In this episode of intheOffice Cast - Office Wars: The Dark Side of Desk Booking, Jon and Adam discuss the challenges employees face with desk booking systems in various workplaces, sharing stories from a law firm, a medical company, and a software company alike. They emphasise the importance of communication, understanding employees’ needs, and focusing on collaboration and productivity rather than rigid rules.

In this episode, Jon and Gurpreet Thathy, also known as G, from Valkyrie, discuss various aspects of cyber and personal security. Valkyrie, established in 2009, offers services such as cyber security, technical investigations, human intelligence investigations, OSINT, surveillance, crisis response, and technical surveillance countermeasures (bug sweeping)1. The conversation highlights the importance of both digital and physical security measures, including bug sweeping, penetration testing, and cultural awareness in security. G emphasises the need for comprehensive security measures that encompass both digital and physical aspects.

In episode 5 of season 2, entitled ”Compressed Hours: Less is More?” hosts Adam and Jon discuss the concept of compressed working hours. They explore the government’s new employment rights, including ending zero-hour contracts, day-one rights, and strengthened sick pay. The conversation delves into the benefits and challenges of compressed hours, such as improved work-life balance, increased productivity, and potential cost savings. They also discuss the impact on different sectors, the importance of flexibility, and the need for businesses to understand their own productivity metrics.

In part 2 of our interview with Emma Rainey, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (FCMO), she shares her insights on the role of a fractional CMO. She emphasises the importance of strategic direction and translating business goals into actionable marketing plans. Emma discusses managing expectations with founders and CEOs, the balance between strategic advice and operational tasks, and the significance of storytelling in marketing. She also highlights the challenges of working part-time, staying updated with industry innovations, and maintaining clear communication with the leadership team.

In Season 2, Episode 3 (Part 1), Emma Rainey, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), discusses her transition from corporate marketing roles to fractional marketing. She highlights the flexibility and benefits of fractional roles, the importance of company culture, and the impact of hybrid working environments.

In season 2, episode 2 of intheOffice Cast, Hana Gray, the founder and CEO of The Office Management Group, is interviewed by intheOffice founder Jon Kent, sharing her journey from being a branch secretary to establishing a consultancy and training business that supports and empowers office managers globally. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding the office management role and emphasises the importance of recognising and supporting the wide range of responsibilities that office managers handle.

The podcast features a conversation between Jon Kent and Andy Long, an ex-England rugby player and performance coach, discussing his career transition and the ”Red to Blue” mindset framework for managing pressure and achieving high performance in both sports and business.

Dr. Jeff Standridge, an innovation consultant, investor, entrepreneur, author, and educator from Arkansas, USA, discusses sustainable innovation. He emphasises that innovation is planned change aimed at improving processes or creating new products and services. Jeff advises not to fall in love with solutions but rather with the problems you’re trying to solve. Personal finance management is crucial before handling business finances. Utilise mentors to fill knowledge gaps, and be intentional about your actions. Consistency in routines and self-awareness are key to maintaining a balance between results and relationships. The full episode provides valuable insights for those interested in building products, starting companies, or leading teams in a competitive environment. Jon and Adam also share their thoughts and 10 key takeaways from the podcast. 😊

Special Guest: Paul Coates, FranklinCovey In the second of our podcasts with special guests, in this we interview Paul Coates, Head of Consultancy with one of the top leadership development and behaviour change companies in the world, FranklinCovey.

Dr. Jeff Standridge, a multifaceted professional, shared insights from his diverse roles. As a growth strategist, he helps businesses thrive by uncovering hidden opportunities. His work as an innovation consultant has led to groundbreaking ideas that challenge industry norms. Jeff is also a best-selling author, writing on business trends, leadership, and change management. As an educator, he empowers future entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and critical thinking skills. Additionally, as an investor, he strategically supports startups and disruptive ventures. The interview covers topics like hybrid working, performance management, and leadership, and is split into two parts for a comprehensive exploration of his journey and success.

In Episode 7 of the intheOffice Cast, **Jon Kent** is featured as a special guest on The Homeworker podcast, hosted by its founder, Louise. They engage in a discussion about hybrid working, exploring its definition, advantages, and challenges. They delve into how hybrid working can enhance productivity, creativity, and well-being, while also acknowledging the difficulties it presents in terms of communication, coordination, and trust for both individuals and professionals such as office managers and HR teams. The podcast also contemplates the function and design of the office within a hybrid work environment, proposing that the office should be adaptable, inviting, and supportive of diverse work styles and individuals.

Jon and Adam engage in a candid conversation, turning the tables on each other. They discuss their career journeys, imposter syndrome, working together as nerds, Jon’s debugging skills, Adam’s focus on SEO, AI’s impact on the future, and even share personal secrets. Tune in to explore the creativity and intellect of intheOffice’s senior leadership team. 🎧🧠

After some curious comments from some business leaders stating that hybrid and remote working is ”not fair”, with Elon Musk reportedly stating its a ”fantasy” Join and Adam unpick the comments to get to what’s really going on, what really being said.

Business culture comes from the vision, mission and values of a business, not a place. It needs nurturing and people carry that culture everywhere they go, whether in the office, working from home or at a client’s place.

With desk-booking software the go-to solution for managing hot desks and office spaces for hybrid and remote workers, Jon and Adam question whether it takes into account the need of the individual as well as the CEO, Manager or HR professional it was designed for. You may know who is in the office, but what about those working from home or the remote sales team? In short, is it a fix to the right problem? Jon and Adam believe that a more people-focused approach that understands the challenges at a deeper level, across stakeholders and users, enables evolving hybrid working policies more inclusive and ultimately more effective. A solution that is intuitive, meets people where they are at and can easily be led by senior staff as a cultural necessity. And the key is buy-in from the bosses and continuity of message and usage. This all sounds easy, but any leader will know that people generally resist change - for changes sake - and slow is fast is a good mantra. Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@intheoffice

Jon and Adam discuss how the office has been re-branded as the cultural epicentre for businesses and needs protecting by getting people back in. But what would happen if we rethink offices as productivity tools rather than a place to meet?

Entrepreneurs Jon and Adam share the story of the making of intheOffice desk booking and office space management app in a post pandemic world, just as many big name company CEOs u-turn on hybrid working strategies for their people.