Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini
Giovanni Palavacini and Jamie Russo have partnered to ask industry leaders the questions that are on your mind.
Giovanni Palavacini is a Real Estate Strategist focused on helping operators, landlords, and investors to make wise coworking/flexible office decisions using a combination of science and art.
Jamie Russo was a coworking space owner/operator for 8 years, Executive Director of the GWA, the industry association, for 5 years, and has spent the last few years helping operators start and run profitable coworking businesses.
What happens when a marketer steps into coworking and starts looking at the business from the outside?
In our latest podcast episode, Jamie and Gio sit down with Jackie Latragna, a marketer who went from answering phones at an executive suite at 21 to becoming a fractional CMO working with coworking operators.
Jackie shares some great lessons on what she's seeing across the industry, including:
- Why owners need to find ways to step away from day-to-day operations
- The importance of ruthlessly evaluating your processes before scaling
- How to turn the knowledge of your location teams into actual strategy
- Why community involvement can be one of your most powerful marketing tools
- How ThinkSpace brought more than 2,000 people through its space during Seattle Tech Week
- Why smaller operators shouldn't feel like they need to replicate what larger brands are doing
- How to think about CRM and technology decisions without automatically reaching for the biggest platform
- Why marketers and operators should look outside coworking for ideas and inspiration
- The role of SEO, AEO, AI tools, reporting, and measurable marketing outcomes
- Why a little friction and different perspectives can actually lead to better ideas
One of Jackie's biggest themes throughout the conversation is simple: don't let the day-to-day keep you from looking at the bigger opportunity.
If you're trying to grow your coworking business without getting buried in the weeds, this one is worth a listen.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jackie Latragna on LinkedIn BLANKSPACES Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency?
Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market.
In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets
- Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot
- How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space
- The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations
- Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable
- How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model
- Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams
- How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter
- The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets
- How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members
- Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve
Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does it take to grow a coworking portfolio across multiple markets without relying on a one-size-fits-all playbook?
According to Greg Miley, Chief Commercial Officer at Clockwise, it starts with understanding that every location has its own unique challenges, customers, and opportunities.
In this episode, Greg shares how Clockwise operates 18 assets across 17 cities throughout the UK and Europe, and how the company approaches growth across a highly distributed portfolio. From entering new markets to building local awareness, Greg explains why successful flex operators need to understand the dynamics of each market instead of applying the same strategy everywhere.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How Clockwise grew a portfolio across 17 different cities
- Why every coworking market requires a different sales and marketing strategy
- How operators can identify the right channels for each location
- Why brokers remain an important part of the flex workspace ecosystem
- Why general managers are critical to creating visibility and relationships outside the building
- How Clockwise uses CRM data to understand lead sources, conversions, and growth opportunities
- The importance of choosing the right buildings and understanding market demand
- Why flexible workspace adoption continues to grow as companies rethink traditional offices
- How Greg's experience as both a broker and operator influences his approach to partnerships
As the flexible workspace industry continues to mature, the operators who combine strong local relationships, smart data practices, and a deep understanding of their customers will be the ones positioned for sustainable growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Greg Miley on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does it take to scale a coworking company without losing focus?
According to John Wallace, Founder & CEO of Workbox, it starts by knowing exactly who you're building for—and resisting the temptation to be everything to everyone.
In this episode, John shares how Workbox has grown to 13 locations across seven cities while staying focused on serving small and midsize businesses. We also dive into the company's new strategic alliance with Serendipity Labs and why partnerships may become an increasingly important growth strategy for coworking operators.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why Workbox partnered with Serendipity Labs and what the alliance means for members
- How strategic partnerships can expand a coworking network without opening new locations
- Why Workbox prioritizes small and midsize businesses over enterprise clients
- How AI is helping operators improve pricing, sales, workflows, and decision-making
- Why hospitality remains the biggest competitive advantage in coworking
- The role of flexible workspace in supporting the next generation of AI startups
- How revenue-share and profit-share agreements create better alignment with building owners
One insight that really stuck with me was John's reminder that AI shouldn't replace hospitality—it should eliminate the busy work so your team can spend more time creating meaningful member experiences.
As our industry continues to evolve, the operators who combine great hospitality with smart technology and strategic growth will be the ones who stand out.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
John Wallace Workbox website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a former chef helps build one of the fastest-growing cowarehousing companies in the country?
You get a fascinating perspective on where flexible workspace is headed next.
In this episode, Andrew Runnette shares how his career took him from restaurant kitchens to Whole Foods, then into food tech, and eventually to helping scale Portal Warehousing across the U.S.
What stood out most to me is how closely the evolution of cowarehousing mirrors the early days of coworking.
At its core, it isn't just about warehouse space. It's about giving businesses the flexibility to grow without committing to traditional industrial leases—and creating space that adapts as those businesses evolve.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Andrew's journey from chef to Whole Foods executive to scaling Portal Warehousing
- How Portal expanded from one location to multiple markets across the U.S.
- Why flexibility is becoming just as important in industrial real estate as it is in coworking
- The KPIs operators should be tracking before expanding to new locations
- Common layout and operational mistakes that limit growth
- How AI is helping operators connect systems, benchmark performance, and make smarter decisions
- Why Andrew believes "space as a service" is the future of both coworking and cowarehousing
One insight that really stuck with me was Andrew's view that the future isn't about selling office space or warehouse space—it's about creating flexible solutions that help businesses grow.
Whether you're already exploring industrial flex space or simply curious about where the flexible workspace industry is heading, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what's next.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Andrew Runnette
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes because the conversation is just as relevant today as when it first aired.
Design matters—but not in the way most coworking operators think.
After helping design more than 2 million square feet of flexible workspace around the world, Dean Connell has a unique perspective on what makes a coworking space successful. It's not about following trends or choosing the right furniture. It's about creating spaces with personality, purpose, and a culture people genuinely want to be part of.
In this conversation, Dean shares how he went from designing luxury bars and boutique hotels to becoming Creative Director at WeWork, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he believes too many coworking spaces have become predictable.
If you're designing, renovating, or rethinking your coworking space, this episode will challenge the way you think about design, community, and member experience.
In this episode, we cover:
- Dean's journey from hospitality design to leading creative projects at WeWork
- Why so many coworking spaces look and feel the same—and what operators can do differently
- The balance between scalable design and authentic community
- How thoughtful design influences culture, member experience, and brand perception
- Why operators should stop playing it safe and build spaces people remember
Whether you're opening your first coworking space or planning your next renovation, this conversation is full of ideas to help you create a space that stands out—for all the right reasons.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Dean on LinkedIn
I-AM.D.C website
Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when someone leaves a career at the United Nations to open a coworking space in a small town? That's exactly what Alanna Imbach, Founder and CEO of Vibe Coworks, did.
Alanna spent 17 years working around the world, including with the UN World Food Programme and WaterAid, before returning to her hometown of Poulsbo, Washington. What started as a search for a place where she and her husband could continue working remotely became Vibe Coworks.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How Alanna's first experience with coworking happened at Grind in New York City
- Why she originally thought coworking was a terrible idea and what changed her mind
- The decision to leave a global career and return home to build something locally
- Designing a coworking space from the ground up after visiting dozens of spaces around the world
- How Vibe Coworks became part of a unique mixed-use building that includes a restaurant, chocolate shop, liquor store, and speakeasy
- The creation of Matchstick Lab and its work supporting entrepreneurship in the community
- Building a culture where people get to know each other as people first, not just by what they do for work
- Why Alanna believes people should be able to do the work they love from the place they love.
This conversation is a great reminder that coworking can be about much more than workspace. It can be about creating connections, supporting entrepreneurs, and helping people build meaningful careers without leaving the communities they care about.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Alanna on LinkedIn
Vibe Coworks website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If your goal is to create a coworking space that's profitable, purposeful, and packed with community-driven energy, this episode is required listening. This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes of Flex Uncensored: our conversation with Gina Schreck, founder of The Village Work, Wellness & Event Center in the Denver suburbs. The lessons in this episode are just as relevant today as when it first aired. Sometimes the best ideas aren't new ones—they're the ones worth hearing again.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Gina expanded from 10K to 50K square feet—and why she nearly walked away from the opportunity
- The surprising role her daughter played in managing the expansion project
- What makes her podcast studio actually get used (and how it supports her community)
- How events became a major revenue driver, from business gatherings to weddings and church services
- Why hospitality is at the center of everything she does—and how that philosophy impacts retention and culture
- How her space became a true community hub, complete with nonprofit partnerships and a waitlist for offices
- The creative ways she's using AI and thinking about operational efficiency
- Why DIY coworking isn't for divas—and how she embraces a high-touch, high-hospitality model
This episode is packed with practical insights, big energy, and creative ideas for operators looking to build something people genuinely want to be part of. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or giving it another listen, there's a good chance you'll walk away with a few ideas worth putting into action.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Gina on LinkedIn
The Village Workspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
AI is making it easier than ever to do more.
The question is: should we?
In this episode, Giovanni Palavicini and I ended up having one of those conversations that started with AI and somehow turned into business growth, health data, sleep, travel, expansion, productivity, and the challenge of keeping up with everything.
What struck me most is that we're all having the same experience right now.
AI is helping operators build dashboards, monitor sales performance, analyze CRM activity, automate reporting, and even build websites in a fraction of the time it used to take.
But instead of creating more free time, many of us are using that efficiency to pile on even more work.
A few moments that stood out:
- We talked about how AI is giving operators visibility into their businesses that would have been incredibly difficult just a year ago
- Gio shared how health tracking and bloodwork data forced him to confront the reality that he can't operate at 47 the same way he did at 27
- We discussed why so many operators are desperate for practical AI use cases instead of theoretical discussions
- We explored how business owners often discover their biggest challenges aren't revenue problems, they're operational and expense problems
- We talked about the tension between growth ambitions and the personal capacity required to sustain them
One of my favorite themes from the conversation was that data doesn't lie. This was a real conversation about what it looks like to build businesses, embrace new technology, and navigate the reality that our time and energy are finite.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Most coworking operators are still using AI to write social posts.
Shift Workspaces is using it to rethink operations, hospitality, renewals, sales strategy, dashboards, and member experience.
This conversation with Travis Low completely changed the way I think about what's possible for coworking operators willing to go deeper with AI.
A few things that stood out for me:
- Shift built AI systems that monitor everything from call volume and SEO to renewals and member engagement
- Travis created an "AI board of directors" with different personalities designed to critique the business and surface blind spots
- They're using automation to create more personalized hospitality, not less
- Their focus isn't cutting staff. It's helping their team spend less time on admin work and more time with members
- One of the biggest lessons: AI is only as good as your systems and your data cleanliness
And one of my favorite quotes from Travis: "The currency in AI is creativity."
This episode is both exciting and slightly overwhelming in the best possible way.
If you've been curious about what AI could actually look like inside a coworking business beyond basic ChatGPT prompts, this episode is worth your time.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Travis Low on LinkedIn Shift Workspaces
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a coworking operator stops thinking like a coworking operator… and starts thinking like a hospitality brand?
That's exactly what Uri Isken and Gabriel Isken are building at HIT.
And honestly, this conversation completely expanded my perspective on what enterprise flex space can become.
HIT now operates 13 locations across Argentina, Chile, and Brazil with 94% occupancy, serving major enterprise clients like Google, Accenture, TikTok, and L'Oréal.
But what really stood out to me is that coworking is only part of the story.
In this episode, we talk about:
- How HIT generates 30% of its revenue from wellness, events, and food & beverage
- Why enterprise clients increasingly want one trusted operator to handle everything
- How they turned rooftops and common areas into profitable event venues
- Why Argentina's changing business climate is fueling demand for premium flex space
- What it takes to serve large enterprise clients across multiple countries
- How they transformed a historic horse carriage garage into one of the coolest flex spaces I've seen
One of my favorite moments in the episode was hearing how Gabriel joined HIT at 19 years old as the company's very first employee working the front desk… and eventually became partner as the company scaled across LATAM.
If you're thinking about the future of enterprise flex space, hospitality-driven operations, or how coworking operators can create entirely new revenue streams… this episode is packed with ideas.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Uri Iskin on LinkedIn Gabriel Bucher on LinkedIn HIT Cowork
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What if the future of housing looks a lot more like coworking?
We had the chance to sit down with Chris Moeller, founder of Pathway Communities, right after his GCUC keynote… and this conversation really stuck with me. Chris spent 20 years in commercial real estate before stepping away to build something entirely new.
And what he's working on now feels like a natural extension of where our industry is headed. He calls it "stable living."
It's not just housing. It's a rethink of the system behind it.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why "we didn't break housing… the system did"
- How coworking principles can translate directly into residential living
- What happens when you design for connection instead of isolation
- Why ownership models need to evolve so people can actually build equity
- How a real-life disaster reshaped his entire perspective on community and infrastructure
What I love about this conversation is that it pushes us to zoom out. We spend so much time in coworking talking about desks, pricing, and occupancy…
But Chris is thinking about something bigger. How do we create places where people actually want to live and work? And what can our industry learn from that?
If you're thinking about where coworking goes next… this one will expand your perspective.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Chris Moeller on LinkedIn Pathway Communities Website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What percentage of your market is actually flexible office space… and does that number even matter?
I loved this conversation with Jim Groves, founder of Rubberdesk, because he completely reframed how we think about supply, demand, and what tenants actually see when they're searching for space.
Jim built Rubberdesk around one core idea: transparency. Not just more data, but better, usable data that helps tenants actually make decisions and helps operators understand what's really happening in the market.
We also dig into:
- Why lack of transparency leads to poor pricing and bad customer experiences
- How AI is transforming brokerage, from instant shortlists to real-time market insights
- The massive diversity in today's coworking product… from bare-bones offices to spaces with saunas, ice baths, and golf simulators
- Why brokers need better tools (and how Rubberdesk is building them)
- What the future of flex looks like in an uncertain economic environment
If you're trying to understand where flex is really headed… or how to position your space in an increasingly competitive and diverse market… this one is worth your time.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jim Groves on LinkedIn Rubberdesk website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does it look like when someone builds a coworking space entirely around people?
I sat down with Rob Archer, CEO of Codebase Coworking, and this one stuck with me.
Rob spent 8 years bringing this project to life. Not to maximize density. Not to cram in more offices. But to create a space that actually feels good to work in. And it shows.
They have a waitlist for offices… and members joking about how to become "presidential diamond elite" just to get one.
But here's the moment I can't stop thinking about…
Rob asked a member to give up their office.
Not because they couldn't pay. Because they weren't using it… and someone else could.
That tells you everything about how he leads.
I've had the chance to work with Rob, and he's exactly who he shows up as. Thoughtful, community-first, and deeply committed to creating something meaningful in Charlottesville.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why relationships are the real engine behind coworking
- How to design space for experience, not just revenue
- Supporting early-stage founders inside your space
- Leading with service (and why it actually works)
If you're building a coworking space… or any kind of community… this one is worth your time.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Rob Archer on LinkedIn Codebase Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What if the future of work isn't about better offices… but no offices at all?
We had the chance to sit down with Amina Moreau, CEO and co-founder of Radious, and I'm still thinking about this conversation.
Amina's journey is anything but linear. From a psych degree and a passion for photography… to building a storytelling company that won five Emmys… to now reimagining how and where work happens.
And what she's building with Radious is one of the most interesting shifts I've seen in our industry.
Instead of asking people to commute into a central office, Radious flips the model. It brings work closer to where people actually live. Think homes, neighborhoods, unique spaces that make you feel something… not just another white box conference room.
But what really stuck with me wasn't just the model. It was how deeply Amina understands people.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why the commute is still the biggest barrier to returning to the office
- How unique spaces create memorable team experiences that last for years
- The surprising shift in what people actually want from a workspace
- How Radious is tapping into residential areas to rethink access to work
- What it really takes to deliver a hospitality-level experience outside of traditional offices
- The role of storytelling in building and scaling a disruptive company
Amina is building something bold. But she's also grounded in what matters most. People, relationships, and creating experiences that actually improve how we live and work.
If you're thinking about the future of flex, commuting, or what "the office" even means anymore… this one will get you thinking.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Amina Moreau on LinkedIn Radious Website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What do you do when you find a 60,000 square foot "mess" of a building… and see nothing but potential?
That's exactly what Steve Kinder did.
When Gio and John toured Good Coworking, I kept thinking about how rare it is to meet an operator who truly sees a space not just for what it is—but for what it could become. Steve didn't just open a coworking space. He reimagined an entire building, and honestly, an entire business model.
From owning the real estate… to layering in coworking, traditional office, artist studios, a gym, and even live/work lofts… this is one of the most thoughtful mixed-use coworking concepts I've seen.
But what really stayed with me from this conversation was Steve's mindset: He didn't have a perfectly mapped-out plan; he followed curiosity.
And over time, those decisions turned into a space that reflects exactly who he is—creative, community-driven, and deeply intentional.
We also get into:
- How he turned a dilapidated building into a thriving coworking hub
- Why nonprofits became one of his strongest tenant bases (and why that might surprise you)
- How his furniture company became a "living lab" inside the space
- What flexible workspace operators can learn about adaptability and long-term thinking
Steve Kinder is building something really special with Good Coworking, and this conversation is a great reminder that there's no single path to success in this industry.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is start… and figure it out along the way.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Steve Kinder on LinkedIn Good Coworking Website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What if the real KPI for your coworking space isn't occupancy… but connection?
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Brandon Houston, and this conversation stuck with me long after we hit stop.
Brandon is quietly building something really special in a small town in Ontario. His space, The Foundry, is 7,000 square feet in a community of just 26,000 people… and it's thriving. Not because of private offices or fancy amenities, but because of something most operators still undervalue: community.
He's built a system that tracks how members interact, who they're building relationships with, and how connected they are to the community. Every member even has a "pulse score" based on their engagement.
Brandon also shares:
- Why small, rural coworking spaces can absolutely thrive
- How automation and AI can support operators without replacing the human touch
- The surprising demand for social events over traditional programming
- Why open space and "collisions" matter more than maximizing office count
And maybe my favorite part… hearing how deeply personal this work is for him. From friendships to business partnerships to even meeting his partner, so much of his life has come from the community he's built.
