"They come for the promise. They stay for the hospitality."
— Dr. JJ Peterson

Episode Summary

JJ Peterson has spent eleven years inside the StoryBrand universe. He co-authored Marketing Made Simple with Donald Miller. He helped Will Guidara write the certification for Unreasonable Hospitality. He hosts the Badass Softie podcast — for leaders who are unapologetically driven but want to lead with their hearts. He is flying to London in June to teach at the first workshop in the world to bring StoryBrand and Unreasonable Hospitality together in the same room, two days back to back, in Holborn.

This conversation surprised me. I thought we'd spend an hour on frameworks and funnels.

We didn't. We talked about a failure mode that kills coworking spaces quietly, before anyone notices. The moment an operator puts community in the shop window — makes it the headline offer — they've already lost. JJ has a phrase for this. He calls it the wish dream. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about it in 1937. JJ applies it to every organisation that confuses the byproduct with the product.

Marketing makes the promise. Hospitality delivers it. Community is what emerges when both work.

That's the spine of this episode.

JJ is warm, wickedly sharp, and completely uninterested in jargon. He brings academic depth — he has a PhD in Communication and wrote his dissertation on Kierkegaard's theory of indirect communication — without ever sounding like a lecture. Nashville to London. June 10th and 11th. The discount code is at the bottom.

Timeline Highlights

00:00 — Intro: Bernie on why marketing in coworking is both essential and misunderstood — and why most operators are selling the wrong thing.

02:15 — JJ introduces himself: eleven years at StoryBrand, co-author of Marketing Made Simple, host of Badass Softie, and the man who helped Will Guidara translate Unreasonable Hospitality into a teachable system.

06:40 — "If you confuse, you lose." The core StoryBrand premise: customers don't buy the best product. They buy the one they understand fastest.

10:05 — The difference between service and hospitality. Service is transactional. Hospitality is relational. JJ: "Service is black and white. Hospitality is colour."

13:30 — Why you cannot sell community. JJ introduces Bonhoeffer's wish dream — the trap of falling in love with your idea of community rather than doing the actual work of it.

18:00 — How this maps to coworking: operators who lead with "we're a community!" as their pitch are often the spaces where no real community exists. The promise swamps the experience.

22:25 — The line that became the title of this episode. JJ, unprompted: "They come for the promise. They stay for the hospitality."

26:10 — How JJ helped Will Guidara write the Unreasonable Hospitality certification — and what surprised him about the process. Hospitality is not a department. It's a posture.

30:45 — The two-day workshop explained. Day one: StoryBrand clarity. Day two: Unreasonable Hospitality. Why you need both in the right order, and what breaks when you skip the first.

34:20 — Kierkegaard and indirect communication. JJ's PhD work, and why the best marketing never announces itself as marketing. Story does the work that argument cannot.

39:50 — The coworking operator's messaging problem: most spaces describe the building when they should be describing the transformation. JJ on writing copy that puts the member as the hero.

44:15 — Badass Softie: why JJ started a podcast for leaders who are driven and warm in the same breath — and why he thinks that tension is the most important thing to hold.

48:00 — London in June. The workshop, the people it's for, and why this is the only place in the world where StoryBrand and Unreasonable Hospitality land together.

52:30 — Closing: JJ on the one thing operators can do this week. Clarify who you serve and why it matters. Everything else follows.

5 Core Lessons

1. You Can't Sell Community. You Can Only Create the Conditions for It.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in 1937 about what he called the wish dream — the dangerous habit of loving your idea of community more than the actual people in front of you. JJ brought this into the conversation with zero fanfare and it landed like a brick.

Most coworking operators I know have a version of this problem. They put community in the headline. On the website. On the door. And then the person who walks through the door can't feel it anywhere. 

Because community isn't a product you deliver on day one. It's a byproduct of repeated human contact over time — and it requires hospitality as the infrastructure.

What JJ said is this: when you lead with community as the promise, you almost guarantee the thing won't exist. 

Because you've set an expectation the space can't meet immediately. The new member arrives looking for instant belonging. They don't find it. They leave. The operator blames the member, not the messaging.

Sell the desk. Sell the clarity. Sell the transformation your space makes possible. Let community emerge from the hospitality you build around it.

The wish dream kills more spaces than bad Wi-Fi ever will.

2. Marketing Makes the Promise. Hospitality Delivers It. These Are Not the Same Job.

JJ spent eleven years at StoryBrand teaching people to clarify their message. Then he helped Will 

Guidara systematise Unreasonable Hospitality into something teachable. What struck him — and what he shared in this episode — is how rarely organisations connect those two things deliberately.

