Digital Workplace Impact

Could the potential of ChatGPT and generative AI capabilities compare with what mechanization did to spark the Industrial Revolution? If so, how can we best approach using AI as a springboard for evolution in today’s digital workplaces? In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, host Nancy Goebel welcomes back Florin Rotar, Chief Technology Officer at Avanade, a leading provider of innovative digital, cloud and advisory services. In previous years, the two have collaborated on a number of projects, presenting a shared focus and unique perspectives on how digital technology is changing work and people.  In a matter of a few short months, ChatGPT has become a catalyst for change, curiosity and creativity in workplaces everywhere. In this conversation, Florin and Nancy really get to the heart of the hype, the risks and the opportunities, and ask whether ChatGPT and emerging AI capabilities will democratize the use of artificial intelligence at large? So, for a human-generated view on AI, jo

In the past 20 years, DWG has completed more than 700 benchmarks – both of intranet and digital workplaces – in each case providing insights for organizations to wanting to take the next step in achieving their ambitions. In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, DWG’s benchmarking architect and lead benchmarking evaluator, Chris Tubb, helps to uncover the mysteries of all things benchmarking. What’s the DWG model? How does it work? How is it different from the Digital Workplace of the Year awards? And what are the biggest benefits to the organization of stepping into the benchmarking spotlight?  At a time when digital workplace teams are looking to sharpen their business cases for investment, provide proof of value or conduct health checks to inform their aspirations, DWG’s benchmarking gives an independent evaluation of how a digital workplace is performing along with actionable recommendations for ‘what next?’. Chris is one of DWG’s lead strategy consultants and a published author. D

That red carpet moment is nearly upon us as the Digital Workplace of the Year Awards team prepares for another season of sparkling entries.In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, host and DWG’s Chief Executive Officer, Nancy Goebel, meets with two of the behind-the-scenes heroes who team up to deliver the Awards, and hears more about all that goes into celebrating and learning from the industry’s best of the best.  Chair of the Awards is Elizabeth Marsh, DWG’s Director of Research, while Sarah Escott, DWG Events and Collaboration Director, oversees DWG’s rolling programme of events, DWG’s own digital workplace, and is also the Awards programme manager. This in-depth conversation covers the origins story behind the success of these Awards, changes over the years, what's new this season, and spotlights what practitioners learn from start to finish. All this and more is packaged up with great advice on the application process – including not to worry about perfection! The Awards honour t

Creating digital accessibility is a responsibility and an opportunity all at once. In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, host Nancy Goebel is once again joined by the insightful and astute Shimrit Janes, DWG’s Director of Knowledge. Together, they examine the importance of prioritizing digital accessibility, the subject of Shimrit’s final chapter in the new DWG three-part research series, The inclusive digital workplace. The discussion journeys through understanding disabilities and the role of accessibility in removing environmental, systemic and attitudinal barriers to participation. The pair stop to explore the backdrop of four disability models and the fit these have with the digital workplace. Also under scrutiny is a case study from MassMutual and a range of insights, including the crucial part that digital accessibility can play in helping to create a healthy living system within an organization. Shimrit’s advice throughout? Adopt a learning mindset to uncover what you don’t know, ho

Digital inclusivity is a way of working, a culture through which the digital workplace is intentionally made welcoming to everyone – but how can you successfully create this?  In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Shimrit Janes, DWG’s Director of Knowledge, shares her latest insights from The inclusive digital workplace: Part 1 – Nurturing digital inclusivity. This recent report, the first in a three-part DWG research series, is available online.  Host Nancy Goebel explores what inspired this series of reports, why Shimrit is releasing Nurturing digital inclusivity first, the difference between inclusivity and accessibility, and why ethics has also been investigated.   A key learning? You can focus on accessibility, but this doesn't mean you're creating an inclusive experience for everyone. Together, the two pinpoint great examples from the field as well as opportunities and challenges, covering the principles of good design and the value of becoming a ‘conscious

