In this episode of the BCO's Office Matters Podcast, BCO chief executive Samantha McClary sits down with Alla Elmahadi and Peter Joaki, two finalists in the BCO NextGen Ideas Competition, to discuss their journeys, inspirations and ambitions ahead of the competition's grand finale on 22 October.

Drawing on careers spanning architecture, workplace design and project management, both explain how real industry challenges inspired them to develop ideas aimed at creating meaningful change within the built environment. While keeping the details of their proposals under wraps, they reveal how the competition has provided a unique platform to test new thinking, challenge established norms and connect with like-minded professionals.

The conversation also explores the intensive public speaking and leadership coaching delivered Ginger Leadership Communications, with Elmahadi and Joaki both reflecting on how storytelling, authenticity and confidence can transform not only presentations but also everyday professional communication. Alongside expert mentoring, the programme has helped them refine their ideas while building valuable networks across the industry.

But as both Elmahadi and Joaki say, the BCO Ideas Competition is more than just an event, it is a live example of the power of collaboration, community and innovation and offers an inspiring insight into how the next generation of industry professionals are stepping forward with bold ideas and a determination to make a lasting impact on the future of work and the built environment.

Don’t you want to be part of the conversation? Of course you do. Join us on 22 October by securing your ticket here: https://www.bco.org.uk/product/bco-ideas-competition-finalist-showcase

Listen in to:

• Gain an exclusive preview of the innovative thinking emerging from the next generation of built environment leaders.
• Discover how storytelling, mentoring and public speaking skills can accelerate personal and professional growth.
• Be inspired by two passionate professionals using ideas, collaboration and creativity to drive positive change across the industry.

Huge thanks to the BCO’s NextGen Ideas Competition supporters, including platinum partner Knight Frank and gold partners Hawkins\Brown and NCG Global.

In the second of our trilogy of special BCO Office Matters podcasts, host Samantha McClary continues her journey behind the scenes of the BCO Next Gen Ideas Competition, introducing listeners to finalists Stephin Abraham of Gensler and Ewan Howell of Arup, alongside judge Kathryn Cripps of Knight Frank.

As anticipation builds towards the competition final, the conversation explores the diverse backgrounds and perspectives shaping the next generation of industry leaders. From computational design, data and AI-driven innovation to engineering solutions that address the challenges facing the built environment, the finalists discuss what inspired them to put their ideas forward and how the competition has helped them refine their thinking.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion is personal growth. Abraham and Howell reflect on the value of the mentoring and presentation coaching provided through the competition, including the now-infamous experience of being “JoJo’d” by the team at Ginger Leadership Communications. Together they share how learning to craft a compelling story has challenged them to think differently about communication, influence and leadership.

With practical advice from Cripps – who has herself been “Gingered” - this episode captures the excitement, nerves and optimism that surround the competition while highlighting the power of fresh thinking, confidence and collaboration in shaping the future of the workplace.

Get your own experience of the power of a well-crafted story by joining us at the NextGen Ideas Competition finale on 22 October. You can secure your ticket here: https://www.bco.org.uk/product/bco-ideas-competition-finalist-showcase

Listen in to:

• Explore how AI could reshape the future of the built environment, as finalists Stephin Abraham and Ewan Howell share innovative ideas on harnessing data, automation and artificial intelligence to solve industry challenges.
• Gain practical insight into the opportunities and risks of AI adoption, from improving decision-making and design processes to helping create smarter, more efficient and more resilient workplaces.
• Hear honest reflections on leadership, storytelling and public speaking, with lessons that apply far beyond the competition stage.

Huge thanks to the BCO’s NextGen Ideas Competition supporters, including platinum partner Knight Frank and gold partners Hawkins\Brown and NCG Global.

In this episode of the Office Matters podcast, BCO chief executive Samantha McClary speaks with BCO NextGen Ideas Competition finalists Ben Mead of Cundall and Leelou Coppleman of OD Group ahead of the competition’s grand finale on 22 October.

The pair share what motivated them to enter the programme, the excitement of being shortlisted, and the challenge of preparing to present their ideas on a major industry stage.

The conversation explores the transformative journey of the competition, from developing an initial concept to refining it through expert mentoring and intensive public speaking coaching.

Without giving too much of their presentations away, Mead shares his ambition to better connect sustainability with commercial decision-making in the office sector, while Coppleman discusses the need to bring sustainability considerations to the forefront of design and procurement processes.

Beyond the ideas themselves, this episode highlights the unique power of mentorship, collaboration and personal growth. Both finalists reflect on stepping outside their comfort zones, learning valuable communication skills and gaining confidence in sharing their vision for a more sustainable built environment.

What this discussion really is, however, is a showcase of the passion, innovation and optimism of the next generation of industry leaders.

What this discussion does, is offer a compelling preview of what promises to be a standout event for the sector. So, if you haven’t yet secured your ticket for the best and most inspiring event you’ll get the opportunity to attend this year, right that wrong by booking your ticket here: https://www.bco.org.uk/product/bco-ideas-competition-finalist-showcase We promise you won’t regret it.

Listen in:

• For an exclusive preview of innovative sustainability ideas that could help shape the future of the built environment.
• To hear firsthand how mentoring and public speaking coaching can transform careers, ideas and confidence.
• To be inspired by the passion and ambition of emerging industry talent determined to create meaningful change

Huge thanks to the BCO’s NextGen Ideas Competition supporters, including platinum partner Knight Frank and gold partners Hawkins\Brown and NCG Global.