Your marketing creates an expectation. Your hospitality either meets it or breaks it.

Most coworking operators do one of two things. They either pour everything into their marketing — slick website, sharp copy, clear call to action — and then the person walks in and the experience doesn't match. Or they run a genuinely warm, hospitable space but can't explain what they do clearly enough for the right people to find them.

The two days in Holborn in June are specifically designed around this. Day one is StoryBrand: get the message right. Day two is Unreasonable Hospitality: design the experience to match. One without the other is a half-finished sentence.

I've been saying for years that coworking operators undersell themselves. What JJ gave me was a framework for understanding why: they're not telling a clear enough story, and the experience isn't intentional enough to stick. Both are fixable. Both require work.

3. Service Is Black and White. Hospitality Is Colour.

JJ used this line in passing and I wrote it down immediately. It's the clearest articulation I've heard of something I've been trying to say for a long time.

Service is the execution of a function. The desk works. The Wi-Fi connects. The printer prints. That's service. It's binary: it works or it doesn't.

Hospitality is something else. It's the moment a member walks in on a terrible morning and the person at the front desk reads the room and says the right thing without being asked. It's the unexpected touch — the thing that wasn't in the contract. It's what Will Guidara calls u...

Why AI Can't Feel the Room: Practical Operations with Carlos Almansa

Coworking Values Podcast

"The AI cannot feel the space. It can't feel the dynamics or the vibe. But it can free up time for you to talk to your members, to have a coffee with them, to understand and to read people."
— Carlos Almansa Ballesteros

Episode Summary

Most conversations about AI in coworking are either evangelical or dismissive. 
Carlos Almansa Ballesteros, co-founder of Nexudus and author of the Coworkings AI newsletter, refuses both positions.

In this episode he lays out a practical baseline: start with what you already do, keep a human in the loop, and never mistake efficiency for community. He also raises the question that sits underneath all of it — the Dead Internet Theory — and what it means for spaces that exist precisely because human presence still matters.

No frameworks. No magic. Just what actually works.

Timeline Highlights

00:02 — Bernie sets the episode up: practical AI, not rocket science
01:16 — Carlos introduces himself: Nexudus co-founder, Coworkings AI newsletter author
03:02 — Carlos's first coworking space, and why he's always joined one when moving to a new city
06:41 — The first 60–90 days: how a community manager makes or breaks early membership
09:09 — The London Coworking Assembly AI survey: most people use it for social media captions and don't go further
10:15 — Why the Coworkings AI newsletter exists: cutting through noise to find usable signals for operators
12:54 — The solo operator and AI: actually easier to start when you know all your own processes
15:03 — Practical use case one: automating repetitive help desk replies (Wi-Fi, printing, FAQs)
16:21 — Practical use case two: surfacing data patterns you can't see manually
17:53 — The soul-of-the-space question: automation versus presence
19:36 — Sentiment analysis: feeding community messages into AI to understand the pulse of a space
20:52 — Context is everything: how to give an AI model what it needs to work properly
23:56 — What goes wrong: people who automate everything at once and erode trust
25:21 — The human-in-the-loop rule: never hand your reputation to an unmonitored system
25:56 — Transparency: be honest about AI, always offer a route to a real person
28:42 — Can you automate community? Carlos on what AI can and cannot do in a 300-person space
30:05 — The kitchen conversation: serendipity as the baseline unit of community
31:09 — What community actually is, from random coffee chats to self-organising hackathons
33:47 — Mobile work and the future floor plan: what happens when nobody needs a desk?
35:32 — The Dead Internet Theory: bots talking to bots, and why human signal is becoming the premium

Lesson 1: Only Take AI to Something You're Already Doing

The most useful thing Carlos said in the whole conversation is also the least glamorous.

Before you touch any tool, review your processes. Do you actually know them? When you're a solo operator running a space from first enquiry to member induction, you probably do. That's an advantage.

The mistake Carlos sees repeatedly is people who want to automate first and understand later. You end up with ten tools stacked on top of a process that was working fine.

Start somewhere specific. The help desk is a good example. The same questions come in every week — how do I connect to the Wi-Fi, how do I print, where's the code for the meeting room. That's exactly the kind of repetitive, low-stakes task where AI earns its place. Automate the reply. Free yourself for the conversation that actually matters.

Carlos, on the starting point:
"The best way to start with AI is to start with something that you are already doing, not trying to implement a new process or a new tool into something that you are not familiar with."

Here is how I look at it: don't ask AI to do something you don't already know how to do. I wouldn't go to AI and say, "Make me a hit record." I go to AI and say, "How do I make a podcast intro?"

