In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Matt Brittin, Outgoing President of Google EMEA, for a wide-ranging and forward-thinking conversation on the evolving nature of leadership and the future of work. 

With nearly two decades at the helm of one of the most influential companies of the digital era, Matt shares reflections from 18 transformative years at Google—years that have redefined not only how we work, but how we lead. 

In conversation with Philip Ross, Founder and CEO of UnGroup, Matt explores the shifting landscape of leadership amid global geopolitical shifts, social change, and rapid technological advancement. The discussion spans the move towards flatter, more horizontal organisational structures, the growing strategic value of expert hires within specialist silos, and the challenges and opportunities of leading in uncertain times. 

Importantly, the episode also examines the disruptive potential of AI—how it will impact leadership, reshape organisational models, and demand new mindsets from those driving the future. Rather than resisting the change, Matt advocates for embracing AI as a catalyst for innovation, agility, and reimagined ways of working. 

You might catch a few metaphors—rowing, diving, and the occasional plunge into the unexpected, so on that note, let’s dive in! 

Connect with Matt Brittin:
LinkedIn 

Get in Contact with UnWork:
If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! 

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are excited to welcome Elisa Rönkä, Managing Director, Digital at Johnson Controls, and a leading voice in smart building innovation. 

Elisa joins us to explore how AI—especially agentic AI—is reshaping the workplace and what it means to move from tool-based technology to truly outcome-driven solutions.

Elisa unpacks why many traditional workplace technologies fail to deliver value and how this next wave of AI challenges everything from software procurement models to legacy mindsets. She shares strategies for overcoming resistance to change, highlights the importance of empathy in technology adoption, and offers a bold vision for a future where AI is a trusted team member, not a threat.

We discuss the end of the current SaaS model as we know it, the need for trust and governance in AI systems, and how human-machine collaboration could solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our industry. With deep insights and refreshing honesty, Elisa paints a compelling picture of what the smart building industry could—and should—look like by 2030.

Don’t miss this thoughtful and energising conversation from one of the leading thinkers in workplace transformation.

Connect with Elisa Rönkä:
LinkedIn

Get in Contact with UnWork:
If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In the latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, as part of our Legal Insights series, Cornelius Medvei, Advisory Board Member at Unwork, sits down with Michael Payton, Chairman of Clyde & Co and one of the most respected figures in the legal profession.

With a distinguished career spanning decades, Michael shares his reflections on the evolution of law, from the days before email and the internet to the current era shaped by hybrid work and AI. As a seasoned litigator and leader, he offers a rare long-view perspective on how law firms have adapted—and continue to adapt—to seismic shifts in both technology and workplace culture.

In this conversation, Michael explores the profound impact of hybrid work on office dynamics, client engagement, and firm culture. He discusses how Clyde & Co’s proximity to clients has influenced working patterns, and how the Tuesday-to-Thursday rhythm has emerged as a new norm in the profession.

Looking ahead, Michael tackles the big question: Will AI fundamentally change what lawyers do? While acknowledging the potential for automation to transform tasks like drafting, research, and claims evaluation, he argues that the core of legal practice—advising human clients in moments of complexity and conflict—remains unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience, Michael illustrates how each wave of technology has sparked fears, but also new opportunities, for legal professionals.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of law from someone who has not only witnessed but shaped its past. With optimism, wit, and wisdom, Michael Payton offers a compelling vision of how lawyers and law firms can thrive amid change, anchored by timeless human instincts and professional values.

Get in Contact with UnWork:

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are excited to welcome Dr Imogen Privett, Director of Workplace Innovation at UnWork and a Senior Research Associate at WorkTech Academy. With a background in architecture, workplace strategy, and user experience design, Imogen brings a wealth of knowledge on how to create dynamic, human-centred work environments.

Join us as Imogen introduces the concept of dynamic Personas—an evolution of traditional Personas that account for shifting behavioural states, personal preferences, and real-world contexts. She explains how these adaptable Personas can help designers and project teams better anticipate the diverse and fluid needs of users, ultimately leading to more personalised and effective workplace experiences.

Imogen also highlights the challenges of traditional Persona models, which often overgeneralise user types and miss the nuances of individual experiences. She dives into how dynamic Personas enable a more flexible, responsive approach to workplace design, considering factors such as mood, stress levels, and situational context that influence how people interact with spaces, technology, and services.

In this engaging conversation, Imogen shares her vision for the future of workplace design and explores how dynamic Personas can be applied beyond the workplace, shaping user experiences across various design fields.

Connect with Dr Imogen Privett:

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Get in Contact with UnWork:

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are delighted to welcome Kasia Maynard, Head of Research and Editorial at WORKTECH Academy, to discuss the findings of the highly anticipated World of Work in 2025 report.

 Kasia offers a compelling look at the key trends shaping the future of work, from the role of AI in the workplace to the shift towards experience-driven office design.

Join us as Kasia explores how companies like LEGO and IKEA are pioneering community co-creation initiatives, transforming corporate real estate into social infrastructure. She also discusses the evolution of leadership in a hybrid world, highlighting the need for empathy, clarity, and creativity in navigating the challenges of a more autonomous workforce.

Looking beyond the report, Kasia shares insights into WORKTECH Academy’s upcoming research, including global workplace trends, evolving real estate strategies, and the latest in office design innovation.

The World of Work in 2025 Report is available to read here.

Connect with Kasia Maynard & WORKTECH Academy:

Website: www.worktechacademy.com
WORKTECH Academy LinkedIn: WORKTECH Academy

LinkedIn: Kasia Maynard

Get in Contact with UnWork:

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In the latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, as part of our Legal Insights series, Cornelius Medvei, our Advisory Board Member at Unwork, sits down with Darren Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at Simmons & Simmons, a leading international law firm. 

