The Nowhere Office

Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Planning at Miller Knoll, brings a wealth of expertise in workplace design. He discusses the transformative power of design in shaping innovation and workplace relationships. The conversation covers the shift towards more collaborative corporate real estate models and the evolution of office spaces that prioritize flexibility and well-being. Anderson shares insights on the significance of 'place' versus 'space' in work environments, advocating for thoughtful designs that foster creativity and enhance social interactions.

Ethan McCarty, CEO and Founder of Integral, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of employee communication. He discusses the pivotal role of frontline managers in performance and why Gen Z expresses the highest anxiety about AI in the workplace. Exploring the concept of 'mixternal communications', he emphasizes the importance of employee voice and emotional well-being in shaping company culture. McCarty also highlights the necessity for genuine engagement and the integration of AI that complements human creativity.

David Marks and Jason Blank, co-founders of Brockton Everlast and the Fora Institute, dive into the future of work and the evolution of office spaces. They blend expertise in property development and workspace innovation to discuss how small businesses are reshaping their environments. Key topics include the balance of functionality and aesthetics in design, the importance of flexibility post-pandemic, and predictions for smaller, collaborative workspaces. Their insights reveal a vision that champions human-centered, sustainable workplaces.

Rachel Johnson, a journalist and broadcaster known for her work with the Financial Times and other major publications, shares her unconventional career journey. She reflects on being the FT's first female trainee and the lessons learned from early mistakes. Rachel discusses the struggles of balancing motherhood with her ambitions and her frustrations during her time at the UK Foreign Office. She also delves into her investigative podcast, Master, exploring the complexities of reporting allegations against Neil Gaiman, emphasizing the importance of persistence in her professional life.

James Davies, Senior Employment Partner at Lewis Silkin LLP, co-founded the employment practice and is now focusing on AI in the workplace. He discusses the transformative effects of AI in recruitment and employment decisions, addressing the legal challenges it raises. The conversation highlights AI tools like Harvey reshaping legal practice and the necessity for updated regulations. Davies weighs in on whether AI could replace lawyers and the ongoing adaptation of legal frameworks to ensure fairness and employee rights in a tech-driven future.

Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward and co-founder of Future Forum, shares his extensive insights on the future of work. He discusses the unpredictable return-to-office mandates and the stubborn presence of command-and-control management in corporate America. Brian highlights leadership's resistance to embrace change and delves into the political backdrop of the current DEI backlash. With contributions from various thought leaders, the conversation emphasizes the crucial need for hybrid work models that respect employees' individual needs, promoting flexibility and a healthier work-life balance.

David Dewane, Chief Experience Officer at Geniant, dives into the transformation of workplace design. He discusses how historical innovations like air conditioning shaped spaces and the evolving role of architecture in a tech-driven world. Dewane emphasizes the importance of human creativity amid AI advancements and how dynamic workspaces can enhance collaboration. He highlights the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions for creativity, advocating for a hopeful vision of future architecture where user experience reigns supreme.

Join industry veterans John Bond, founder of Whitefox Publishing, Toby Mundy, a literary agent and former publisher, and Hannah Bickerton, Managing Director of Whitefox, as they dissect the intricate world of publishing. They explore how book fairs are evolving post-pandemic and the resilience of physical books in a digital age. The conversation touches on leadership transitions, the impact of AI on creativity and marketing, and the steps needed to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing publishing landscape.

Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, shares insights from his extensive advertising career, blending behavioral science with marketing strategies. He discusses the challenges of AI adoption and the importance of curiosity in creativity. Rory explores the evolution of fame in advertising, using Febreze as a case study to illustrate consumer behavior. He critiques GDP as a measure of success and emphasizes the need for economic reform to support younger generations. Lastly, he highlights the relationship between geopolitics and value creation, advocating for a psychology-based approach.

Diane Coyle, a renowned economist and Bennett Professor at the University of Cambridge, dives into the complexities of measuring productivity and the limitations of traditional metrics like GDP. Cultural anthropologist Melissa Fisher explores how workplace culture evolves, emphasizing the human habits shaping our work experiences. Phil Kirschner, a workplace consultant, discusses reimagining office environments for a post-pandemic world, advocating for a human-centric approach that fosters collaboration and adaptability. Together, they tackle the future of work in an ever-changing landscape.