In this latest episode of Digital Workplace Impact, you can meet Stacie Barrett, Director of Internal Communications at Domino's, the world’s largest pizza company. An exceptional digital workplace practitioner, Stacie is responsible for digital and in-person communication to Domino’s franchisees and corporate team members globally. Within minutes, you will see just why OFC named Stacie a ‘Rockstar of Culture and Communication’. Stacie specializes in integrating messages from all areas of the company into simple, coherent and digestible communications. This ballerina turned corporate performer is a passionate storyteller, and in this captivating conversation she describes her philosophy and practical thinking around internal communications. Together, Nancy and Stacie discuss what it takes to harness the best of storytelling and technology while filtering out the non-essentials for time-poor and often disparate audiences. A lifelong learner, Stacie’s approach is grounded in purpose, empathy

As DWG’s latest member research report is published, Research Author and Lead Strategy Consultant, Kevin Olp, drops into the Digital Workplace Impact studio to unbox his findings on the evolution of enterprise social networks (ESNs).  In Intranet 2.0 and enterprise social networks: How they've changed the way we work, Kevin examines how ESNs have been adopted (or not) by organizations, considers the extent to which they’ve changed how we work, and explores how they’ve evolved over the last decade and a half. Together, Kevin and host, DWG’s Nancy Goebel, use this latest podcast to dig into whether early expectations have been realized, uncover the barriers that have stood in the way, and ponder what can be taken into the future. And, indeed, they ask whether taking a step back to view progress reveals important learnings that will help practitioners to create and sustain thriving ESNs for the future? So, if where you’re going won’t need roads, take a listen today for more that could help yo

What happens when two DWG CEOs – past and present – sit down together in the DWI studio? A conversation that sparkles with insights to tempt digital workplace pioneers and practitioners everywhere. Known as an inspirational and unconventional leader, as well as an industry visionary, Paul Miller founded DWG more than 20 years ago, never wanting to head up a ‘normal’ company but going on to steer the team from strength to strength. Paul passed on the CEO leadership baton at the end of 2022 to become DWG’s first Chief Creative Officer.  In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Paul joins new DWG CEO and podcast host, Nancy Goebel, to share some of his learnings as CEO as well as uncovering a few of the surprises he’s encountered along the way. The pair discuss his leadership blueprint for unlocking a freedom ethic, while making the creative process fun, rewarding and valuable, and Paul looks forward to future plans to grow DWG’s ‘creative DNA’. Add into the mix Nancy’s inciteful reflecti

2022 brought more twists and turns. It was a year of economic change, of hybrid tugs of war, quiet quitting and the continuing great resignation. So, what’s next and what could this mean for those leading and shaping the digital workplace?Since 2014, DWG leaders have reflected each year on what’s come to pass and then looked ahead at key trends. With an average 70% success rate of predictions turning into reality, DWG’s annual forward look has become a north star to help guide and inform the thinking of digital workplace leaders everywhere.  In this podcast, host Nancy Goebel reviews the successes and surprises of 2022, and unveils DWG’s 10 predictions plus a super prediction for 2023. What’s next for digital inclusion? Will more organizations unlock opportunities in the metaverse? Will HR claim stewardship of the employee experience? And could the digital workplace get a home, a heart, a brain and courage?   In an unpredictable world, Nancy shares insights to sharpen your thinking, s

With 2022 nearly at a close, it is the perfect time to unwrap DWG's top ten podcasts of the year. In this episode, host Nancy Goebel takes us through her top choice of 2022 Digital Workplace Impact podcasts, revisiting fascinating and advice-laden discussions. These rich conversations with industry thought leaders and practitioners provide a window into the challenges they face, the ideas they are exploring and the strides they are making to push the digital workplace to new heights. Studio guests throughout the year included organizations such as Uber, Charles Schwab, Meta, Microsoft and Prudential Financial, along with various DWG experts. On-point topics included digital workplace disciplines such as modern learning, enterprise social, the metaverse, the hybrid working employee experience and digital inclusion, through to the always anticipated DWG predictions for the digital workplace and DWG’s awards programme. With gifts of practical advice and challenging insights, DWG’s top ten pod

