Work is Weird Now

More than half of workers are already using AI in their jobs — but often in secret. So, is this “cheating”… or just how we work now?In this episode, Work is Weird Now sits down with Dr. Tanya Kant (University of Sussex) and Greg Bortzkiewicz (Magenta Associates) to explore the ethics, emotions, and realities of AI in the workplace, drawing on their research report CheatGPT.We dive into:Why people use AI secretly — and why that secrecy matters.How comms pros really use AI (spoiler: not for writing press-ready copy).The risks of opacity vs. the benefits of transparency.Why critical AI literacy — not just prompting skills — is the future.This episode is for comms professionals, educators, team leaders, and anyone wondering: Am I using this right?🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.You can find the white paper referenced in this episode here: Gen AI: how and why its being used by comms professionals

Leadership still tends to reward charisma, hierarchy, and those who “look good on paper.” But what if that’s not where real change comes from?In this episode, Neil McLean CEO of the Social Enterprise Academy and Head of Partnerships at the Dragonfly Trust shares what he’s learned from two decades supporting leaders who are often overlooked: teachers, young people, and grassroots entrepreneurs.We explore:Redefining leadership: From hierarchy to trust, agency, and social impactPeople over projects: Why the biggest returns come from investing in the changemakers themselvesThe power of youth leadership: How school-led social enterprises tackle real-world issues like food poverty and isolationScaling deep vs. scaling up: Why slow, distributed growth can transform communitiesLeading in the age of AI: The urgent need for reflection, purpose, and empathy in a fast-paced worldThis conversation challenges the leadership stereotypes we’ve all been taught and offers a vision for a more human, more inclusive, and more impactful future.

We’ve been told for years that you’re either creative or technical. But what if the most valuable people — and the most transformative work — sit right in the middle?In this episode, we speak with Alex Szukalski, a senior leader in construction and author of What’s a Creative Doing in Construction?, about how creativity shows up in the most unexpected places — and why today’s technical fields need imaginative thinkers more than ever.💡 Creativity in construction isn’t soft — it’s strategic. 🎯Being creative and technical isn’t a contradiction — it’s a superpower. 🧠 You can’t unlock innovation without psychological safety. 🤖 AI can’t replace lived human experience. ✨ Presence is key to generating ideas that matter.Whether you’re an engineer, bid writer, PM, accountant, coder — or someone who’s ever quietly wondered “am I creative enough?” — this one’s for you.Learn more about Alex's work here: Brain Spark | Creative coaching, mindset tools & ideas by Alex Szukalski ( illustrated self-development book)

What does it really mean to belong at work? In this episode, Tamu Thomas explores the role of belonging in shaping healthy, high-performing workplaces. She explains how true belonging isn’t about fitting in—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and supported without having to conform.Tamu shares the risks of ignoring belonging, including burnout and disengagement, and explains how a disconnect between stated culture and lived experience can impact mental health and performance. The conversation also explores how leaders can better understand emotional needs, and why reflection, listening, and a biology-informed approach to leadership are essential for meaningful cultural change.Key themes:Why assimilation isn’t belongingHow burnout shows up in high achieversThe impact of generational and cultural differencesWhat leaders and individuals can do to build a culture of support“The price we’re paying is health. We need to understand our biology first.”If you're building teams, shaping culture, or just feeling the tension between performance and authenticity—this episode is for you.Learn more about Tamu here: Live Three Sixty - Tamu Thomas

Who Cares for the Caregivers at Work? with Charlie Beswick – carer, campaigner, and founder of Our Altered Life1 in 7 UK employees is a carer — many without even realising it. Some are looking after children with disabilities. Others are supporting partners with long COVID. Some are sandwiched between aging parents and teenage kids, juggling care on both sides. Some are doing all of the above.In this powerful episode, we ask a vital question: who’s supporting them?Charlie Beswick joins us to explore the invisible load carers carry, the stigma and silence that still surrounds them, and why it’s time for employers to stop tiptoeing around caregiving and start designing for it.We talk flexible work, trust-based management, line manager training, and why carers aren’t a burden — they’re some of your most skilled, loyal, and emotionally intelligent people.This one’s for anyone juggling care with career — and the leaders who want to keep them.

