The Workstyle Revolution

An interview with Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst of Hoxby / WorkStyle

At LookUP, we talk a lot about the power of a clear vision.

Hoxby has had its vision since day 1: To create a happier, more fulfilled society through a world of work without bias. 

It’s fuelled Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst, its founders, through developing a global agency of independents and freelancers, aligned through their unique concept of ‘WorkStyle’. It’s fuelled them to write a best selling book ‘Workstyle: a revolution for wellbeing, productivity and society’. It’s fuelled them to work with organisations and governments globally to help them redesign their working practices and cultures to put their people at the centre.

And through all of these experiences, they know better than most that there are very few meaningful shortcuts to positive work culture.

But they’ve also provided one of the most powerful examples out there that culture can be built in a different way - that isn’t dependent on an office, or even on a shared employment contract. Hoxby shows that there are many ways to build culture effectively.

It’s also fuelled them through their own personal challenges to find a WorkStyle that works for them. For Alex it was burnout; for Lizzie she has dealt with cancer personally, and has had to then be a carer for her partner also having to deal with a similar condition. 

They’ve learned a significant amount through this journey, and this interview is compelling, inspiring, and occasionally dispiriting, as we discuss the world of work reverting to its former type, despite its successes and gains in recent years. 

We cover: 

• Where the concept of WorkStyle originated 

• The intangible elements of Work Culture

• The importance of digital first Workplace Mindset

• How to balance synchronous working with connection 

• Why flexible working is part of the problem

• The difficulty of change for established organisations

• Why accountability, autonomy and trust are so essential 

• How to get started in driving change 

These two are a powerhouse duo, this is one that’s worth taking the time to watch in full. To do that, you will need to become a paid subscriber (but it’s only £10 a month, and for that you’ll get access to interviews, frameworks, event access and more.)