The DNA of Work – Details, episodes & analysis

Prepare to have your mind stretched as we navigate the human brain with the esteemed neuroscientist and psychologist, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. In this captivating discussion, we explore how social media is rewiring our brains, why the parent's role is critical in helping a child's brain develop, and what the challenges of puberty mean for cognitive development. Dr. Barrett offers unique insights into the delicate art of knowing when to step in and when to step back, helping our children handle the complexities of daily life.

The conversation then takes a turn towards the workplace, shedding light on the pressing issue of work-life balance, and the strategies organizations can adopt to promote healthier working environments. From the provision of healthy snacks and walking breaks to a no-email-at-night policy and trust-building exercises, we explore practical measures that can boost brain health and manage the demands of modern life.

Finally, we delve into the fascinating realm of predictions, mental models, and niche construction in business. Dr. Barrett elucidates how humans often adapt their environment to align with their mental models, underlining the crucial role of flexibility and trust in today's fast-paced world. As we wrap up, we emphasize the critical importance of sleep for our mental and physical wellbeing, and the impact of sleep deprivation on our performance at work. Join us for an enlightening journey.

This episode is part 2 of a two part special.

AWA Hosts: Karen Plum and Andrew Mawson 

Guest: 

• Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, Neuroscientist and Psychologist, and author of "How Emotions are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." University distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, Boston MA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

 CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

 AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia 

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

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Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Are your everyday experiences really a true reflection of how your brain works? Our guest for this episode, acclaimed neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, sheds light on this thought-provoking question. Dr. Barrett takes us through the compelling world of neuroscience, revealing the ingenious manner in which our brains regulate our bodies. She explains how our brain is a master of deception, constantly predicting and preparing based on past experience rather than just reacting to the world. This fascinating discussion decodes how the brain's predictions shape our thoughts, feelings, and decisions in ways that are more metabolically efficient.

The conversation doesn't end there though. We dive deeper into the brain-body connection and the implications it has on our health and well-being. Dr. Barrett further explores how societal pressures and lack of rest are leading to burnout, affecting our mental and physical resilience. She emphasizes the importance of being mindful of others' impact on our lives as we navigate this hybrid working world.

So, if you're intrigued by the complex world of human brains and bodies, and seeking strategies to navigate these challenging times, this episode with Dr. Barrett is a must-listen!

This episode is part 1 of a two part special.

AWA Hosts: Karen Plum and Andrew Mawson 

Guest: 

• Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, Neuroscientist and Psychologist, and author of "How Emotions are Made" and "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain." University distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, Boston MA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

 AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia 

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Curious about how hybrid working is transforming organisations around the world? AWA’s Hybrid Working Index reveals the truth about what’s really going on. We look at different types of hybrid working policies, the volumes of people coming into office, the impact on the usage of workspace and the ultimate decisions being taken to resize real estate. 

The most recent results reflect a population of 150,000 people across 15 sectors and 22 countries. We reveal the latest findings and the trends across the data captured since June 2022 – and ask whether we are heading to some sort of steady state?

There is also a fascinating interview with a contributor to the survey, Steve Chapman from the UK Government’s Home Office about how the Index and the wider utilisation data they gather are helping inform decisions about their estate, and changing their approach to planning accommodation for their staff.

Discover how this powerful tool can inform organisational decision making, providing valuable benchmarking data across locations and industry sectors.

Mentions:

• Hybrid Working Index Report August 2023
• For details of the Hybrid Working Health Check, contact Andrew

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Josh Sumner, Workplace Strategist, AWA
• Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
• Steve Chapman Head of OFW Estates Strategy, Estates Intelligent Client Function, Security, Estates and Information Directorate

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia 

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Ever wondered if we should fear a malevolent AI takeover? Reconsider what you know about artificial intelligence (AI) as we host a riveting conversation with Dr. Mike Jackson. As a renowned expert in the field, Dr. Jackson clears the air on misconceptions surrounding AI while shedding light on its potential and the importance of unbiased data and decision making. We also debunk the Hollywood-inspired myth of evil AI entities commanding the world.

