The Unworking Podcast

In this conversation, Peter Miscovich (Executive Managing Director, JLL), Philip Ross (CEO, UnWork), and Jeremy Aston (Senior Vice President, Global Services and Solutions, HP) explore how workplace technology is fundamentally evolving, and what that means for real estate and organizational strategy.

Jeremy reveals how HP's new Workforce Experience Platform unifies insights across devices to eliminate the "suffering in silence" where employees struggle without reporting issues. The discussion moves into uncomfortable territory: traditional ROI metrics are dead. In the AI era, measuring value requires rethinking adoption, enablement, and true utilization rather than cost-benefit analysis.

But the conversation goes deeper. How do organizations balance the disruptive pace of technology with the capital-intensive, long-term nature of real estate? What happens when you introduce BYOA (Bring Your Own Agent) governance alongside flexible workplaces? How do you create seamless experiences across office, home, and hybrid modalities?

This episode tackles the core tension facing workplace leaders: building for certainty in an age of disruption.

In this episode of the UnWorking Podcast, Philip Ross, Founder and CEO of UnWork, sits down with Peter Miscovich, JLL Global Future of Work Leader for a wide-ranging conversation about the past three decades of workplace transformation and, perhaps most importantly, about what's next.

From the early days of cordless offices and desk-sharing to the imminent age of agentic AI, embodied robotics, and quantum computing, Peter and Philip trace the evolution of workplace strategy through analogue, digital, and now intelligent paradigms. 

What if the future of work isn't about getting people to work more efficiently, but rather empowering them to create tremendous impact in and value with more time allocated to wellbeing and human flourishing?

And finally, discover why JP Morgan opened their new headquarters with a focus upon wellness and wellbeing and why culture remains the most challenging (and critical) element of workplace strategy, and what agentic AI means for real estate portfolios, cluster-based work, and psychological safety.

This is essential listening for enterprise leaders, real estate strategists, and anyone seeking to understand how AI, wellness, and experience design converge to shape the future of work.

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!