This week, we welcome back Simon Lamb - founder of Purposeful Change and expert in the human side of organisational transformation to tackle a question that’s more relevant than ever: When is work… therapy?As the boundaries between coaching, therapy, leadership development, and personal growth blur, many leaders find themselves navigating conversations that go far beyond KPIs. Together, we explore:The crucial distinction between what’s therapeutic and what’s actually therapy at workHow our personal histories and beliefs show up in our leadership stylesThe “vulnerability hangover” and the need for psychological safety after deep work conversationsWhy coaching isn’t a loophole for therapy - and the importance of holding boundariesSimon’s practical framework for growth: Awareness, Intention, DisciplineThe impact of AI on our capacity for deep, human breakthrough thinkingSimon shares real stories, practical tools, and a candid take on why adaptive leaders, those who can sit with discomfort and keep asking better questions will shape the future of work.Work isn’t therapy, but it can be a powerful mirror. Listen in for insights on leading with more awareness, purpose, and humanity.Find Simon at purposefulchange.com or on LinkedIn

Is Curiosity Today’s Work Superpower?What happens when you hit your career peak before 30? Or when the strategies that once worked in your job suddenly fall flat? What if you’re the one always asking questions and getting side-eyed for it?In our latest Work Is Weird Now episode, we sit down with Emma Davies and Ruta Sudmantaite, co-hosts of the acclaimed Blame It On Marketing podcast. With 12 seasons of podcasting and deep experience as fractional CMOs, Emma and Ruta have navigated uncertainty, burnout, and reinvention in marketing - a field made for the curious.Key themes:Curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival skill in fast-moving industries like marketing.Embracing curiosity means being okay with risk, challenging the status quo, and sometimes being misunderstood.AI can fuel curiosity - if you use it intentionally as a learning partner.Building a curious work culture starts with space, permission, and shared goals.Curiosity comes with emotional labour, but it also makes work richer, more resilient, and more fun.“You don’t get curiosity and doing new stuff for free,” says Ruta. “You’re going to mess up. But you’ve got to be okay with that. And keep rolling.”📣 Follow Emma and Ruta at Blame It On Marketing 👀 And follow us on LinkedIn for more conversations about how work is weird now – and what we’re doing about it.

In this episode, Alice Phillips and Dan Emery sit down with technologist and leadership thinker Sunil Malhotra to explore the unlikely but essential intersection of yoga and artificial intelligence. The conversation dives into how ancient wisdom can help individuals and organizations navigate the rapidly evolving, often overwhelming world of work shaped by AI.Sunil shares why work has always been weird, how yoga offers a form of inner technology to cultivate resilience and clarity, and why we need to rethink not just how we work, but how we educate and lead. From questioning the traditional obsession with intelligence to emphasising the value of wisdom, this episode challenges listeners to look beyond quick-fix solutions and toward deeper, human-centered change.Key Takeaways: ✔ Work has always been complex and chaotic — AI just amplifies that. ✔ Yoga isn't just physical — it's a tool for navigating uncertainty. ✔ Wisdom emerges through experience — it can’t be taught conventionally. ✔ Education and leadership models need a radical reset. ✔ AI may reshape high-skilled jobs faster than we expect. ✔ The future demands we balance technological progress with ancient human insight.Whether you're an individual looking to future-proof your career or a leader rethinking how to build human-centered organisations, this episode offers philosophical perspective.Connect with Sunil here: (1) Sunil Malhotra | LinkedIn

Pride Month can feel like a corporate checkbox.But this week on Work is Weird Now, we’re cutting through the noise to ask a bigger question:👉 How do we make allyship at work real—not just performative—for Pride and beyond?Our guest is Tony Marroney, an operations director, proud gay man, and heels-wearing executive who’s spent over 25 years helping workplaces become more inclusive, sometimes while working in environments that didn’t feel safe to be fully out.This conversation is personal, practical, and powerful. We talk about:The difference between allyship and rainbow-washingWhat it feels like to go back into the closet for workWhy Pride is still a protestThe invisible labour of inclusionAnd how small acts of support can change everythingTony doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s lived the nuance of identity, leadership, and inclusion across countries and cultures. His message is clear: real allyship isn’t about getting the language perfect. It’s about listening, showing up, and standing up—especially when no one’s watching.This one’s for the allies-in-progress, the LGBTQ+ leaders carving new paths, and anyone trying to build a workplace where people don’t have to shrink to fit.💌 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter on LinkedIn] for more conversations like this. 🏳️‍🌈 And if it resonates—share it with someone navigating identity at work.

In this reflective episode, the Alice and Dan look back on the most powerful conversations of Season Two. From neurodiversity and inclusion to the realities of fatherhood and the underrepresentation of women in AI, this episode explores the complex dynamics shaping today’s workplace. The discussion also highlights the importance of mindset shifts and cognitive flexibility in a world of constant change. Wrapping up with a teaser for Season Three, the hosts promise new formats and global perspectives to continue challenging the status quo of work and leadership.Key takeaways:Neurodiversity is a critical, often overlooked pillar of inclusion.Caring responsibilities reshape career paths for both men and women.Mindset shifts are the foundation for personal and professional growth.Organisational culture must evolve to support real human needs.AI remains biased - and the absence of women in its design matters.Season Three will push further, exploring new stories from around the world.