We don't stop there but shift gears to discuss the practical applications of AI tools. Discover how AI can be a game-changer in performance appraisals as we delve into ChatGPT with AWA's Director of Consulting, Brad Taylor, and Founder, Andrew Mawson. Not just that, we also recognize the potential of AI in understanding organizational dynamics. The conversation doesn't end without emphasizing the role of collaboration, trust, and leadership in embracing AI and exploring the idea of a 'Chief Workplace Officer' taking the lead on strategizing AI utilization. So join us on this enlightening journey, as we navigate the intriguing world of artificial intelligence together.

Mentions:

• Article mentioned by Karen about the Digital Futures at Work Research 
• Approach mentioned by Mike: De Bono Six Thinking Hats
• Andrew Mawson’s Forbes articles

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Mike Jackson, Non-Executive Chairman, Pre-Empt.life, Founder of Shaping Tomorrow, strategist, change agent and business coach, ResultsPlus.ai
• Andrew Mawson, Founder & Managing Director, AWA
• Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

AWA Institute contact:Natalia Savitcaia 

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Today we're taking a compelling journey into the heart of the hybrid work model in India to discover how the pandemic has radically transformed the workspace and encouraged innovative solutions to retain productivity and enhance employee satisfaction. So, buckle up and prepare to delve deep into the intricacies of remote work, office occupancy measurement, and the challenges of policy framing in large tech companies - which provide much of the current workplace narrative in India!

Jagvinder (Pinny) Mann, former leader at Microsoft India, shares fresh updates on the aftermath of the pandemic and the hurdles organizations are facing in reintegrating their workforces. Pinny provides illuminating insights on the use of WeWork type spaces, startups, and how companies are adapting to the new work-from-home era. We'll explore the importance of workplace flexibility, particularly for women, and discuss how different industries are grappling with changes. And finally, we'll celebrate the unexpected silver lining - guilt-free work from home! Tune in and let these industry experts enlighten you on the future of work.

Mentions:

• AWA Hybrid Working Index (please get in touch if you'd like to know more, or to get involved in future surveys)

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Jagvinder (Pinny) Mann - Independent Corporate Real Estate Consultant and Former Microsoft Leader, India
• Partha Sarma - Senior Associate, AWA
• Shashi Sharma - Senior Associate, AWA
• Chaithra K - Associate, AWA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

• AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 
• AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Ever wondered what really matters to the Gen Z workforce? Join us as we engage in an eye-opening conversation with six Gen Z professionals, including Danielle Farage, a top voice for Gen Z and a Top 10 Future of Work Influencer. Gain valuable insights into the priorities and values that drive this generation, from flexibility and development to a strong emphasis on workplace culture.

We're debunking myths and shedding light on the unique career paths many Gen Zers are taking. Hear firsthand experiences from our guests, Jordan, Chanel, Harika, Claire, and Chaithra, as they discuss the importance of learning, development, and flexibility in their careers. Discover the significance of authentic connections through Danielle's passion project, Friendtorship, and explore the desire for travel and personal growth as key components of Gen Z's vision for the future of work.

Don't miss your chance to better understand this passionate and ambitious generation!

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Danielle Farage, Top Voice for Gen Z  & Top 10 Future of Work Influencer, USA 
• Chaithra K, AWA , India
• Chanel Burton, AWA , UK
• Claire Chanis, The Cheese Shop of Portland, Maine, USA
• Harika PV, AWA, India
• Jordan Saavalainen, Finland

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/

For details about hybrid manager development and working together agreements, contact Andrew Mawson.

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

• AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 
• AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

The way we acquire the skills we need is changing - accelerated by the pandemic and the ready availability of guidance and knowledge on social media and through Google searches and YouTube videos. People want to teach themselves and choose the methods that suit them, rather than having their organisation dictate what they should learn. Furthermore everyone seems time starved when it comes to most activities, particularly training, so whatever they do really needs to be specific to their needs and be actionable now.

For the skills that are more difficult to refine through YouTube and quick Google searches, people are turning to VR and augmented reality, to the metaverse and other immersive experiences like business simulations, where we can try things out in a safe way, without the usual embarrassment of the dreaded role play.

Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:

• Making learning actionable (04:57)
• VR and augmented reality (11:08)
• Business simulations (17:18)
• Blended learning approaches (21:02)

Mentions:

• PwC Virtual Reality for learning study (video) and report
• What does virtual reality and the metaverse mean for training?
• Seymour Papert

Courses (for details / dates please contact AWA Institute Lead Natalia Savitcaia )

• AWA Workplace Change Management Course
• Apollo 13 / Business Simulation Events

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Lisa Whited, Senior Associate, AWA 
• Anne Balle, Senior Associate, AWA 
• Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA 

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

• AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 
• AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain the right skills and talent – in the face of rising employee expectations and fierce competition. Under these conditions, the experience people have at work is critical – leaving this to chance is foolish and wastes an enormous opportunity to ensure people have what they need to deliver for your organization.

Delivering the best workplace experiences requires you to carefully manage the workplace (whether that’s an office, or people’s homes). The Workplace Management Framework provides a structure for the development and assessment of best practice in the management of the workplace. And there is now a training course (available through IFMA) to help workplace professionals learn what they need to know and how to implement these best practices.   

Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:

• Defining the experience of work (05:40)
• The creation of the workplace management framework (12:25)
• Discovering the “how to” aspects of the training program (18:14)
• Designing for change (21:31)

Mentions:

• Workplace Management Framework document
• Course: IFMA Workplace Strategy & Leadership Program 

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Andrew Mawson, Founder & MD, AWA
• Brad Taylor, Director of Consulting, AWA
• Lucy Jeynes, Managing Director, Larch Consulting

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

As organizations continue to figure out their approach to hybrid working, many are finding that they have more space than they need. While some are holding onto that space, in the belief that people will gradually return to working in the office, others are looking for ways to offload it. And there is also a need to ensure that the space that is provided works well - generating confidence that it will fulfil the needs that they have when they come into the office to work with colleagues. 

 Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:

• A paralysis of decision making about space? (04:27)
• Many offices aren't designed for hybrid working (10:48)
• Addressing the friction in our workplaces (19:17)
• The new role in harmonising the delivery of the workplace (26:08)

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Nida Mehtab, Senior Associate, AWA
• Clare Danahay, Associate & Designer, AWA
• Mark Gilbreath, CEO/Founder, LiquidSpace
• Matthew Atkin, Senior Associate, AWA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

AWA Institute contact (for details of upcoming events and membership):
Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast

Leadership is leadership - if leaders and managers struggled pre pandemic, it's likely they're struggling now - unless they've upskilled. Hybrid is shining a bright light on management and leadership skills - exacerbating shortcomings and causing some to return to pre pandemic ways of working - to what's easier for them (not easier for their people). 

This is a dangerous, slippery slope that will see people quit because they know how it feels to determine and control they way they work and to find meaning in their work. It's time to think about how managers are appointed, supported and rewarded to avoid these unfolding disasters.

Here's a quick overview of the topics in this episode:

• Trust is key (07:52)
• Listen, question assumptions and experiment  (17:57)
• Appoint the right people and reward them appropriately (19:30)
• What can we do to make a difference? (24:43)

Mentions:

• Help your employees find purpose—or watch them leave (McKinsey article mentioned by Lisa)
• Six Factors (mentioned by Lisa) - Managing the virtual workforce (AWA report)
• Millennials And Gen Z: Now Is The Time To Reshape Businesses To Harness Their Power (Forbes article - mentioned by Partha)
• Promoting Technical Experts to People Managers (Evolving Strategies article - mentioned by Lisa)
• AWA Institute details and events (mentioned by Karen)

AWA Host: Karen Plum

Guests: 

• Lisa Whited, Senior Associate for change management, AWA
• Partha Sarma, Senior Associate, AWA
• Imran Qureshi, Head of North America, WTW
• Philippa Hale, Senior Associate, AWA

 AWA Guest details: https://www.advanced-workplace.com/our-team/ 

CONTACTS & WEBSITE details:

AWA contact: Andrew Mawson 

AWA Institute contact: Natalia Savitcaia

Music: Licensed by Soundstripe – Lone Canyon

Want to know more about AWA?

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit our website

Thanks for listening to the DNA of work podcast