The Unworking Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of The Unworking Podcast, we dive into the future of workplace design with industry experts David Dewane and Philip Ross. Join us as we explore innovative approaches to crafting eudaimonia—the highest state of human flourishing—within office spaces.David Dewane, renowned for his groundbreaking work in reimagining office environments through the lens of eudaimonia, shares insights from his research and experiences. Together with Philip Ross, they discuss the importance of creating workplaces that prioritize well-being, productivity, and human connection.Discover how the traditional office layout is evolving to accommodate diverse work styles and foster creativity. From designing zones tailored for deep focus work to incorporating elements of conviviality and collaboration, David and Philip offer invaluable insights into creating spaces that inspire and empower individuals.Explore the role of technology in shaping the future of work environments, from AI-driven workplace optimizations to the use of virtual reality for immersive collaboration experiences. Learn how organizations can harness technology to enhance employee well-being, creativity, and performance.As we navigate the changing landscape of work, David and Philip emphasize the importance of embracing experimentation and disrupting traditional norms in workplace design. Join us on this journey to reimagine the future of work and create healthier, more vibrant workplaces.Connect with David Dewane:LinkedIn: David DewaneWebsite: geniant.com

In this captivating episode of The Unworking Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Elizabeth Nelson, a trailblazer in the realm of healthy office strategies and workplace innovation. Join us as Elizabeth takes us on a journey through her unconventional path from advertising to pioneering research in biomedical engineering and psychology, ultimately leading to her groundbreaking work in redefining healthy office spaces.Elizabeth shares insightful reflections on her personal experience with burnout and how it catalyzed her transformative journey. Learn about the inspiration behind her acclaimed book, "The Healthy Office Revolution," where she fearlessly shares her own burnout story and explores the scientific underpinnings of creating thriving work environments.As Elizabeth shares her vision for the future of workplace design, discover the importance of diversity and inclusivity in shaping office cultures that empower individuals to thrive. From introverted spaces tailored for deep-focus work to reimagining restroom designs to better accommodate diverse needs, Elizabeth challenges conventional norms. She offers innovative solutions for creating truly human-centric workplaces.Explore the intersection of technology and human experience in the workplace, as Elizabeth discusses the pivotal role of technology in enhancing collaboration, creativity, and well-being. Discover how embracing experimentation and breaking traditional rules can lead to transformative outcomes in workplace design and culture.Join us as we uncover the power of disrupting norms and embracing human-centric approaches to design healthier, more vibrant workplaces with Elizabeth Nelson. Subscribe now to embark on a journey towards reimagining the future of work and workplace well-being.Connect with Elizabeth Nelson:LinkedIn: (11) Elizabeth C. Nelson, PhD Candidate | LinkedInSmart Building Collective: smart building collective

In the latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, we had the pleasure of  hosting Dr. Steven Macgregor, a pioneer in well-being, leadership development, and the bestselling author of "The Daily Reset." Discover as he shares his transformative journey, offering a holistic approach to well-being and sustainable performance.We discuss the unique format of his latest re-release "The Daily Reset," a book designed for a page-a-day exploration of twelve key themes. Dr. Macgregor delves into the intersection of leadership, design thinking, and the strategic elevation of well-being within organizations. Learn how small, consistent changes and authentic leadership can reshape workplace culture and performance.Explore the concept of exercise snacking—an innovative approach to integrating small bursts of exercise into daily routines. Dr. Macgregor emphasizes the cumulative impact of these small changes on overall well-being and performance.As we step into the new year, Dr. Macgregor shares insights on managing the pressure of resolutions, carving out time for self-reflection, and embracing small, meaningful changes. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a thought leader in the intersection of well-being, leadership, and sustainable performance. Subscribe now and embark on a journey towards a balanced and thriving future!Contact Dr. MacgregorLinkedin: in/spmacg/The Daily Reset

