About This Episode Flexible work isn’t new — but doing it well is still rare. In this powerful episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, host Frank Cottle sits down with Cali Williams Yost, a globally recognized futurist, strategist, and CEO of the Flex+Strategy Group. With nearly three decades of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies, Yost explains why simply offering remote or hybrid options isn’t enough—and how organizations can design flexible work strategies that truly drive performance, innovation, and well-being. From the myths of “return to office” to the blind spots in AI implementation, Cali offers a wake-up call to leaders stuck in outdated thinking. She explores the role of shared leadership, cross-functional alignment, ergonomic remote design, and Gen Z expectations — and reveals how flexibility, when executed with intention, becomes a competitive advantage.
About This Episode What does it mean to build a business that’s good for both people and the planet — especially when AI is part of the equation? In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, Frank Cottle speaks with Kate O’Neill, CEO of KO Insights, a digital transformation strategist and author of What Matters Next. With decades of experience advising governments and Fortune 500 companies, Kate offers a compelling case for aligning AI adoption with ESG goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This conversation unpacks the risks of lip service ESG, the strategic role of meaningful data, and how companies can rethink success metrics to create value beyond profit — while staying competitive. If you're curious about how innovation and ethics can co-exist, this one’s for you.
About This Episode In this special Expert Insights edition of The Future of Work® Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving world of workplace wellness. Angela R. Howard, an equity-centered culture strategist and founder of Call for Culture, explains why the workplace must shift from extraction to enrichment — or risk irrelevance. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician and burnout researcher, demystifies clinical burnout and the warning signs leaders often miss. Peggy Van de Plassche, entrepreneur and founder of The Microdose Diet, explores how microdosing and alternative wellness tools are reshaping focus, empathy, and emotional connection in the workplace. Together, these voices offer a compelling roadmap for reimagining work-life balance, preventing burnout, and building cultures that help people thrive.
In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, renowned Stanford economist Nick Bloom shares two decades of research into the evolving remote work landscape. As co-founder of www.wfhresearch.com and a trusted advisor to governments and companies alike, Bloom brings unmatched insight into what the data actually says about remote work. He joins host Frank Cottle to cut through misleading headlines and reveal why remote work is here to stay. Together, they explore the economic forces behind flexible work, how companies can retain talent without sacrificing productivity, and how AI and real estate trends are shaping decisions through 2030. This episode is essential listening for leaders navigating the complex future of where — and how — we work.
In this eye-opening episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a career strategist and LinkedIn Top Voice, explores how Gen Z is reshaping the workplace from the ground up. From redefining success and demanding mental health support to leveraging TikTok for job applications, Jasmine explains why Gen Z isn't killing workplace culture — they're rebuilding it. She also dives into the declining value of traditional education, the rise of trade and freelance jobs, and the urgent need for millennial leaders to step up as mentors. Packed with insights on AI, HR policy shifts, and generational tension, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at how the future of work is unfolding before our eyes.
About This Episode In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, host Frank Cottle engages with Harun Biswas, Founder and CEO of UltraSoft Technologies and architect of UltraSoftBIS, the leading ERP‑style platform for flexible workspaces. With over three decades of experience building scalable, tech‑driven solutions for industry leaders like Regus (now IWG), Harun shares how data‑driven systems and generative AI are empowering workspace operators to transition from reactive manual effort to proactive, automated decision‑making. The conversation explores how marrying human intuition with analytics, forecasting via AI, and seamless automation allows operators to unlock profitability, resilience, and growth — offering listeners a blueprint for the future of workspace and workplace tech.
About This Episode In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, host Frank Cottle welcomes Dave Bottoms, SVP of Product and GM of Marketplace at Upwork, to discuss how the world’s largest talent platform is being reshaped by AI. With two decades of experience leading product at Meta, Dropbox, and Yahoo, Dave unpacks how platforms like Upwork are transitioning from simple job boards to intelligent, AI-powered ecosystems. From UMA — Upwork’s AI companion — to the rise of fractional executives and agentic project orchestration, this conversation dives deep into what it means to build lean, borderless teams. Whether you’re a founder hiring globally or a freelancer navigating a shifting landscape, Dave’s insights reveal the future of digital labor and what work will look like in the AI-augmented era.
