Future Of Work Podcast

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. 

Can the rise of generative AI and the demand for human-centric skills truly coexist in harmony?  In this compelling episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Founder and Managing Director of the Upwork Research Institute, joins us to unravel the complex intersections of technology, workforce strategies, and the human element in work.   From the widening skills gap to the challenges of leadership mindsets and trust in a distributed workforce, Kelly shares groundbreaking insights backed by years of research and real-world experience at organizations like Meta and Deloitte.  Are traditional degrees losing relevance in a world dominated by freelancers and tech-savvy innovators, or is there a new standard emerging for workforce success? 

What truly drives the future of work—technology, talent, or society? In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we explore the intricate relationship between technological innovation, changing evolving mindsets, and societal transitions shifts. Marketing visionary and Advertising Hall of Fame inductee Rishad Tobaccowala shares his insights on how companies must rethink leadership, culture, and adaptability to thrive in today’s work environment. From the rise of AI to the global impact of remote work, Rishad challenges conventional thinking and highlights how flexibility and human connection are the keys to sustainable success.  Are today’s leaders prepared to adapt—or will they be left behind by those who are? 

Dr. Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita at UC Irvine, shares her extensive research on how digital media affects our attention. She reveals that attention spans have dramatically decreased, now averaging just 47 seconds on screens. The discussion debunks the myth of multitasking, highlighting its negative impact on productivity and well-being. Dr. Mark offers practical strategies to manage digital distractions and emphasizes aligning work with our natural attention rhythms, encouraging listeners to reclaim their focus in a distraction-heavy world.

In this exciting kickoff to 2025, we explore the changing dynamics of the workplace with Ryan Anderson, Vice President of Global Research and Insights at MillerKnoll.     From the transformative potential of mixed-use city planning to the pressing need for workplace inclusivity and belonging, Ryan explores how design, culture, and technology intersect to shape the future of work. Discover how distributed teams, ergonomic solutions, and the balance between autonomy and community are redefining productivity.     As a leading voice in workplace innovation, Ryan provides fascinating insights drawn from his vast global experience.  What does it mean to truly belong in the modern workplace, and how can organizations cultivate that sense of community while embracing the future of work? Tune in to find out! 

What’s the buzz about the green workforce, and how does sustainability tie into every corner of our lives and careers?  In this episode of The FUTURE OF WORK® Podcast, we dive deep with Neil Yeo, Founder & CEO of OnePointFive, a Forbes Next 1000-awarded Climate Advisory and Academy with a global network of 700+ sustainability professionals across 45 countries.   As a BIPOC climate thought leader with over a decade of experience spanning engineering, consulting, impact investing, and entrepreneurship, Neil shares actionable insights on how sustainability intertwines with every aspect of our lives and careers.   From mentoring climate startups at Yale and Plug & Play to writing for Forbes and the World Economic Forum, Neil’s journey illuminates the path toward a greener, more inclusive workforce—and it’s about far more than just solar panels and electric cars.  Join us for a thoughtful exploration of what it means to go “green” in today’s evolving world of work. 

In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we dive into the shifting landscape of modern employment with Nirit Cohen, a globally recognized HR strategist and thought leader. From redefining success and exploring the "future of less work" to tackling the challenges of hybrid workplaces and workforce transformation, Nirit brings a wealth of insight into how demographics, technology, and societal values are reshaping the workplace. What does it mean to "work less" in a world where time, productivity, and success are being reimagined? And how do organizations measure and lead when traditional metrics no longer apply? Join us as we explore these trends with Nirit, whose three decades of leadership experience at Intel and profound expertise in workforce evolution offer a powerful lens into the future. How will you define success in this rapidly changing world?

Today, we’re diving into an experience that nearly 8 out of 10 people grapple with: impostor syndrome. Think about this—despite your achievements, despite the recognition, there's that persistent, uncomfortable feeling of 'What if I’m not as good as they think?'   Instead of living with this feeling, what if we could learn to think like someone who doesn’t feel like an impostor at all? What if it was just a 'moment,' rather than a mindset?   Our guest today, Dr. Valerie Young, is a pioneer in this field, known for her groundbreaking work on understanding and overcoming impostor syndrome. Her book, “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women And Men: Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive In Spite of It” has been published in seven languages including Korean and Turkish and she’s shared her insights with everyone from NASA to Harvard to Google. And today, she’s here to help us explore what it really takes to stop thinking like an impostor and start leading with authentic confidence.   So, what does it mean to reframe your thoughts and have an 'imposter moment' instead of an 'imposter life'?

In this episode of The Future of Work® Podcast, we explore the fast-paced evolution of flexible workspaces and their impact on commercial real estate with Will Sandford, Director of Coworking at Yardi.     Will discusses the growing demand for coworking solutions, the rise of enterprise clients in flexible office spaces, and how data is reshaping real estate strategies.     We also unpack Yardi’s long-term investment in the coworking sector and what it means for the future of office space. As coworking continues to expand, could flexible offices become the new standard for businesses of all sizes? Join us  to find out. 

In this episode, we explore the balance between personal boundaries and professional spontaneity with LinkedIn expert turned entrepreneurial coach, Viveka von Rosen.   We talk about the integration of technology in business, and how AI is transforming not only workflows but also opportunities, especially for female entrepreneurs. Viveka shares her thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and the ongoing challenges posed by the glass ceiling.  Will technology and flexibility continue to empower women, or are there new hurdles on the horizon?  Join us and find out how these changes could reshape the future of work for everyone.