This is one of those conversations that reminds you why coworking matters.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Brandon Houston Huwart on LinkedIn Collingwood Foundry website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
The coworking industry didn't become global overnight. People like Jean-Yves Huwart helped make it that way. Jean-Yves is the founder of Coworking Europe and one of the few people who has had a front-row seat to how flex workspace has evolved across dozens of countries over the last 15+ years. In this episode of Flex Uncensored, Liz Elam and I sit down with Jean-Yves to talk about what's happening across the European coworking market right now… and why the industry is hitting a new level of maturity. We get into:
- Why office buildings are starting to see flex workspace as a necessity, not a "nice to have"
- How asset owners across Europe are building their own coworking brands
- The growing role of brokers and intermediaries in helping companies find the right workspace
- Which European markets are booming right now (Netherlands, France, Spain) and which ones are moving more slowly
- Why the evolution of flex workspace is tied so closely to how cities themselves are changing
If you're curious about where the flex workspace industry is headed globally, this conversation is a great one to listen to.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jean-Yves Huwart on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Most commercial real estate brokers don't start their careers playing 200 shows a year in dive bars.
But that's exactly how Ward Richmond's career began.
Before becoming Vice Chairman at Colliers and building a high-performing industrial brokerage team, Ward was a touring musician. When that chapter ended, he stepped into commercial real estate… and eventually built a business very intentionally around people, culture, and personal growth.
We get into:
- How a financial scare and a baby on the way forced Ward to rethink how he was working
- The moment he realized the difference between being a business operator and a true business owner
- Why he invested heavily in coaching and personal development (including Tony Robbins and Grant Cardone)
- The core values he uses to build and manage his team
- And why gratitude, humility, and discipline matter just as much as market expertise
If you're thinking about leadership, team building, or what it actually looks like to build a career that aligns with your values, you'll enjoy this one.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Ward Richmond on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What if the real flex opportunity isn't about chasing every deal… but knowing exactly which ones to walk away from? I always love having Mark Burge, CEO and co-founder of Flex Workspace Solutions, back on the podcast. He's thoughtful, candid, and one of the few operators who will openly say, "Actually… this project doesn't make sense." And he means it. In this episode, Mark shares how 2025 was one of their slowest years for new client acquisition… and also their best year ever. Why? Because they got crystal clear on who they are, who they serve, and who they don't. We talk about:
- The real shift happening in landlord mindset around management agreements
- Why some owners are finally seeing flex as a building amenity, not just a revenue play
- The discipline it takes to say no to the wrong project
- How trust built through honesty leads to better long-term partnerships
- The sweet spot in square footage and why bigger isn't always better
- And yes… whether AI should be booking your tours
If you're working with landlords, considering a management model, or trying to figure out where AI fits in a hospitality-driven industry, this conversation will make you think.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Mark Burge on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when the Queen of Coworking returns to share her vision for the industry's future—and announces a mission that could save lives? This week, Jamie and Gio sit down with Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and Link Coworking, for a conversation that spans everything from neurodiversity and AI to hospitality standards and why coworking should be the first industry to offer free mental health services. Liz just returned from Australia where she toured The Commons' 19 locations and experienced hospitality so exceptional it left her stunned. She shares what made every unannounced walk-in feel like visiting a new friend, why Cliff Ho's spaces are profitable when so many aren't, and the one thing American operators can learn from how The Commons hires and trains their teams. We talk about:
- What makes The Commons' hospitality so extraordinary (and why 90% of coworking spaces fail the walk-in test)
- Why GCUC's 50th event in New York will feature coworking-adjacent content, not just operators talking to operators
- Liz's mission to make free mental health services standard in every coworking space
- The mega trends shaping 2026: AI as invisible concierge, wellness integration, neurodiversity, and the Great Reconnection
- Why younger generations take calls on speakerphone (and why we need better acoustics)
- How The Commons uses different local designers for each location and why it works
- Why design innovation in coworking has stalled—and what needs to change
- The rise of insiders buying existing coworking brands (Second Home, Kahoots, Bond, The Yard)
- Why bringing your team to conferences makes them more likely to stay
- How Judah Space became GCUC's New York venue and why the conference business is actually working for coworking operators
If you care about the future of coworking, mental health advocacy, or just want to hear from someone who's been shaping this industry for 14 years—this episode is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Liza on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a passionate connector who's generated $2 million in new revenue decides to leave corporate life, launch his own consulting business, and move his family to Italy? This week, we sit down with Luke Wills for a conversation that spans AI-powered outbound sales, the importance of human connection, and a calling that's taking him across the Atlantic. Luke shares how he went from selling basketball tickets to becoming Lucid's outbound sales powerhouse—and why he's now teaching single and multi-location operators how to build grassroots, multi-channel outbound strategies that actually work. He breaks down his LinkedIn messaging sequences, explains why 25-40% of people accept his connection requests, and reveals how AI can handle the tedious prospecting work while keeping the human touch intact. We talk about:
- Why outbound sales is the next frontier for coworking operators ready to scale
- How to use LinkedIn automation without sounding like a robot (and why offering a free day office works better than free coworking Fridays)
- The AI tools Luke uses to get 30% reply rates on personalized outreach
- Why fixing your inbound process has to come before launching outbound campaigns
- How the coworking industry's collaborative culture makes it different from other sectors
- Luke's advice on implementing AI: start with your pain points, not the solution
- Why vulnerability and human connection will become even more valuable as AI rises
If you're curious about building an outbound sales engine, want to understand how AI fits into real sales workflows, or just need a reminder that it's okay to be human in business—this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Luke Wills on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
This week, Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavicini sit down with Derek and Broyny Vitatoe, co-founders of Work at Wheel in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just days before their official opening.
Derek and Broyny left Harlem, New York with no idea where they'd open their coworking space. They just knew they wanted to blend corporate wellness, HR leadership, and their passion for movement into a space where people could work, move, and thrive.
This conversation is pure joy. Derek's the visionary who wanted bikes in every office. Broyny's the integrator who reins him in (lovingly). Together, they've built something special—and their journey to get here is a masterclass in perseverance, partnership, and trusting the process.
We talk about:
- How Shark Tank during the pandemic led to the Work at Wheel concept
- The moment they realized 5,000 square feet wouldn't cut it—and how they got to 16,000
- How Gio drove them around Houston looking at spaces (and why they walked away)
- The Rock Hill deal—and the negotiation that almost fell apart over occupancy limits
- Why community buy-in matters more in Rock Hill than hustle ever did in New York
- Derek's background as a spin instructor, HR executive, film director, and author (yes, really)
- How Broyny went from introvert to confidently leading tours and closing deals
- Their creative process for TikTok and Instagram content (and why they're both so good at it)
- The three things Broyny loves most about Derek (spoiler: generosity and energy top the list)
- How Derek proposed in Jamaica (and why Broyny says the ring was cubic zirconia)
This conversation is proof that coworking isn't just about desks and offices—it's about people, passion, and building something that reflects who you are.
If you're thinking about opening a space, wondering how long it really takes, or just need a dose of inspiration from two people who are all in, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Work at Wheel website Derek and Broyny on TikTok Derek on LinkedIn Broyny on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
IWG doesn't give away free beer. And that's exactly why they're profitable. This week, Giovanni Palavicini and Kurt Patrick sit down with David Steyn, Senior Commercial Director at Anytime Mailbox and Anytime Postage, for a conversation about virtual offices, international coworking markets, and why adding revenue streams matters more than free perks. David spent years at IWG running their global virtual office business before joining Anytime Mailbox. And he's got perspective on what actually drives profit in coworking—from London's dense, prestige-address market to rural Scotland where a coworking space might also be the village bank, post office, and doctor's surgery. We talk about:
- Why IWG passed on free beer while WeWork gave everything away—and what that teaches operators about profit
- How virtual offices underwrite coworking businesses (especially in markets like London where privacy + prestige = demand)
- The three pricing tiers for virtual mail services—from $9.99 privacy addresses to $69+ premium bundles
- Why coworking works differently in the UK vs North America (density, leasehold history, GDPR compliance)
- How rural Scotland is deploying flexible hubs that serve as banks, post offices, and coworking spaces
- The postage kiosk play—1,500 deployed at IWG locations to turn mail into self-service revenue
- Why operators should focus on product mix and revenue streams, not just competing on space
This conversation is proof that the best operators don't just lease space—they think strategically about every revenue stream, every compliance risk, and every service their members actually need. If you're wondering how to add revenue without adding staff, or how virtual offices fit into your business model, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: David Steyn on LinkedIn Kurt Patrick on LinkedIn Anytime Mailbox's website Anytime Postage's website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a COO, a Director of Brand and Culture, and a Director of Sales sit down together—and you realize they're not just colleagues, but people who genuinely love working together? This week, Giovanni Palavicini sits down with three members of the 25N leadership team—Meagan Slavin (COO), Sari Lash (Director of Brand and Culture), and Mecca Shannon (Director of Sales and Launch)—for one of the most heartfelt conversations about culture, leadership, and building a team that actually sticks around. They're in Dallas announcing 25N's third Texas location, and between the excitement of expansion, they open up about what makes their culture work: trust, grace, radical ownership, and the willingness to let people mess up without hiding it. We talk about:
- Why culture isn't HR fluff—it's a strategic advantage that impacts your bottom line
- The "people first" value and why it means hiring overachievers, then giving them grace
- How trust shows up when someone calls to say "I really screwed up—help me fix this"
- Why 25N has never described themselves as a "family" (and why boundaries matter)
- How Meagan's dad taught her she could conquer the world—and how she's passing that on
- Why pouring equally into every employee creates long-term wins
- The power of supportive partners who show up and hold down the fort
This conversation is proof that great culture isn't about perks or buzzwords—it's about seeing people as humans, creating clear boundaries, and giving your team freedom to bring their best. If you're building a team or wondering how to scale culture as you grow, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Meagan Slavin on LinkedIn Sari Lash on LinkedIn Mecca Shannon on LinkedIn 25N Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when someone who lived through the internet boom of the '90s starts seeing the same patterns with AI—and decides to map out exactly what it means for your coworking business? This week, we chat with Ben Wright, who's spent eight years in flexible workspace—first at Square Foot, then leading office space.com at Instant Group, and now helping operators understand how AI will actually impact their P&L. Ben just launched a seven-part series breaking down AI's real applications in coworking. His bottom line: this is more about growing revenue than cutting costs. When 50% of your expenses are real estate, a chatbot isn't saving you money on rent. We talk about:
- Why AI feels eerily similar to the internet boom (and why that matters)
- The "wrong goes wrong, right goes right" principle—and why clean data wins
- How Unity AI is helping operators turn 70% of their leads into revenue
- Why 75% of AI agents built for Yardi do one thing: data cleaning
- Why human hospitality will never be replaced by a bot
This conversation is proof that AI isn't about replacing humans—it's about freeing operators to do what they do best while automation handles the repetitive work. If you're wondering whether AI is hype or reality, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what to implement now. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Ben Wright on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a VP of Operations becomes the translator between a founder's 3 a.m. ideas and the team that has to make them reality? Five years later, she's running the show. This week, we sit down with Carly Bedini, VP of Operations at iQ Offices, and her boss Kane Willmott for one of the most honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversations we've had on this podcast. Carly came from nonprofits and events. She had no idea what coworking was. But she knew how to lead teams, manage chaos, and translate a founder's vision into operational reality. And that's exactly what she's been doing for Kane and his co-founder Alex ever since. In this episode, we talk about:
- How Carly went from running We Day events in Canada to becoming Kane's operational translator
- Why Kane now trusts Carly to speak at industry events more than he speaks himself
- The GWA Atlanta Immersive—and why smaller conferences force everyone to show up and be present
- How iQ is focusing on enterprise clients and broker relationships heading into 2026
- Carly's 2026 goal: embrace AI and stop resisting Kane's ideas quite so hard
This conversation is proof that the best hires aren't always the ones with industry experience—they're the ones who show up authentically, lead with humor, and aren't afraid to challenge their CEO while making magic happen behind the scenes. If you're a founder wondering how to let go and trust your team, or if you're an operator building a culture where people actually love coming to work, this episode is for you.
_*]:min-w-0"> Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
_*]:min-w-0"> Carly Bedini on LinkedIn Kane Willmott on LinkedIn iQ Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
_*]:min-w-0"> What happens when a single-location operator who knows her numbers inside and out decides to fill a gap in her city's small business ecosystem?
_*]:min-w-0"> This week, Jamie and Gio sit down with Kim Lee, founder and CEO of Forge in Birmingham, Alabama, for a conversation about strategic growth, mental health in our industry, and why she's launching a small business accelerator in January.
_*]:min-w-0"> Kim shares how she went from a master's in counseling to running one of Birmingham's most hospitality-driven coworking spaces—and why she's still passionate about coaching and creating community. She also breaks down what made the GWA Atlanta Immersive so different from other conferences she's attended and why every single panel offered immediately actionable takeaways.
_*]:min-w-0"> We talk about:
_*]:min-w-0"> * Why Kim converted her event space into offices (and how the math made sense) * The gap in Birmingham's ecosystem that led to launching a Traction-based accelerator * How her counseling background shapes the way Forge serves members * Why the Atlanta Immersive felt more operator-focused than any conference she's been to * The Alliance panel's surprising honesty—and how three competitors who'd never met became instant fans of each other * Kim's favorite interview advice: keep it short so you don't like them too much * The importance of mental health, self-care, and why family dinner counts as a win
_*]:min-w-0"> If you're a single-location operator trying to differentiate in a crowded market—or wondering how to build something that truly serves your community—this episode is for you.
_*]:min-w-0"> Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
_*]:min-w-0"> Kim Lee on LinkedIn Forge Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when two first-time GWA Immersive attendees walk into a room of 77 people and realize there's nowhere to hide? This week, Jamie and Gio are joined by Nicole Antolino from FireWorks Coworking in Marietta, Georgia, and Brittany Alavinejad from Essential Offices in Oklahoma City for a fresh take on what made the Atlanta immersive so different from the big conferences. With 44 out of 77 attendees experiencing their first GWA event, the room was packed with new energy, honest questions, and real conversations about what's actually working in coworking right now. Nicole and Brittany share what stood out most—from AI and marketing panels to culture conversations and the surprisingly candid Alliance panel where a near-lawsuit turned into newfound respect. We talk about:
- Why the intimate format made it impossible to be a wallflower—and why that mattered
- Courtney Schwartz's AI panel debut and the power of AEO/GEO over traditional SEO
- How video testimonials and member stories beat flashy marketing every time
- The Alliance panel's real talk on managed service agreements and market saturation
- Why specialization is working for attorneys, creatives, and niche industries
- Brittany hitting 100% occupancy in Edmond and pre-leasing offices for next year
- Nicole's journey from two major member losses to nearly sold out by year-end
If you've been wondering what the smaller GWA events feel like—or how operators are actually implementing what they learn the day they get back—this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Nicole Antolino on LinkedIn Brittany Alavinejad on LinkedIn FireWorks Coworking website Essential Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> What happens when you bring together operators and industry insiders who've just experienced the most eye-opening coworking conference in years?
This week, Jamie and Gio are joined by Kane Willmott and Eyal Lasker for a deep dive into Coworking Europe— and the conversation is full of surprises, market insights, and real talk about where the flex industry is heading globally.
Over 500 people gathered in Berlin for what many are calling the best coworking conference they've attended. Kane and Eyal share what made it so different from North American events, why the European market is years ahead, and what operators everywhere can learn from how the rest of the world does flex.
We talk about:
Why multi-location operators dominate Europe while single-location indies thrive in North America How European operators commonly own their buildings—and why 25-year UK leases drive 10% flex market penetration Kane's take on profitable consolidation versus distressed asset roll-ups How Flexspace is building an AI assistant trained only on your occupancy data
If you've been curious about what the global flex industry looks like beyond North America—or why Europe is so far ahead—this episode will shift your perspective on what's possible.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Kane on LinkedIn Eyal on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when three people who spend their work lives inside the flex industry finally sit down and say the quiet parts out loud?
This week I'm joined by Stormy McBride and Taylor Mason for a candid conversation about community, hybrid coworking models, wellness trends, creative studios, marketing hot takes and why so many operators underestimate the complexity of blended businesses.
Stormy, who many of you know, jumps in as guest co-host. Taylor, who somehow hasn't been on the podcast until now, shares the story of how a random 6 a.m. dog-park encounter with Kevin Whelan pulled him into the coworking world eight years ago.
We also get into:
• Why humans still crave a "village" even though our daily lives look nothing like one • The reality behind gym + coworking, dog + coworking and other lifestyle mashups • Why creative studios inside coworking spaces rarely perform the way owners expect • How residential real estate marketing offers lessons for growing a coworking brand • Taylor's hot take on AI in content marketing and why it makes him nervous • Stormy's behind-the-scenes updates and why 2026 feels like a year of big shifts
If you want a smart, honest conversation about where coworking is heading and how operators can adapt, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Taylor on LinkedIn Stormy on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does it look like when a company that's been quietly leading behind the scenes for 15 years decides it's time to step into the spotlight?
We're joined this week by Caroline Hecht, Senior Director of Member Relations at Preferred Office Network, to talk about their recent rebrand and how the company has helped shape the flex industry from the very beginning.
Caroline shares how Preferred Office Network started with three independent operators who saw the need for a national network built on trust and relationships—and how that same mission still drives the company today.
We also talk about:
- The inspiration behind the new Preferred Office Network brand
- How their "one agreement" model simplifies life for enterprise clients and operators
- Why trust and community continue to set them apart from marketplaces
- Caroline's personal journey from Craigslist job search to flex industry leader
If you've ever wondered what makes Preferred Office Network different—or what it takes to build long-term trust and connection at scale—this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Preferred Office Network's website
Global Workspace Association's website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a coworking operator decides to treat team development like a strategic investment, not an expense?
This week, I'm joined by Meagan Slavin, COO and co-owner of 25N Coworking, for a conversation that's part post-GWA recap and part masterclass in leadership and culture-building.
We talk about:
- Why bringing your team to industry events is a retention strategy, not just a perk
- How Meagan plans for conference travel and ROI in her annual budgets
- The intentional ways 25N debriefs, shares takeaways, and turns learning into daily action
- How their newest 54,000 sq. ft. Chicago-area space is redefining the meeting and event side of their business
- Why implementing EOS/Traction has been transformational for their leadership team.
If you've ever thought, "How do I keep my team inspired and growing?", you'll want to take notes on this one.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
25N Coworking's website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Marco didn't plan to end up leading sales for one of the most high-touch coworking brands in the world. From door-to-door charity fundraising to expanding The Great Room by Industrious across Australia, his journey shows what happens when you pair hustle with hospitality.
In this episode, recorded in Sydney, Giovanni and Marco dive into what makes The Great Room stand out in a crowded market — and why enterprise clients are drawn to its five-star, service-first approach.
We cover:
- How a hotel-inspired vision became a global coworking brand.
- What "hospitality" really means in the flex space world.
- The rise of enterprise demand in Sydney's CBD.
- How Australia's flex community is learning to collaborate, not compete.
If you're curious about what the next evolution of premium coworking looks like, this episode offers a front-row view.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
The Great Room by Industrious
Industrious
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Richie Parsons didn't start out planning to run multiple coworking spaces. From managing gyms to consulting in politics, he found himself leading locations across Virginia, Maryland, and Nashville—and building teams that thrive along the way.
