Workplace Economies Podcast

Jon Kent & AJ Scorey/WE
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We are changing the name of our podcast from intheOffice Cast to Workplace Economies to open it up to a wider range of topics, guests and experiences. Workplace Economies enables Jon and AJ to discuss not just the 'corners', but the whole picture. In our new Workplace Economies podcast we: dig into the stories behind the data, ponder evidence-based analysis on the trends reshaping work and share our perspectives on these trends and their consequences for the modern workplace.  Jon and AJ are both passionate about business, technology and culture as founders of SaaS software and indie game companies. Likeminded in their principles and values, though from very different backgrounds, they instantly aligned around similar passions and beliefs on how our business should be run; solving real world problems using smarts and technology. Jon's background started in law and then into software engineering while AJ's is editing/publishing, marketing at SLT levels and now SaaS founder.  In this unique podcast, we bring our combined experience, knowledge and world views to bear on contemporary issues in the world of work. We research, we discuss and then we go head-to-head in these short, informative business podcasts. 

  1. MAR 26

    The AI Review Tax: A Path to Burnout

    In this episode of Workplace Economies, hosts Jon Kent and AJ (Adam) dig into a concept Jon has coined the AI review tax, the hidden workload burden created when AI-generated output bypasses proper review and lands on the desks of already stretched senior employees. Drawing on original research and a companion article published on Workplace Economies, they examine how the widespread removal of junior roles, often justified as an AI-enabled efficiency gain, is in fact destabilising the very workflow structures that make organisations productive. Far from reducing the burden on experienced staff, they argue, the indiscriminate adoption of AI tools is concentrating unmanageable review work at the top of the org chart, fuelling stress, poor decision-making and burnout. The conversation broadens into wider territory: the collapse of the junior talent pipeline, the self-defeating logic of exponential growth culture, the limits of AI as a substitute for human context and judgement, and the emerging figure of the solopreneur; empowered and ultimately overwhelmed by AI productivity tools. Jon and AJ bring genuine founder perspectives to the debate, drawing on their own experiences building software products, and conclude with a characteristically direct assertion: nothing fundamental has changed in how good work gets done. Organisations that understand this and keep humans meaningfully in the loop at every stage, will outlast those racing to automate their way to the finish line.

    47 min

  2. MAR 26

    Our Name Change - The Why

    AJ and I made the name change from intheOffice Cast to Workplace Economies to enable us to scale up and widen the coverage of subjects, topics, guests and to reflect the changes we are experiencing and seeing in the world of work. In short, we are evolving as we as entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals have over the last two years. This short soundbite gives a little explanation as to the the thinking and reasoning behind the change.

    5 min

  3. MAR 26

    The AI Bubble Nobody Sees Coming

    Jon and Adam discuss whether the AI industry is heading for a dramatic crash or a slower deflation. Jon argues that as AI makes software cheap enough for anyone to build, SaaS companies will face relentless pricing pressure and the bubble will quietly shrink rather than burst. Adam pushes back, suggesting it's not one bubble but many smaller bubbles making up one large one, and that large platforms like HubSpot will be forced to pivot as smaller businesses become self-sufficient. They explore the implications for software jobs, the dangers of moving too fast without review, and whether AI's rapid progress is outpacing humanity's ability to structure it responsibly. Show notes Why the AI bubble won't burst like the dot-com crash, but may slowly deflate as software becomes cheaper to build The HubSpot problem: when a small business owner can build a custom CRM over a weekend for £20, what happens to platforms charging £1,000+ a month? Adam's "mosaic of bubbles" argument: it's not one big balloon, it's many smaller ones being pricked from below How smaller businesses could become self-sufficient, cutting out the SaaS middleman entirely The snake eating its own tail: AI companies funding the tools that undermine their own customers' willingness to pay Why "pivoting" might not save legacy platforms built on monolithic codebases The Klarna cautionary tale: cutting staff for AI efficiency, then rehiring when customer satisfaction collapsed Where the real danger sits: people moving too fast, trusting AI output without review, and creating security vulnerabilities Why AI is a productivity tool, not a replacement for human judgement

    46 min

  4. 02/26/2025

    Office Wars: The Dark Side of Desk Booking

    In this episode of intheOffice Cast, Jon and Adam discuss the challenges employees face with desk booking systems in various workplaces. Jon shares stories from three different companies: a law firm, a medical company, and a software company. Each company has implemented desk booking systems to manage hybrid and remote working, but these systems have led to unintended consequences and frustrations. In the law firm, senior employees book desks far in advance, leading to empty desks and trainees or paralegals staying up late to book desks for their teams. In the medical company, limited parking spaces and desk bookings result in random and forgotten bookings, causing empty desks and parking spaces. The software company faces issues with strategic bookings and cliques, leading to similar problems. Adam emphasises the importance of communication and understanding the purpose of desk booking systems. He suggests that rules should be implemented after understanding employees' needs and that the focus should be on collaboration and productivity rather than rigid rules. Jon agrees and highlights the need for continuous improvement and flexibility in managing office spaces.

