Philip Ross

Founder & CEO

Philip is Founder of UnGroup and Cordless Group.

He is a futurist, author and advisor. Focusing on people and behaviours, he specialises in predicting the impact of emerging technology on the way we will work, shop, consume leisure and live.

He has worked with over 1000 organisations delivering workplace innovation concepts including Facebook, Schroders, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, Allen & Overy, GlaxoSmithKline, Cisco, Macquarie Group, BBC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Royal Bank of Scotland, Jones Lang LaSalle, Intel, JP Morgan Chase and the Boston Consulting Group

He regularly runs think-tanks and workshops with organisations in the process of considering workplace evolution. Philip brings:

• Unparalleled global knowledge of workplace innovation case studies, benefits and enablers, drivers and results – allowing knowledge sharing and benchmarking

• Ideas and drivers of change, from the expectations of the next generation to successful strategies for implementing change, technology enablers and drivers of change

• A critical view of the key technologies that should be adopted by organisations to enable workplace innovation and a clear roadmap to allow future proofing within the workplace

Philip has written a number of books on the future of work including The Creative Office, The 21st Century Office, and Space to Work (all co-authored with Jeremy Myerson). He has also contributed to a number of other books and reports including the Corporate Fool, Jelly Bean Working and the Responsible Workplace.

His next book (co-authored with Jeremy Myerson) is called Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office, and will be published on 31st August 2022 in UK and 26 Sept in USA. Unworking offers a panoramic view of the development of the modern office over the past 100 years and presents a manifesto for ‘unworking’ – unlearning old habits and rituals established for an outdated office and creating new ones fit for an age of digital technology, design innovation and diverse workforces. Find out more

Q&A

What are 3 words to describe UnWork?

UnConventional, UnCompromising, UnStoppable

What drew you to UnWork originally?

I founded the business, and the brand is designed to demonstrate that we challenge and ask people to unravel and unbundle their current assumptions – people need to step backwards and ‘unlearn’ before they move forwards.

And how has UnWork changed since?

We’re growing an international management consultancy focused on the new world of work.

Favourite Building?

The Flatiron in New York. It shouldn’t exist but it’s uncompromisingly elegant and unique.

The Flatiron Building, New York

Most inspiring place you’ve been to?

Peru – the Inca Trail is a magical place and experience.

Favourite Quote?

‘We shape our buildings and thereafter they shape us’

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. OR tell us three things that most people don’t know about you…

I play the drums in a couple of bands… not quite Phil Collins but working on it.