Darren, with over 20 years of experience in the legal sector, shares his journey from a background in finance and management consulting to his role at Simmons & Simmons, where he has been pivotal in driving cultural transformation and operational excellence.

During his tenure, Darren has helped shape the firm’s distinctive culture, one that emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and a flat organisational structure. He discusses how Simmons & Simmons has evolved to meet the changing demands of both clients and employees, including the rise of hybrid work models, the war for talent, and how the firm is adapting to a new generation of legal professionals.

This episode delves into Darren’s perspective on the future of work in law, the role of AI and technology in reshaping legal services, and the firm’s innovative approach to talent retention and diversity. Darren also reflects on how the firm is navigating the challenges of attracting and nurturing the next generation of lawyers, with a focus on work-life balance and social responsibility.

As Darren continues to lead Simmons & Simmons through these dynamic times, he offers valuable insights into how law firms can thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Darren Mitchell about the cultural and technological shifts transforming the legal industry.

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Brian Marchal, Global Workplace Director at Willis Towers Watson, as our guest. Brian offers a deep dive into how data and AI are shaping the future of workplace strategies, especially in the era of hybrid working.

Join us as Brian discusses how Willis Towers Watson is leveraging technology and data to optimise their office spaces and drive smarter decisions around real estate. He explores the growing role of AI in predicting office usage, creating flexible, efficient environments, and helping organisations navigate the complexities of hybrid work models.

Brian also shares insights into how the company addresses employee concerns around workplace monitoring and privacy, emphasising transparency and trust. He highlights the importance of getting the right data to make informed decisions and the need for senior leadership support to successfully transition to new ways of working.

In this engaging conversation, Brian provides valuable lessons for organisations looking to make data-driven decisions about their workplace strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leaders at the forefront of modern workplace transformation.

Connect with Brian Marchal:
LinkedIn

Get in Contact with UnWork:

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are excited to welcome Marnix Mali, Booking.com’s Director of Real Estate and Workplace Experience, as our guest. Marnix takes us behind the scenes of Booking.com’s brand-new campus, offering a unique look into the design and vision behind this modern hub for collaboration and connection.

Join us as Marnix shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of creating a workplace designed to foster creativity, productivity, and community. Discover how the innovative architecture and layout of the new Booking.com campus are reshaping the future of work, providing employees with dynamic spaces that cater to diverse work styles and promote a strong sense of belonging.

Marnix also discusses the role of sustainability and flexibility in the campus’ design, highlighting the strategies used to create an adaptable and eco-conscious environment that supports hybrid work models and face-to-face collaboration.

In this inspiring conversation, Marnix offers valuable lessons for leaders and organisations looking to create physical spaces that support modern workforces. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of workplace design with one of the minds behind Booking.com’s cutting-edge campus.

 Connect with Marnix Mali 

Get in Contact with UnWork

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with host Nicole Barretto at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can reach us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are excited to welcome Robert Garlick, Head of Innovation, Technology & the Future of Work at Citi Global Insights, as our guest. Rob brings extensive experience at the intersection of AI, human capital, and the future of work, providing a unique perspective on how these elements are reshaping modern workplaces.

Join us as Robe shares key milestones from his career and delves into the challenges and opportunities brought on by AI integration in the workforce. Discover how organisations can address the anxiety employees often experience due to AI's rapid advancement and what can be done to foster a harmonious coexistence between AI and human workers.

Rob explores critical skills for thriving in the age of AI, referencing his report “What Machines Can’t Master.” Learn how employees can develop these skills and the role credentialing plays in verifying competencies in an increasingly digital world. He also introduces the concept of "skill wallets" and how this innovative idea could revolutionise workforce dynamics.

We dive deep into the evolving landscape of AI regulation, discussing the importance of AI ethics and the standards organisations should adopt to ensure responsible AI usage. Rob also sheds light on the long-term effects of digital labour post-pandemic and shares his thoughts on pivotal trends shaping the future of work.

In this insightful conversation, Robe provides practical advice for both organisations and employees on how to navigate the massive disruption and opportunities that AI brings. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from a leading voice in the future of work.

Connect with Rob Garlick:
LinkedIn

Get in Contact with UnWork

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with host Ellie Dowds at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can reach us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of The Unworking Podcast, we are excited to welcome Paav Gandhi, Head of Product and Co-Founder of Accessia. Paav brings a wealth of experience in the intersection of technology, data analytics, and workplace optimisation.

Join us as Paav shares his journey from the tech industry to co-founding Accessia, a platform that revolutionises workplace management through data-driven insights. Discover how his innovative approach is transforming the way organisations utilise spaces, enhancing both security and employee experience in a post-pandemic world.

Paav delves into the cutting-edge technology behind Accessia, explaining how real-time data and advanced analytics can optimise workspace utilisation and empower employees with actionable insights. Learn about his pioneering work in developing tools that not only address security concerns but also create dynamic, people-centred work environments.

We also explore the critical role of data in modern workplace design, from ensuring efficient use of office space to supporting hybrid work models. Paav discusses the challenges and opportunities in promoting data-driven decision-making in both traditional and flexible work settings.

In this insightful conversation, Paav offers practical tips and strategies for leveraging data to improve workplace efficiency and employee well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a thought leader in the field of workplace analytics.

Connect with Paav Gandhi:
LinkedIn: Paav Gandhi
Website: Accessia 

Get in Contact with UnWork

If anything in this podcast has piqued your curiosity and you want to delve deeper into the conversation, please get in contact with host Arraz Makhzani at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can reach us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!