    1h 8m

  5. 01/24/2025

    Bug Sweeping and Beyond: Cyber Security with Jon and G

    In this episode, ITO Founder Jon and Gurpreet Thathy, also known as G, from Valkyrie, a security and investigations company, 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). The conversation highlights the importance of both digital and physical security measures. G explains the process of bug sweeping, which aims to detect eavesdropping devices that are now easily accessible online. An example is provided where a bug was found in the office of a Chief Operations Officer, hidden in an extension plug emitting a radio signal. The discussion also covers penetration testing, which involves ethical hacking to identify vulnerabilities in electronic systems, and physical penetration testing, where the security of a building or residence is assessed by attempting to physically break in. G emphasises the importance of cultural awareness in security, noting that people often overlook the security of their home environment compared to their workplace. This can lead to vulnerabilities, especially when guests or workers have access to the home network. The podcast also addresses misconceptions about VPNs, clarifying that while VPNs encrypt data to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, they do not protect against compromised devices. The episode concludes with recommendations for office managers or IT managers on how to start taking security more seriously. G suggests conducting a data audit to identify where data is stored and ensuring it is not unnecessarily duplicated across multiple locations. Additionally, G mentions the Cyber Essentials certification as a solid foundation for building robust security measures. Contact G: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurpreetthathy/ Ten key technical points about cyber and personal security from the document:  Bug Sweeping: This service protects the integrity of conversations by detecting eavesdropping devices, which are now easily accessible online.  Penetration Testing: This involves ethical hacking to identify vulnerabilities in electronic systems, mimicking the actions of a malicious actor.  Physical Penetration Testing: Similar to network penetration testing, this involves physically breaking into a building or residence to assess security vulnerabilities.  Technical Surveillance Countermeasures: This includes bug sweeping to detect physical devices that could be used for eavesdropping.  SIM Card and Microphone Detection: During a bug sweep, a plug emitting a radio signal was found to contain a SIM card and microphone, allowing remote eavesdropping.  Reconnaissance on Infrastructure: When mimicking an attack, reconnaissance is conducted on the infrastructure to identify devices, vulnerabilities, and data that can be accessed.  VPN Misconceptions: VPNs encrypt data to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks but do not protect against compromised devices.  Cultural Awareness in Security: Emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in security, such as locking computers and protecting Wi-Fi networks.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is crucial for security, despite initial resistance due to perceived inconvenience.  Data Audit: Conducting a data audit to identify where data is stored and ensuring it is not unnecessarily duplicated across multiple location  About Valkyrie Valkyrie is a boutique security and investigations company specialising in safeguarding clients through comprehensive physical and digital security, cyber resilience, and expert crisis response. Their services include technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), cyber security, investigations, covert surveillance, physical and personal security, crisis response, security training, and physical penetration testing. Valkyrie works with individuals, companies, and government bodies, offering tailored solutions to address diverse security challenges. The company combines cutting-edge technology with proven field tactics to ensure unparalleled protection. Website: https://valkyrie.co.uk/

    58 min

  6. 12/19/2024

    Compressed Hours: More is Less?

    In this episode of intheOffice Cast hosts Adam and Jon discuss the concept of compressed hours and its implications on work-life balance, productivity and employee morale. They explore the government's new employment rights, including the right to request flexible working from day one, ending zero-hour contracts, and strengthening sick pay.   The hosts share their opinions on whether these changes should be legislated or left to businesses to decide. They also discuss the potential benefits and challenges of compressed hours, such as improved work-life balance, increased productivity, and cost savings. However, they caution that the long-term effects of such changes are still uncertain and may vary depending on the nature of the work and the industry. Key Points: The government has introduced new employment rights, including the right to request flexible working from day one. Ending zero-hour contracts and strengthening sick pay are part of the new employment rights. Compressed hours involve working the same number of hours over fewer days, potentially leading to a three-day weekend. The hosts discuss the potential benefits of compressed hours, such as improved work-life balance and increased productivity. They caution that the long-term effects of compressed hours are still uncertain. The hosts question whether these changes should be legislated or left to businesses to decide. They highlight the importance of flexibility in work arrangements. The potential challenges of compressed hours include increased costs for employers and the need for careful management. The hosts emphasise the need for businesses to understand their own productivity and how it is measured. They discuss the importance of protecting the most vulnerable workers while ensuring that employment rights are balanced and practical.