Start today, make progress every day and ask questions! As a leader in the evolving territory of digital inclusion, our latest guest in the Digital Workplace Impact studio invites listeners to challenge mindsets and lead by example in their own organizations. Alyson Hudson, CIO of Enterprise Workforce Solutions at Prudential Financial, joins Nancy Goebel for a focused and open conversation – one that encourages you to look at digital inclusion through a different lens. Believing that you can't claim to be inclusive if anyone is left out, Alyson shares her experiences of leading from the front. In her work, she educates and influences others – including technology vendors – so that digital inclusion is truly part of Prudential’s DNA.   An estimated 1 in 4 adults in the US lives life with a disability. Digital inclusion can help unlock opportunities for businesses to benefit from the widest talent pool, while improving the employee experience for all.  The pair delve into the

How can all that’s on offer in the enterprise social arena be best used to help connect and scale conversations in today’s hybrid workplace?  Demystifying Yammer, Microsoft Viva Engage and more is at the core of this latest episode of Digital Workplace Impact. Host Nancy Goebel is joined by expert advisor, James Tyer, a customer engagement leader at Microsoft and co-author of Social By Design: How to create and scale a collaborative company. In this absorbing conversation, James takes listeners through a changing landscape of enterprise social, his career highlights and some top learnings on how to think about people before technology. Together, theduo bring honest insights into creating authentic connections and opportunities to build inclusive cultures – and also gaze into the future at what could be the biggest trends yet to come. To hear more, and for an enlightening look at sparking collaboration, connection and conversation through enterprise social, join us and listen to this podcas

Awards are about telling a story – and you're never done when it comes to digital workplace transformation!  This episode of Digital Workplace Impact not only celebrates and reflects on the DWG Digital Workplace of the Year Awards class of 2022, but also explores rich learnings and fascinating trends discovered during the last six years of the awards programme.   Host, Nancy Goebel, is joined by Elizabeth Marsh, DWG Director of Research, who manages DWG’s awards programme, and by one of this year’s judges, Christy Punch, Senior Manager responsible for the engineering experience at Liberty Mutual Insurance.   Together, they celebrate the achievements of those organizations that are pushing forward the frontiers of the digital workplace and discuss themes such as wellbeing that really came through from this year’s winners.   There is always a new and exciting chapter to discover through the stories behind the awards, so do sit back and take a listen today.&

The metaverse offers enticing opportunities and the prospect of shiny, new immersive and virtual experiences, but how do you get beyond the hype and uncover the art of what’s both possible and useful in the digital workplace?  In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Nancy Goebel is in conversation with Florin Rotar, Chief Technology Officer, and Patrik Löwendahl, Global Head of Metaverse Service Hub, from Avanade, a leading provider of innovative digital, cloud and advisory services. Avanade has adopted a client zero approach, so that in-house learnings can inform the work it delivers to clients as well as the industry perspectives it shares more widely.  In this candid conversation, Florin, Patrik and Nancy explore the power, purpose, uses and early learnings around the metaverse inside Avanade’s own digital workplace. They examine real-life experiences of immersive training and inclusive recruitment via the metaverse, revealing interactions and ways of working that have not previous

Are you stepping into a new role or looking for a fresh approach to your current job? In the latest Digital Workplace Impact podcast, Uber’s Andrea Baltazar shares her blueprint for an effective first 100 days with any organization.  Now a Product Design Leader, Andrea has moved industries and direction throughout her career. She joins Nancy Goebel and talks through her consistent focus on people, processes and products, an approach she has taken most recently at Uber, the tech company that connects the physical and digital worlds to help make movement happen. Over the years, Andrea has used her employee experience expertise to step across into the user experience design space, and the discussion uncovers rich insights. Delving into the value of bringing empathy to the workplace, being a lifelong learner, dynamic hybrid working and paying forward your learnings as a mentor, the two also look at how actively listening to user needs can provide an edge in product design.  Brave experime

