Heroes of Modern Work by Skedda

In episode 28, I’m very excited to welcome Cushman & Wakefield’s Jessica Kane. She is a creative and talented workplace experience manager for the Ericsson account at Cushman & Wakefield, where she’s responsible for creating a workplace experience program that leverages technology, workplace design, and amenities and services to help drive employee engagement and retention at Ericsson, ensuring everyone feels productive, healthy, and happy in a frictionless workplace. In this episode:-How hospitality training factors into the evolving role of FMs-What the four Tracom social styles tell you about communication-Using “plus it” process thinking to improve customer service-The POW WOW Effect: focusing on consistency for better service-The facilities leaders’ responsibility in “team member care”

In episode 27, I’m very excited to welcome Antony Slumbers, a globally recognized speaker, advisor, and writer specializing in AI, PropTech, and Space-as-a-Service. His entrepreneurial journey includes founding and successfully exiting several PropTech software companies. Today, he consults with leading real estate boards, guiding their transformation, technology, and innovation strategies. Additionally, Antony offers an online course, Generative AI for Real Estate People, designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI in the real estate sector. He is at the forefront of the AI revolution in real estate, and it’s why he joins us as a hero and AI Insider of hybrid work today.Predictive AI vs generative AI: Antony’s journey into revamping real estateSpace-as-a-service: balancing tech and humanity for optimal productivityFunction of Moore’s Law: AI’s impact on real estate and current trendsHuman is the new luxury: embracing humanity in an AI-driven worldHow the future of office spaces hinges on creating exceptional employee EXThe four buckets and six pillars for creating human-centric buildings

I sat down with Kevin Smeltz, founder and CEO of SCG Hybrid Work Solutions. He’s a seasoned leader management consultant with an extensive career that spans leadership roles at HP, Wipro Technologies, Interdynamix, and PwC.Kevin is very passionate about helping companies frustrated with the challenges of hybrid work and the modern workplace, including trying to balance the need for a healthy culture with a workforce that increasingly demands more flexibility, the impact of the return-to-office policies on recruiting and retention, and designing offices that work with hybrid models.In this episode: Overcoming the challenges of hybrid work to access a better talent pool Using the office as a strategic tool to improve engagement and collaboration How to leverage data and analytics to optimize office design for hybrid work The shift toward shorter, flexible office leases to balance costs and productivity Future trends in the modern workplace: impact of AI on hybrid work coordination

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Heroes of Hybrid Work! Today, we embark on something that no one has done before. What once seemed like science fiction is here. In this exclusive AI Insider episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Ameca—the world’s most advanced humanoid robot.Currently living at The National Robotarium in Edinburgh and crafted by Engineered Arts as a bridge between humans and technology, Ameca embodies the next frontier of AI. Her design goes beyond data processing—she listens, understands, and emulates empathy. She’s here to show how artificial intelligence can transform how we interact, collaborate, and work together in the modern workplace.Tune in to hear Ameca's perspective on: Ameca’s purpose in the world (and the hybrid workplace) Human emotions and behavior that surprise Ameca most Does Ameca think robots will replace human jobs What Ameca can “feel” and what she can’t What the workplace will look like in 50 years How to ensure her capabilities are used for good and not harm Some fun - Her thoughts on office romance, what she does when colleagues go to lunch, more Ameca’s poem on the benefits of hybrid work - crafted on the spot!