In this episode, Richie shares how he scales spaces without losing culture, leverages frameworks like Working Genius, and builds leadership practices that actually stick.
We cover:
- Richie's unexpected path to becoming a multi-state coworking operator.
- How he approaches hiring, team alignment, and leadership for long-term success.
- The role of AI and tools in keeping operations smooth and team members engaged.
- Insights on creating a member-first experience without burning out staff.
If you want practical strategies for growing coworking spaces while keeping your team—and yourself—happy, Richie's story is full of actionable lessons. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Richie on LinkedIn Venture X website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Get the inside scoop on next week's Global Workspace Association conference in Chicago! Jamie and Gio break down everything you need to know about this year's biggest coworking industry event.
Key Topics Covered: -International expansion with speakers from Australia (Cassandra from Rethink Space, Jessie from WOTSO) -Major keynotes: John Santore (CEO of WeWork) and Anna Squires Levine (President of Industrious) -Future conference announcements: Toronto immersive (June), Denver 2026, Puerto Rico 2027 -Hot panels including multi-site marketing, AI in coworking, KPIs, and culture building -Behind-the-scenes conference planning insights and what makes a great panel -Speed networking at Industrious and tours of Chicago's top workspaces -Why smaller conferences (250 people) create better connections and collaboration -The evolution from theoretical to practical, actionable content in industry events
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Global Workspace Association's website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Cassandra Kavanagh didn’t set out to open a coworking space. After a business partnership dissolved, she suddenly found herself with 1,200 square meters of space, only six people left in the building, and a choice to make: sink, or rethink.
That pivot became Rethink Your Workspace, a thriving flex space in Newcastle, Australia, built on connection, service, and an unwavering commitment to people. Cassandra shares her story of resilience, her all-inclusive business model, and why showing kindnes, even to those outside her member base, is central to her approach.
We cover:
- How Cassandra turned a business crisis into the opportunity to launch a flex space.
- Why high-touch service and concierge-style support have become her differentiator.
- The role of connection in her community, and why it goes deeper than “coworking”.
- How an all-inclusive pricing model simplifies operations and builds trust.
- Stories of how authenticity and kindness ripple through her member community.
This episode is a reminder that small, independent operators often set the standard for what true hospitality and human-centered coworking look like.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Cassandra on LinkedIn
Rethink Your Workspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Tobi Skovron has lived the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, launching ventures in Los Angeles, exiting successfully, and then bringing his vision for community-driven coworking back home to Australia. Now the founder of CreativeCubes, Tobi leads with intentionality, building spaces designed to enable success for thousands of members while expanding across the country.
In this conversation, Tobi shares the story behind CreativeCubes, what fuels his mission, and how his approach to leadership, partnerships, and personal discipline have shaped his path.
We cover:
- How coworking transformed Tobi’s journey as an entrepreneur and inspired him to launch CreativeCubes in Australia.
- Why intentionality is the core value behind his member experience, team culture, and even landlord relationships.
- The growth of CreativeCubes, including acquisitions, brand evolution, and how they integrate services like F&B, events, and media.
- The role of the Rise Network and other programs that support entrepreneurs beyond just space.
- How Tobi’s personal routines and guiding principles fuel both his business and his life.
If you’re passionate about coworking as more than just space, and curious about scaling with purpose, Tobi’s story will hit home.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Tobi on LinkedIn
Creative Cubes website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Brad Krauskopf, Founder and CEO of Hub Australia, has been shaping the flexible workspace industry since the early days of coworking. In this episode, Gio sits down with Brad in Melbourne to talk about Hub’s journey, from scrappy beginnings with beanbags to high-touch hospitality and multi-layered partnerships with landlords.
Brad shares his perspective on how Hub has evolved, what hybrid work looks like in Australia, and why the future of flex depends on experiences, not just square footage.
In this episode, we cover:
- The evolution of Hub Australia from scrappy community hubs to high-touch, hospitality-driven workspaces.
- How hybrid work is reshaping demand in Australia and what that means for operators and landlords.
- Why partnerships between operators and landlords are essential for creating whole-building experiences.
- The role of hospitality as a true differentiator in flexible workspace.
- The future of flex in Australia: evolving models, member expectations, and the importance of meaningful connections.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Brad on LinkedIn
Hub Australia website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
WOTSO is Australia’s largest independent flexible workspace operator — and their story is one every operator should hear. From their beginnings as a single site to building a nationwide network, WOTSO has navigated growth, shifting demand, and the evolving landlord-operator relationship while staying true to their brand and community.
In this episode, we sit down with the WOTSO team to unpack how they’ve built a model that works at scale and what operators everywhere can learn from their journey.
What we cover:
- WOTSO’s origin story and how they grew into a national flex operator.
- The keys to scaling without losing community and brand identity.
- How they’ve approached landlord partnerships and real estate strategy.
- Lessons learned from adapting their model across diverse markets.
- Insights into where Australia’s flex market is heading next
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jessie on LinkedIn
Paula on LinkedIn
WOTSO
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
This week’s episode is a little different. Gio takes the mic solo, delivering the keynote at the Flexible Workspace Australia Conference.
In his talk, Gio brings his signature mix of candor and big-picture perspective to what’s happening in the flex industry, in Australia, in the U.S., and globally.
What Gio covers:
- Why operators everywhere are facing similar challenges around demand, landlords, and scaling.
- The critical role community plays, and why it remains flex’s biggest differentiator.
- How landlord partnerships are evolving and what both sides need to make them work.
- What U.S. operators can learn from the Australian market, and vice versa.
- Why the future of flex is local and global at the same time.
If you couldn’t be in the room, this episode brings the keynote to you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Flexible Workspace Australia
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
This week, Gio and I sit down with Mike Kloppenburg, VP at Avison Young and longtime coworking insider, to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in the brokerage world, and what it means for flex operators. From the “flight to quality” and secondary market opportunities, to the messy reality of management agreements and the IWG land grab, Mike brings candid insights you won’t get anywhere else.
What we cover:
- Why the big brokerages are cautiously optimistic, and where the optimism comes from.
- How the “flight to quality” is reshaping both traditional office leasing and flex space demand.
- Secondary and tertiary markets: where the supply-demand balance tips in favor of operators.
- The challenges of management agreements, how IWG’s aggressive expansion is affecting the industry, and why deal structure still makes or breaks success.
- Scaling beyond your home market: why granular, on-the-ground market knowledge is non-negotiable.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Michael on LinkedIn
Avison Young website
2025 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey
2025 Mid-Year Outlook
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If the term “cowarehousing” hasn’t hit your radar yet, this episode will change that.
Shannon and Emiliano Lerda didn’t set out to build a flex space company — they just wanted to stop tripping over shipping boxes in their living room. What they ended up creating is Elevator Co-Warehousing, a fast-growing brand built specifically for product-based businesses that need more than a desk… but less than a forklift.
In this episode, Gio and guest cohost Wesley Edmonds dive into how the Lerdas turned a personal pain point into a scalable model that blends real estate, hospitality, and serious operational know-how.
Here’s what we cover:
- How their own experience running an e-commerce brand led to the first Elevator space.
- Why their spaces feel more like coworking than traditional warehouse environments.
- The intentional decision to open in overlooked markets — and why it’s paying off.
- How community, design, and practical logistics create a retention flywheel.
- The financing and buildout lessons they’ve learned while scaling a new category.
If you’re exploring new flex models or thinking about how to serve a different kind of member — this conversation is full of smart, grounded inspiration.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Emiliano on LinkedIn
Shannon on LinkedIn
Elevator Spaces website
Wesley on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
A couch, a few desks, and a Wi-Fi password won’t cut it anymore.
In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Edmonds, Director of Workplace at Office Furniture Solutions, and Kurt Patrick, Senior Executive at Essensys, to talk about what it really takes to create a functional, flexible space, from physical design to digital infrastructure.
They’ve both worked behind the scenes on hundreds of flex space projects. Their perspective? Too many operators underestimate the complexity of getting a space ready, and keeping it competitive.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why tech infrastructure should be part of the earliest planning conversations — not a bolt-on.
- Common mistakes in space design that hurt member experience and operational efficiency.
- How Wesley helps landlords and operators align vision with real-world furniture, flow, and budget.
- What the biggest operators get right when it comes to tech, access control, and back-of-house ops.
- Why speed to market matters — and how the right team can help you launch faster and smarter.
If you're opening a space, refreshing your layout, or scaling a flex brand, this conversation will save you time, money, and headaches.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Wesley on LinkedIn
OFS website
Kurt on LinkedIn
essensys website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We're bringing this one back because it's one of our most inspiring episodes. If you haven’t met Chiko Abengowe, you’re in for a masterclass in scaling coworking with hustle, heart, and zero VC funding.
Chiko is the founder and CEO of Perfect Office Solutions, a 20+ location flex brand that’s built for affordability, speed, and entrepreneurs who just need space to get to work.
We talk about:
- How Chiko turned $1,000 and a background in staffing into a coworking company serving hundreds of small businesses.
- The secret behind his “Walmart of coworking” model and why members furnish their own spaces.
- How he gamifies sales and motivates his team with monthly bonuses and international trips.
- The art of negotiating leases where landlords cover 100% of the buildout.
- Why staying lean, scrappy, and mission-driven still wins in a competitive flex market.
If you think you need fancy furniture and deep pockets to grow, this episode will challenge everything.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Chiko on LinkedIn
Perfect Office Solutions website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this host-only episode, Jamie and Gio catch up on what’s happening across the flex space landscape, and let’s just say, it’s anything but quiet.
From emerging product types to the mystery of Peerspace algorithms, this one dives into the macro (industry mergers, the rise of co-warehousing) and the micro (why your meeting room pricing strategy might be off).
If you’re feeling the pull to try something new or just want a pulse check on what’s working, this is the episode for you.
What we cover:
- Why showing up to coworking events and conferences is more valuable than ever.
- Meeting room trends: pricing, product design, and creative inventory strategies.
- The (surprising) growth of co-warehousing and adjacent flex models.
- Big moves in the flex industry: acquisitions, brand launches, and new entrants.
- Why some operators are quietly selling out and what others can learn from that momentum.
This one’s got ideas, inspiration, and a few names you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If you think all coworking leaders have the same backstory… this episode will change your mind.
Mark Goldfinger, GM and Head of North America for Mindspace, joins us for a deep (and often hilarious) dive into his journey. From running global expansion at WeWork to building boutique, hospitality-forward spaces at Mindspace.
We talk about what he learned from the early days of coworking (and Adam Neumann), why operators should take events seriously, and how to scale without losing the heart of the business.
Plus, Mark opens up about the personal moments that shaped his leadership style, and yes, there’s a Taylor Swift karaoke moment in here too. 🎤
Here’s what we cover:
- Mark’s journey from international expansion lead at WeWork to scaling Mindspace in the U.S.
- The magic of Mindspace’s “host” events business model, and why events are core to modern coworking
- His six-year ride at WeWork and the powerful, human moments that defined it
- Mindspace’s U.S. growth strategy, and what he looks for before signing on a new location
- The unexpected connection between marathon training and scaling a coworking brand
This episode is part ops, part origin story, and full-on inspiration for anyone building a flex space with heart.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Mark on LinkedIn
Mindspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Amanda shares how she co-founded Bamboo and scaled it into a multi-location flex space operator managing over 200,000 sq ft—all while staying true to her indie roots and mission-driven values.
We cover:
- The early Bamboo story: humble beginnings, tough calls, and a few desks from Craigslist
- The decision to grow beyond Detroit and what scaling has meant for the team
- Bamboo’s strategy for operating AND managing third-party spaces (and why it works)
- A deep dive into their 115,000 sq ft conversion of a former school
- Amanda’s thoughts on public-private partnerships and building local ecosystems
This episode is packed with practical takeaways for indie operators and inspiring insights for anyone navigating the long game in flex. Amanda doesn’t just talk the talk—she’s walked every inch of this path.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Amanda on LinkedIn
- Bamboo Website
- Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If your goal is to create a coworking space that’s profitable, purposeful, and packed with community-driven energy, this episode is required listening.
Gina Schreck didn’t just open a coworking space—she built a village. What started as a 10,000-square-foot coworking concept born from her marketing agency has grown into a 50,000-square-foot hybrid of workspace, event center, and community hub. In this conversation, Gina shares how she and her team doubled down during the pandemic, leaned into events when others pulled back, and built a culture that continues to thrive—even when she’s not in the building.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Gina expanded from 10K to 50K square feet (and why she nearly walked away from it)
- What makes her podcast studio actually get used (and how it supports her community)
- The role of events in sustaining revenue and attracting foot traffic—even weddings and church services
- How her space became a true community center, with a waitlist for offices and thriving nonprofit partnerships
- Why DIY coworking isn’t for divas—and how she leans into a high-touch, high-hospitality model
This one is packed with personality, insights, and the kind of energy that’s hard to bottle—and harder to scale. But somehow, Gina’s done both.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Gina on LinkedIn
The Village Workspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
When a real estate problem turns into a business opportunity… and then scales across the West Coast. That’s the CENTRL Office origin story. In this episode, we sit down with Alex Hughes, co-founder of CENTRL Office, to hear how a “no man's land” office building in Portland led to a full-on flex brand with locations in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Alex shares how they’ve transitioned completely to true management agreements, the role of tenant experience, and why the “vibe” is more than just good coffee and nice design.
We cover:
- How CENTRL Office grew out of a leasing challenge and scaled with a flexible model that works for landlords.
- Why they moved from leases to fully aligned management agreement, and what that actually looks like.
- The types of buildings and partnerships that set the stage for long-term success (spoiler: they’re not looking for one-off deals).
- How enterprise demand is showing up in LA and why it’s reshaping what “coworking” means.
- The challenge and opportunity of bringing hospitality-level service to landlord portfolios through flex operations.
If you’re working on creative deal structures, supporting landlords through flex, or just trying to figure out how to scale your vibe, this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Alex on LinkedIn
CENTRL Office website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Ginger Dhaliwal didn’t plan to end up in coworking—or in tech at all. Her journey from social work to startup founder spans continents, industries, and a through-line of solving human-centered problems. As co-founder of Upflex, she’s now at the intersection of workplace experience, real estate tech, and the flex ecosystem.
In this episode, we cover:
- Ginger’s global path from social impact to launching R&D labs, tech startups, and eventually, Upflex.
- The core challenges of aggregating coworking inventory—and why brokers and operators have been slow to adapt.
- Upflex’s unique strategy: white-label partnerships with brokerages, airport lounge operators, and the U.S. government.
- How Ginger thinks AI will reduce booking friction, improve workspace recommendations, and drive industry-wide transformation.
- Why coworking is evolving from access-based models to experience-driven destinations—and what that means for operators.
Ginger shares her vision of a future where space is dynamically allocated, demand is driven by intelligent systems, and coworking plays a key role in restoring human connection.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Ginger on LinkedIn
Upflex website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a designer trades luxury bars and boutique hotels for coworking spaces—and ends up helping shape WeWork’s global footprint? You get Dean Connell: design veteran, creative provocateur, and someone who’s not afraid to say what coworking needs most right now.
In this episode, Dean shares his personal story of stumbling into WeWork, building over 2 million square feet of flexible workspace around the world, and why coworking still has a culture problem. We dig into what’s missing from today’s flex space design and how operators can bring purpose, creativity, and—yes—a little rebellion back into the process.
This one’s part inspiration, part challenge to the status quo, and a must-listen for anyone trying to build spaces that matter.
We cover:
- Dean’s unexpected journey from bar designer to creative director at WeWork, and how it changed the trajectory of his life.
- Why so many coworking spaces feel soulless—and what to do about it.
- The tension between creativity and repeatable models in coworking design.
- How to build spaces that reflect culture, not just brand palettes.
- Dean’s call for operators to stop playing it safe and start building the future, not just repackaging the past.
If you’ve ever looked at your space and thought “there has to be more to this,” you’ll want to hear what Dean has to say.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Dean on LinkedIn
I-AM.D.C website
Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What if the future of work isn’t about scaling bigger offices—but building better relationships?
In this episode, we dive deep with Arian Lewis, founder of Kiln and former head of global partnerships at Barclays, to unpack the evolution of flex from “startup scrappiness” to a full-on solution for enterprise clients. Arian has one foot in the VC-backed world and the other in the day-to-day of running flex spaces—and he’s got thoughts.
This isn’t a rah-rah “flex is the future” hype fest. It’s a grounded convo about what actually works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to designing spaces people want to work in.
We cover:
- Why flex isn’t just about desks and square footage—it’s about culture, community, and control.
- What it’s really like raising VC money for a flex workspace brand (spoiler: it’s not for everyone).
- The one key metric Kiln uses to track whether members are actually getting value.
- A behind-the-scenes look at Kiln’s operating model, including how they select cities and sites.
- Arian’s honest take on why landlords and flex operators still struggle to trust each other—and what needs to change.
If you’re thinking about how to scale your space, attract bigger clients, or just survive the next shift in work trends—this episode’s for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Arian on LinkedIn
Kiln website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If you think coworking success is just about scaling fast and filling seats, Tashi Dorjee has a totally different take — and it’s working.
Tashi, Head of Flex at JLL Australia, joins us to share how his team is building flexible workspaces for governments, universities, and landlords — with a fresh model that throws traditional coworking goals out the window. From a rainforest startup to creating award-winning coworking ecosystems, Tashi’s path is anything but ordinary...and it’s shaping the future of flex.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why JLL’s Flex model prioritizes solving landlord problems over aggressive space expansion.
- How government and university projects like Quantum Terminal and Melbourne Connect are changing the coworking landscape.
- The “Flex Light” strategy and why a full coworking buildout isn't always the answer.
- How coworking spaces can integrate with asset management to drive real value for landlords.
- Tashi’s passion project outside of JLL — building a YouTube channel for the next generation (and a pretty awesome legacy).
If you want to understand where flex is heading — especially from the landlord’s perspective — you don't want to miss this one.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Tashi on LinkedIn
JLL website
Quantum Terminal Sydney
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
This episode goes behind the scenes with Liz Elam, the driving force behind GCUC, as she and Gio recap one of the most impactful GCUC conferences to date. From a packed house of operators, brokers, architects, and first-timers to a renewed focus on mental health and belonging, Liz reflects on the power of community—and where coworking goes from here.
She also shares how she’s turning personal purpose into industry transformation through advocacy, C20, and her unwavering belief that coworking can (and should) help solve the loneliness epidemic.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why GCUC Boston felt like a pivotal moment for the industry—and what made it stand out.
- Liz’s mission to destigmatize mental health, especially for men, and how coworking plays a role in creating connection and belonging.