Lesson 2: The First 60–90 Days Are on You, Not the Software

When a new member joins, the community manager is doing something no platform can replicate.

They're introducing names. They're reading the room. They're noticing who eats lunch alone and who lights up when someone mentions their industry. 

Carlos joined coworking spaces in South Spain, Madrid, and London. Every time, the spaces that made it work did the same thing: they put a person in the room who paid attention.

Shared lunches in Madrid led to basketball at weekends. Hot desking in London broke the ice faster than any directory ever could.

The first 60–90 days determine whether someone stays. Carlos is clear on this. And he's equally clear that no amount of automated onboarding email replaces what happens when you walk someone through the kitchen on day one and explain — face to face — how to clean up after yourself.

That small thing sets the tone. It says: this is a shared space. We're in it together.

AI can surface patterns. It can flag a member who hasn't engaged in three weeks. It cannot do the introduction.

Lesson 3: Your Community's Messages Are Data — Use Them

Members tell you how they're feeling all the time. The problem is they're doing it across email, WhatsApp, Slack, and every other channel simultaneously.

Some of it is friction: "the Wi-Fi's broken again." Some of it is gold: "that event last week genuinely changed something for me." Most of it sits in inboxes, unanalysed, until the member quietly cancels their membership.

Carlos's newsletter recently covered this directly. You can feed your community's communications into an AI, build a sentiment analysis across those messages, and surface patterns that would take weeks to spot manually. Who's frustrated? Who's energised? What topics keep coming up?

That's not automating community. That's clearing the brush so you can see what's actually there.

Carlos:
"When you have a community of 200 or 300 people in your space, it's not easy to get to know everyone, to know where they are, how they're feeling. AI can help to surface issues, to connect people. But it cannot automate those relationships."

The distinction matters. AI as insight layer, not as relationship substitute.

Lesson 4: Never Let AI Go Solo — Your Reputation Is on the Line

Carlos is consistent on this throughout the episode. New technology, new risks. The worst thing you can do is automate a customer-facing process and walk away from it.

If AI is replying to enquiries through your website, you need to be watching those replies for months. The system might not be calibrated yet. One bad reply to a prospective member and you've made a first impression you can't undo.

The related point is transparency. When someone lands on a chat widget, don't dress the AI up with a human name — "Hi, I'm Brad." Carlos didn't say it exactly like that, but Bernie put it plainly: that's obvious, and it damages trust immediately. Be honest. Tell pe...

“Hospitality is the art of being hospitable.”

Ian Minor

Tired of running yourself into the ground?

Then stop running alone.

On February 24th, the London Coworking Assembly presents Unreasonable Connection Goes Live!—a one-day working session for the people running London’s most vital neighbourhood spaces and the public sector allies working to help them thrive. It’s a day to share the load, find real solutions, and build a new playbook, together.

Hospitality has become one of those words shouted from every coworking LinkedIn post, usually next to a photo of a nice coffee machine.

But Ian Minor has spent 30 years in actual hospitality—nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and health clubs across three continents. The kind with burns, late nights, and a ruthless feedback loop where if the vibe dies, the room empties.

He created Working From_ for The Hoxton. He’s a partner at Brave Corporation with Caleb Parker. He’s rethought everything from what you call your front desk staff to how many times a day you should nod at a member in the corridor.

This conversation strips away the Instagram aesthetic and answers the hard question: what does hospitality actually cost when you’ve got two staff and a hundred members?

This episode is for operators who know “hospitality” matters but aren’t sure what they’re supposed to do about it with limited resources.

Timeline Highlights

[02:53] Ian’s definition: “Hospitality is the art of being hospitable.”

[03:37] “You’re going for an experience within hospitality, and that’s the thing that you’re really delivering. The food and the drink, for me, are part of the product, but they’re not the main thing.”

[06:03] What an experience actually is: “Trying to make something that’s personal to that customer.”

[07:28] The reputation multiplier: “That starts to build a reputation that has come from the experience or the service that they’ve been given... which was more than what they were expecting”

[10:20] Going above and beyond: “If you always go above and beyond what is expected, you’re always going to deliver a lot more than what they even wanted, but they’ll always remember it.”

[15:19] The critical question for operators: “What level of hospitality can they comfortably give with the current operation they have, and what do they aspire to give?”

[16:54] The language shift: “I changed from reception to host. I’ve always called that department the Host Team.”

[21:52] The test: “The human connection that you’re driving or you’re trying to get to is what can define whether or not your hospitality or not.”

[22:47] Restaurant staff costs: “Anything between, let’s say, 23 to 28% of revenue goes on staff salaries.”