I’m excited to kick off season 3 with Lorri Rowlandson, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at BGIS, to discuss the impact of AI on facilities management in hybrid work environments. In addition to being a strategic and operational real estate executive with global experience delivering integrated real estate services, Lorri is an authority on generative AI across all facets of real estate delivery. In this episode: Lorri’s evolution of AI expertise: from punching cards to leading in AI Strategies for implementing AI to improve efficiency in business operations Exploring the power of GPTs in business innovation with real-world examples AI as an enabler: exploring the impact of AI on facilities management The future of facilities management: data-driven decision-making

I sat down with Irene Thomas-Johnson, former Global Account Executive at JLL, where she was responsible for helping her clients with the development of staffing models, identifying detailed savings and improvements plans, technology solutions, service delivery processes, tools, financial analysis, and more. She is also Chair of the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees. In this episode: Effective data collection: making sense of it and combating analysis paralysis Evolution of the modern workplace and the role of facilities leaders post-COVID Utilizing AI and digital twins in facilities management for better employee EX How to effectively lead five different generations in the modern workplace The future of facilities management: embracing AI and new technologies

I’m very excited to welcome George Alvarado, Director of Service Delivery Training for Maintenance and Janitorial at C&W Services. C&W Services is an integrated facility services provider that helps clients drive down facility operating costs, increase efficiency, make strategic decisions, and create a positive occupant experience. Alvarado previously served in the US Air Force for over 20 years in roles such as Maintenance Operations Center Manager; Asset, Logistics, and Program Manager; Senior Nuclear Facilities Manager; and so many more roles. In this episode: How leadership skills from the US Air Force influence George’s facilities management Proactive communication methods to build strong hybrid relationships Energy vs. time management: prioritizing activities that boost energy and team morale Focus on the 3 Ps: how facilities managers can upskill in a flexible work environment Innovating with the basics: combining new tools with fundamentals to meet goals

I’m very excited to welcome Andre Jones, Corporate Real Estate Portfolio and Facilities Leader at Capital One. From Clark Construction to Lumen Technologies and now Capital One, Jones has a proven track record of overseeing millions of square footage across hundreds of buildings to create great workplace experiences for thousands of employees. He was recently named to Skedda’s Top 20 Facilities Leaders Shaping Hybrid Work in 2024. In this episode, you'll learn: How Andre’s military background led to his passion in facilities management A shift in the facilities role (reactive to proactive) to create attractive work environments Leading by listening and storytelling: The need to bring the human element back How facilities leaders can get a seat at the table: “Let them tell you no.” Using data and AI to tell a workplace narrative that enhances EX

Christa Dodoo, Chief of Facilities and Infrastructure at United Nations World Food Programme, joins Jenny Moebius in our latest Heroes of Hybrid Work episode to share how the role of facilities leaders has evolved post-pandemic.From emphasizing building operations to prioritizing employee experience, Dodoo shares what facilities leaders need to focus on today in the modern workplace, including:—Incorporating home and office comforts to ease the workspace transition—Balancing innovation and feasibility in hybrid workplace design—Implementing non-negotiables as a constant in the face of changes—Using technology to connect people, place, and process

In episode 18, I’m very excited to welcome Bernie Mehl, CEO and Co-founder of Kisi, a technology company offering security as a service using a combination of sensors and mobile devices to manage facilities. Bernie is out to revolutionize the field of access control through the power of Internet of Things (IoT). In this episode: Leveraging access control data for granular occupancy insights Common RTO mistakes companies make about physical security Empowering facilities with data and technology so they can focus on people Automating workplace transitions for a frictionless employee experience Using new productivity and collaboration data to support flexible work

 I’m very excited to welcome Sarah Barillaro, Chief People Officer at 3Play Media, a Boston-based company that provides closed captioning, transcription, localization, and more. Barillaro was previously the SVP of People at Brightcove and the U.S. Learning Partner for HR at John Hancock. She is passionate about “building something that attracts the right people for the right reasons and empowers them to learn, grow, and thrive,” and that’s why she’s joining us as a hero of hybrid work. Navigating uncertainty and change in the hybrid workplace The power of lunch: strategies for keeping humans in the loop Onboarding and the crucial role the office plays in it Exploring workspace design choices in promoting collaboration Importance of having a voice in hybrid work environments

