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With Jenni Powell, GM, Both Brains

Shaping Tomorrow’s Workspace: Smart Office Innovations – with Both Brains

Opinion

Spaceworks’ is excited to share an exclusive interview with Jenni Powell, GM of Both Brains, as we dive into the world of smart office innovations. At Spaceworks, we’re always curious about how technology is shaping the future of work, and who better to give us insights than our trusted IT partner? Jenni provides a fresh perspective on what makes a workspace truly “smart,” how to effectively integrate new technologies, and what exciting developments are on the horizon. Let’s explore how Both Brains is leading the charge in transforming work environments with cutting-edge solutions.

What does a smart office mean to you in terms of technology?

A smart office is all about creating a workspace that makes your job easier and more enjoyable. Imagine an office designed thoughtfully, where technology helps you work flexibly and intuitively. It’s a place where everything just works, and you don’t have to struggle with complicated systems. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and uses automation to handle repetitive tasks. Doesn’t that sound like a place you’d love to work in?

How do you approach the integration of various technologies?

When we bring in new technology at Both Brains, our main focus is on you and your team. We start with careful planning and strategy, making sure everyone knows how to use the new tools. After all, there’s no point in having amazing gadgets if no one knows how to use them, right? We look at how these tools can boost productivity and fit into your business goals. And the best part? We offer unlimited training for everyone, ensuring that every team member, from top management to entry-level staff, sees real value. This approach ensures that everyone gets the most out of the new technology.

What are the most important factors to consider when customising smart office solutions?

When we customise smart office solutions, we focus on making your work life better. We look for technologies that can make your job easier, boost productivity, save costs, and be energy-efficient. But most importantly, we consider everyone’s technical skills to ensure everyone can use the new tools effectively. Imagine how a customised smart office could transform your daily work experience.

How do your IT solutions support hybrid work models and efficient time management in smart offices?

At Both Brains, we want to make sure everyone has the tools they need to do their job productively and without frustration! In the past, we’ve seen workplaces need to swiftly pivot to remote-first, but moving forward, we like to work with businesses to ensure they have the correct tools in place to enable work-from-anywhere solutions. Hybrid work models, remote-first setups, and awesome office environments require strategy to ensure everyone can work securely and productively, wherever that may be.

There are many different solutions we can implement, but the most important thing is to build the IT strategy around your business goals. Are you expanding into new locations? Do you want your team to be able to work from home? If you have an office, how do you use this to entice your staff to build community and connection alongside bigger business goals of growth and seamless workspace transition? We work with our customers to be true partners, understanding their wider business goals so we can align their IT strategy to where they want to be tomorrow, not replicate where they are today. We aim to be more than just “your IT guy” and be a true partner committed to implementing tools and support to help your business thrive.

What tools and platforms do you recommend for managing tasks and supporting both in-office and remote workers?

Security is our top priority, and we know that people are the most vulnerable part of any system. That’s why we recommend tools like Microsoft Business Premium, which includes features to block phishing emails and set up new devices quickly. We also offer password management tools and biometric login options to make security easy for everyone. These tools can help your team feel more secure and productive, making everyday tasks a breeze.

What’s out there in the future that excites you from a technology perspective and how would you integrate that into a SME?

We’re really excited about AI, especially tools like Microsoft’s Copilot. This tool can save a lot of time by automating tasks like recording and summarising meetings, providing follow-ups, and even offering business improvement suggestions. For businesses already using AI, we can build secure internal portals to keep data safe. Integrating these advanced tools can streamline your daily tasks and improve your business operations, keeping you ahead of the curve.

At Both Brains, we’re always looking for the next big thing in technology to help your business thrive. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help, feel free to reach out!

Email: hello@bothbrains.com