The future of work isn’t just about where we work or what tools we use—it’s about why people choose to show up at all. In this thought-provoking episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by workplace strategy expert Phil Kirshner and Microsoft’s Matthew Marzynski to explore corporate collaboration in the phygital era—where physical, digital, and emotional elements intersect.

This conversation goes beyond hybrid work models and office design—it challenges assumptions about what drives human connection, the role of AI in shaping our workplaces, and why designing for experience, not just efficiency, is the real game-changer.

After listening, you will be able to:

• Rethink workplace collaboration beyond hybrid models and into fluid, responsive environments.
• Understand the role of emotions in workplace design—how social capital, trust, and human connection drive engagement.
• Learn how AI and emerging tech will redefine meeting experiences, reducing friction and increasing accessibility.
• Shift from reactive workplace policies to intentional workplace design—where offices serve a clear purpose beyond just a space to work.
• See how leading companies are balancing self-service and human interaction to create more equitable, inclusive digital workplaces.

Links Mentioned:

• Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com.
• Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.
• Explore ThinkLab’s Gen Z research

Connect with our guest on LinkedIn:

• Phil Kirschner
• Matthew Marzynski

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.

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