In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Bob Cicero from Cisco to break down what the future of work actually looks like—and why most companies are still missing the point. As AI begins to take over repetitive tasks, the real value of work is shifting back to human connection, collaboration, and creativity.
From the post-COVID workplace reset to the rise of hybrid models, this conversation explores why forcing people back to the office isn’t working—and what companies should be doing instead. The key idea? Offices need to become a magnet, not a mandate, offering real value that employees can’t get at home.
Bob shares how Cisco is reimagining workspaces with a “me vs we” model, flipping traditional office design to prioritize collaboration over individual desks. Combined with data, AI, and smarter environments, the workplace is evolving into something far more intentional—and far more human.
If you’re navigating hybrid work, managing teams, or thinking about the impact of AI on your business, this episode will completely reframe how you think about where—and how—work gets done.
🎯 Topics Covered
Why AI will amplify human work—not replace it
The shift from remote vs office to hybrid balance
“Magnet vs mandate” and why return-to-office policies fail
The “me vs we” workplace model and collaborative design
Why human connection and in-person work still matter
How AI is changing productivity and daily work tasks
Designing offices that people actually want to go to
The concept of “earning the commute”
How data and AI are shaping the future workplace
🤝 Connect with Host & Guest
Ryan Alford (Host)
Website: https://ryanisright.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford
Listen to Right About Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1562875066
Bob Cicero (Cisco)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-cicero
Company: https://www.cisco.com
Learn More About Cisco Workplace Innovation: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html