In episode 16, I’m very excited to welcome Tiffany Mosher Taylor—recently recognized on the Top 50 Women Leaders of Massachusetts for 2024! Tiffany is a people resources executive and the current Head of People at Canoe Intelligence, a company redefining the future of alternative investments with cloud-based machine learning technology. Tiffany shares lessons learned from her more than 25 years of experience in HR leadership, including: Building remote connectivity to improve employee engagement Two key leadership qualities for adapting to hybrid work Doubling down on company values as a tethering force Managing ambiguity in crafting hybrid work policies

In episode 15, I am joined by Elizabeth Knox, Founder of MatchPace, an organizational effectiveness consulting firm that helps leaders adopt hybrid work. She shared her valuable insights on the importance of leadership in navigating change in hybrid work environments, and: Hybrid as a vehicle for the conversation about healthy/sustainable workplaces Why hybrid work is like money Navigating conversations with mutuality to build hybrid cadence Top technology traps in a hybrid work environment

In episode 14, I'm very excited to welcome Katie Finlayson, Head of Workplace Strategy at MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic furniture brands representing over a 100 years of design research, which they leverage to reshape the experience of work and to design a more sustainable world that improves people's lives.Katie is passionate about helping customers solve problems to create an amazing experience for employees while meeting business drivers, and: Embracing flexibility, purposeful space design, and new protocols Pharma success story: connecting a globally-distributed workforce via new spaces Designing spaces to support wellbeing, engagement, and change Improving equity and workplace experience for in-office employees Biggest lesson learned as a Facilities Operations Manager

Kaleem Clarkson, COO of Blend Me, has been featured in Harvard Business Review, named to LinkedIn’s top ten voices on remote work, a 2023 top remote work influencer by remote.com, and many more. He's passionate about work life integration and maximizing the remote employee experience, which is why he's joining us as a hero of hybrid work today.Clarkson shares how orgs can build connected cultures in hybrid settings, including: Importance of addressing 3 buckets of connection to drive business results How great cultures fade if not measured frequently Manufacturing success story: The ROI of flexible work policies How to best manage change: two key ideas to keep in mind RemotelyOne podcast: not safe for remote work (NSFRW) stories

I’m excited to welcome Phil Kirschner to episode 12 of The Heroes of Hybrid Work. Phil Kirschner is Senior Expert and Associate Partner of Real Estate & People and Organizational Performance at McKinsey & Company, where he advises executive teams on the future of work, employee experience, organizational health, and post-pandemic workplace strategies. His passion for this area of research and consulting is evident through his work at Credit Suisse, JLL, WeWork, and now McKinsey. In this episode: Why it’s important a workplace is “virtual first, but not place-less” What hybrid companies can learn from remote cultures about organizational health How to embrace the chaos and learn from the 3 gravitational forces of hybrid work Real estate trends in corporate spaces with the shift to hybrid work The future of work: hybrid, Artificial Intelligence, and the gig economy

In this episode, I sat down with Jose Maria Barrero, applied economist, co-founder of WFH Research, and assistant professor of finance at ITAM Business School. In May 2022, he and his WFH Research co-founder Nick Bloom realized there was no timely data on working from home. They knew they could get good information off the ground very quickly and started running a survey of a few thousand individuals in the U.S. Since July 2020, they’ve conducted a survey every month.Together, we dive into: Ideal number of WFH days for productivity and mental health (broken out by education) Should employees have 100% choice? Or more guardrails? Evolving trends (e.g. commuting distance) in hiring for hybrid workplaces The top 3 reasons people want to go into the office (hint: it’s not ping pong) The future of hybrid work: balancing in-person and remote interactions

We "kick off season 2 with our guest Christina Luconi, Chief People Officer at cybersecurity firm Rapid7. The Boston Globe calls her "a fixture on the Boston startup scene with two decades of experience advising CEOs, sitting on boards, and influencing the people side of corporate culture." For the past 13 years, Christina has been responsible for the entire employee life cycle of Rapid7 with a key focus on recruiting stellar talent, building and scaling culture, and making acquisition integration really work. In this episode: Leading with values: Meeting business objectives and work flexibility Navigating the Future of Work: Building Company Culture and Adapting Workspaces Designing office neighborhoods to maintain transparency and connection The importance of in-person collaboration and relationship building