    1h 9m

  7. 12/12/2024

    Fractional CMO: Half the Time, Double the Impact! (Part 2)

    In the part 2 of our podcast interview with Emma Rainey, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (FCMO), Emma shares her insights and experiences in the marketing world. Emma discusses the role of a fractional CMO, emphasising the importance of strategic direction and the ability to translate business goals into actionable marketing plans. She highlights the balance between providing strategic advice and getting hands-on with operational tasks, which is crucial for building strong relationships and effective marketing strategies.   Emma also addresses common misconceptions about fractional CMOs, such as the expectation that they will handle all marketing tasks, including operational ones like writing emails. She stresses the importance of managing expectations with founders and CEOs to ensure that the value of a fractional CMO is understood and utilised effectively. Emma shares her experiences with the challenges of working part-time, including the need to stay updated with industry innovations and the importance of maintaining clear communication with the leadership team.   One of the key takeaways from Emma's discussion is the significance of storytelling in marketing. She explains that a strong value proposition and authentic storytelling can greatly enhance a company's connection with its audience. Emma also touches on the hurdles she has faced, such as managing expectations and ensuring that the marketing strategy aligns with the overall business goals. Key Learnings: The role of a fractional CMO involves both strategic direction and hands-on operational tasks. Managing expectations with founders and CEOs is crucial for the effective utilisation of a fractional CMO. Staying updated with industry innovations, such as AI tools, is essential for modern marketers. Authentic storytelling and a strong value proposition are key to connecting with the audience. Clear communication with the leadership team is vital for the success of a fractional CMO. Contact Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainey/

    46 min

  8. 12/06/2024

    Fractional CMO: Half the Time, Double the Impact! (Part 1)

    In season 2, episode 3 (part 1 of 2) we interview Emma Rainey, a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), discussing her career journey and the concept of fractional marketing roles. Emma shares her experience of transitioning from corporate marketing roles in large US IT and SaaS companies to working with smaller businesses after being made redundant. She highlights the flexibility and variety that fractional roles offer, allowing her to work part-time for multiple companies and provide senior marketing leadership on a part-time basis. Emma explains that fractional CMOs are senior marketing professionals who work part-time for different companies, providing strategic input and leadership without the full-time cost. This arrangement is beneficial for smaller companies that need senior marketing expertise but cannot afford a full-time CMO. She also notes that larger companies sometimes use fractional CMOs to fill gaps in their marketing leadership. The discussion touches on the challenges and benefits of fractional roles, including the need for clear communication and managing expectations with clients. Emma emphasizes the importance of being embedded in the company culture and maintaining a mindset of being a full member of the senior leadership team, even when working part-time.   The conversation also explores the impact of hybrid working environments, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19 changes. Emma observes that smaller companies are more likely to retain flexible working policies, while larger companies are becoming more rigid. She argues that forcing employees back to the office may not necessarily improve productivity and that a balance between office and remote work is essential. Key Points: Emma Rainey's transition from corporate marketing to fractional CMO roles. The concept and benefits of fractional CMOs for smaller and larger companies. Challenges and benefits of fractional marketing roles. Importance of being embedded in company culture and senior leadership. Impact of hybrid working environments and the need for flexibility. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarainey/

    53 min
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About

We are changing the name of our podcast from intheOffice Cast to Workplace Economies to open it up to a wider range of topics, guests and experiences. Workplace Economies enables Jon and AJ to discuss not just the 'corners', but the whole picture. In our new Workplace Economies podcast we: dig into the stories behind the data, ponder evidence-based analysis on the trends reshaping work and share our perspectives on these trends and their consequences for the modern workplace.  Jon and AJ are both passionate about business, technology and culture as founders of SaaS software and indie game companies. Likeminded in their principles and values, though from very different backgrounds, they instantly aligned around similar passions and beliefs on how our business should be run; solving real world problems using smarts and technology. Jon's background started in law and then into software engineering while AJ's is editing/publishing, marketing at SLT levels and now SaaS founder.  In this unique podcast, we bring our combined experience, knowledge and world views to bear on contemporary issues in the world of work. We research, we discuss and then we go head-to-head in these short, informative business podcasts. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Kent & AJ Scorey/WE
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © IntheOffice Ltd (Workplace Economies) 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Workplace Economies Podcast