[24:06] Flexible workspace reality: “You could probably be down, and what I’ve seen from what I’ve done, between 9% to 11% staff cost against revenue.”

[26:38] Where to start: “Understanding if they’ve got operational manuals written, if they’ve got standard operating procedures written, which are the SOPs.”

[27:55] Why consistency matters: “This break in consistency is the worst thing that you can have in an operation because as a customer, you just don’t know what you’re actually getting from them.”

[29:03] Mapping the member day: “What does their day look like and how many touch points... can I get a nod... or a quick one-minute chat along their day.”

[31:07] The foundation: “The first point of hospitality is just making sure that the service is consistent at the very basic level.”

[32:34] The final instruction: “Just think about what you can deliver and then just try and deliver that consistently at a high level and then a higher level as much as you possibly can.”

The Kitchen Confidential of the Workspace

Ian Minor doesn’t come from the world of serviced offices or real estate.

He comes from nightclubs. Bars. Restaurants. Health clubs. Late-night operations across three continents.

In that world, the feedback loop is immediate and brutal. If the vibe is wrong, the room empties. If the ice runs out, if the security is too aggressive, if the lighting is too harsh—revenue collapses that night.

There are no five-year leases to hide behind.

Bernie captures it perfectly: “If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, there’s like grind, hard work, blood, sweat, and tears and a lot of burns and cuts from doing it.”

When coworking spaces started shouting “hospitality!” around 2020, Ian saw a gap. The sophisticated consumer—used to the high-touch service of a Soho House or a boutique hotel—was being forced into sterile, fluorescent-lit serviced offices with receptionists who barely looked up.

He realised the skills of the nightclub operator—lighting, sound, service speed, emotional connection—were exactly what the office market lacked.

So he brought them over.

What Hospitality Actually Means

Bernie asks directly: “If someone bumped into you in Liverpool Street Station and said, What’s hospitality? What would you say?”

Ian’s answer is deceptively simple: “Hospitality is the art of being hospitable.”

But he immediately adds layers.

It’s not about the product. It’s about the experience.

“You’re going for an experience within hospitality, and that’s the thing that you’re really delivering. The food and the drink, for me, are part of the product, but they’re not the main thing.”

Bernie illustrates this with his own example—a taco place in Vigo. It looks like a greasy spoon. It’s chaotic. The guy behind the counter is shouting. But the food is brilliant, and they walk 20 minutes in the rain on Sunday nights to go there.

That’s hospitality.

Not designed. Not Instagram-ready. But felt.

Ian explains what makes it work: “It’s understanding or taking cues from the individual that’s gone in there or the couple that has gone in there... trying to learn a little bit about them... then seeing what little added things that you can do during the course of that sitting to make it extra special.”

The test: when they leave, are they still talking about it weeks later?

If yes, you’ve created an experience. If no, you’ve just completed a transaction.

The Motivation Question

Bernie presses on with motivation.

Is it about making someone’s day, or is it about making them come back?

Ian cuts straight to it: both are true, but the driver should be love.

He talks about a moment from his own career—serving a couple who used to come into a bar at Lakeside Shopping Centre. They ordered a margarita with no salt and a Corona. Three years later, they walked into the Covent Garden branch where Bernie was working. He just put their drinks in front of them without saying a word.

They were stunned. “How did you know?”

Bernie got a real kick out of that moment—not because it guaranteed loyalty, but because it was a random act of care.

Ian: “You can do this in any walk of life. You can engage with life or not engage with life. If you engage with it, you’re always going to get better and reach your experiences from that.”

If you always go above and beyond what is expected, you’re always going to deliver a lot more than what they even wanted, but they’ll always remember it.

Yes, this might lead to a good tip or repeat business. But the deeper reward is personal.

“You’re going home from your shift or your night’s work or your day’s work, knowing that fo...

Episode Summary

What if everything you thought you knew about work was wrong?

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Denise Brouder, the instigator of The Science of Flexibility report—a project shaking up how we think about coworking, enterprise, and the spaces in between.

Denise shares the story of this groundbreaking work, created in collaboration with Ashley Proctor and Sam Rosen and designed to bridge the gap between corporate giants and independent coworking spaces.

Denise challenges the assumptions that hold us back, arguing that real change starts with rethinking how and where we work.

From building a common language to exploring how coworking can break down barriers for marginalised groups, this episode dives into the questions most of us are too afraid to ask about the future of work.

Whether you’re a coworking space owner, a corporate leader, or just someone tired of staring at your kitchen table pretending it’s an office, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of flexible workspaces and why they matter now more than ever.