- The strategic shift behind the conference’s programming and format—and what operators can take away from it.
- How Liz is leading a global effort to change the perception of coworking with the C20 initiative.
- Why showing up matters—for you, for your business, and for the future of our industry.
Whether you were at GCUC or are catching the wave from afar, this conversation is a reminder that coworking is about more than real estate—it’s about real people. And Liz is here to help us all win.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Liz on LinkedIn
GCUC website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
You don’t need a real estate background to thrive in coworking—but you do need to understand people, process, and patience. Lee Linton, owner of two Office Evolution locations outside Austin, shares how he used his background in telecom and data to build strong community-centered businesses.
Lee walks us through the realities of building out two locations, hiring (and marrying) his community manager, and learning to let go of the details so he could focus on being the visionary leader his team needed.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Lee chose coworking as his next move after decades in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.
- The biggest lesson he learned after expanding too quickly—and what he’d do differently now.
- Why a front desk person isn’t just a nice-to-have—and how to train them to deliver on brand promise.
- The power of mystery shopping your competitors (and what he discovered when he did).
- How Lee and his wife approach the business as a team—and what they’ve learned about drawing boundaries.
Whether you’re a first-time operator or managing multiple locations, Lee brings relatable insight and thoughtful takeaways that’ll resonate with anyone building in this space.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Lee on LinkedIn
Office Evolution website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In honor of the GCUC Conference happening this week in Boston, we're doing a re-run on episode 5 with Sarah Travers, CEO at Workbar, with over 10 locations in the greater Boston area.
In this episode, Sarah shares how she became an “accidental CEO,” why her team is building slow on purpose, and what it means to grow with confidence in a market that’s not chasing the latest trends.
We talk about:
- Why growing in Northern Ireland requires a unique approach to community and demand
- The strategic decision not to chase rapid expansion—and why that made the business stronger
- How Workplus designs its spaces to reflect each local market
- The cultural and operational differences between Belfast and Derry—and how the Workplus team adapts accordingly
- Why Sarah isn’t looking to London for her next playbook
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Sarah Travers on LI
Workbar
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when a banker walks away from finance and into the world of coworking? Jon Lambert did just that—turning an old bank (yes, with an actual vault!) into a thriving coworking community. His story is packed with insights on transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, building a space with character, and creating a model that works.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Jon made the leap from banking to coworking (and why he never looked back).
- The unique challenges—and opportunities—of transforming a bank into a flex space.
- The strategy behind building a strong community in a non-traditional location.
- What’s working (and what’s not) in Jon’s coworking model today.
- Key takeaways for anyone thinking about launching or evolving a coworking space.
If you’re dreaming of starting your own space or looking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with real-world insights.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jon on LinkedIn
The Cannon website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
The biggest real estate operator in the world—the U.S. federal government—is making a bold move toward flexible work. Mark Gilbreath, CEO of LiquidSpace, joins us to break down what this means for the coworking industry, why it signals a major shift in how large organizations view their real estate portfolios, and what coworking operators should be doing right now to prepare.
In this episode, we cover:
- How the GSA’s new enterprise-wide marketplace for flexible work could change the coworking industry.
- What it means when a government agency starts thinking like an enterprise occupier.
- How coworking operators can position themselves to capture demand from this shift.
- Why flexible office space is becoming a critical piece of workplace strategy for major organizations.
- Mark’s insights on how the coworking industry is evolving—and what’s next.
This is a huge step forward for the coworking and flex space industry. Don’t miss this conversation!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Mark on LinkedIn
LiquidSpace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does it take to build one of the most respected coworking brands in Mexico—one that spans 36 locations and is known for its unparalleled hospitality?
Javier Garcia Iza, CEO of IOS Offices, joins us for a deep dive into how he and his team have created a coworking brand that prioritizes people, purpose, and premium experiences. From redefining workspaces to scaling a culture that employees and members love, Javier shares the strategies that have made IOS Offices a leader in the industry.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The origin story of IOS Offices and how it has evolved over 18 years
- The secret to hiring and keeping a passionate, dedicated team—without micromanaging
- Why IOS Offices integrates baristas, bartenders, and hospitality-driven experiences into its coworking model
- How IOS Offices serves enterprise clients and why long-term relationships are key to its success
- The importance of giving back—how Javier’s passion for community, conservation, and wellness fuels his leadership
Plus, Javier shares his experience climbing one of Mexico’s highest peaks just days after hosting Immersive Mexico—because work and adventure go hand in hand.
If you want to learn how to build a coworking brand with heart, hospitality, and longevity, this episode is a must-listen!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Javier on LinkedIn
IOS Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when you bring together top coworking operators, investors, and service providers from across North America and Latin America? A conference packed with insights, unexpected surprises, and a deep dive into the booming coworking scene in Mexico City.
In this episode, we break down the key moments from GWA Immersive, an event that brought fresh perspectives on hospitality, enterprise adoption, and the future of Flex. Join us as we chat with event organizers and attendees about what made this gathering so unique.
In this episode, we cover:
🔥 How EOS and other Mexican operators are setting new standards for hospitality in coworking 🏢 Why demand for flex space in Mexico City is outpacing supply—and what that means for the global market 🎧 The behind-the-scenes logistics of hosting a bilingual coworking conference (spoiler: it involved 25 translation devices!) 🍹 Why coworking spaces in Mexico are doubling down on baristas, bartenders, and high-touch service 🤝 The value of global collaboration and how events like this are shaping the future of flex
If you’re in the coworking industry—or just love a good story about how Flex is evolving—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Kurt Patrick on LinkedIn
Grant Barnhill on LinkedIn
essensys website
Shift Workspaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If coworking is just about filling offices, you’re doing it wrong. John Egan (Lucid Private Offices) and John Herring (Fuse Workspace) know that thriving flex brands are built on hospitality, experience, and genuine community.
In this episode, we dig into how these two regional operators create spaces where members feel truly at home—and why that’s the key to long-term success.
We cover:
- The strategy behind scaling a hospitality-first coworking brand.
- Why design and first impressions matter—but why people matter more.
- The role of culture, service, and even faith in coworking leadership.
- How regional flex brands can go head-to-head with the big players.
- What coworking operators can learn from hotels, restaurants, and even summer camps.
If you’re serious about running a coworking space that actually builds loyalty, retention, and impact—this one’s a must-listen!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
John Egan on LinkedIn
John Herring on LinkedIn
Lucid Private Offices website
Fuse Workspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We finally got Caleb Parker in the hot seat! If you know Caleb, you know—he’s a flex space industry leader, a branding expert, and the voice behind the Brave Ideas podcast. Caleb joins us to talk about his journey from IWG to launching multiple companies, the critical role of brand and hospitality in the future of flex, and how he’s building a business that he actually wants to work in.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Caleb got into the flex industry and what led him to London
- The power of branding and why it’s more important than ever
- Why office space needs to focus on human experiences, not just desks
- The future of flex partnerships and why collaboration beats competition
- How to build a company culture that keeps people coming back
Caleb is one of the sharpest minds in the industry, and this conversation is packed with insights. Don’t miss it!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Caleb on LinkedIn
Brave Corp website
Brave Ideas podcast
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Anne Olsen, Director of Coworking at The Shop, joins us to share how she went from community building to leading a multi-city coworking brand under The Domain Companies. With locations in Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and soon Brooklyn, The Shop is growing, and Anne is at the center of it all—scouting new locations, refining operations, and making sure each space fosters connection.
In this episode, we cover:
- How The Domain Companies integrates coworking with mixed-use developments.
- Why The Shop is expanding into new cities and how they select locations.
- The balance between community-building and financial sustainability in coworking.
- Anne’s career path from community manager to director and her advice for growth-minded coworking pros.
- The role of management agreements in The Shop’s expansion strategy.
Whether you're looking for inspiration on growing your coworking brand or just love a good community-building success story, this one’s for you!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Anne on LinkedIn
The Domain Companies website
The Shop Coworking Spaces website
LExC
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Most executives are still debating "how many days in the office"—but Brian Elliott is here to tell them they’re asking the wrong questions. A former Google and Slack exec, Future of Work 50 Thought Leader, and leadership advisor, Brian has spent years helping companies navigate the future of work, AI, and leadership.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Why the debate over office days is outdated—and what leaders should be focusing on instead.
- The biggest mistakes companies make when implementing hybrid and remote work policies.
- How leadership styles need to evolve for a world of distributed teams and generative AI.
- Why traditional “hustle culture” is failing—and what today’s workforce actually values.
- The data-driven case for flexibility: how companies can attract and retain top talent.
If you’re a leader, workplace strategist, or just obsessed with the future of work, you won’t want to miss this one.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Brian on LinkedIn
Future Forum website
How the Future Works
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode of Flex Uncensored, Jamie and Gio catch up on Gio’s new role with the Global Workspace Association (GWA), upcoming immersive events, and his personal adventures that always tie back to Flex. They dive into the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how they’re both focused on helping operators level up in 2025.
They talked about: * Gio’s new role at GWA and how it’s shaping the future of flex industry events, including the first international immersive event in Mexico City. * Why Gio believes San Antonio is the sleeper market to watch and how Texas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are Flex powerhouses in the making. * The three mistakes you can’t recover from when launching a coworking space (hint: bad real estate deals top the list). * How Jamie’s Virtual Mail Challenge became a surprise hit—and why it’s a game-changer for existing operators. * The importance of getting out of your “operator silo” to build relationships, scout competitors, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re an operator, investor, or flex enthusiast looking to grow smarter in 2025, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a healthy dose of Gio’s signature storytelling.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Google Reviews to Revenue Challenge
GWA Immersive
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How do you reshape an industry steeped in tradition? David Cairns, a commercial real estate veteran turned flex space advocate, shares his journey from the brokerage world to building a life centered on flexibility and purpose. With sharp insights into the CBRE-Industrious deal, the hurdles to flex adoption, and why companies need to "earn the commute," this episode is packed with bold predictions and actionable advice for operators and business leaders alike. Known for his bold takes and LinkedIn presence, David doesn’t hold back in this conversation.
In this episode, we cover:
- The CBRE-Industrious deal: its implications and what it means for the coworking industry.
- Why the shift to flexible workspaces hasn’t grown as fast as anticipated and the barriers in commercial real estate.
- How remote work and changing employee preferences are reshaping office space strategies.
- David’s personal journey to Cadence and how living on an island transformed his perspective on work-life balance.
- Why companies need to rethink their cultural strategies to "earn the commute."
Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into the coworking landscape, employee dynamics, and the balance of life, work, and community.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Dave's LinkedIn profile
Kadence website
Kane's LinkedIn profile
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What does the future of coworking and flex spaces look like? According to Will Sandford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, it's all about building connections—between spaces, technologies, and people. In this episode, Will shares exclusive insights into Yardi's recent acquisitions of DeskPass and Hubble HQ and what these moves mean for the industry.
Will also dives into Yardi’s vision of creating a universal marketplace that seamlessly connects operators, landlords, and end users, setting the stage for the next era of coworking.
In this episode, we cover:
- Yardi’s acquisitions of DeskPass and Hubble HQ and the strategic goals behind them.
- Why building a unified technology backbone is crucial for the growth of flex spaces.
- The importance of cross-pollination between coworking operators and corporate real estate.
- Will’s personal journey from real estate investment banking to shaping the future of coworking.
- Predictions for the future of coworking, including increased involvement from traditional office players.
This episode is packed with insider knowledge and actionable takeaways for anyone invested in the coworking and flex industries.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
William on LinkedIn
Yardi website
GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
How does one go from brokering corporate jets to building a thriving co-warehousing business? David Fisher, Managing Director of Fisher Global Development and Founder of Kefi Spaces and Business E Suites, shares his fascinating journey of innovation, persistence, and vision. With a background in aviation and a knack for seeing potential where others don’t, David has created a unique model combining coworking and co-warehousing in Sugar Land, Texas. Tune in to hear how he’s navigating uncharted territory in the coworking industry, building a business model that supports small and mid-sized businesses, and why sometimes being the first to try something new is worth the challenge. In this episode, we cover:
- How David transitioned from corporate aviation to real estate development and coworking.
- The unique concept of co-warehousing and its benefits for small businesses.
- Insights on overcoming challenges as an entrepreneur, including securing funding for innovative ideas.
- Why community and collaboration are key to the coworking and co-warehousing model.
- David’s plans for the future, including scaling Kefi Spaces and supporting entrepreneurs through innovative spaces.
This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights for anyone in the coworking or coworking-adjacent industries. Don't miss it!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
**GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off >> https://na.gcuc.co/
David on LinkedIn
Fisher Global Development website
Kefi Spaces
Business esuites
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we dive deep into the flex workspace world with Michael Kloppenburg of Avison Young. A seasoned expert in the field, Michael brings unparalleled insights from his journey as an operator, broker, and trusted industry advisor. Gio and Michael unpack the challenges, growth, and untapped opportunities in the flex and coworking sector.
We talked about:
- Michael’s transition from coworking member to industry leader and what he learned along the way.
- How to navigate challenging landlord-operator dynamics and craft winning hybrid agreements.
- Why relationships and trust are the currency of success in the real estate world.
- The evolving role of flex spaces in the post-pandemic landscape and how operators can stay ahead.
- Michael’s candid thoughts on teamwork, mentorship, and creating a career rooted in integrity.
Tune in for a thoughtful, honest conversation about where the industry is headed and how to position your flex workspace for long-term success.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Michael's LinkedIn profile
Avison Young's website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when some of the brightest minds in coworking gather to share insights, tour inspiring spaces, and discuss the future of the industry? You get a jam-packed episode brimming with takeaways from the GWA Immersive event in New York City!
In this episode, we’re diving into highlights from a unique gathering that brought together operators, service providers, and industry newcomers. It’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and hospitality — all the elements that make coworking a dynamic and ever-evolving space.
Here’s what we covered:
- How immersive events foster deeper connections and collaboration within the coworking industry.
- Insights into the intersection of hospitality, design, and functionality in coworking spaces.
- How AI and dynamic pricing are shaping the future of space management and enhancing customer experiences.
- The role of technology and data in driving innovation and smarter business strategies for operators.
- Why small, intimate conferences create the perfect environment for learning, sharing, and building lasting relationships.
Get ready to feel inspired and take away actionable ideas for your coworking space!
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Cid Rhomberg is co-founder and Chief Experience Officer for Brick House Blue, in Dublin, OH. Brickhouse is setting the industry standard for how to run a post-COVID meeting and events business along with coworking.
Cid started Brick House Blue to solve a personal challenge - she wanted a professional, inspiring, hospitality-focused, local spot to host her team offsites for Fortune 500 companies like Cardinal Health and Black & Decker, and eventually her consulting clients. She was sure that Dublin, OH needed one of these…and she was right pre-COVID…and then she was really, really right as the world went hybrid post-COVID.
We talk about:
- Her hospitality mindset
- Her bet on meetings and events and how that’s turning out
- How she and her business partner recently grew their team to focus on growth
- Her coaching business
- Her role on the GWA board
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Cid Rhomberg on LinkedIn
Brick House Blue website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we're joined by Stacey Messier, General Manager at CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) New England. Stacey shares her unique career path—from metal band vocalist to leading one of the most innovative coworking ecosystems in the world—and offers insights into how CIC supports groundbreaking ideas across industries.
Stacey explains CIC’s approach to fostering innovation, her philosophy on team development, and what drives the company’s global expansion into cities like Tokyo, Berlin, and Providence.
What we covered:
- How CIC uses economic partnerships to drive growth and impact innovation ecosystems.
- Stacey’s career pivoted from tech to coworking and what she learned along the way.
- CIC’s unique approach to creating community-driven workspaces across 1M+ square feet.
- Building and nurturing teams: Stacey’s “Build Your Bench” strategy for professional development.
- What being in a band taught Stacey about leadership, creativity, and project management.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Stacey on LinkedIn
CIC website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What happens when vision, faith, and business savvy collide? Patrick Hemus, Business Development Manager at the Maggie O’Neill Center in Liverpool, shares his fascinating journey of transforming a church hall into a dynamic coworking and community hub. From family inspiration to navigating challenges in one of the UK’s most underserved areas, Patrick reveals how the Maggie O’Neill Center combines business and purpose to uplift its local community.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The unique story of how a derelict church hall became a vibrant coworking and event space.
- How Patrick’s family history and his father’s vision set the foundation for the Maggie O’Neill Center’s mission.
- The challenges and rewards of running a coworking space in a disadvantaged area.
- Patrick’s philosophy on building community and serving others through innovative workspace models.
- How free coworking sparked interest and led to new opportunities for growth.
Join us as Patrick shares his passion for creating impact and why he believes community-focused coworking spaces can thrive in any neighborhood.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Patrick on LinkedIn
The Maggie O’Neill Business and Training Centre website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Lee Ann and Jamie Willard, co-owners of W Executive Suites, a family-led flexible workspace brand. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing family and business dynamics, the Willard sisters share their journey of scaling a successful executive suite business while staying true to their values.
We talked about:
- How Lee Ann and Jamie transitioned from traditional commercial real estate to flexible workspaces.
- The challenges and rewards of running a family business.
- Insights into managing a lean team while maintaining exceptional hospitality.
- Their approach to growth, from design innovation to tackling financial constraints.
- Why personal touches, like owner-led follow-ups, can transform customer retention.
Tune in to hear how these sisters are making waves in the coworking industry while staying deeply connected to their roots!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Lee Ann on LinkedIn
- Jamie on LinkedIn
- W Executive Suites website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Jonny Rosenblatt, co-founder of Spacemade, a UK-based operator revolutionizing coworking spaces with landlord partnerships and sector-specific projects. Jonny shares Spacemade’s unique approach to creating bespoke spaces and fostering meaningful connections, all while partnering with landlords to drive long-term success.
If you’re curious about the intersection of community, technology, and tailored coworking spaces, this episode is a must-listen.
Key takeaways include:
- How Spacemade is reshaping the coworking landscape with sector-specific projects like their health-tech hub in London.
- Spacemade’s commitment to transparency and landlord-friendly management agreements.
- Why building strong partnerships and community connections is vital for long-term success.
- Jonny’s insights into the evolving coworking trends in the UK and Europe.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jonny on LinkedIn
Spacemade website
Kane Willmott on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Anant Yardi, the Founder & CEO of Yardi Systems, join us for a candid conversation on leadership, vision, and the next big moves in the coworking and flex space industry. Anant shares his unique journey from a team of four programmers to a global software enterprise with over 9,500 employees, offering insights into how Yardi Systems views the future of coworking and the transformative role of flex space.
Discussed topics:
- Anant’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to creating Yardi Systems, and the principles that guided him along the way.