About This Episode In this deeply reflective and eye-opening conversation, The Future of Work® Podcast welcomes Kurtis Lee Thomas, founder of the Breathwork Detox modality and Just Breathe Foundation. Voted #1 Employee Wellbeing Provider by HR Magazine and trusted by organizations like NASA and Nike, Kurtis shares how breathwork is redefining workplace wellness by tackling trauma, burnout, and stress from within. Together with host Daniel Lamadrid, they explore why stress costs companies over $300 billion annually, how trauma lives in the body long after it's forgotten, and why sighing may be the most underrated wellness tool at work. This episode offers practical tools, science-backed insights, and a radical call for leaders to prioritize well-being as essential business infrastructure — not a perk.
About This Episode In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we sit down with Amber Wernick, award-winning designer and Practice Development Leader at Perkins&Will. With over 15 years of experience shaping workplace, education, and healthcare interiors, Amber brings a human-centered lens to space design. She unpacks how offices must evolve — from productivity-first environments to spaces that foster connection, belonging, and adaptability. From tackling the loneliness epidemic to designing flexible hubs that accommodate AI, remote work, and hybrid models, Amber shares actionable insights for leaders navigating the next chapter of office life.
About This Episode In this enlightening episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we delve into the evolving landscape of workspaces and organizational strategies. Our esteemed guests—Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Insights at MillerKnoll; Melissa Marsh, Founder and CEO of PLASTARC; and Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler—bring a wealth of experience and insight into how workplaces are transforming to meet the needs of a dynamic workforce. The conversation navigates through topics such as combating social isolation through co-living spaces, designing culturally attuned environments for distributed teams, leveraging data and AI to enhance employee experiences, and reimagining urban spaces in the wake of telework trends. Each expert shares practical examples and forward-thinking ideas that are redefining the purpose and design of work environments. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or design enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating inclusive, flexible, and engaging workplaces that align with the future of work.
About This Episode In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we welcome expert Robert E. Andrews, CEO of the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), former U.S. Congressman, and co-author of the Affordable Care Act. Robert shares hard-won insights from his leadership of a coalition of 70+ major corporations with over $40 billion in healthcare spend. Together with host Frank Cottle, they tackle why employer-sponsored healthcare must evolve to support distributed teams, how to balance cost containment with personalization, and why empathy, listening, and trust are essential for retention in today’s workplace. From AI-assisted diagnosis to mental health gaps, this conversation unpacks bold strategies to fix healthcare and future-proof your workforce.
About This Episode In this thought-provoking episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, Andrew Farah—CEO and co-founder of Density—unpacks what organizations get wrong about hybrid work strategy. With experience analyzing workspace data for over 1.25 billion square feet worldwide, Andrew offers a candid perspective on workplace design, policy ambiguity, and the cultural and operational tradeoffs of hybrid models. He dives deep into the concept of “freedom within constraints,” the connection between trust and team performance, and why many return-to-office policies miss the mark. With examples from companies like Uber and Shopify, and insight into Density’s cutting-edge sensor technology, this conversation challenges leaders to think critically about space, culture, and clarity in a post-pandemic workforce.
About This Episode Vicky Oliver, bestselling author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions and Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots, joins us to expose one of the most overlooked threats to career success: self-sabotage in the workplace. Drawing on decades of experience coaching professionals and hiring talent, Vicky unpacks the subtle ways imposter syndrome, fragility, tech anxiety, and pride keep us stuck. In this candid and empowering episode, she explores the difference between bosses, mentors, and allies—and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than ever in today’s evolving work environment. Whether you're struggling to step up or already leading others, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex reality of work in 2025 and beyond.
About This Episode Stephanie Chung, groundbreaking executive and bestselling author, joins us to explore how Ally Leadership is reshaping the modern workplace. Drawing from her extraordinary journey — from baggage handler to aviation company president — Stephanie shares practical, heartfelt strategies for leading today's multigenerational, diverse, and evolving workforce. Her Ask, Listen, Learn, Act model transforms leadership into a simple, actionable path forward. In a world marked by change, remote work, AI disruption, and growing calls for inclusion, Stephanie provides leaders at every stage with a roadmap to foster belonging, drive results, and future-proof their teams. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to lead courageously in 2025 and beyond. What You'll Learn What Ally Leadership truly means—and why it’s crucial today. How to lead high-performing teams across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs. Practical ways to overcome unconscious bias in leadership. Why embracing privilege can empower your leadership and your team. The winning formula for creating belonging, loyalty, and next-level results. How remote and hybrid workforces are changing diversity and inclusion. Strategies for communicating more authentically across diverse teams. Why vulnerability, empathy, and action are the new cornerstones of leadership. The neuroscience behind bias—and how to "rewire" your leadership brain. A glimpse into the future of leadership—and why mediocrity won't survive.