Don’t just take our word for it—dive in and see how Denise’s insights can reshape your perspective on work, community, and connection.

But the Science of Flexibility isn't just a report.

It's the gateway to meaningful conversations with practical application that rises above the endless noise of:

* “Should we go back to the office?”

* “What is the future of work?”

* “Will the robots take our jobs?”

Emily and I will bring you more podcasts with Denise, Ashley, and Sam over the next few months to help you consider how this work can help you.

If you’re a fan of classic sports analogies, The Science of Flexibility is like Wayne Gretzky’s iconic approach: skating to where the puck is going, not where it’s been.

Timeline Highlights

[0:39] – Denise on helping people think differently about work and life.

[1:54] – How The Science of Flexibility report came together with Ashley and Sam.

[3:38] – What makes coworking spaces feel different from corporate offices?

[6:05] – Teaching knowledge workers about third spaces and flexible strategies.

[10:10] – How coworking education begins with understanding your value.

[14:07] – The role of flexibility in supporting marginalised groups.

[20:50] – Denise’s take on how variety in work environments drives innovation.

[25:23] – Are we losing our edge in the conversation about the future of work?

[29:48] – Change happens on the fringe: what coworking can teach us.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Rethinking Work: Why Thinking Differently MattersDenise Brouder shares her core belief: to work differently, we must think differently.

This philosophy drives her collaboration on The Science of Flexibility report, which aims to challenge assumptions about work and create a shared language between coworking and enterprise communities.

Coworking vs. Cubicle Farms: Finding the “Third Place”Denise explains how coworking spaces stand apart from corporate offices.

She highlights the warmth, community, and creativity of independent spaces compared to the sterile feel of traditional office setups, offering practical strategies for coworking spaces to differentiate themselves.

Flexibility and Marginalised Groups: Unlocking New OpportunitiesFrom reducing barriers for working parents to creating equitable career paths, Denise illustrates how flexible work can empower marginalised groups.

She contrasts the potential of flexibility with the harm caused when it’s taken away, making a strong case for coworking as a cornerstone of future work strategies.

Educating the Market: Bridging the Knowledge GapBernie and Denise discuss the importance of educating coworking space owners and potential users about the value of coworking.

Denise emphasises the need for coworking spaces to articulate their unique benefits, aligning with workers’ intrinsic motivations to leave their home offices.

Change on the Fringe: Innovating the Future of WorkDenise reminds us that innovation starts at the edges of conversations.

She highlights how smaller, independent coworking spaces often lead the way in redefining how we work, with larger organisations only catching up later.

* Download your own The Science of Flexibility report.

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Denise on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Far too many email tips fall flat, leaving coworking spaces and micro businesses with newsletters that go unread or fail to connect.

But Helen Lindop sees email differently.

She offers practical, real-world advice for making email communication feel human again.

This isn’t about flashy tools or overwhelming schedules—it’s about getting the basics right and keeping things manageable.

In this episode, Bernie and Helen tackle the realities of email marketing for small teams.

They talk about why consistency matters more than perfection, how to avoid the last-minute "Friday email scramble," and why every coworking space should treat its email list like a conversation, not a broadcast.

Helen’s insights strip away the fluff and focus on what works, including where to start if email feels overwhelming and how to create a simple strategy that fits your goals.

This isn’t cookie-cutter advice. It’s a relatable, no-nonsense guide to making email work for real people with busy lives and big ideas.

Whether you run a coworking space, a community, a small business, or are just trying to communicate better, this episode has something for you.

And yes, Helen’s guide is exactly the resource you’ll wish you had years ago.

Timeline Highlights

[0:04] – Emily and Bernie introduce Third Place Works support

[0:25] – Bernie reveals why email is today’s focus

[0:45] – Helen describes her mentoring work and writing projects

[1:05] – Balancing quick setup with quality content

[3:49] – Shifting from “email blasts” to honest conversations

[5:06] – Strategy before software—knowing your goals first

[8:29] – Email as part of a well-rounded marketing plan

[10:01] – Consistency builds trust and recognition

[13:15] – Finding a frequency that fits your community

[17:25] – The ups and downs of emailing daily vs. monthly

[22:32] – Simple steps to grow your list without feeling pushy

[24:18] – Getting creative with QR codes and sign-in sheets

[25:28] – Permission-based sign-ups and respect for people’s inboxes

[26:04] – Repurposing your best material for a smoother workflow

[29:23] – Helen’s eBook—a practical guide at your fingertips

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Why Email Still MattersHelen points out that plenty of folks send emails without a plan.