- Yardi’s strategy behind acquiring WeWork and the company’s vision for the future of coworking and commercial real estate.
- Insights on the growth potential of flex space and its expected impact on corporate real estate.
- The importance of institutional capital for coworking and flex space expansion and what it means for operators.
- How Yardi Systems balances its focus as a tech provider while supporting the coworking ecosystem at large.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
About Anant Yardi
Yardi System website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Jessica Cooper, Chief Product Officer at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and Sam Pickering, Head of Sustainability at the Instant Group, join Gio and Jamie to discuss the Well Coworking Rating and its impact on the flex workspace industry. With their wealth of experience and dedication to sustainable practices, they break down the essentials of creating healthier, more sustainable coworking spaces and share their vision for scaling wellness standards across the industry.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- How the new Well Coworking Rating empowers coworking operators to elevate wellness standards and attract wellness-conscious members.
- The collaborative process that helped shape the rating, with input from coworking leaders and experts globally.
- Why the rating is designed to be achievable, scalable, and impactful across varied types of coworking spaces.
- The significance of wellness ratings in meeting growing demand from enterprises and individual members.
- Real-world applications of wellness principles, from air quality improvements to ergonomic enhancements, that make coworking spaces more attractive and productive for everyone.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Jessica on LinkedIn
- Sam on LinkedIn
- WELL Certification
- WELL Coworking Rating
- WELL at Scale
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Jamie and Gio chat with Kane Willmott, CEO and Co-founder of IQ Offices. Kane takes us on a detailed journey through London’s coworking and flex office landscape. Kane shares his experiences touring some of the most innovative and high-end coworking spaces in the UK, uncovering what North American operators can learn from the London market's approach to design, operations, and community engagement. From ESG initiatives to flexible month-to-month models, he dives into what's setting the London scene apart and what North American operators can anticipate as the flex space industry continues to evolve.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The high design and elevated F&B offerings found in London’s coworking spaces.
- How UK operators integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements into their spaces to meet rising tenant expectations.
- London’s flexible, month-to-month membership model and its surprising advantages for both operators and members.
- The importance of community-driven design and hospitality as a core component of a thriving coworking space.
- His takeaways on management agreements, UK broker relations, and what this means for North American coworking growth.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Kane on LinkedIn
iQ Offices website
Chris Davies on LinkedIn
Uncommon’s website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode of the Flex Uncensored Podcast, Kurt Patrick and Giovanni Palavicini sit down with Annie Draper, Director of Product Strategy for Flex Office at Hines, to talk about her journey in the flex workspace industry, the exciting projects at Hines, and how the company is scaling flexible workspace solutions on a global level. From her early days at Carr to leading strategy at Hines, Annie offers insights into the future of flex spaces, how landlords can integrate flexible office solutions, and the evolving needs of tenants.
Here's what Gio and Annie discussed:
- Annie’s career journey from Carr to Hines and her deep experience in the flex office industry
- The launch of the Square Collection at Hines and what makes it unique
- How Hines is adapting flex space offerings for both small and large tenants in different markets
- The challenge of balancing spec suites and coworking within the flex office ecosystem
- Future trends in the flex office space and what’s on the horizon for Hines
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Annie on LinkedIn
- Hines website
- Kurt on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Giovanni sits down with Ryan Harris, the largest franchisee of Intelligent Office, to explore his journey from biotech to scaling multiple Intelligent Office locations. Ryan shares his unique story of joining the family business and how his background has shaped his approach to running a successful franchise. We dive deep into his growth strategies, working with family, and managing a wide range of client needs. Whether you're curious about scaling a business or learning more about the franchise world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
What you'll learn:
· Ryan's transition from biotech to Intelligent Office and how he scaled to six locations.
· The dynamics of working with family and how they each bring different skill sets to the table.
· Managing diverse client needs in the flexible office industry and providing tailored services.
· Growth strategies for Intelligent Office, including future plans for expansion.
· The importance of integrity, perseverance, and resourcefulness in business.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
· Ryan on LinkedIn
· Intelligent Office website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Gio and I sat down with Eric Gutierrez, US Sales Manager at Accessia, to discuss how technology is transforming the coworking experience. From door access to advanced location services, Eric shares how his team is helping operators enhance member experience and streamline space usage. Whether you’re a coworking operator or a tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights into the future of flexible workspaces.
We talked about:
- From Door Access to Location Services: How Accessia goes beyond simply opening doors by automating space usage tracking and booking.
- Member Experience Optimization: The importance of seamless access and how it impacts coworking operators and members alike.
- The Power of Hospitality: Why first impressions and the front desk experience are critical to coworking success.
- Innovating the Coworking Tech Stack: Eric talks about integrating Accessia’s technology with existing coworking management platforms for a frictionless experience.
- Challenges of Growth: How Accessia is supporting both small operators and large enterprises in the ever-evolving coworking landscape.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Eric on LinkedIn
Accessia website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Gio and I welcome Tom Bruister, Chief Revenue Officer at LiquidSpace. Tom shares his experience from his time at WeWork and beyond, offering unique insights into the evolving flex space industry.
What you'll learn:
- Tom’s journey from leading enterprise business at WeWork to his current role at LiquidSpace.
- How the pandemic has reshaped enterprise demand for flexible workspace solutions.
- The innovative approach LiquidSpace is taking to meet the needs of large enterprise clients through their managed service solution, AltSpace.
- How data-driven insights are informing real estate strategies for enterprises in the new world of work.
- The personal side of Tom, balancing life as a father of young children with his professional responsibilities.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Tom on LinkedIn
LiquidSpace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Get ready to dive deep into the world of coworking marketing with Kevin Whelan, marketing advisor, educator, and consultant at Everspaces.
In this episode, Gio and I dive into Kevin’s journey into the coworking industry and how he helps coworking spaces make smart marketing decisions that drive success.
We talked about:
- Kevin Whelan’s journey from website building to becoming a top marketing consultant in the coworking industry.
- How to position your coworking space in a competitive market and attract the right members.
- The importance of flexibility and amenities in today’s coworking landscape.
- Strategies for scaling a coworking business from a single location to multiple sites.
- The evolving role of marketing in the coworking industry and how to stay ahead of the curve.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Kevin on LinkedIn
- Everspaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Trent Oswalt, who takes us through his unique career path from a youth pastor to a key player in the coworking and commercial real estate industry. Trent shares his experiences at Common Desk, Industrious, and now, Hines, where he’s helping shape the future of hybrid leasing. This conversation is packed with insights on the evolution of coworking, the importance of relationships, and the innovative strategies Hines is using to stay ahead in a competitive market.
What you'll learn:
- How Trent transitioned from being a youth pastor to a leader in coworking and hybrid leasing.
- The critical role of broker relationships in scaling coworking spaces and hybrid office solutions.
- The impact of spec suites and short-term leasing on attracting enterprise clients.
- How Hines leverages its real estate portfolio to offer a seamless growth path for companies.
- The surprising connections between coworking, hospitality, and sales—and what it all means for the future of office spaces.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Trent on LinkedIn
- Hines website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Ian Minor leveraged his deep hospitality background and his passion for innovation to lead the team that brought the coworking concept working from _ to the Hoxton Hotels.
- The Hoxton Hotels
- Delightful experiences.
- Gorgeous, buzzy lobbies.
- On-point F&B.
- Community-engaged.
The hotel/coworking model is VERY compelling for those that want more than a desk and a chair inside of four sound-proofed walls.
And the business model more than works.
If you’re looking for the “what’s next” in coworking, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Ian Minor on LinkedIn
- Working_from website
- Neospace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, we cover:
- Understanding SBA Loans: Katelyn provides an overview of what SBA loans are, the different types available, and the benefits they offer, especially for coworking space operators.
- Richie’s SBA Loan Journey: Richie shares his personal experience with SBA loans, detailing the challenges he faced and how Byline Bank's support made a significant difference.
- Key Considerations for Securing SBA Loans: Learn about the essential documentation and preparation needed when applying for an SBA loan, including business plans, projections, and financials.
- The Role of Banks in the SBA Process: Katelyn explains the importance of working with a preferred lender like Byline Bank, which can streamline the approval process and offer creative financing solutions.
- Tips for Coworking Operators: Practical advice on how to structure your real estate deals and prepare for SBA loan applications to increase your chances of securing the necessary funding.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Katelyn on LinkedIn
- Byline Bank website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, Gio and I sit down with Tim Hasse, founder and CEO of General Provision, to dive deep into the world of coworking and the unique challenges of running a business remotely. Tim shares his journey from being a tech entrepreneur to creating vibrant coworking spaces in South Florida, all while living in Nashville. If you’re curious about the intersection of hospitality and coworking, or looking for inspiration on building community-driven spaces, this episode is for you. We talked about: * Navigating Remote Leadership: Tim Hasse shares his experience of living in Nashville while managing his coworking spaces in South Florida. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and leveraging technology to maintain operational efficiency from a distance. * From Reluctance to Industry Advocate: Initially hesitant to join the coworking scene, Tim discusses how he was encouraged by peers to immerse himself in the industry, eventually becoming an advocate for community and collaboration within coworking spaces. * Creating a Branded Experience: Tim delves into the importance of branding in coworking. He explains how General Provision’s unique brand and community focus attract a younger demographic and foster a sense of belonging among members. * Hospitality-Driven Coworking: We explore how General Provision integrates hospitality into their coworking model, from providing personalized services to hosting engaging events, making their spaces more than just places to work. * Future Expansion and Innovation: Tim reveals his vision for the future of General Provision, including the concept of a beach club location, and how the hub-and-spoke model can cater to both urban cores and serene, getaway environments.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Timothy on LinkedIn
- General Provision website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Meet Chiko Abengowe.
Discover the inspiring journey of Chiko Abengowe, founder of Perfect Office, as he shares his transition from staffing industry professional to owning 20 coworking locations in the DMV area.
From Tenant to Tycoon: Learn how Chiko’s entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for problem-solving led him to create his first coworking space, eventually expanding to a thriving network of locations.
Unique Business Model: Explore the diverse offerings of Perfect Office, catering to entrepreneurs from various industries, including beauty, healthcare, and professional services, and how this model stands out in the coworking market.
Team and Culture: Hear about Chiko’s innovative team culture, including monthly and annual incentives, gamification of sales, and the impact of a motivated and passionate workforce on business growth.
Challenges and Triumphs: Gain insights into the challenges Chiko faced, from securing funding and managing multiple businesses to creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, and how he overcame them to achieve remarkable success.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Chiko on LinkedIn
- Perfect Office Solutions website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
- From Suburbs to City Center: Discover how Beth DeGraffenreid, founder of Essential Offices, transitioned her coworking business from the suburbs to the bustling heart of Oklahoma City.
- Evolving with the Times: Beth shares her journey of continuously adapting Essential Offices' business model and revenue streams to meet changing market demands and economic challenges.
- Community and Hospitality: Learn about Beth’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment that makes clients look good in front of their customers, a strategy that has led to high retention and long-term relationships.
- Strategic Growth: Explore the strategic moves Beth made, including building new spaces, rebranding, and enhancing service offerings, to expand and strengthen Essential Offices' presence.
- Personal Insights: Get a glimpse into Beth’s personal life, balancing her role as a business leader with being a grandmother and caretaker, all while maintaining her passion for coworking.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Beth on LinkedIn
- Essential Offices website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Meagan Slavin, COO of 25N Coworking shares her perspective on
- What makes management agreements work
- The importance of team
- Making partnerships thrive
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Meagan on LinkedIn
- 25N Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Shlomo Silber loves building stuff. Businesses, Houses. Friendships....although he hopes that Peter Chee never calls him again so he doesn't have to say yes to another near-death experience hiking at extreme temperatures during a friendly pre-industry-conference outing.
Here, in Shlomo's own words on LinkedIn, what he's up to:
"Now it's time to take all of that passion and energy, paired with my expertise in construction, development, and design, and pour it all into my next venture: The Kodokan Group, a design consultancy firm that brings your vision to life, from new-build residential buildings to office spaces, hotels and beyond. At The Kodokan Group, we live and breathe design. We're passionate about transforming spaces to create uplifting vibes and experiences for the end clientele. Whether you're an operator, landlord or tenant, The Kodokan Group will help you value engineer, design and invigorate your space to unlock its full potential."
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Shlomo on LinkedIn
- Bond Collective website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Philip Freeman, CEO of Murphy’s Naturals and Founder of The Loading Dock, transformed his garage startup into a leading natural products company and created groundbreaking co-warehousing spaces that cater to modern entrepreneurs.
Here's what we cover in this episode:
- From Farm Life to Entrepreneurship: Philip’s unique path from growing up on a Virginia farm to becoming a successful business leader.
- Creating Murphy’s Naturals: How Philip solved his wife’s mosquito woes and built a thriving natural products brand from his garage.
- Launching The Loading Dock: The origin story of The Loading Dock and its role in offering flexible, community-oriented workspaces.
- Navigating Business Challenges: Real-world insights into dealing with space constraints and the complexities of business growth.
- Fostering a Vibrant Culture: How Philip’s commitment to respect and fun drives team success and a positive work environment.
- Co-Warehousing for Small Markets: Exploring the advantages and potential of co-warehousing in smaller communities and less populated areas.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Murphy’s Naturals – Learn more about the natural products Philip developed.
- The Loading Dock – Discover the co-warehousing spaces founded by Philip.
- B Corp Certification – Information on B Corp certification and its benefits.
- Traction by Gino Wickman – The book Philip referenced for business strategy.
- The Body Shop – Learn about the company that inspired Philip’s approach to business.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Ramon Gonzalez, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Coworking, who grew up in the Bronx, navigating life in the projects with big dreams and a drive to succeed. Influenced by his uncle’s foray into real estate, Ramon initially found success in property management—a job he describes as thankless. Driven by a desire to build a company that prioritizes culture and people, Ramon turned his attention to coworking.
Inspired by local coworking pioneer Rome, he launched Thrive Coworking in 2015, and today it is 20 locations strong across Atlanta and the Southeast. Ramon shares how his faith and passion for community have shaped Thrive’s mission, including their growing philanthropic efforts. We explore Thrive’s business model, which primarily involves leasing spaces, sometimes owning them, and occasionally managing them under different agreements.
Ramon talks about the challenges they faced during COVID-19 and how they’ve managed to recover and continue expanding. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth, focusing on multiple locations within a market. Bozeman, Montana, is their latest venture, already 70% pre-sold despite the small local population, showcasing Thrive’s knack for spotting and meeting community needs.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Ramon on LinkedIn
Thrive Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
X
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Eyal Laskar, Co-Founder and CEO of Flexpace.ai, shares insights into his diverse career journey, starting from his first job as a hedge fund trader to building his own app 'Anyone' and moving up through significant roles at Klarna, WeWork, and ultimately founding FlexSpace.
We cover his recent move from San Francisco to New York City, the formation and mission of FlexSpace, and how the company leverages dynamic pricing and frictionless e-commerce design/technology to optimize on-demand revenue in the coworking/flex office industry. Eyal also touches on his long-standing partnership with co-founder Justin, his personal life, including his recent marriage, and his thoughts on the future of the flexible workspace market.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Eyal on LinkedIn
Flexspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Our guest on this episode is Kane Willmott, co-founder and CEO of IQ Offices and a prominent figure in the flex office industry.
We dive into Kane's journey from aspiring accountant to leading the largest Canadian-owned coworking operator.
The dialogue covers the intricacies of the flex office market, the impact of COVID-19, and the evolution of coworking models. Kane also shares his personal journey into triathlons and marathons, highlighting the parallels between personal challenges and entrepreneurial resilience.
We also talk about the importance of community and mentorship within the coworking industry, offering valuable insights into the future of work spaces and the enduring power of passionate involvement in one's work.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Kane Willmott on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Jarred Schenke is a flexible office/coworking reporter for Bisnow. His job is to cover industry news from a variety of vantage points.
He shares his informed, but outside-the-industry insight on Yardi's acquisition of WeWork.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Follow Jarred on BisNow
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this comprehensive conversation, Ben Wright discusses his journey in the flex space industry, including his promotion to Global Head of Partnerships at Instant and his thoughts on the dynamic shifts in coworking spaces. The discussion touches on the challenges of acquisitions and consolidating the industry, with a special focus on the recent acquisition of WeWork by Yardi. Ben emphasizes the importance of understanding business value from both a buyer's and seller's perspective, the role of curiosity, trusting others, and taking personal risks in professional growth. Additionally, the conversation covers strategies for regional operators and the impact of digital platforms on the industry. Personal anecdotes, including Ben's reflections on life changes and advice he would give to his younger self, provide a holistic view of his journey in the flex space and beyond.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Ben on LinkedIn
The Instant Group website
Kurt on LinkedIn
Essensys website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Michael Feinstein opened his first location in Miami’s midtown…before coworking was popular and before midtown was cool. Michael had been living in London where office space was intentionally designed. He was surprised when he moved to Miami and discovered that office space was pretty bland and uninspiring. He decided that Miami needed an upgrade and he would try to provide it. Eight locations later, Buro has built a brand known for…great office space. Thoughtful design, great lighting, compelling locations…and touches of hospitality Michael brings from his pre-coworking background.
Michael shares how his international travel influenced the design of his locations, his real estate structure for each his eight locations, why he keeps his team lean, and more.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Michael on LinkedIn
Büro website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Brandon Medeiros, CEO of REKalibrate, and Ryan Donahue, CTO, to discuss their innovative journey in the commercial real estate industry. They share their personal backgrounds and how they’ve transitioned from relying on anecdotal evidence to embracing data-driven decision-making. We explore the critical role of data in understanding occupancy patterns and tenant needs, which has become even more essential since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our conversation covers a range of topics including the future demand for workspaces, the impact of amenities, and how technology is reshaping real estate strategies for a data-informed future. Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Brandon on LinkedIn
- Ryan Dononhue on LinkedIn
- REKalibrate website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We talk to Nick about:
- How his experience in traditional commercial real estate as a broker shaped his vision for an easier leasing process.
- How his first ten hires and the startup culture of their early days shaped their culture.
- Nick’s penchant for experimenting/pushing the envelope with…bespoke design, adding a coffee brand to their portfolio, buying a fitness brand, setting up a meeting room in an AirStream…and pursuing an asset-light business model through landlord partnerships.
- How he thinks that there will be a segment of people that will pay a premium for really great service/hospitality and design.
- His admission that he built Commondesk to live forever and had no plan to sell it until the pandemic created obstacles they just couldn’t overcome on their own.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Nick on LinkedIn
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Lawrence Gellerstedt (LG) is the Managing Director + ATL Boss @ Foundry Commercial.
