Description

💬 Summary

In this episode of Work in Progress, we speak to Emilie Lashmar – brand partner, community builder, and Director of GCUC UK – about the evolving world of work, the role of purpose in retention, and how space design shapes culture.

With over 15 years’ experience in brand, marketing, and events, and nearly a decade shaping coworking and creative spaces, Emilie shares her take on the future of flexibility, the difference between performative and authentic values, and what younger generations are really looking for in a workplace. We explore how employers can create environments that work for the whole person, why embedding values into daily decisions matters more than a glossy culture deck, and the small but powerful ways workplaces can foster connection.

💡 Takeaways

• The future of work is about flexibility – in space, culture, and contracts
• Purpose isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s a driver for retention and trust
• Younger generations are courageous in asking for more – and employers should listen
• Embedding values into daily operations matters more than publishing them on a wall
• Pay transparency attracts the right talent and builds trust
• Space design directly impacts culture, wellbeing, and inclusion
• Unlimited holiday is often overhyped – it can create uncertainty or guilt
• Accessibility (physical, digital, and neurodivergent) needs more attention
• Creating a “whole person” workplace means thinking beyond work to life needs
• Networking works best when it’s generous, authentic, and community-led

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Who is Emilie Lashmar and what does she do?

02:14 – From illustration to coworking and community building

06:16 – Why the future of work excites Emilie

07:20 – Four-day week, pay transparency, and purpose-led business

12:39 – The dangers of resisting change

15:42 – How to spot authentic values vs good marketing

18:24 – Purpose as a retention tool in coworking and creative industries

20:26 – A tangible starting point for becoming values-led

21:44 – Shifting expectations around where and how we work

25:27 – What younger generations really want from work

29:55 – Generational shifts in how we think about work-life balance

30:15 – How space design influences culture and wellbeing

31:47 – Workplace trends: what’s overhyped and what’s under-talked about

33:29 – Is there still a gap between what people want and what companies offer?

34:12 – Emilie’s dream workplace of the future

36:54 – Emilie’s advice for finding or transforming your dream role

🔗 Follow Emilie

Website: https://www.lashmar.co.uk/

Brighton Creatives: https://www.brightoncreatives.com/

GCUC UK: https://uk.gcuc.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilie-lashmar/

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