She shows how scattered efforts can be turned into something more genuine and inviting.

The real power of email, especially for small coworking communities, lies in building relationships instead of just broadcasting news.

A Strategy that Works for YouHelen’s advice goes beyond picking a flashy platform.

She urges listeners to figure out specific objectives first—maybe they’re filling desks or encouraging people to see the human side of their space.

When you know your aim, you can choose tools and content that always hit the mark.

Quality Over FrequencyHelen and Bernie share their favourite tips on how often to email and what keeps your audience engaged.

* If daily messages sound overwhelming, that’s okay.

* Pick a schedule you’ll stick

* Then, fine-tune as you learn what your community likes.

Building a Community, One Signup at a TimeHelen stresses practical steps for attracting new subscribers.

From inviting existing contacts to placing a QR code by your entrance, these ideas fit small spaces on tight budgets. The main takeaway? Treat your list members like real people—because they are.

Helen’s eBook—A Resource with Real SubstanceHelen wrote her guide to help businesses at every stage, including those who’ve tried emailing and given up.

▶️ Email Marketing for Indie Businesses

With code at the end of the podcast, you can grab it for free before the end of February.

Email marketing for indie businesses is 34 pages long, which means it has enough depth to make a real difference to your business, but it’s short enough to read in under 40 minutes.

Think of it as a choose-your-own-path manual, so you skip what you already know and dive into what you need.

Links & Resources:

* ▶️ Helen’s ebook - Email Marketing for Indie Businesses (Get the code in the podcast)

* Helen’s Website

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Helen on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

In this episode, Bernie and Emily open up about turning resolutions into intentions that stick, focusing on personal pacing rather than quick-fix willpower.

They share why annual predictions can feel like guessing games, and how coworking communities can shape a more grounded approach to work and life.

From redefining what a “safe space” means in a coworking setting to exploring rural coworking’s potential, they address real-world ways to stay connected.

They also spotlight the shift toward creating your own opportunities—trading soul-crushing job hunts for the freedom of job-making.

Throughout it all, they remind listeners that being in tune with community needs leads to more authentic and supportive spaces.

Timeline Highlights

* [00:00] – Bernie outlines the Community Builders Cohort.

* [01:18] – Emily explains intentions over resolutions.

* [03:56] – Bernie highlights “Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025.”

* [05:50] – Reflecting on the anxiety of traditional office life.

* [10:51] – Exploring the IDEA Handbook and equity in coworking.

* [18:04] – Why rural coworking spaces matter now more than ever.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Intentions, Not ResolutionsBernie and Emily talk about moving away from rigid New Year’s resolutions toward honest, long-term intentions, they referance Ann Hawkins email newletter.

They emphasize how this approach helps folks stay grounded and connected, offering more room for setbacks without losing momentum.

Job Making Over Job SeekingThey explore the pressure of traditional job hunting and highlight the power of building your own opportunities.

Coworking becomes a launchpad where individuals share resources, spark collaborations, and sidestep outdated application processes that don’t serve everyone’s talents.

Equity, Accessibility, and the IDEA MovementEmily dives into the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) framework and why it matters.

They discuss how invisible challenges—like neurodivergence—often require supportive, flexible environments that typical work settings can’t provide.

Hospitality in CoworkingBernie explains “hospitality” beyond free coffee and comfy chairs.

Instead, it’s about truly seeing people, anticipating unspoken needs, and cultivating a safe atmosphere where folks can be themselves and do their best work.

Rural Coworking’s Rising TideThey spotlight the growing demand for rural coworking spaces, linking it to local revitalization.

With more people choosing to work outside major cities, small towns and remote areas are evolving into work-live communities that share resources, reduce commutes, and foster closer connections.

Community Builders CohortBernie and Emily wrap up with their online peer learning program Coworking Community Builder Cohort designed to help new or growing coworking operators.

It’s priced the same as a monthly coworking desk, making it easier for owners to jump in, swap ideas, and avoid isolation on their coworking journey.

Links & Resources:

* Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025 (Blog Post)

* 🎙️Revitalising Local Economies through Coworking with Julianne Becker

* 🎥 David Brooks - Making People Feel Seen: How to Do it Right

* Ann Hawkins Drive Newsletter - What does it feel like to really be seen?

* European Coworking Assembly IDEA Handbook

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Picture an icy, pre-dawn seaside where a ragtag bunch plunges into freezing water, bonds over silly world-record attempts, and turns a regular newsletter into a launchpad for an unbreakable community.

That’s the spirit Mark Masters brings to the mic.