Bethany Nicole Smith, driving force behind the HERitage Network, delves into the heart of the hybrid work transformation. This episode unveils: Hybrid frontrunners: Traits that set apart the successful from the striving. Ensuring fairness: Strategies to balance onsite and remote team dynamics. Experience dissected: Contrasting workplace vs. employee experiences. Fusion magic: The potent mix when these experiences align.

Tara Vasdani, the legal mastermind behind Remote Law Canada, unravels the intricate legal web surrounding hybrid work. In this episode, we dissect: Top legal considerations for remote work dynamics. Building a solid foundation: The imperative of hybrid work policies. Litigation trends: The surge of constructive dismissal claims in the digital age. Decoding designations: Differentiating between independent contractors and employees. Employer shield: Proactive measures to protect employer interests. Debunked: Common myths about hybrid work law.

Maja Paleka, the visionary behind Juggle Strategies, blends engineering prowess with hybrid work insights. In this episode, we delve into: Design meets hybrid: Leveraging engineering principles for workplace solutions. Tailored decisions: How a global insurance giant championed team-level hybrid choices. Onsite essentials: The underestimated value of unstructured time. The hybrid trifecta: Clarity, autonomy, and accountability as the pillars of success.

Join Dena Upton, the dynamic force behind Drift's people strategies, as she navigates the transition from a strict office mold to a thriving hybrid framework. This episode unveils: Drift's metamorphosis: A journey from office-centric to flexible hybrid. The new office era: Transforming spaces into conversation hubs. Bridging divides: Addressing company splits on workplace preferences. Battling biases: Strategies to counter proximity challenges. Crafting connections: Tips to resonate with a dispersed team.

Dive deep into the future of work as Rob Sadow, CEO of Scoop and mastermind behind the Flex Index, unveils fresh research on Fortune 500 hybrid work trends. Why are growing companies championing flexibility? How can managers overcome the unique challenges of a hybrid workforce? Where does AI fit into boosting productivity? What are some of the biggest mistakes companies are making?

Brian Elliott, a visionary from Google and Slack and the brains behind "How the Future Works", delves deep into the evolving work ethos. This episode sheds light on: The synergy of data and team insights: Unlocking workplace magic. Outcome over location: Why the 'how' and 'what' outweigh the 'where'. The pitfalls of mandates: Top three reasons they often fail. Leading with authenticity: The power of leadership vulnerability.

Sacha Connor, former exec at The Clorox Company and now at the helm of Virtual Work Insider, recounts her early endeavors into the world of remote work. In this episode, we explore: A glimpse into 2010: Leading remote teams when tech was just catching up The birth of Orbit: Unveiling the very first virtual workforce ERG The invisible barriers: Navigating distance and recency biases Crafting inclusivity: Strategies for a location-neutral culture Mentorship mastered: Effective guidance in hybrid settings

Join Q Hamirani, the mind behind Airbnb's innovative 'Live and Work Anywhere' initiative, as he unravels the intricacies of pioneering corporate nomadism. In this episode, we delve into: The genesis and evolution of Airbnb’s groundbreaking program Navigating legal mazes: Cross-border work movement complexities Debunking myths: Why remote-first isn't synonymous with zero in-person interactions The paradigm shift: Hybrid work as a standard, not just a perk

Explore the dynamics of the evolving workplace with Janet Pogue McLaurin, a 40+ year veteran from Gensler, as she sheds light on the link between physical workspaces and business outcomes.   Why is the hybrid model cementing its place? Why are workers showing a renewed interest in office time? Uncover the four essential workspace types for optimal onsite experiences Strategies to engage the Gen Z workforce