We talk to LG about:
- His transformative time at WeWork
- His journey as an entrepreneur starting his own boutique brokerage firm
- His bet on the Switchyards, a 24/7 neighborhood work club
- His commitment to being genuine and authentic
- His transparency about mental health struggles
- The tradeoffs he’s willing to make at work to keep his family a top priority
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Lawrence on LinkedIn
Foundry Commercial website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Episode Highlights:
- Gio and Jamie discuss customer experience levels and the challenges in the coworking industry's service sector.
- David Arraya talks about service and profitability in hospitality, and the delicate balance needed for success.
- The role of technology in hospitality is examined, along with maintaining the essential human touch.
- Insights into effective team dynamics are shared, highlighting the importance of leveraging individual strengths.
- A deep dive into the necessity of human connection in an era increasingly driven by technology.
- The importance of living mindfully and the impactful potential of businesses grounded in purpose.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
David on LinkedIn
DeLozier Group website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
In this episode:
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Kurt shares his unique journey from a music major to leading sales strategies in the real estate industry.
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We explore how landlords and operators are tackling the changes in workspace demand, leveraging data and capital to transform empty spaces into thriving environments.
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Kurt’s personal stories add a touch of heart and relatability – from family life to his imposter syndrome and even his passion for bagpipes!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Kurt on LinkedIn
Essensys website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We went deep on this episode.
We talk about Premier's unique ability to grow by leveraging profit...and we get into how Willie relies on relationships and deep transparency and support among his team to continuously improve the business and navigate through challenging times.
Here are some highlights:
- Premier's under-the-radar strategic growth
- Navigating the financial market as a debt-free company
- The culture of trust within the company, spearheaded by Gutierrez's faith-based principles
- Developing long-term partnerships with clients
- Contrast with WeWork's business model and growth strategy
- Details on Premier Workspaces' services and target customer base
- The significance of understanding and utilizing Love Languages within Willie's team and personal life
- The emphasis on trust, respect, and authentic communication
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
William on LinkedIn
Premier Workspaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Our guest this week needs little introduction in the coworking circles...but if you don't know her, here are some highlights:
- She is an industry OG
- She is fearless when it comes to growing her business on her terms
- She has clarity around her brand, her culture and her business model...and that is most of the battle
- She is ruthless about her deal structures and that pays off
- She's a role model in the industry and in business in general - she loves her work, answers to herself, and has created a profitable, sustainable business that impacts peoples' lives.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Laura on LinkedIn
Quest Workspaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Jean Yves is a true coworking industry OG. He was one of the early coworking enthusiasts behind the first-ever Coworking Europe conference in 2010. This year’s conference is in…you’ll have to listen to find out!
Jean Yves has a unique macro view of the industry - he hosts an annual conference with participants from dozens of countries and one of his favorite pastimes is traveling to visit coworking spaces and dig into industry trends.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Jean-Yves on LinkedIn
Social Workplaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Sam Rosen, Founder and CEO of Deskpass, shares the Deskpass story, the synergy he sees in having Deskpass and Breather on one platform, and the opportunity for Industrious to offer this platform to its membership base.
We talk about:
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The growth of the coworking industry since Sam started way back in 2007
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The genesis of Deskpass
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The Deskpass merger with Breather
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The importance of community both among coworking space members AND among business owners in the coworking industry
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Balancing work and life
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The future of marketplaces.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Sam on LinkedIn
- Deskpass website
- Breather website
- Industrious website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Frank Cottle is a true OG in the flexible office industry.
We talk about:
- Frank Cottle's Business Philosophy and Success: Adapting within the industry while staying true to one's knowledge base
- Charitable Work and Impact: -All Good Workspace Foundation's mission and activities
- Business Strategies and Operations: Multi-brand and multi-operational company model benefits
- Valuation and Exit Opportunities for Private Companies: The influence of EBITDA multiples and gross margin on company sales
- Management Contracts and Corporate Focus: Pros and cons of management contracts in business
- And more…
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Frank on LinkedIn
- Alliance Business Centers' website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We talk with Philip about:
- His lens on the role hospitality plays in coworking given his deep background in the hospitality industry
- Recruiting from the hospitality industry
- What it is about Workuity that has earned the business 50 5-star Google Reviews
- Operating in a market with a lot of supply from big brands
- Hosting coworking tours for the GWA Flex Forward conference in 2024!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Philip on LinkedIn
- Workuity website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We talk to John Wallace, CEO of Workbox about:
- Landlord partnerships
- Knowing who and how you serve
- Taking over existing coworking spaces
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- John on LinkedIn
- Workbox website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Philippe Houdard is the CEO of Pipeline Workspaces in Florida (best market for coworking in 2023!).
In this episode, we talk about:
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Navigating Business Challenges with Relational Strength: Solidarity with customers and team members can be a lifeline during financial downturns.
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Growth Through Caution and Culture: Expansion is not just about scale; it’s about maximizing spaces in tune with the business's character and ensuring consistent profitability.
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Human Skills Over Resumes: When building a team, especially in a coworking space, the potential for relationship-building and conflict resolution is more valuable than traditional credentials.
Don't miss Philippe's insights into entrepreneurship, the importance of connectedness, and the nitty-gritty of growing a thriving business.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Philippe on LinkedIn
- Pipeline Workspaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
What’s on the horizon for 2024? We don’t have a crystal ball, but we do get pretty deep exposure to what’s going on in the industry through the work we do with operators all year long. So, we think we have some pretty good insights into 2024!
What does Gio do all year? Gio is a commercial office leasing broker focusing exclusively on coworking/flex deals for operators and landlords. He has the largest coworking industry network of anyone I know (besides me) and therefore really has his pulse on how markets are performing, deals getting done, and industry innovation.
What does Jamie do all day besides keep up with two podcasts a week? She manages the Coworking Startup School, Community Manager University, and works with asset owners on the feasibility of adding flex to their own portfolio.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Register for our upcoming class: Funding a Coworking Space in 2024
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Paula Mercer, VP of Coworking for Vast at United Franchise Group, announces the addition of a third brand to the Vast umbrella, Intelligent Office.
Here’s what we covered:
- Vast is now the third largest coworking brand in the world after IWG and Regus and now ahead of Industrious. With this acquisition, Vast Coworking Group now has over 190 locations, 40,000 members, and occupies 2.4 million square feet of space in eight countries worldwide.
- Vast’s strategy of creating a diverse portfolio of brands with different price points and offerings.
- Paula stressed the importance of serving their franchisees, who in turn can serve their members and clients.
- The challenges and opportunities of interacting with franchisees and managing changes, with Paula emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences and developing trust within teams.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Paula on LinkedIn
- Vast Coworking website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Emily Watkins is the Chief Client Officer at The Instant Group.
- Introduction: Emily Watkins, Chief Client Officer at The Instant Group, joins the podcast from San Diego. Discussion about not having a white Christmas, keeping up with her two teenage boys and two chocolate labs.
- Background: Emily shares her educational journey and career, including experiences at Gap, JLL, and her exposure to the world of flexible workspaces. She talks about the early days of coworking in San Francisco and the evolution of the concept.
- Current Role: At The Instant Group, Emily leads the Americas business around clients. She discusses working with enterprise users, integrating flexible workspaces, and the shifting nature of corporate real estate post-pandemic.
- Work Environment: The Instant Group's approach to offices, using flexible workspaces themselves, and Emily's personal experiences with different coworking spaces.
- Client Engagement and Trends: How engagements with enterprise clients have evolved, the increasing need for larger meeting spaces, and the importance of creating engaging experiences in workspaces.
- Predictions for 2024: Emily shares her top three predictions – ecosystems in corporate real estate, the need for larger meeting rooms, and continuous improvement in user experience.
- Landlords and Flexible Workspaces: Discussion on landlords entering the flexible workspace market and the challenges they face. The Instant Group’s approach to creating tailored spaces for clients.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Emily on LinkedIn
- The Instant Group Breakthrough Insights
Connect with your Hosts:
- Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
- Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
- Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
We recorded this interview with Ryan Simonetti, CEO of Convene, in front of a live audience in March of 2023.
I give Gio props for asking the kinds of questions that the media doesn't generally ask Ryan. Gio asks him about his parents, where his creativity comes from...how they manage a household with small kids and two working parents, and how Ryan survived a traumatic ride in a run-away Uber.
Convene's model represents much of what is on-trend for the coworking industry right now....a focus on hospitality, member experience, meetings and events and partnerships with landlords.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Tobi discussed the importance of enhancing service offerings for large enterprise companies, the trend of traditional office space users seeking alternatives, and the need to maintain brand identity when acquiring city and regional brands.
Tobi, Jamie, and Giovanni emphasized the significance of health and wellness in their personal and professional lives, with Tobi highlighting the partnership between his company and Peloton.
Tobi shared his vision for Creative Cubes, emphasizing the business's diversity and challenges, and his commitment to fostering community and collaboration.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Tobi on LinkedIn
- CreativeCubes website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Peri Demestihas is the Senior Director of Real Estate for Industrious, the third largest coworking brand in the country.
Industrious has 160+ locations across 65 global cities.
We talk about:
- Why landlords like to partner with Industrious.
- The heart/brains dynamic between the co-founders, Jamie and Justin.
- The fact that no two management agreements ever look the same and that typically Industrious has some skin in the game on their deals.
- How Peri and his wife manage a household with three kids and two working, driven parents.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Peri on LinkedIn
- Industrious website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Aden is a young entrepreneur passionate about helping businesses hit the easy button on managing their reputation, collecting customer feedback, and taking action on feedback that will impact the customer experience….all before you get a 2-star Google review.
Aden shares his entrepreneurial journey, how RealTime Feedback came to be, and how their platform supports customer-facing businesses.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Aden on LinkedIn
- TellMySpace.com (this is specifically for coworking spaces)
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Shai Fogel is the General Manager for the US market for Mindspace, a global, luxury coworking brand.
We talk with Shai about:
- Profitable expansion into new markets
- How to integrate hospitality into the sales process
- The differences in food and beverage preferences between the US and Europe
- Building a connected, yet physically distributed team
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Shai on LinkedIn
- Mindspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Gio and Jamie Unpack Flex Space Dynamics: WeWork's Bankruptcy, Market Tensions, and Emerging Trends.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Lorena Caballero has a deep history in the flex industry. She started in hospitality with InterContinental Hotel Group and then worked for IOS Offices in Mexico for over 7 years. IOS has 40+ locations in Class A buildings around the country. She has embarked on a new adventure in co-warehousing and Class A Flex Industrial with Workhub, headquartered in Houston. If you’re interested in coworking-adjacent business models, your’e going to love the behind-the-scenes look into this business model.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Lorena on LinkedIn
- Workhub website
- Cowarehousing “How I Did This” replay
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Gable is a platform built to help companies support better remote work. Gio and I interview Liza Levin, the CEO and founder of Gable. She shares her story, entrepreneurial journey, and her "why" behind Gable.
"The portal doesn’t just show which nearby workspaces in a company’s budget have available slots — it also indicates if colleagues are booked in to work there, too. Someone can then book to work adjacent to a colleague, giving them a bit of connection. According to Gable, companies using its service have seen their employees’ interest in coming into an office increase by 75%."
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Liza Levin on LinkedIn
- Gable
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Catch the replay of Gio's live talk at a Northwest Arkansas ULI (Urban Land Institute) on the flexible office/coworking industry. It's like you got a free ticket to the event!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- ULI Northwest Arkansaw
- Ledger
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If you don't know Erin, Maresko, that's because she's a bit of a behind-the-scenes coworking OG. She's been in the business for about 8 years. She started her coworking career in marketing at 25N Coworking and recently transitioned to Kiln, a growing brand HQ'd in Salt Lake City.
Erin shares her coworking journey and her perspective on the coworking industry.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Erin Maresko on LI
- Kiln Website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Richie Parsons joins us on the podcast to share his story of transitioning from Anytime Fitness franchise owner with his wife Charissa, to Venture X franchise owner. He also opens up about his cancer diagnosis and some lifestyle changes that have made a big difference in his health.
- The power of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges: Richie's journey from fitness franchises to coworking demonstrates the importance of being open to new opportunities and willing to pivot when necessary.
- The significance of community within coworking spaces: Richie emphasizes the role that strong community relationships play in the success of a coworking space. Building connections and fostering a sense of belonging is essential.
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- Personal health and well-being should not be ignored: Richie's own health journey serves as a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and well-being.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Richie on LinkedIn
- Venture X website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Justin Segal, President of Boxer Properties, discussed various aspects of the flexible office market, including:
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Boxer Properties history and overview
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Evolution of Office Space Rental Services
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Challenges with the Traditional Leasing Model:
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Shifting Roles in Commercial Property Operations:
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The Pricing Engine Model:
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Impact of Interest Rates:
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Systems for Real Estate Operations:
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Justin on LinkedIn
- Stemmons Enterprise website
- Boxer Property website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
On the last episode, we posted a GWA conference debrief among Giovanni, Megan Brown (Executive Director) and Cid Rhomberg (GWA Co-President). This week, we invited a few attendees AND non-attendees for an informal review of the event. Grab your own bag of popcorn and join us.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Global Workspace Association
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
On this episode, the GWA Team (Megan Brown, Cid Rhomberg, Giovanni Palavacini), shares the highlight reel of this year’s Flex Forward Conference and announces next year’s conference venue and the Immersive location for May 2023.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Global Workspace Association
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Heather Harris on LinkedIn
- Intelligent Office website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Fun Fact: Chelsea was a member of the Executive Centre as an employee of a marketing agency before she joined the Executive Centre Team as Managing Director, Global Marketing & Communications.
The Executive Centre has been around for 29 years, and has 180 locations in 33 cities. Their locations are mostly in Asia but they also operate in Australia and the Middle East.
They focus on making easy for foreign companies to establish a compelling work environment for their teams in Asia.
They expand in a market where the demand factors are strong and clear, and each location is premium and designed with local preferences in mind.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Chelsea on LinkedIn
- The Executive Centre website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Ryan Fogelman is a JD/MBA although he claims he could do the work he does with a high school degree. What started off as a way to solve a personal problem - needing office space for a business, turned into a passion project among a group of friends committed to supporting small businesses in small communities.
Cohatch is a way to work, meet and live. COhatch now operates in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Atlanta will be opening in Tampa. No two locations are alike - they are in different types of buildings with different amenities - from rock climbing to theatres... and each is designed to support the community in a different way.
We talk to Ryan about:
- Their business model
- Customizing their offer for each market
- Supporting non profit businesses while still making a profit
- and more.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Ryan on LinkedIn
- COhatch website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Firmspace has the ultimate clarity on who its best customers are and what its brand positioning is. That’s clear from their location strategy, product mix, design aesthetic and relentless focus on customer service.
Kenny Kane has moved up the ranks of the organization and is now the CEO.
We chat about:
- His ideal customers
- How he approaches his role as CEO
- His experience with demountable walls and sound management
- And more…
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Kenny on LinkedIn
- Firmspace website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
On this episode, Dror Poleg delves into the transformative shift in how we perceive and design office spaces. Gone are the days when developers had a clear roadmap for constructing workplaces. Today, with the rise of remote work and the shift of considering 'home' as the baseline, the game is changing. Poleg discusses the uncertainties leaders face, especially as emerging AI technologies stand to reshape the work dynamic even further.
A central idea presented is the concept of the office of the future. Not confined by a physical location, it’s envisioned as a network. Instead of static places, the focus is on enabling employees to access what they need, whenever and wherever. Poleg presents the idea that while offices will continue to exist, they’ll differ in design, accessibility, and financial agreements. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in future designs, suggesting the ability for spaces to be easily reconfigured, moving beyond furniture adjustments to transforming entire wall structures.
The episode also highlights regional distinctions in office dynamics, underscoring differences between places like Austin, Texas, and San Francisco. In a rapidly changing world, Poleg suggests we may not settle on a standardized answer about workspaces for decades to come.
Dive in to explore the future of office spaces, understand the contrasts of macro vs. micro views, and see how work environments are perpetually evolving.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Dror on LinkedIn
- Hype Free website
- Dror’s book Rethinking Real Estate
- Global Workspace Association Annual Conference
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Michael’s passion is creating workspaces that people actually want to use.
Gone are the days of enduring choppy calls - Michael Przytula tells us the new gold standard is all about that crisp, Zoom connection. Big corporations might have deep pockets, but transitioning massive office spaces post-pandemic? It's not as easy as it sounds. As we dreamt of next-gen tech and shiny meeting rooms, Michael brought us back to earth with the realities of budgets and the challenges of scale. And for a fun twist, we pedaled through Austin’s best cycling routes
Key Points:
- Clear tech communication is non-negotiable for today’s Zoom or Teams users.
- Michael P. sheds light on the corporate transition conundrum.
- The dream of tech upgrades meets budget realities.
- Michael’s take on Austin: It’s not just about tech, but also a cyclist’s paradise.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Register for our Live Flex Uncensored session with Dror Poleg on Wednesday, August 16th.
- Michael on LinkedIn
- Accenture website
- Michael’s Podcast
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
If you attended either the GWA or GCUC conferences this year, you might have met the one and only Tasha Hydar. She’s the Vice President of Business Development at Isofy. What does Isofy do? It delivers world-class network management for your coworking members.
Have you ever read the book “The Go-Giver?” Tasha exemplifies the moral of that story. She just wants you to succeed and wants to take the stress out of designing and managing your coworking space network. Because we all know there is one thing that your members won’t forgive you for. Bad Internet.
Tasha also shares a personal challenge that she overcame this year and how it impacted her life.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Tasha on LinkedIn
Isofy website
John Arenas has had a 20 year career in flexible workspace. This guy has seen it all.
After business school, John worked in lending for office buildings, then worked for a developer doing office buildings…then he started a shared office franchise company that was later acquired by Regus. Today he’s the CEO of Serendipity Labs operating 30 locations in the US and the UK.
John shares his perspective on the tipping point in demand for flex, the shift he’s seeing in end user requirements…the landlord’s decision to build or partner when it comes to converting office assets to flex… and more
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- John on LinkedIn
- Serendipity Labs website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Cat got into coworking because it made a huge impact on her as a solo freelancer looking for her people. Today, Cat hosts a podcast, monthly live Convos, and runs a marketing membership called The Lab.
Today, her mission is to help shape where the coworking industry is going and make sure the community piece is intact and that we're aligned with what coworking has always been and don't drift too far into desk rental territory.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Cat on LinkedIn
- Cat Johnson website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Mike Kriel has ten coworking spaces under the Launch Workplaces brand as of this recording. They are all under creative deal structures - no leases.
Mike shares:
- How he evaluates deals and says no to far more than he says yes to
- His commitment to identifying strong partners with high potential locations vs. just getting “dots on the map.”
