Work is Weird Now

Guest: Mark Heywood – podcaster, writer, former investment banking MD, and co-founder of Don’t Quit This week on Work Is Weird Now , we speak with Mark Heywood about the realities of leaving corporate life and reinventing your career on your own terms. From his early days in tech at RBS to a screenwriting course in LA and launching his own business, Mark’s story is anything but linear. In this dee...

What happens when humans are no longer the smartest species in the room? In this episode, Dan and Alice talk with David Brown — founder of Future Hand Media and producer of With AI FM — about how AI is reshaping (or wrecking?) the future of work. Key moments: Podcasting as the last human medium : Why real, unfiltered conversations still matter. AI’s creative fallout : From audio to copywriting, en...

What happens when workplace research meets urban design? In this episode, Dan Emery and Alice Phillips speak with Kasia Maynard , Head of Research and Editorial at WorkTech Academy , about the shifting dynamics of work, cities, and community in a post-pandemic world. Kasia unpacks how the pandemic accelerated—but didn’t invent—many of the trends we see today: hybrid work, the rise of in-person col...

In this episode of Work’s Weird Now , we sit down with Holly Hobbs, founder and CEO of Apprentivia, who shares her inspiring journey from facing over 30 job rejections to leading a youth employment movement. Holly dismantles the myths around apprenticeships, offers powerful insights into what Gen Z really wants from the workplace, and unpacks how employers can better connect with young talent in a...

Guest: Slavina Racheva, Managing Consultant & AI Enablement Lead, Credera UK What does it mean to be human in an AI-powered economy? In this episode, Slavina Rachava unpacks the complex intersections between artificial intelligence, gender, and the future of work. We explore why women are more vulnerable to automation , how bias is embedded in the design and deployment of AI , and the urgent n...

In this episode of ⁠Work is Weird Now⁠ hosts ⁠Alice Phillips⁠ and ⁠Dan Emery⁠ engage with ⁠Ellen Donnelly⁠ , founder of ⁠The Ask⁠ and creator of ⁠Monday Mornings⁠ . They explore the evolving landscape of work, the rise of mass entrepreneurialism, and the blending of personal and professional lives. Ellen shares her journey from a conventional career path to embracing flexibility and entrepreneursh...

Today’s guest is Simon Lamb, founder and CEO of Purposeful Change, a consultancy that supercharges company culture and helps leaders, teams and organisations thrive in times of change. Simon has worked with some of the world’s most valuable brands – Microsoft, Nike and HSBC to name a few – and through his work, has touched the lives of more than half a million people in more than 50 countries. Lea...

In this episode of Work is Weird Now, business incubator consultant Richard Hubbard shares his career journey, reflecting on his experiences from the non-profit sector to the construction industry. He discusses the challenges of leadership, adaptability in midlife, and the importance of personal growth. Richard emphasises the role of pride and status in his career, revealing how his early experien...

All of our guests so far on the Work is Weird Now podcast have touched on the physical workplace, so it made sense that we opened up the conversation around the role the office will play in the future of work. To explore the topic, we invited workplace strategy expert, Leeson Medhurst to explore the evolving dynamics of workplace design and strategy, emphasising the importance of hybrid work polic...

This episode takes an unexpected yet fascinating turn as we meet Aimee O’Keefe , founder of Committed Nutrition . Aimee’s impressive career includes roles as: Performance Nutritionist for England’s Red Roses (women's national rugby team), Williams F1 racing and creator of Manchester United Women's nutrition department, and founder of Female Football Nutrition , dedicated to unlocking nutrition fro...

In this episode of Work Is Weird Now , hosts Alice and Dan sit down with Founder at Marvel FMCG Rich Howell to explore a bold shift in workplace culture: the four-day work week. As the leader of a UK based recruitment company, Rich shares how his ADHD diagnosis and recent ADHD burnout shaped his decision to prioritise employee well-being - challenging outdated work models and embracing a more flex...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alastair Moore , a leading figure in AI and machine learning, entrepreneur, investor, and educator, to explore how AI is reshaping industries, jobs, and society. From the rapid evolution of AI capabilities to its impact on white-collar jobs by 2030, Alastair shares insights on both the utopian and dystopian possibilities of AI-driven work. He discusses the nee...

This week on Work is Weird Now , hosts Dan Emery and Alice Phillips are joined by ⁠ Tobi Crosbie⁠ , CEO and founder of Making Moves, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, parenting and purpose. Over the course of a decade – Tobi has led his business through significant evolution. In this episode, he reflects on: Dad first, always His shift to an outward facing CEO and building a personal...

From corporate marketing director to founder of The Womenhood , Jess Rad is unapologetically outspoken on the unspoken. In this conversation, she opens up about the realities of menopause, neurodiversity, and how we can all be better allies in the workplace. In this episode we explore: 🔹 The impact of menopause on women’s careers 🔹 The importance of neurodiversity in building truly inclusive wor...

Christian Hunt⁠ says it loud: “Employees aren’t robots. So why design systems like they are?” This one’s for anyone who’s ever sat through a soul-sucking induction session or tried to enforce a compliance policy that no one reads. We’re talking behavioural science, hiring myths, AI risks, and the very weird future of work. We’re diving into: 👉 Why 100% compliance isn’t realistic 👉 How induction...

What if the thing holding you back... isn’t real? In this powerful conversation, business strategist and mindset coach Nicola Charlotte breaks down how invisible scripts shape our careers - and how to rewrite them. In this episode we cover: The myth of “hustle = success” Why high-achievers struggle with asking for help How side hustles can be a source of fulfilment, not just income Why aligning yo...

What an episode this week - from AI in the recruitment process, hot off the press 2025 salary trends, to exploring whether it’s a straightforward transition to step back into the corporate world after freelancing or consulting, this episode covers it all. Thanks to Charlie and Charlotte from 3Search for your insights. You can find 3Search and connect with Charlie and Charlotte by following the lin...