In this latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are honored to welcome Jessica White, a seasoned tech executive with a remarkable 23-year career at IBM and Accenture. As a sales strategist and growth leader, Jessica's expertise lies in leveraging technology to enhance the human experience, optimize performance, and foster connection.Join us as Jessica shares insights into her extensive background, including her roles at IBM Watson and Accenture, and how her passion for human connection led her to explore the intersection of our primal origins and digital communication in the era of AI.WORKTECH Events is pleased to announce Jessica White as its specialist advisor on AI for the forthcoming year. Jessica will identify key themes about AI and the workplace for its influential global Events series, now in over 40 countries. Discover how employees now view AI as a positive addition to the workplace and how companies can effectively embrace this paradigm shift. Jessica will also explore the role of AI as a catalyst for innovation and creativity within the workplace, offering valuable insights on optimizing human potential through automation.As we enter a new year, Jessica advocates aligning values and governance with AI pursuits. She'll guide organizations in creating a rubric to measure these values, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful steps.In this enlightening conversation, Jessica White provides a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering practical advice to navigate the evolving landscape of AI, human connection, and the workplace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a tech industry leader.Connect with Jessica White:LinkedIn: Jessica S. WhiteCircles: Circles GroupVisit WORKTECH Events for more updates about Jessica's AI Advisory in 2024. 

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are thrilled to have Kate Milne, Founder and Principal Consultant of Cardea Health Consulting, as our esteemed guest. Kate's extraordinary career in health promotion, workplace well-being, and age-friendly planning sets the stage for a compelling conversation.Listen as Kate delves into her journey from exercise physiology to becoming a prominent healthy aging specialist. Discover the crucial intersection of women's health and age-friendly workplaces, where Kate sheds light on the impact of menopause, work-life balance, and the 'great reimagining' of the workplace.Explore the gender gap in the workplace and the age-related challenges that women often face, uncovering the untold stories behind women leaving the workforce and the stereotypes that hinder growth opportunities.Kate provides valuable insights into the importance of psychological safety in the evolving workplace landscape, emphasizing the need for self-care and age-friendly environments. Learn how employers can support women during midlife transitions and combat age-related stereotypes.This episode promises a deep dive into the complexities of age, wellbeing, and work, offering practical strategies for organizations to create inclusive, age-friendly cultures. Join us in this eye-opening conversation with Kate Milne on The Unworking Podcast.Contact Kate:FB: /cardeahealthLinkedIn: /in/kmilneTwitter: @cardeahealthWebsite: Cardea Health Consulting

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we're delighted to welcome Daniel Strode, a prominent corporate culture and innovation figure. With a diverse career spanning academia, corporate leadership, and authorship, Daniel brings a wealth of insights to our discussion.We'll explore his intriguing journey from academia to his current roles as the Global Director of HR Culture and strategy at Banco Santander and a professor at prestigious business schools.We'll delve into key insights from Daniel's book, "The Culture Advantage," which provides valuable guidance on fostering cultures of innovation in organizations.Learn from real-life success stories of companies transforming their cultures to fuel innovation.Understand the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping and sustaining a culture of innovation within organizations.Discover the common challenges companies face when trying to enhance their corporate culture and how to address them effectively.Gain practical strategies for building teams that feel psychologically safe to share their ideas and concerns, crucial for innovation and productivity.Daniel shares expert advice for startups and smaller companies looking to instill a culture of innovation from the ground up.As a special gift to our listeners, Daniel Strode is kindly offering a complimentary copy of his book, "The Culture Advantage." To receive this invaluable resource, contact Daniel directly by emailing info@danielstrode.com.Join us for this engaging conversation with culture evangelist Daniel Strode and revolutionize your approach to corporate culture and innovation.

We have a special guest joining us: Adam Scott, Founder and Creative Director of FreeState, an award-winning Experience Design agency. Adam's journey began at the Royal College of Art in 1999, and he co-founded FreeState, known for its innovative brand experiences. His work centers on the concept of "Experience Identity," crafting immersive and unforgettable brand experiences.During our conversation, Adam will share his journey from art school to founding FreeState, offering insights into the evolving landscape of experience design and its profound impact on workplaces.We'll explore how organizations can leverage insights from various industries to enhance their workplace experiences, and Adam will elaborate on his distinctive approach, including techniques like storyboarding experiences.But that's not all! Adam has generously provided exclusive discounts for our listeners. You can get a 30% discount on his upcoming Experience Course in November by using the code TXCN25, valid from September 25th to November 14th. Hurry, as spots are limited. Additionally, you can enjoy a discount on Adam's book, "The Experience Book: For Designers, Thinkers & Makers," published by Black Dog Press. Use the code BDP20 to claim your TFL membership discount when ordering.Join us for this engaging discussion with a leading expert in experience design, Adam Scott, and gain valuable insights to elevate your brand experiences and workplace environments.