- How he converted traditional office space into flex for under $10/foot
- Why listening to an asset owner’s needs and listening and listening some more is the best approach to finding aligned incentives and getting a deal done.
We also talk about:
Gio fostering kitties, Gio returning from Alaska, Surprising your spouse with a puppy (because two dogs is way better than zero), and the meaning behind the Crossfit workout Murph.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Mike on LinkedIn
- Launch Workplaces website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Mike Thakur is a creator…of coworking spaces, of community, of culture, of a lot of content… 💪 He has his own podcast and YouTube channel.
Mike started WorkLodge to solve a personal pain point. He shares
- what he got right
- lessons learned…one that involves umbrellas hanging from the ceiling… ☔️
- how he built a team that runs his two Houston locations while his family lives in Nashville
- and how he channels his multi-passionate entrepreneurial spirit. 💼💡
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Mike Thakur on LinkedIn
WorkLodge
Mike on YouTube
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
The Everything Coworking Academy
Community Manager University
Creative Coworking Partnerships: How to negotiate and structure management agreements from the landlord and operator perspective
Follow Us on YouTube
Wesley Edmonds showed up at GCUC and at the GWA Immersive event in 2023 and met Gio…and Gio thought it would be really interesting to talk with someone that doesn’t run coworking spaces….and doesn’t sell to coworking space operators. Wesley does not have a horse in the coworking race. BUT she does sell furniture to designers of office space. In order to stay relevant, she needs a deep understanding of how and where humans are working today. Tune in to hear an “outsider’s” perspective of the coworking industry.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Wesley Ann on LinkedIn
- OFS website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Chris Davies is the CEO of Uncommon, a premium coworking brand in London.
They are focused on creating the best shared workspace experience in the core central business district in London. Underlying their commitment to a superior member experience is their B Corp designation which reflects the value of their company. He's also kind of a control freak about crafting a seamless member experience.
Uncommon started with 20,000 square feet but now operates buildings as large as 110,000 square feet.
Chris talks about his commitment to continuous improvement, taking the best to each new location…and creating what he thinks is the best shared workspace in the world in Hoburn.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Chris on LinkedIn
- Uncommon website
- Uncommon’s Sustainability Report
Chris’ favorite books:
Simon Sinek - Leaders Eat Last
Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality
Jim Collins - Good to Great
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Gio shares his current favorite coworking space in Dallas, an important business update, and why the “why” is so important to Gio in his work.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Upcoming Management Agreement Course - Get the details here.
- Giovanni on LI
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
LiquidSpace has partnered with the leading hybrid workplace software platform, Kadence, to revolutionize flexible work.
Employees can now have access to a global network of flexible workspaces and their internal offices, seamlessly, in one platform.
Liquidspace is extending and enhancing the hybrid experience for Kadence customers, by giving them true choice and flexibility on where and when they work.
The future of work is hybrid, but for individual employees, it takes many forms. Working near home on days when home just doesn’t work. Huddling with colleagues to ideate and get sh*t done. Traveling to HQ to bond, celebrate wins, and the company mission. So together, Liquidspace and Kadence are changing the game for how hybrid should operate within companies.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Upcoming Management Agreement Course - Get the details here.
- Dan on LinkedIn
- Mark on LinkedIn
- Kadence website
- LiquidSpace website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Nick Bratton is a financial consultant to the flex industry. He ran over 1,000 pro formas for potential locations for IWG, and now supports Avison Young’s flex practice.
On this episode we cover:
- The difference between a traditional lease and a creative deal structure
- Who pays for the buildout
- How the profit gets split
- The landlord’s “why” for doing a creative deal with an experienced operator
- Why the size of the space and the efficiency of the space are so important to a creative deal structure
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
If you’re thinking about a non-traditional deal structure as a landlord or operator, join us for our upcoming webinar on June 9th: Three Things Landlords and Operators Should Know Before they Start Negotiating a Creative Deal Structure for a Coworking Space. http://everythingcoworking.com/flex
- Nick on LinkedIn
- Avison Young website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-palavicini-2389a37/
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast - https://www.everythingcoworking.com/podcast
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of outsourced coworking management with industry veteran Mark Burge. In this episode, titled "Beyond Ownership: The Rise of Outsourced Coworking Management," we delve into the growing trend of owners entrusting the operations and marketing of their coworking spaces to experienced professionals.
Discover the reasons why owners are opting for outsourced management, the benefits they gain from this approach, and the impact it has on the coworking landscape. Mark shares his expertise and insights, shedding light on some of the nuances and strategies involved in successfully operating coworking spaces on behalf of owners.
Whether you're a coworking space owner looking for alternative management solutions or simply curious about the evolving dynamics of the coworking industry, this episode is not to be missed!
Join us as we dive deep into the rise of outsourced coworking management, uncovering the opportunities and transformations it brings to the coworking ecosystem.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
If you’re thinking about a non-traditional deal structure as a landlord or operator, join us for our upcoming webinar on June 9th: Three Things Landlords and Operators Should Know Before they Start Negotiating a Creative Deal Structure for a Coworking Space.
- Mark Burge on LI
- Strive Workspaces
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
The consideration of real estate deal structures beyond the traditional lease deal is more common than ever. IWG (primarily the Regus brand), claims to have signed hundreds of management agreement deals with asset owners in 2022.
The non-traditional deal warrants a lot more consideration than a typical lease. There are a lot of trade-offs for both the operator and the landlord.
In this episode,we talk about:
- What a non-traditional deal structure might look like
- The broad range of management fees
- The pros and cons for the operator and the landlord
- The importance of knowing your “why” when negotiating deal terms
If you’re thinking about a non-traditional deal structure as a landlord or operator, join us for our upcoming webinar on June 9th: Three Things Landlords and Operators Should Know Before they Start Negotiating a Creative Deal Structure for a Coworking Space.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Three Things Landlords and Operators Should Know Before they Start Negotiating a Creative Deal Structure for a Coworking Space.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Grant is the CEO and Founder of the Office Hub, one of the leading marketplaces for shared office in Australia, Asia-PAC and the UK. The Office Hub is expanding rapidly in the US. It’s US HQ is in Dallas.
Office Hub provides a searchable database of flexible office solutions along with account managers to ensure to support you throughout your search and booking process.
We talk about:
- The shift in how end users are searching for office space post-COVID
- How the Hub uses data and AI to more deeply understand their clients and provide solutions that fit their needs and culture
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Grant on LI
- Office Hub
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Megan Brown is the new Executive Director of the Global Workspace Association. She’d held operational and management roles within the organization since 2017.
She took a short break to focus on her real estate business (she’s an investor and developer) and do some work with the Urban Land Institute, which has given her some valuable fresh perspective on the ED role.
We talk about:
- Megan’s early career as a singer in a traveling band
- Why Megan thinks we’re really hitting a tipping point in the flexible office industry
- What makes the Immersive event unique and a must-attend for commercial office landlords
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Messy but Done Workshop: https://messybutdone.com/everythingcoworking
- Megan Brown on LI
- The Global Workspace Association
- The Immersive Event
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
I remember when I interviewed Mara Hauser back in 2017 on eposide #50 of the Everything Coworking podcast about Suburban Coworking. No one was really sure back then that it was going to be a sustainable concept.
In 2023, Caddo is building 35,000 foot suburban locations that they refer to as: “Your neighborhood office space. Flexible office rentals, coworking space and day office rentals.”
Tim Slaughter shares the Caddo story - how it grew up from a very careful, intentional acqusition the team made to learn the business and “not screw it up.” He also shares why they have gone with a members’ only, 3 membership option model.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Tim on LinkedIn
- Cado Offices
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Beth Moore is an OG in the Flexible Office world. She worked on CBRE’s 360 Office project in 2015/2016.
She had an eight–year career at CBRE, was part of the brain trust that WeWork recruited to build their enterprise business, and now works with clients that are trying to figure out how to serve their various constituents (employees, CEO, CFO, etc.) when it comes to hybrid work.
We talk about:
- The challenge of managing change within organizations
- What today’s occupiers are struggling with in this new hybrid work environment
- Being a member at Chief and how they develop strong networks of female C-Suite leaders
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Beth Moore on LinkedIn
- Raise website
- CHIEF website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Marcus Geromes knew from an early age that he wanted to be an Orthodox Priest. While raised in Kentucky, his family is Greek. He studied at the country’s only Orthodox Seminary School in Boston. Before becoming an ordained priest, he wanted to grow up a bit, get married, and learn more about the world. He decided to get a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling and eventually went into private practice.
It was his experience in private practice that led to Therapy Suites. Marcus and his co-founder were passionate about helping other therapists get started in private practice - a daunting proposition that required access to sound-proof, professional, physical space.
Marcus shares the Therapy Suites story, business model and more.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Marcus Geromes on LinkedIn
- Therapy Space website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Ian Minor leveraged his deep hospitality background and his passion for innovation to lead the team that brought the coworking concept working from_ to the Hoxton Hotels.
The Hoxton Hotels
Delightful experiences.
Gorgeous, buzzy lobbies.
On-point F&B.
Community-engaged.
The hotel/coworking model is VERY compelling for those that want more than a desk and a chair inside of four sound-proofed walls.
And the business model more than works.
If you’re looking for the “what’s next” in coworking, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Ian Minor on LinkedIn
- Working_from website
- Neospace website
Fernando Vasquez is the Chief Operating Officer - Asset Services at Madison Marquette.
He talks about what it’s like to oversee a portfolio of real estate assets that includes office…when the demand for commercial office space is so in flux.
He talks about the flight to quality and location like what we’ve seen with retail…and how flexible office will become an important component of office assets.
…And we talk about some innovative experiments in the marketplace like converting old office assets into live/work lofts.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Fernando Vazquez on LinkedIn
- Madison Marquette website
Stasha Anderson got hooked on real estate during her undergrad studies in Madison, WI. It was just kind of a calling for her.
What started out as a role to help brokers learn how to incorporate flex into their client solutions evolved into a role helping investors integrate flexible office solutions into key assets.
In this episode we talk about:
- Minimum “efficiency” to make the model work
- The challenge of getting property manager buy-in to add flex to an asset
- Getting cross-functional teams on board with up-leveling the tenant experience
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Stasha Anderson on LinkedIn
- JLL website
John Preece is the Chief Property Officer at Hub Australia, Australia’s largest national coworking operator.
We talk about:
- How Hub Australia partners with landlords
- How each each location is designed to fit the local market
- The launch of “Hub local” which is an answer to post-COVID preferences to “work near home.”
- Hub’s focus on staying at the top of Australia’s Best Places to Work list
- John’s predictions around the 4 day workweek and coworking showing up in employee comp packages
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
John Preece on LinkedIn
Hub Australia website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Ryan Simonetti is the CEO and co-founder of Convene.
Convene is a leading hospitality company founded off the simple question: “What if you ran an office building like a hotel?”
Convene’s model is more relevant than ever in a post-COVID world…I think it’s interesting to focus on how they are serving today’s modern landlord.
We talked with Ryan about
- Convene’s recovery from the pandemic.
- How the reception to Convene from landlords has changed over the past few years.
- Convene’s recent acquisition of etc.venues and what that means for their high-end meeting business.
- How Ryan’s mom’s love of antiques and his dad’s entrepreneurial drive shaped his journey.
Convene supports modern landlords by offering flexible workspace solutions that meet the evolving needs of tenants and the market. With a focus on creating modern, flexible, and tech-enabled spaces, Convene helps landlords optimize their real estate portfolios and attract top tenants.
Through its partnerships with landlords, Convene also helps drive demand for the building, increasing occupancy rates and revenue for the landlord. With a focus on creating flexible and dynamic spaces, Convene helps landlords future-proof their portfolios and adapt to the changing needs of the market.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- Convene
- Ryan Simonetti on LI
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Katie Vaughan wears a lot of hats, as most Community Managers do.
She also runs a super lean team that manages 66,000 square feet of memberships, events, and a cafe.
Enterprise Coworking is the Coworking/flexible office arm of the parent company Focus Property Group.
In this episode, we talk about:
Transitioning from the role of property manager to Community Manager
Giving Enterprise a brand and identity
Scaling the team down post-COVID
Running a public-facing food and beverage cafe
Being like Cheers - the importance of knowing every member’s name
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Katie Vaughan on LinkedIn
Enterprise Coworking website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Jillian Brown, the Director of Global Occupier Business Development at Avison Young, is driven by her early experience in coworking and her passion for helping occupiers find the right real estate solutions for their people.
Her role at Avison Young prioritizes people over place, and she works with both occupiers and owners to integrate flexible office and amenity solutions into their portfolios.
During a conversation, Jillian shared how the community of members at Serendipity Labs in Chicago helped her through a personal trauma, and now she gives back to others through an organization called Becky's Fund. https://beckysfund.org/
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
- https://beckysfund.org/
- Jillian Brown on LI
- Avison Young
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
- Ben Von Drehle is the mastermind behind Tulsa's premier Coworking brand Root Coworking…although he gives most of the credit to his amazing community management team, including his wife, who is beloved for her sense of humor.
- Ben worked on an early WeWork deal as a tenant rep broker in Denver and couldn’t stop thinking about how much he lived the business model.
- Under his leadership, Root Coworking has become a hub for innovation and collaboration in Tulsa.
- He's always looking for new ways to support and connect the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. In fact, he’s kicking off a collaboration with a local coffee company to open Notion Market Cafe - a food and beverage concept that will allow members to order lattes and lunch at their desks.
Resources Mentioned on This Episode:
Ben on LinkedIn
Root Coworking
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
James Rankin is the Head of Research and Insight at the Instant Group. They have arguably the richest data set in the flex industry, sourced from transaction data and primary research.
They recently released their annual Flex Industry Survey.
James talks about some of the findings and his broader insights into the flex industry.
- The pace of landlord investment into flex
- The challenge with capital markets keeping up with operator and landlord ambitions
- The type of flex inventor that landlords will supply
- Why Instant made a recent investment in CoworkIntel
And more!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
James Rankin on LinkedIn
The Instant Group website
Instant Offices Annual Report
Industrious/Nuveen Partnership
CoworkIntel
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Cid Rhomberg is co-founder and Chief Experience Officer for Brick House Blue, in Dublin, OH. Brickhouse is setting the industry standard for how to run a post-COVID meeting and events business along with coworking.
Cid started Brick House Blue to solve a personal challenge - she wanted a professional, inspiring, hospitality-focused, local spot to host her team offsites for Fortune 500 companies like Cardinal Health and Black & Decker, and eventually her consulting clients. She was sure that Dublin, OH needed one of these…and she was right pre-COVID…and then she was really, really right as the world went hybrid post-COVID.
We talk about:
- Her hospitality mindset
- Her bet on meetings and events and how that’s turning out
- How she and her business partner recently grew their team to focus on growth
- Her coaching business
- Her role on the GWA board
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Cid Rhomberg on LinkedIn
Brick House Blue website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Stormy McBride is the Director of Operations for GCUC. GCUC hosts live events around the world. Rumor has it they might get back to Australia this year!
She gives us the BTS on:
- What it’s like to host an event at Convene
- The speakers she’s most looking forward to at the event
- What this year’s content tracks will look like
- The insights she’s picking up as she talks to GCUC constituents
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Stormy McBride on LinkedIn
GCUC website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Gio talks Kurt Patrick, flex office software and IT expert and Faye Stutts, flex office operations and sales expert, into a last-minute discussion on what 2023 looks like for the Flex Industry.
Spoiler alert: the general consensus is that 2023 will be the year of the landlord…with some risk to that prediction because most landlords are still moving cautiously in the direction of flex.
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Kurt Patrick on LI
Faye Stutts on LI
Essensys
Vari
Meridian Group
Studio by Tishman Speyer
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Make sure to listen to the end where Gio prompts us to share our personal and professional achievements for 2022. Spoiler alert…Gio’s are MUCH more compelling than mine.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Gio is doing a “75 days hard” program
- 2022 Flex Office industry themes that will extend to 2023
- Office vacancy levels in key markets and what that means for flex
- Closures and acquisitions and what we’ll see more of in 2023
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
David Kinnaird on LinkedIn
Essensys website
David Kinnaird is the Cheif Customer Officer at essensys. He has a rich history in the serviced office/flex industry and shares some great stories that give us a sense of what IT looked like not that long ago before platforms like essensys were developed to make massive advancements in simplifying the IT requirements for a shared office environment.
We talk about:
- The early adopters such as Tishman Spire and Rockefeller Group who are creating a high-end, shared IT backbone in their building to reduce friction and onboarding time for tenants
- How terrible the tenant experience is when they have to set up their own IT
- The importance of making your IT enterprise-compliant
- David’s secret life as a DJ
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Grant Barhnhill on LI
Shift Workspaces
I have been enamored by the Shift’s approach to hospitality since I first toured their first location many years ago. They are doing something different that has become even more compelling post-COVID. They are extremely intentional about their approach to hospitality and member experience.
Shift Workspaces is a coworking space with a difference. They focus on established business people who value hospitality and community. This means that they offer more than just a place to work. Instead, they strive to create a sense of community and to provide their members with an environment that is both welcoming and supportive. Their design and hospitality competencies also allow them to diversify their revenue streams by hosting high-end events. This makes Shift Workspaces a unique and appealing option for those looking for a coworking space that offers more than just a desk and a chair.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Ray Titus on LinkedIn
Venture X website
United Franchise Group website
Ray Titus is the founder and CEO of United Franchise Group - they have 10 brands, 1600 franchisees in 80 countries…including Venture X and Office Evolution.
The combined two brands, with more than 130 locations worldwide make UFG the fourth largest coworking operator globally behind IWG, WeWork and Industrious.
Ray shared that their franchisees are starting to implement a “hub and spoke” model with a Venture X at the center, surrounded by suburban Office Evolution locations.
Ray envisions growth through the “Bonvoy” strategy of offering multiple brands under one main umbrella, giving franchisors and consumers the ultimate in workspace choice.
In this episode, Ray dives into how he discovered Venture X, how the coworking parent company, Coworks, will continue to grow, and what makes a franchise model successful.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Tammy Smith on LI
Tammy’s email address: tsmith5@costar.com
CoStar Group
Tammy Smith “gets” coworking operators and their lead-gen approaches because she was a General Manager for Regus. One of her favorite aspects of her role at CoStar is helping operators optimize their listings to get found by more brokers.
She shares her “flex” story and why more operators should consider listing on CoStar.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Sari Lash on LI
25N Coworking website
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Mike Daugherty on LI
John Herring on LI
FUSE Workspace website
DPG Partners website
What happens when you cross a community-focused former pastor with a passionate real estate developer? You get the perfect mix of leadership and energy to grow a thriving coworking space! Mike and John have been hard at work building their dream coworking business, and it's already starting to pay off. With members from all walks of life, their space is quickly becoming the go-to place for anyone looking for a supportive and creative environment to work in.