In this thought-provoking episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, Frank Cottle sits down with Ram Srinivasan — Executive Management Consultant, AI strategist, and AI Adoption Leader at JLL. A graduate of MIT and author of The Conscious Machine, Ram brings a rare mix of deep technical expertise, financial acumen, and human-first philosophy. Together, they unpack the truth about AI in the workplace — what it is, what it isn’t, and what it could become. From organizational transformation to generational collaboration, this episode explores why empathy, creativity, and authenticity matter more than ever in an AI-powered world. If you care about the future of work, this conversation is your roadmap to navigating it with intelligence and intention.
In this powerful conversation, Mark Dixon — visionary founder and CEO of IWG — joins The Allwork.Space Future of Work® Podcast to unpack the real story behind the rise of flexible workspaces. With more than 5,000 locations worldwide and a client roster that includes 80% of the Fortune 500, IWG is shaping the new era of hybrid work. Mark reveals how his frustrations with traditional office leases led to a global revolution in workplace strategy. From debunking the “return to office” narrative to exploring how AI and remote work are rewriting real estate economics, this episode delivers insider insights from one of the most influential voices in the flexible workspace movement.
In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, our host Frank Cottle sits down with Liam Martin, Co-Organizer of Running Remote, Co-Founder of Time Doctor, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Running Remote. A true pioneer in the global remote work movement, Liam shares how the landscape has evolved from pre-pandemic skepticism to today’s hybrid norm—and what lies ahead. We unpack the commercial real estate crisis, political narratives around return-to-office, and the emergence of AI-driven productivity models that are redefining roles and company structures. Liam brings decades of remote leadership experience and deep data insights into a candid, forward-looking discussion on how to manage distributed teams effectively, why AI won’t replace you—but someone using it will—and what the future of global work really looks like.
About This Episode Procrastination isn't just about poor time management—it's deeply tied to emotional regulation, habits, and the ability to stay focused in a world of distractions. In this episode, our host Daniel Lamadrid welcomes back Marissa Boisvert, a Certified Integrative Health Coach | Co-Founder, Behavior Change, specializing in mindfulness-based stress reduction, and Ali Schiller founder of Accountability Works, who has spent over a decade helping individuals and organizations bridge the gap between intention and execution. Together, they discuss how hybrid work, AI, and digital distractions have reshaped procrastination, the four types of procrastinators (and which one you are), and actionable strategies for overcoming delay. If you’ve ever found yourself putting things off despite your best intentions, this episode is your guide to breaking the cycle and taking control of your productivity.
About This Episode In this episode, we welcome Josh Allan Dykstra, a leading voice on the future of work and Founder & CEO of The Work Revolution. As a keynote speaker and expert in Human Energy™️, Josh has spent two decades working with some of the most iconic brands in the world to rethink leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement. This conversation dives into why traditional business models fail to prioritize long-term employee well-being and how that directly impacts productivity and innovation. Josh shares eye-opening insights into why organizations must shift from outdated, profit-at-all-costs mindsets to a more sustainable, human-centered approach. We explore how energy, trust, and flexibility fuel retention, creativity, and overall workplace success. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or HR professional looking to navigate the future of work effectively, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you won't want to miss.
About This Episode As organizations wrestle with return-to-office policies, hybrid work models, and defining the role of physical workplaces, Melissa Marsh, Founder & CEO of PLASTARC, offers a fresh perspective. With expertise in social research, workplace innovation, and real estate strategy, Melissa shares compelling insights on why companies should rethink office design, how cities are transforming, and what truly makes a workspace desirable. In this episode, we explore the tension between mandates and motivation, the generational shifts in work preferences, and how businesses can foster trust, flexibility, and productivity in the years ahead. Whether you’re an executive, HR leader, or remote work advocate, this conversation will shape how you think about the future of work.