modern Independent shared our excitement about MBO Partners joining Beeline, and the energy has kept building throughout the summer. Together, our teams have been collaborating to bring even greater value to clients, combining expertise and innovation to strengthen the solutions we deliver. From putting the finishing touches on our 15th annual State of Independence report, to getting ready for CWS Summit North America, we’ve got several milestones ahead that will show our progress and help shape the future of the industry.
Read on for our analysis of the latest industry news, updates on our recent collaborations with industry leaders, and a preview of upcoming events.
A Tax Win for Independents
Independent professionals may see a boost to their earnings thanks to last month’s federal tax bill, which permanently extends and increases the pass-through income deduction for the self-employed.
The 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and originally set to expire at the end of 2025, offers significant tax benefits for eligible "pass-through" businesses. This includes sole proprietors, freelancers, contractors, and gig workers, who can now deduct 23% (up from 20%) of their qualified business income.
Here's what this means:
MBO’s Senior Director of Risk Management Nathan Gibson provides a monthly update to help organizations stay informed about workforce compliance and classification issues.
In July, a notable Fourth Circuit Court ruling found that a healthcare staffing firm misclassified 1,100 nurses as independent contractors, citing a restrictive non-compete clause as a key factor. The firm’s $9.3 million penalty serves as a clear reminder that companies must ensure independent contractor engagements meet all legal and ethical standards.
MBO executive Bob Lucas joined The Jim Stroud Podcast to discuss the current state of the workforce—including a preview of our upcoming State of Independence report. The discussion covers why leading companies are bringing independent talent into core teams, the risks of misclassification, and how AI is changing workforce management.
“The more forward-thinking and progressive companies are the ones who are looking at independent professionals and their overall contingent workforce in a strategic fashion, as opposed to being reactive.” –Bob Lucas
Meanwhile, MBO's VP of Enterprise Solutions, Kristian Rayner, recently hosted the webinar, “The Human Edge: Rethinking Talent Strategy in the Age of AI,” where an expert group of panelists shared strategies for embracing technology while keeping human connection front and center.
“The AI skillset has been one of the biggest things we’ve noticed recently. Three or four years ago, companies would say they needed project managers, business analysts, and data experts. Now it’s technologists who can come in and build something, fix something, operate something. We’re definitely seeing that shift.” –Kristian Rayner
MBO’s State of Independence Report Coming Soon
MBO’s upcoming State of Independence report is sure to spark new conversations by delivering fresh insights into the current state of independent work and emerging trends. Now in its 15th year, State of Independence is the longest-running research series on the independent workforce. Our 2025 edition highlights new data and perspectives on how independent professionals are essential to today’s organizations—from adopting AI to developing in-demand skills that drive business growth.
Join Us at CWS Summit North America: Bigger, Bolder, and Better Together
MBO Partners is excited to join Beeline at CWS Summit North America, Sept. 8–9 in Dallas. As the extended workforce grows in scale and importance, we’re looking forward to connecting with industry leaders, trading insights, and exploring what’s next in workforce management.
Here's what we've got planned:
Come see us at Booth 304 or visit the Beeline Lounge on the 5th floor, Oak Cliff 2 at the Omni Hotel, where members of the MBO team and our Beeline colleagues will be ready to chat about how we can help companies build smarter, more scalable workforce solutions. Connect with any of our MBO team members below.
Don’t miss our Ideas in Action session, Advancing Cost Savings with Innovative Talent Solutions (Sept. 8, 1:15 p.m. CT), hosted by Kristian Rayner and Holly Kehrer. We’ll highlight a client success story with professional services firm Guidehouse, which reimagined its workforce management to achieve millions in cost savings and more convenient access to top independent professionals.
Stick around for exclusive networking opportunities, including our Beeline afterparty on Sept. 8 at the AT&T Discovery District.
Want to attend? Free guest passes are available—just reach out to a member of our MBO team!
We hope to see you in Dallas! Keep an eye out for our event recap and the latest insights from the State of Independence in the September issue of The Modern Independent.