Listen in as Giovanni and Jamie dive into the “why” behind FUSE and a behind-the-scenes look at Mike and John’s journey.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Francesco De Camilli on LI
Valve
Guest host Charlie Morrison and I sat down with Francesco Di Cammilli, GM of Valve for the US. Valve is the expedia.com for the flex office market. Valve is the one-stop for brokers to get access to real-time flex inventory in a market, making it much more efficient for brokers to make specific recommendations to their clients looking for hybrid work solutions.
In this episode, we dive into why the UK flex market is ahead of the US, how Valve works and how the platform will evolve over time.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Candace Carlisle on LI
CoStar
Candace Carlisle is a Dallas-Fort Worth real estate writer covering North Texas' corporate relocations, major billion-dollar developments and big-time, headline-stealing real estate deals.
We talk about:
- JP Morgan’s multi-billion dollar office project in Manhattan
- ULI’s theme of “flight to quality” when it comes to office space
- The ULI audience sentiment that flex is going to be a significant part of the office solution going forward
- How offices that require a commute will need to include a “quality of life” factor to compel people to show up
- Why Fooseball tables are out and Pickleball courts are in
- Why it’s hard to play coed soccer as an adult female (random but hey, we’re uncensored!)
- Why we might see more concepts like Old Parkland in Dallas
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Matt Going on LI
Anytime Mailbox
Anytime Mailbox already solves mail management for coworking space operators…and brings them mailing address customers through their significant lead generation efforts. Now Anytime has launched an outbound mail/shipping solution that operators can use as an amenity for their members as well as a revenue generator.
This kiosk is already in market with one of the world’s largest flexible office companies - IWG.
We talk to Matt about how ATMB discovered this pain point, what it was like to create a physical kiosk, how operators can leverage the mail kiosk to generate revenue and good will with members….and what it’s like to run a fully distributed, global team.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Brandon Madeiros on LI
Alidade Partners
Commercial real estate ocupiers today are looking to optimize their real estate spend. They want the right amount, the right type, in the right place. They also want to be able to flex up and down as necessary to accommodate special project teams, events, etc.
Occupiers are struggling to make the right decisions in this still very uncertain “hybrid” work world.
On the other side, asset owners are struggling to package their offerings in a way that aligns with this evolved tenant demand (and buying power).
Enter Alidade Partners….they help occupiers make informed decisions about their real estate by providing data-driven analysis and recommendations. The company also works with asset owners to help them understand occupier demand and optimize their offerings to achieve 100% occupancy.
By working with both occupiers and asset owners, Alidade Partners can help create efficient and effective real estate markets that benefit everyone involved.In this episode, Brandon Maderios and I dive into how exactly Alidade does this.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Sofia Stolberg on LI
Piloto Mail
Piloto 151 (Coworking space)
Like many of you, Sofia Stolberg got into coworking by accident. She owned a building with her brother and needed to monetize it. The concept, Piloto 151, worked so well in her home country of Puerto Rico that she and her brother decided to expand. One expansion growing pain was managing the volume of mail from their virtual office membership. This led to another business venture - Piloto Mail.
Sofia shares her entrepreneurial journey, and how she segments her offering to avoid cannibalization in a smaller market, and her bigger “why” around driving participation of women leading tech innovation…from anywhere in the world.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Giovanni and I had a blast at the 2022 GWA Flex Forward conference!
The conference was packed with great content (including a top-rated day of emceeing by Gio and an audience-favorite panel moderated by Jamie), and we were able to meet so many new people and network.
We both agreed that live content is better than Zoom content because it allows people to bring their personalities to the conversation in a dimension that just isn’t usually possible on Zoom.
Tune in for a full debrief on the content highlights…and reviews on Karaoke and 70’s Night!
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Nick Bratton on LI
Avison Young
Not all potential coworking space sites are created equal.
Nick Bratton is passionate about evaluating the likely succrss of potential coworking space locations.
In his role at IWG, he reviewed over 1,000 pro formas for potential Regus & SPACES locations. Now, as a member of the Flex team at Avison Young, he’s helping independent operators evaluate potential new locations. In our conversation, he talks about what he looks for in deals that he reviews, gives his perspective on the great devate around what goes on the window lines…and shares his pro tip where hallway width rannks in terms of making or reaking a layout.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Shlomo on LI
Bond Collective
Shlomo Silber and his co-founder started Coworking brand Bond Collective after being inspired by WeWork, which provides Coworking space for businesses of all sizes. Bond Collective is a premium boutique brand specializing in unique designs. They started in New York City and have expanded nationally. coworking space allows people to work independently while still being able to collaborate with others, and it has been shown to increase productivity and creativity. Coworking spaces provide an alternative to traditional office space, and Bond Collective is one of the leading Coworking brands in the United States.
We talk about the challenges of national expansion through COVID, why Shlomo has an in-house design team, how they’re approaching future expansion, and more.
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Amy King on LinkedIn
Good Coworking
Well Building Certificaton
Libsyn Description
Amy King is a transformative leader at the intersection of environmental sustainability and workplace strategy. She develops and grows healthy, engaged cultures around purposeful work, ESG, and sustainability initiatives.
She is the founder of Good Coworking, a one-of-a-kind space powered by solar energy, holding a LEED Gold for green buildings certificate and pursuing WELL Building certification. Good Coworking aims to model and grow a responsible business culture that has a net positive impact on the world.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Lisa on LinkedIn
Primary
Coworking is a rapidly growing industry, with more and more people looking for flexible, collaborative workspaces. Lisa Skye was at the forefront of this trend, as the first employee at WeWork. She quickly realized the potential of coworking, and saw an opportunity to create a brand focused on wellness at work. With her experience in the industry, she created a coworking space that was not only professional and beautifully designed but also positively impacted member health. Today, her brand continues to shape the future of work while Lisa focuses on accelerating growth-stage businesses through her advisory services.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Flip on LinkedIn
https://www.worksuites.com/
If you haven’t heard Flip Howard’s story, don’t miss this episode. The episode is funny, thought-provoking and inspiring.
Coworking is a relatively new phenomenon, and one that is still finding its footing in the business world. Despite this, coworking spaces have quickly become some of the most sought-after real estate deals around. This is largely due to the fact that coworking spaces offer a unique and flexible working environment that is perfect for businesses of all sizes.
WorkSuites is one coworking space that has laser-focused on signing the right real estate deal in the right location. This commitment has paid off, with WorkSuites now having over 20 locations across the country.
Flip is the founder of WorkSuites, and he is also committed to nurturing a positive culture that attracts and retains talent. His people are everything to him, and he knows that they are the key to WorkSuites' success.
coworking spaces are quickly becoming some of the most popular places to work, and WorkSuites is at the forefront of this trend. Thanks to their commitment to signing the right real estate deals and nurturing a positive culture, they are sure to continue being a leading coworking space for years to come.
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Grant Barhnhill on LI
Shift Workspaces
I have been enamored by the Shift’s approach to hospitality since I first toured their first location many years ago. They are doing something different that has become even more compelling post-COVID. They are extremely intentional about their approach to hospitality and member experience.
Shift Workspaces is a coworking space with a difference. They focus on established business people who value hospitality and community. This means that they offer more than just a place to work. Instead, they strive to create a sense of community and to provide their members with an environment that is both welcoming and supportive. Their design and hospitality competencies also allow them to diversify their revenue streams by hosting high-end events. This makes Shift Workspaces a unique and appealing option for those looking for a coworking space that offers more than just a desk and a chair.
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Faye Stutts on LI
Vari
Faye has deep experience in the coworking industry, from sales roles at large operators to her new-ish role at Vari, an innovative furniture supplier for the coworking industry. At Vari, Faye is responsible for developing relationships with coworking spaces of all sizes around the world. In her role, she shares her firsthand experience and knowledge of the coworking industry with space owners and operators who are looking to furnish their coworking spaces with high-quality, accessible, modern furniture.
Faye is a renowned connector in the coworking community and is known for her commitment to helping operators be successful. She attends coworking conferences and events around the world to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the coworking industry.
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Connect with Charlie Morris on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Robert Teed
Charlie Morris
Robert Teed: Helping Shape Our 'Next' as a Chief Coaching Officer, Strategic Advisor, Board Member, Recovering Corporate Real Estate Exec & Tagger of #𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵.
In the past, commercial real estate has been all about space - finding the perfect location for your business and then outfitting it to suit your needs. However, this is no longer the case. As more and more businesses embrace hybrid work models, the need for traditional office space has declined. coworking and flexible office spaces have become increasingly popular, as they offer greater choice and flexibility when it comes to where and how people work. As a result, commercial real estate is no longer about the space - it's about the people. businesses are looking for places that will attract and retain talent, and that offer a variety of work options to suit different needs. That's why hybrid work models (yes, we hate the word hybrid too) are here to stay - and why commercial real estate will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses.
Robert shares his perspective on the shift from space to people, and what #harnessingnext means to him and the leaders he supports in his coaching business.
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Joe Brady
The Instant Group
Joe Brady, CEO Americas, The Instant Group, shares his vision for a frictionless, world-class workplace experience…and how Instant will help us get there.
The Instant Group is creating the world’s largest independent marketplace for flexible workspace through its merger with the key digital assets from IWG plc including EasyOffices.com, Meetingo.com, Rovva and Worka.
Joe shares:
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The synergies of this merger, the plan to spin the combined group out as a separate entity within 12-18 months.
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Why independent operators should not be worried about Instant being so intimately connected with IWG
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How the Instant Group creates plug and play offices for enterprises like GSK
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His vision for a frictionless workplace experience
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Top talent that Instant is recruiting to drive its vision forward
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And more.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Bill Bennett on LinkedIn
Expansive
Jamie and Gio have a jam session about some of the hot topics in flex this week.
We talk about:
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Due diligence on a market - for LLs and operators
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The Industrious/Nuveen hospitality play
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Knowing who you want to serve and delivering an experience that aligns with your ideal member
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Why we’re skeptical about small, flex-only locations located in retail centers
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And more!
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Andrea on LinkedIn
Newflex
Andrea Pirrotti-Dranchak started her career in the flex industry with IWG/Regus in 1999. She is now the Global Enterprise Director at NewFlex which delivers managed flex solutions for building owners.
Andrea shares:
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Why the UK is ahead of the US in flex
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New Flex’ unique model around brand-agnostic flex solutions for asset owners
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How flex will make office space as transactional as a hotel.
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What the world will look like when more than 1% of knowledge workers can make a decision about where they do their work
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Why Regus and Industrious don’t need outbound enterprise sales teams
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The cultural differences between the UK and the US and how that plays out in flex.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Bill Bennett on LinkedIn
Expansive
Bill Bennett is the founder and CEO of Expansive which powers the largest portfolio of owned and operated flexible workspace centers in the U.S.
The expansive portfolio consists of 35 locations in 47 cities.
Bill shares:
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His own “coworking story,”
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Why the Expansive business model is to own the asset, but to also flip the landlord model on its head to be client-centric
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The advantage of offering a broad range of product offerings,
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Creative ways they’re approaching funding new locations
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What Bill’s equity investors expect in return
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His perspective on IWG’s investment in tech platforms
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Why venture capital doesn’t belong in a real estate business
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
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Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Melissa on LinkedIn
JLL
Flex by JLL
Melissa Schilo started her career as a booking agent for a modeling agency. In 2006, he started her flex career with one of the first public companies in the serviced office industry - Servcorp, in Australia. That makes Melissa a true OG - and she’s seen a lot.
She hung up her a shingle with Melissa Ainsley, and was then recruited by JLL to join their Flex team.
Melissa notes that it took a pandemic for real estate and asset owners and even brokers to see flex as a viable solution for optimizing an asset. She notes that it used to be looked at as the “poor cousin of traditional leases.” Now asset owners realize they want 10 - 20% of their asset to be flexible and they want amenity spaces that serve as “cross functional spaces” for lease-holding tenants and flex tenants.
JLL Flex started with a focus on occupiers and providing a solution that occupiers were looking for a in a post-COVID work-anywhere world. Then the asset owners came looking for solutions to attract the occupiers. JLL’s role has evolved to serve both sides. They’ll make recommendations for an asset and delivery a turn-key solution, designed and run by JLL Flex. They’ve also partnered with asset owners by taking over underperforming flex for asset owners and used their design and hospitality expertise to re-invigorate the flex offer and ultimately make it a profitable member of the asset owner’s portfolio.
Melissa’s view is that JLL will be a leader in Flex because they’re not just dabbling…they truly believe that Flex is the future and they’re offering full-service, asset-specific solutions to commercial building owners - JLL brings to the table design, operations, leasing, hospitality, customer acquisition, branded solutions, white-labeled solutions, and increasingly,the technology to pull it all together.
JLL recently brought Jacob Bates on board as their head of flex and she refers to him as a great visionary in the industry who will continue to drive innovation.
And there’s Scott Homa who famously predicted that flex will be 30% of commercial assets by 2030.
For Melissa, the high-powered team at JLL and collaborative culture makes the future of flex pretty bright.
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Mike Fransen on LI
Mike’s newly released book The Legacy Business: Practical Insights to Assembling a Life Worth Passing on to Others
Mike Fransen was an early visionary in creating and operating workplace ecosystems. He was a pioneer in programming office buildings to be compelling destinations, and to include amenities like childcare. Today he is the Founder and CEO of Workng, LLC (and a newly published author!)
We talk with Mike about:
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How asset management is adapting to the needs/wants of today’s end user
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Why it’s important but hard to effectively program an office complex
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Why it’s worth taking risks to get the right mix of tenants (such as childcare and fitness) into an office ecosystem project
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Bringing the first WeWork to Austin
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Mark Rose on LI
Mark’s Blog posts on Davos
Avison Young
Mark Rose is the CEO of Avison Young whose perspective on the next phase of real estate consumption is grounded in decades of experience. He's passionate about using data, modeling and AI to drive real estate decisions that meet client needs.
We talk with Mark about:
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Using data to make real estate decisions.
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His experience at the 2022 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
-His perspective (driven by years of experience) that the pendulum of human behavior always swings back to the center…but it takes time.
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His commitment to flex and to keeping AY agnostic in their ability to advise clients on the best option.
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AY’s long-term commitment to a positive culture even at scale. Mark noted that doing right and doing good didn’t impact their ability to be profitable.
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Mark’s belief that “Culture eats strategy for lunch.”
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Sarah Travers thought she was going to be an attorney when she grew up…until she dropped out of law school in her first week, spent a year at X company, was laid off during the post 2001 recession…and then spent the next 15 years of her career at Regus.
Sarah is a shared workspace lifer.
In 2017, she joined Workbar as head of sales and then transitioned into the CEO role.
You can tell that Sarah has a CEO profile - she’s a big picture thinker focused on delivering, in her words “the best day of work” for every Workbar member.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Sarah Travers on LI
Workbar
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Liz Elam is an OG in the coworking industry. She has operated her own coworking spaces in Austin, TX and has now run GCUC, a global coworking conference, for 10 years.
She’s passionate about coworking because she cares deeply about people and their mental health. She believes that many coworking space operators are delivering a membership experience that helps members fight the loneliness epidemic.
She gives us the download on the recent GCUC in Seattle, WA and what she thinks is around the corner for the industry. Spoiler alert…think Tsunami!
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Liz Elam on LinkedIn
GCUC
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
John Sikaitis is the Chief Innovation Officer at Avison Young. Before he took this role, he spent 14 years at JLL as Managing Director, Research & Business Development.
He often works out of his favorite WeWork in the Washington, DC area.
One of the big projects that he works on is Avant—the data-based analytics platform at Avison Young, AVANT makes cities (and thus real estate) more transparent, accessible and understandable, allowing clients to make informed, efficient and strategic decisions and realize the full potential of their real estate – be it from the investor, developer, occupier or public sector side.
In this episode, we talk about:
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What is your definition of flexible workspace?
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What is your role as it relates understanding the flexible workspace for your perspective real estate service providers?
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How is your data or platform used to service the enterprise users?
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What is the data telling you? Are the clients using the science or are they sticking to the art?
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What are your predictions for the growth of flexible workspace as more and more enterprises discuss having it be a part of their portfolio?
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
John Sikaitis on LinkedIn
Avison Young
JLL
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
I like to call Mara Hauser a Unicorn of the coworking/flex office industry. Not only have she and her 25N coworking team opened 6 locations in the last ten years, but she is also principal of a design studio that works with coworking clients…and 25N is committed to the management agreement model with five/six locations on asset-light agreements.
Kelly is the Managing Director at Workplace Studio leading projects for coworking/flex office and other corporate interiors projects.
Toward the end of the episode, Gio poses some great personal questions to the two of them that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at their relationship and how they work together.
Want to hear more from Mara? She’s a four-peater on the OG Everything Coworking podcast.
Episode 200: Mara Hauser On How Operators Can Align Design With What Members Want Post-Covid19
Episode 150: Super Practical Tips For Re-Opening Your Coworking Space In The Time Of Covid-19
Episode 100: What You Need To Know About Furniture For Coworking Spaces
Episode 50: Successful Suburban Coworking (this one goes waayyyy back pre-pandemic).
In this episode, we talk about:
- Tell us about the 25N portfolio and who you serve.
- Frisco is your (6th) location - How did this location benefit from your first (five) locations and your post-COVID evolution?
- What are some things you’re updating in your design/model approach post-COVID?
- What are your typical buildout costs per square foot?
- What are the returns you’re trying to get for your landlord partners?
- You have a successful meeting room business - what drives that? Design? Technology? Marketing?
- When you’re working with a landlord on a proposal, how do you balance buildout costs with long-term revenue potential? For example, as demand for 1 person offices goes up, so do buildout costs.
- What is your typical pre-opening lease-up on a space?
- What advice would you give to a landlord considering a management agreement?
- What about an operator?
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Mara Hauser on LI
Kelly Bozelka on LI
25N Coworking
Workplace Studio
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
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Jason Anderson started his career in the Air Force when he was 17. His first deployment was to the UK where he was stationed over 9/11. Before that assignment, Jason had never left the country. Jason didn’t know at the time that some years later, he’d return to London to celebrate the expansion of a Venture X franchisee….one location that is part of a global footprint of the third largest coworking company in the world.
Jason had a vision (literally on a board) of creating the “Bonvoy” of coworking brands. He’s just getting started.
In this episode, he shares the “why” behind the Venture X acquisition of Office Evolution.
He talks through the way he looks at the flex industry through a hospitality lens.
We learn why it’s natural for VentureX to operate globally early in its life as a brand.
We also get some behind-the-scenes details on how the Venture X model has evolved over time and what Jason’s predictions are for the next 5 years.