Welcome to Aligned > Engaged > Fulfilled, the podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who believe people and purpose drive profits, not the other way around.
The old playbook is broken. We're told to follow the rules and chase engagement, but we're left feeling burnt out and misaligned. It's time to challenge the status quo of workplace culture, career development, and business growth.
Join host Clarence Maur as he goes beyond the buzzwords to decode the "brain behind the brilliance" of fearless founders, contrarian thinkers, and leadership experts.
This is your guide to building a fulfilling and human-centric future. Each episode provides a new playbook for:
If you're ready to build a transformative career or a business that leaves an impactful legacy, you're in the right place.
Welcome to Aligned > Engaged > Fulfilled, the podcast for leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who believe people and purpose drive profits, not the other way around.
The old playbook is broken. We're told to follow the rules and chase engagement, but we're left feeling burnt out and misaligned. It's time to challenge the status quo of workplace culture, career development, and business growth.
Join host Clarence Maur as he goes beyond the buzzwords to decode the "brain behind the brilliance" of fearless founders, contrarian thinkers, and leadership experts.
This is your guide to building a fulfilling and human-centric future. Each episode provides a new playbook for:
If you're ready to build a transformative career or a business that leaves an impactful legacy, you're in the right place.

Disclaimer
This episode experienced a technical issue that affected audio quality. We determined that the organic discussion was too valuable to lose and decided to publish it as is.
Summary
In this episode, Clarence Bongalos and John Lee discuss the evolution of the modern workplace, focusing on the rise of coworking spaces and the importance of community in fostering employee engagement and productivity.
They explore the return to office debate, the benefits of hybrid work models, and how workplace design can impact employee habits. John shares insights on the coworking industry, emphasizing the need for flexibility and the role of community in creating successful work environments. The conversation highlights the shift towards a more human-centric approach to work, where employees' needs and preferences are prioritized.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Redefining the Modern Workplace
06:14 The Impact of COVID on Work Culture
12:06 Return to Office: Mistakes and Misconceptions
17:46 Rethinking Office Purpose in 2025
22:01 Mental Health and Social Interaction
26:41 Debunking the Generational Narrative
30:02 The Message of Flexible Workspaces
33:09 The Future of Office Space Design
34:51 Resistance to Change in Business Leadership
36:46 Understanding Control and Fear in Leadership
39:25 Navigating Remote and Hybrid Work Challenges
41:01 Lessons from Business Failures: The Blockbuster Example
42:14 The Convergence of Leadership, Marketing, and Strategy
43:03 Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship
44:08 The Role of Coworking Spaces in Innovation
45:24 The Importance of Workplace Design
47:33 Financial Perspectives on Community and Amenities
47:42 The Hybrid Work Model: A Balanced Approach
49:11 The Value of In-Person Connections
51:30 Understanding Employee Needs in the Workspace
51:59 Real Estate Strategy for Modern Workspaces
53:35 Creating a Welcoming Workspace Environment
55:57 Redefining High Performance in Hybrid Work
57:25 The Importance of Community in Workspaces
01:00:06 Fundraising for a Cause: The Skinny Gene Project
Keywords
#modernworkplace #coworkingspaces #employeeengagement #hybridwork #workplaceculture #community #entrepreneurship #returntooffice #flexibleworkspaces #businessgrowth #leadership #business
Links