What makes a workplace worth the commute? In this episode, we sit down with workplace experience explorer and content creator Tom Hitch to uncover how the best office environments are co-created, not commanded.

From sensory design to return-to-office (RTO) policies, Tom shares powerful insights from his travels into global workplaces, highlighting where companies get it right (hello, Miro and Santander) and where they fall flat with flashy but functionless design.

Expect bold ideas, real-world stories, and a challenge to rethink the office not as a place you have to go, but one you’re drawn to. If you're interested in employee experience, workplace culture, or the future of work, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:34 Debating the Return to Office Mandates
01:22 Challenges and Perspectives on Office Policies
02:44 Communication and Clarity in Workplace Policies
03:56 Examples of Office Policies and Their Impact
08:25 Shifts in Workplace Dynamics Post-Pandemic
12:14 Innovative Office Designs and Employee Experience
17:38 Wellness and Wellbeing in the Workplace
22:23 The Future of Office Spaces and Employee Engagement
26:20 Exploring Office Environments: Personal Experiences
32:51 Exploring Miro's Office Culture
36:20 The Importance of Functionality in Office Design
40:31 Santander's Innovative Office Space
49:05 Future Trends in Workplace Experience
56:37 Reimagining the Office Environment
01:01:53 Conclusion and Where to Find More Content

Tom's Bio & Links

Co-Founder and Creative Director of WRKPLC, a first-of-its-kind workplace strategy business that uses creative content and media about office design. Our content is designed to help inspire and educate people on how to make decisions on their workplace.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wrkplc
Website: https://www.wrkplc.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thitch

Steve sits down with experience-design pioneer Pigalle Tavakoli to explore what she calls "StoryFeeling". The shift from telling stories at people to orchestrating the feelings they live through.

Building on her recent keynote at the London Experience Week and forthcoming book - The Building Blocks of Experience Design. She explains how emotion-first design unlocks deeper narrative power. Starting with detective-grade audience research, designing for a full spectrum of feelings (not just "happy"), and letting those emotions drive lasting thought and behaviour change.

We explore her journey from theatre and fashion production to founding the School of Experience Design, showing why tech should amplify rather than replace human insight, and share practical tools like her "Emotion Change Equation" for crafting truly transformative experiences.

Find out more about Pigalle’s upcoming book: schoolofexperiencedesign.net/book-form

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pigalletavakkoli

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:05 Formative Years and Parental Influence

06:15 Journey into Experience Design

08:47 Teaching and Developing Methods

14:36 Human-Centred Design Philosophy

22:15 The Role of Technology in Design

31:00 The Role of a Producer: A Two-Way Dialogue

32:17 Exploring Human Emotions in Experience Design

34:08 The Emotion Change Equation

35:48 Designing Memorable Experiences

41:27 Reflecting on Emotional Impact

45:46 Defining Experiences and Transformations

49:12 Personal Transformational Experiences

51:56 The Interconnectedness of Human Experiences

56:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

In this episode, we explore Stefan's career journey, sparked by an epiphany during a friend's 50th birthday in Italy.

This experience led him to prioritize quality over quantity in his work. Stefan shares his approach to restructuring his workload by focusing on fewer projects, which fosters creativity and personal growth.

The discussion explores how AI can transform work dynamics, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, collaboration, and leadership. Highlighting AI's potential to enhance human capabilities and create meaningful work experiences, along with the significance of self-awareness and social sustainability in modern workplaces.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:21 The Mosaic Career Metaphor
00:56 Moments of Clarity and Self-Experimentation
01:32 AI and Leadership
02:32 Reimagining Work and Life Balance
05:37 Failures and Learnings
08:52 The Human Experience and AI
16:26 Leadership and AI Integration
36:08 Setting Guardrails for AI Integration
36:19 AI in Blue Collar Jobs
37:56 AI in Customer Support and Beyond
39:05 Personal Experiences with AI
43:03 The Impact of AI on Work and Society
54:43 Future Leadership in an AI Context
01:02:44 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Stefan's Bio & links:

Stefan is a hands-on visionary and globally recognized thought leader in service design, innovation, and the future of work. With over 20 years of international experience, he has held senior leadership roles at global companies, award-winning agencies, and McKinsey. He works as fractional Head of Innovation at Max Matthiessen, a leading Nordic pension, insurance and wealth management company with 135 year history as one of the most trusted brands embarking on an exciting journey.

Known for his ability to translate complex challenges into human-centered strategies, Stefan works across industries to help organizations empower employees, create thriving cultures, and deliver standout customer experiences. His work blends service design with systems thinking, leadership development, and emerging technologies like AI to unlock new pathways for growth and transformation.

Stefan has advised governments, public sector organizations, and iconic global brands including IKEA, LEGO, Ericsson, Amex, Nordea, Disney, and adidas. He is passionate about guiding organizations to not only design better services—but to design better futures.

Stefan Moritz {LinkedIn}
Website: https://www.stefan-moritz.com/