You are invited to join us to explore a better understanding of The Future of Work – which will consider some of the key trends and themes, and how these will impact the way we work now, and in the future. Including the following topics:
- Workspaces and placemaking,
- Enabling creativity and innovation in our people,
- Application of technology,
- Embracing a broader understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
All of which will help business leaders and organisations thrive, and meet long-term aspirations.
The Experts
Host: Sarah Owen – Owner at DISCsimple
Keynote speaker: Dr Nicola Millard – Principal Innovation Partner, BT
Once described as “human caffeine” on Twitter, Dr Nicola Millard injects a people-centred expresso shot to innovation and future strategy. Half social scientist, half technologist, all academic, she uses techniques from disciplines such as design thinking, psychology, anthropology, computing, and business consulting to generate data, provocations and stories to engage and create conversations from the board room to the front line. No frothy coffee; just solid research.
In her long and varied career at BT Nicola has done many jobs, including futurology, research, usability, customer service, marketing, and business consulting. She was involved with some BT firsts, including the application of artificial intelligence into BT’s call centres, BT’s experiments with home working, and helping to develop BT’s “net easy” customer score.
Nicola got her PhD from Lancaster University in 2005 and has authored over 50 publications – including 1 book and numerous book chapters. She is an award-winning presenter, with 2 TEDx talks and hundreds of conference panel, chair and keynote sessions under her belt. She occasionally pops up on radio and TV around the world, including appearances on ‘Woman’s Hour’, ‘Tech Tent’, ‘The Media Show’, ‘The Genius of Invention’ and ‘Back in Time for the Weekend’ for the BBC.
The Panel:
Dr Harriet Shortt – Associate Professor of Organisation Studies, University of West of England
Harriet is an academic, researcher, and workplace consultant in the field of spatial change and user experience. She has eighteen years’ experience in researching and working with organisations exploring space, place, and the material world of work. She has expertise in qualitative research methods including visual, arts-based approaches to understanding user experiences of placemaking. She has worked with public and private sector organisations, such as the Environment Agency, Stride Treglown, ISG, and the Rugby Football Union. She is often invited to comment on spatial change and working practices in the media and has worked with BBC Radio 4, the Evening Standard, Work Wise UK, Bristol 24/7, and Workplace Geeks. Her research has been published in international journals and won awards for research excellence. Harriet is passionate about user experiences of buildings, places, and facilities and believes that successful placemaking encompasses an awareness of cultural shifts, diverse needs, innovative communications, and a sympathetic understanding of people and their everyday lives.
Karl Brown – Commercial Property Partner, Clarke Willmott LLP
Bristol born and bred, a Commercial Property Partner at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP and inaugural chair of the ED&I Committee at Clarke Willmott.
In 2014 Karl became the first black President of the Bristol Junior Chamber and is a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales.
In November 2019 he founded and launched the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter to boost diversity and inclusion in the Bristol property industry/sector. The Charter now has over 100 companies/organisations as signatories. Karl chairs the Bristol Property Inclusion Commission which oversees the running of the Charter. In recognition of this work he was named Property Personality of the Year at the Insider Property Awards South West 2021. Karl also won the Malcolm Gunter Award at the 2024 Bristol Property Agents Association Awards.
Sarah-Jane Osborne – Principal & Head of Workplace, Avison Young
With over 30 years of experience in workplace strategy, interior architecture, and commercial real estate, is a distinguished leader at Avison Young. Her recent work has been pivotal in guiding corporate, public sector, and third sector organizations through redefining work practices and environments in response to COVID-19. Sarah-Jane is renowned in the commercial real estate marketplace as a thought leader and subject matter expert, making her a sought-after speaker on the future of work and workplace innovation.
Priya Mistry – Project Manager, Ridge and Partners
A Project Manager for four years working within the Civil Service and Construction Sector. Having lived and grown up in Bristol, Priya is excited to get involved in shaping the future of work in the city.
This is an exclusive event for the Redcliffe & Temple BID business community, to attract a broad audience and encourage networking.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in a workshop session to learn and share their experiences and insights with others.
A light breakfast including fruit and pastries will be provided.
This will also be a rare opportunity to network with businesses in a relaxed setting in the brand-new EQ offices, on Victoria Street.
Places are limited, please sign up now to secure your space and benefit from this unique event.
The full price of your ticket will be donated to Women’s Work Lab.
Event produced by Redcliffe & Temple BID in association with hgkc.