In this episode, Bernie teams up with Mark, the force behind You Are The Media (YATM), to uncover how ridiculous challenges and genuine moments create lasting connections.

They explore how smaller coworking spaces can shine by sticking to their values, why newsletters are the secret weapon for building communities, and how real connections thrive when we let our guard down—like tossing Ferrero Rocher at breakneck speed.

Along the way, Mark and Bernie discuss YATM Creator Day 2025 plans, which will feature early morning sea swims, collaborative workshops, and European Coworking Day’s potential to unite coworking spaces to celebrate local connections and community spirit.

Because if life’s too short for tedious coffee hours and ‘don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards!’

It’s too short to keep quiet about what brings us together.

Timeline Highlights

[0:05] Emily shares how Third Place Works helps coworking professionals thrive.

[0:29] Mark Masters drops by to share his journey with You Are The Media.

[1:36] The wild story of Mark’s Friday cold swims and why they’re a metaphor for life.

[5:03] Why selling values (not discounts) creates lasting loyalty.

[9:38] The hidden trap of Black Friday deals for coworking spaces.

[12:26] Mark’s big 2024 lesson: trust others to lead and watch magic happen.

[17:43] How to uncover the secret talents of quiet community members.

[23:31] Why pizza and casual chats beat speed-dating-style networking every time.

[37:07] Mark’s unapologetic love for newsletters and why consistency wins.

[41:13] Creator Day 2025: collaboration, creativity, and early morning sea swims.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Freezing for Friendship: The Cold Swim EffectWhen Mark invited his community to a cold swim during the pandemic, he wasn’t just starting a tradition—he was proving that doing something tough (and slightly nuts) together builds trust and camaraderie like nothing else.

Values Over Discounts: The Long GameMark and Bernie discuss why slashing prices can backfire and how adhering to one's values creates a deeper, more sustainable connection with one's community.

Passing the Torch: Letting Others LeadMark shares how stepping back and letting others take the reins—whether for events or projects—boosts creativity, confidence, and collective ownership.

Spotlighting the UnderestimatedWith Gordon Fong’s story, Mark reminds us that the quieter voices often have the most impactful contributions.

All they need is the right platform to shine.

Flipping the Script on NetworkingForget awkward elevator pitches.

Mark’s events encourage meaningful conversations over shared meals and collaborative projects, making connections feel effortless.

Why Newsletters Still RockMark’s You Are The Media newsletter has been his community’s heartbeat for over a decade. He explains how showing up consistently (without spamming) builds loyalty and keeps conversations alive.

Creator Day 2025: Come for the Ideas, Stay for the SwimMark gives a sneak peek of Creator Day 2025, where attendees will workshop, collaborate, and celebrate—all capped off with an early morning sea swim.

Bernie also hints at exciting plans for European Coworking Day on 14 May.

Links & Resources

* You Are The Media (YATM) Website

* YATM on Instagram

* YATM Blog

* YATM Creator Day is 15th May 2025; get your ticket here

* Get Mark’s YATM newsletter every Thursday here.

* From First Ten to Forever: Building an Audience That Stays

* Mark Williams, ‘the rugby guy’ 🏉

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary:

What’s the point of coworking if no one feels like they belong?

In this episode, Bernie strips away the fluff with Chauntelle from Town Square Islington to talk about what matters: creating coworking spaces that don’t just look good on Instagram but bring people together.

Chauntelle doesn’t hold back—sharing her guerrilla marketing plans (dog-walking meetups, anyone?), honest struggles with no-shows at free events, and how to make a space feel like it’s for everyone, not just the usual suspects.

They cover practical stuff, like blending personal passions (gardening!) into your coworking projects and explaining why being visible in your community matters more than ever.

This isn’t a “how-to”—it’s a wake-up call for anyone trying to make coworking more human, accessible, and connected. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up for your community.

Timeline Highlights

[00:05] – Emily introduces Third Place Works and their tailored coworking cohorts.

[00:27] – Bernie and Chauntelle discuss her role at Townsquare Islington and her passion for gardening.

[02:24] – December struggles: Why coworking events face challenges during the festive season.

[03:25] – Adapting to post-pandemic event habits and returning to in-person gatherings.

[06:23] – Collaborating with local partners to create accessible events for nearby residents.

[10:02] – Breaking stereotypes: How coworking spaces can become more welcoming and diverse.

[15:36] – The power of creative ideas like dog-walking meetups to foster local connections.

[19:13] – Bringing gardening into coworking: How tactile activities build community bonds.

[24:08] – January planning: Tips for coworking event success in the new year.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Rethinking Event Planning: Timing, Outreach, and AccessibilityChauntelle reflects on the unpredictable nature of event planning, especially during transitional times like December.