In this special edition, we turn our attention to the evolving relationship between education and the workforce. Hosts Alice Phillips and Dan Emery meet Deputy Head Teacher Sarah Thomas to unpack what it really means to prepare young people for the future of work in today’s rapidly shifting landscape.From the pressures faced by teachers and the lingering effects of the pandemic to the rising need for work experience, community engagement, and a renewed focus on resilience and mindset, this episode explores how secondary education in the UK is adapting—and what still needs to change.We examine the blurred lines between knowledge and skills, and ask: What does a good education look like in the age of AI, Gen Alpha, and evolving workplace expectations?“Knowledge and skills are not a false dichotomy.” “Young people are resilient and willing to try.”Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer, or just invested in the next generation, this conversation will make you rethink the social contract between schools, communities, and work.

Guest: Mark Heywood – podcaster, writer, former investment banking MD, and co-founder of Don’t QuitThis week on Work Is Weird Now, we speak with Mark Heywood about the realities of leaving corporate life and reinventing your career on your own terms.From his early days in tech at RBS to a screenwriting course in LA and launching his own business, Mark’s story is anything but linear. In this deeply honest conversation, he shares how he engineered his transition out of banking, the mindset shifts that made it possible, and why failure is a necessary companion in freelance life.We unpack the emotional and practical prep required to go solo, the myths around quitting, and how Don’t Quit is helping others leave with their eyes wide open.Key Topics:Freelancing is a lifestyle shift, not just a job changeJob titles don’t define your value — skills doMost of us don’t quit too soon — we stay too longFailure isn’t fatal. It’s essentialWhy schools aren’t teaching the skills we actually need for the future of workYou don’t need all the answers before you leave — just the right questionsConnect with Mark HeywoodLinkedIn: Mark Heywood on LinkedInDon’t Quit Webinar Info: Find the latest updates on Mark’s LinkedIn posts.(You can sign up and watch the replay anonymously if you’re not ready to go public about your career pivot.)

What happens when humans are no longer the smartest species in the room?In this episode, Dan and Alice talk with David Brown — founder of Future Hand Media and producer of With AI FM — about how AI is reshaping (or wrecking?) the future of work.Key moments:Podcasting as the last human medium: Why real, unfiltered conversations still matter.AI’s creative fallout: From audio to copywriting, entry-level creative work is disappearing — and fast.The vanishing ladder: With junior roles gone, who’s left to train humans?The Gen Z reset: Why trades and hands-on work might be the new gold standard.Hope vs horror: Could this AI reckoning actually free us to be... more human?If you're a leader, a creator, a parent — or just wondering what your job will look like in 2030 — this one’s for you.LinkedIn: David Brown on LinkedInFuture Hand Media: futurehand.co.ukWith AI FM podcast: withaifm.comPersonal podcast: My Crazy Uncle Dave’s PodcastStudio Launch: Orion Studios in Tunbridge Wells

What happens when workplace research meets urban design? In this episode, Dan Emery and Alice Phillips speak with Kasia Maynard, Head of Research and Editorial at WorkTech Academy, about the shifting dynamics of work, cities, and community in a post-pandemic world.Kasia unpacks how the pandemic accelerated—but didn’t invent—many of the trends we see today: hybrid work, the rise of in-person collaboration, and a growing need for spaces that foster real human connection. She explores why the future of work is less about choosing between home or office, and more about designing environments—urban, digital, and workplace—that support flexibility, creativity, and well-being.We dive into:Why in-person meetings can reignite engagementThe evolution of the four-day work week and employee autonomyHow digital twins and data-driven personas are shaping urban planningWhy AI could personalize urban experiences—but also challenge creativityThe need for a common language in urban design and workplace strategyWhy many wellness initiatives fail—and what to do insteadThe leadership mindset needed for a more human, hybrid futureFrom the 15-minute city to the blurred lines between digital and physical community spaces, Kasia offers a wide-ranging view of what the next era of work might look like—and what we need to get there.If work feels weird, urban, and slightly sci-fi right now—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Work’s Weird Now, we sit down with Holly Hobbs, founder and CEO of Apprentivia, who shares her inspiring journey from facing over 30 job rejections to leading a youth employment movement. Holly dismantles the myths around apprenticeships, offers powerful insights into what Gen Z really wants from the workplace, and unpacks how employers can better connect with young talent in a post-AI world. We dive into mentorship, mindset, self-belief, and the role of TikTok in shaping today’s early career paths. Whether you're an employer, educator, or Gen Z job seeker, this episode offers practical tips and a whole lot of perspective.Topics covered: Apprenticeships • Gen Z in the workplace • Career mindset • AI & education • Youth employment • Employer branding • Social media strategy • Mental health at workGen Z is often misunderstood - branded as lazy or entitled. But the reality is far more complex.Key learnings: ✅ Gen Z values purpose, balance, and authenticity ✅ Apprenticeships aren’t the “easy route” - they’re misunderstood ✅ Social media isn’t just for fun - it’s a career tool ✅ We need new models of education to meet an AI-driven worldWhether you’re hiring Gen Z, mentoring them, or raising one(!), this episode is packed with truth, actionable insights, and inspiration.