The Unworking Podcast

The Future of Disruption Leadership: A reflection on the changing landscape of leadership with outgoing Google EMEA President Matt Brittin

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-brittin-5aa6391/%22%20/t%20%22_blank]  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 unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Driving Workplace Change with Agentic AI: A Conversation with Elisa Rönkä

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-ronka/] 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 unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Grow a Global Firm From Scratch: The Clyde & Co Story with Michael Payton

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 unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Revolutionising Personas with Dr Imogen Privett: A Dynamic Approach to Human-Centred Design

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogen-privett-9161532/] Email: imogen.privett@unwork.com 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 unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

The World of Work in 2025: WORKTECH Academy’s Vision for the Future

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. [https://www.worktechacademy.com/the-world-of-work-in-2025-top-trends-for-the-year-ahead/] Connect with Kasia Maynard & WORKTECH Academy: Website: www.worktechacademy.com [https://www.worktechacademy.com] WORKTECH Academy LinkedIn: WORKTECH Academy [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/worktech-academy] LinkedIn: Kasia Maynard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasia-maynard-350379a0/] 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 unworking@unwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!