How can we design workplaces that stay both technologically advanced and human-centered?

In this episode, Linda Jarnhamn sits down with Lena Abrahamsson, Professor in Human Work Science, Luleå University of Technology.

They discuss how workplace and production systems should be designed around people, not just technology. Lena explains that when automation improves physical safety, it can create new risks such as isolation and boredom, which in turn may cause apathy and accidents.

The conversation emphasises that human interaction, social connection, and maintaining engagement are essential parts of a safe and effective work environment.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Human-centered design is essential in socio-technical production systems.
2. Automation may reduce physical risks while increasing cognitive and social risks.
3. Isolation, boredom, and cognitive overload are significant workplace safety concerns.

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What’s holding leaders back from embracing brain health at work?

In this episode, Linda Jarnhamn sits down with Patricia Earhart Lewis for a role-reversal conversation exploring a major shift, from traditional people and sustainability frameworks to a sharper focus on brain capital and brain health.

While awareness is growing, Linda highlights a critical tension: leaders are both fascinated by and fearful of change. Many recognise the need for new ways of working, yet struggle to move away from deeply embedded habits.

From challenging outdated norms to translating neuroscience into practical interventions, this episode explores the real barriers and opportunities facing organisations today.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The awareness – action gap: Why leaders understand brain health matters, but hesitate to implement meaningful change
2. Fundamental workplace redesign: Moving from extrinsic motivation and outdated work patterns to intrinsic, brain-aligned performance models
3. From science to practice: Challenges and opportunities in translating neuroscience research into real-world organisational interventions

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''So.. with all technologies there are pros and cons. I think we’ve gone way too far into the camp of saying ''some of this data is too dangerous'' versus ''let's utilise some of the data to actually improve the lives of everyone''

In this episode host Linda Jarnhamn talks to Anders Rodenberg, Founder & CEO of Denominator, a global leader in social and human capital data. Anders makes the persuasive case that data isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people and the measurable impact they have on business performance, investment decisions, and sustainable value creation.

Together they explore questions around:

• How human capital data can help investors and HR leaders alike
• Why we are more accepting of AI making mistakes than our human colleagues
• Why everyone should track the work around IISB and TISFD

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''Until our robot overlords take over, it’s really humans who are creating value within organizations. So those humans will be more effective at creating value for your clients and even better team members when we understand the underlying need for human connection, for trust, and for psychological safety.''

Host Linda Jarnhamn talks to Paul Zak, Professor, Speaker, Co-Founder, Immersion Neuroscience about the role of trust in human performance.

Together they explore questions around e.g.

• Trust as the lubricant of human performance
• In group and out group bias
• The importance of having a 3.00 am friend

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''The issue is, you're not taking breaks, you're just switching tasks. You're trying to multitask, or you're just trying to distract yourself. But, you know, I think that that is a symptom of our modern productivity-focused world, that it has set us up for failure"

Host Linda Jarnhamn talks to Nikolas Williams, head of Research at Emotiv about measuring brain health and performance through neurotechnology.

Together they explore questions around e.g.:

1. The meaning of cognitive load, stress and performance
2. The power and potential of using EEG in corporate settings
3. Ethical and legal aspects of collecting personal brain data

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''If we're successful with all the longevity research, you will close the gap between years of good health and death. You'll live a great life with very minimal chronic conditions. So that's kind of like the holy grail, I think, for a lot of researchers now, reducing multimorbidity, achieving really good and long healthy life expectancy, and to die a quick death from a very good life, which sounds pretty good to me"

Host Linda Jarnhamn talks to Tina Woods, Social Entrepreneur and System Architect in Healthy Longevity, about the role of the exposome and how to get older, healthier.

Together they explore questions around e.g.:

1. Chronological vs biological age and technologies to measure the latter
2. Intrinsic vs extrinsic exposome and their impact on health and longevity
3. The Wild West of the supplements and ''healthy foods'' market

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''A few years ago, wellbeing in the workplace was seen as a nice to have. Now it's become a must have. We are recognizing that the healthy workforce is not just beneficial for employees. It also reinforces their reputation, long-term resilience, overall success. In other words, it's also good for business''

Host Linda Jarnhamn talks to Ömer Döne, Global Head of Workplace at Sanofi about the journey of corporate wellbeing and the role of workplace design in embedding a culture of wellbeing

Together they explore questions around e.g.:

1. The built environment as a trigger for cultural transformation
2. Why people stay away from using recharge rooms
3. Collaborative, co-construction focused approaches to wellbeing design

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''Leaders in organisations, I think, are fearful to measure the wellbeing of their people. And by the way, there are now plenty of measures out there — and they are fearful because they kind of intuitively know that the results are not gonna be good. I really do believe that organizations today have a hugely negative impact on the overall health and wellbeing of their people”

Host Linda Jarnhamn holds a conversation filled with energy with Geoff McDonald, global advocate and leading voice for mental health in the workplace. From the transformative power of purpose to navigating mental wellbeing at work and thriving in the emerging brain economy, Geoff shares deeply personal experiences and professional insights that both inspire and inform.

Together they explore questions around:

1. The positive power and perils of purpose
2. How fear and lack of capability is holding progress back
3. The power of strong collaborative alliances

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