Ulrich Blum, a distinguished architect and Senior Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects, is a driving force in the creation of transformative cultural, corporate, and residential spaces. His expertise lies in innovative workplace design, utilizing algorithm-driven automated floor plate analysis and space planning to enhance user-centered design. Simultaneously, Ulrich holds the esteemed position of Professor of Digital Design at Münster School of Architecture, where he explores digitization in the building sector, focusing on 3D-printing for building and data-driven design for sustainable architecture.In this podcast,  Ulrich Blum will delve into the future of office spaces, especially with the rising popularity of hybrid work and flexible arrangements. He will share insights on design principles to foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community in these hybrid environments, all while being human-centric and accommodating diverse employee needs.With limited occupancy being a concern globally, Ulrich will suggest design strategies to tackle this issue effectively. Moreover, he will discuss the integration of algorithms and AI in the future of design, emphasizing "responsive spaces" that can learn and draw conclusions to optimize user experiences. He will provide examples where these technologies contribute to improved design outcomes.In his design approach, Ulrich prioritizes spatial organization, flexibility, connectivity, and human well-being, all of which significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of a space. His expertise and forward-thinking approach make him an invaluable authority on architectural design and the future of workspaces.

Join us as we dive into a fascinating discussion with AI expert Daniel Hulme. In this episode, Daniel shares insights on leveraging AI to unlock the creative potential within organizations. Discover how companies can harness the power of AI, explore the upcoming opportunities and challenges of the metaverse, and delve into the concept of a 'digital twin'.Daniel is the CEO of Satalia, an acclaimed company renowned for providing cutting-edge AI products and solutions to global organisations. His expertise lies in shaping, identifying, curating, and promoting AI capabilities and novel prospects for the greater benefit of society.Daniel has over 20 years academic experience with AI. Having received a Masters and Doctorate in AI at UCL, Daniel was previously Director of UCL’s Applied AI MSc (Business Analytics), where he is now UCL’s Computer Science Entrepreneur-in-Residence and a lecturer at LSE’s Marshall Institute, focused on using AI to solve business and social problems. Daniel is also an Impact Board Member of St Andrew’s University Computer Science department.Passionate about how technology can be used to govern organisations and bring positive social impact, Daniel is a popular keynote speaker specialising in the topics of AI, ethics, metaverse, emerging technology, innovation, decentralization and organisational design. He is a serial speaker for Google and TEDx, holds an international Kauffman Global Entrepreneur Scholarship, and is a faculty member of Singularity University. 

Matthew Marson is Managing Director, EMEA at JLLT Advisory, working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the built environment. He was named as the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year 2022 and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Young Visionary 2016 for his contributions to the global Smart Buildings industry.As a recognised thought leader, Matthew is a keynote speaker at international industry events related to emerging technology, net zero design, and places at the building and city scales. He was an author in the Encyclopaedia of Sustainable Technologies and a published writer in a variety of journals, earning a doctorate in Smart Buildings.In this episode, Matthew shares his insights on how smart buildings can be an asset for businesses during uncertain times, the balance between cost-cutting and employee experience, as well as a prediction for the future of smart buildings.

Philip and Jeremy are long-term collaborators – they launched the renowned WORKTECH conference series in 2003 – the first industry-specific forum which creates awareness and provides specialist insight into the future of work and workplace. Now in its 20th year, WORKTECH has become the world’s leading conferencing and thought leadership series for workplace intelligence and has expanded to 40+ cities around the world. Having collaborated on several books in the past, Philip and Jeremy have come together again to release their latest publication titled Unworking: The Reinvention of the modern office, released last year by Reaktion Books in the UK and Chicago University Press in USA. The book has been well-received, being featured by world-recognized publications such as the Sunday Times, Forbes, and the Financial Times. Today, we will be talking to the authors about the new book, how they have gotten to where they are today, and what they predict for the future of work and workplace.