Can immersive learning help to upgrade human performance? In this latest episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Nancy Goebel talks with Dr Alex Young, founder and CEO of Virti, and uncovers crisp advice on engaging a digital workforce.  A former trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Alex built and sold his first company whilst at medical school. He scaled an award-winning medical education company while still training in the UK National Health Service. Virti, an employee training platform for the modern workforce, is Alex’s most ambitious venture to date.   In this discussion, Alex shares his energy, drive and insights as someone whose entrepreneurial mindset is grounded in a mix of science and innovation. As many digital workplace teams shift from the war-room mentality of the pandemic to the future of work, Alex and Nancy predict the next mega trends and opportunities. Can gamification and artificial intelligence help employees to fast-track their soft skills for today’s digital workp

What are the possibilities opened up to organizations by tackling digital exclusion? In the UK alone, it is currently estimated that there are 20.5 million people with low digital skills or engagement. In this latest episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Nancy Goebel catches up with Emma Weston OBE, CEO and Founder of Digital Unite,one of the UK’s most innovative digital inclusion organizations. Digital Unite sets out to inspire positive change through digital skills support.  Together, Nancy and Emma explore various ways of bridging the digital divide through practices such as digital champion networks. They share advice on creating a digital daisy chain that links inclusion from the digital workplace to customer experiences to wider community experiences.   Using case studies and insights, they uncover the power and potential for digital workplace teams to join with their diversity, equity and corporate social responsibility colleagues, to create a more digitally inclusive world

What makes a truly inspiring and beautiful digital workplace? In this latest podcast episode, Estée Lauder Companies’ Kerry O’Donnell talks about the organization’s recent digital makeover – one that has just resulted in the MyELCintranet being named a Nielsen Norman Intranet Design winner. MyELC acts as a front door to the organization, representing the world-famous brand visually. It also demonstrates a real investment of time, care and resources to help employees to do their jobs well, wherever in the world they are located.   In conversation with host Nancy Goebel, Kerry shares more about her role as Executive Director of Technology for Global Communications, Citizenship, Sustainability, I&D, Public Affairs and HR, including her career learnings and approach to risk and pushing the digital boundaries. Together, they discuss how Estée Lauder fosters strong partnerships on complex global initiatives, Kerry’s next digital workplace ambitions, and offer advice for digita

Ever wondered what it’s like to join an in-person DWG member meeting? June saw DWG’s first such opportunity in North America in three years. This was a special chance not only for members to celebrate being together, but also to mark DWG’s 20th anniversary and to reflect on all that’s been accomplished as an industry during that time.   In this episode of Digital Workplace Impact, DWG’s Deputy CEO, Nancy Goebel, and Chief Growth Officer, Edward Taylor, shine a light on some 14 takeaways from the New York City event. Hosted by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., the event provided unique insights, rich dialogues and helpful connections for those attending.   In addition, DWG debuted an in-person technology lab. This window into the digital workplace of 2025 enabled practitioners to hear more about emerging technology trends, as well as core capabilities that are readily available today. The session was a valuable opportunity for members to gain insights from vendors with a strong tra

While many are re-evaluating jobs and workplaces, former Citi executive Mirsad Capric has taken the step others only dream of – a sabbatical away from a successful career.  In this latest episode of Digital Workplace Impact, Nancy Goebel hosts an energizing conversation with the former Director of Digital Strategy and Platforms at global investment bank, Citi.   Having seized the moment to pause, Mirsad is now re-energizing, refocusing and rethinking what comes next; a journey he’s sharing on social media and which is resulting in some great discussions.    During this two-part tour, Nancy and Mirsad uncover the realities and adventures a career break can bring. They also share insights and expertise on search within a corporate digital context, and – drawing on his long career in digital communications – Mirsad offers some practical and actionable dos and don’ts to help digital workplace practitioners today.  So, listen now for more search tales from the