She shares her strategies for balancing free and paid events while staying mindful of local challenges like transportation and budget constraints.

Making Coworking Spaces Feel WelcomingBernie and Chauntelle talk about how coworking spaces often unintentionally exclude people who don’t see themselves represented inside.

They discuss ideas like bursary programs and affordable workspace initiatives to help bridge the gap and invite more diverse users through the door.

Grassroots Outreach: Stepping Outside Comfort ZonesOne of the big themes is the importance of getting out into the local community—literally.

Chauntelle plans a dog-walking meetup in the area, which would be a fun way to connect with remote workers and freelancers.

Bernie adds a humorous touch with his story about meeting more people walking a friend’s dog than through any other activity.

Blending Passions with Professional RolesChauntelle shares how she merges her gardening business, Barefoot Planter, with her role at Town Square Islington.

From quick planting workshops to long-term collaborations with local parks, she’s proof that personal interests can meaningfully enhance coworking spaces.

January Events: Setting the Right PacePlanning events in the new year requires a thoughtful approach, and Chauntelle emphasizes giving people time to get back into the swing of things.

Her advice: start small, stay flexible, and focus on activities that bring people together in low-pressure ways.

Links & Resources

* Barefoot Planter Website

* Barefoot Planter on Instagram

* Town Square Islington

* What If There Were No Freelancers? Report by Town Square

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Chauntelle on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

In this episode, Bernie welcomes back Jaskiran Mangat, the creator of Finance Therapy, to untangle the complex web of money, mental health, and how they shape our lives.

Jaskiran doesn’t just talk about money; she’s on a mission to help people heal their financial relationships while navigating the everyday stress of keeping a business afloat in tough times.

From the struggles of underrepresented founders to the stark realities of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, this conversation gets straight to the heart of what’s holding people back—and how to move forward.

Timeline Highlights

* [0:01] – Why money and mental health are the conversations no one wants to have but everyone needs.

* [1:24] – How Jaskiran is building trust and community through Finance Therapy.

* [4:35] – The cost-of-living crisis: what it’s doing to businesses and the people behind them.

* [7:49] – Why funding still favors the privileged—and what needs to change.

* [13:25] – Tackling bias in funding with Fearless Funding School.

* [21:02] – Finance Therapy Circles: where money meets healing.

* [24:41] – The power of diversity: creating spaces that welcome everyone.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Money and Mental Health: Breaking the SilenceTalking about money is uncomfortable.

Jaskiran knows this better than most.

She’s spent years helping people unpack the fear, shame, and guilt that come with financial struggles.

In this segment, she explains why it’s so hard to address these issues—and why showing up consistently matters more than quick fixes.

The Reality Check: Cost of Living and Its Ripple EffectsFrom startups struggling to stay afloat to people moving back in with their parents to make ends meet, Jaskiran paints a vivid picture of what’s happening in the UK right now.

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the emotional toll and tough decisions that define everyday life in uncertain times.

Funding Inequality: Who Gets a Seat at the Table?Jaskiran doesn’t hold back when it comes to calling out systemic bias in funding.

She breaks down the statistics (spoiler: they’re bleak) and offers actionable ideas for creating more inclusive opportunities.

Through her Fearless Funding School, she’s challenging the norms and helping funders rethink how they approach their investments.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Finance Therapy CircleWhat if talking about money didn’t have to feel so heavy?

Jaskiran’s Finance Therapy Circles blend somatic practices with open, judgment-free conversations to create a unique healing space.

Whether you’re grappling with debt or trying to overcome generational financial trauma, these circles provide a rare opportunity to reflect and grow.

Authenticity Over Optics: Building Real ConnectionsToken diversity isn’t the answer, and Jaskiran is crystal clear about that.

In this part of the episode, she emphasizes the importance of using inclusive language, showcasing real impact, and building spaces where people truly feel seen and heard.

Links & Resources:

* Fearless Funding School

* Jaskiran Mangat on Substack

* Jaskiran’s Finance Therapy publication on Substack.

* Follow Jaskiran on Instagram (@MoneyWithJas)

* Atomic Report on Diversity in Venture Capital

* Join the Monthly Finance Therapy Circles on Luma

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Jaskiran on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Emily speaks with Kristina Schneider, co-founder of Cobot and a dedicated advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Together, they explore how the forthcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) will shape the future of coworking spaces and the tools they rely on, ensuring they are welcoming and accessible to all.

Kristina offers practical points on how the EAA, set to be enforced in June 2025, will reshape coworking spaces.

She highlights why accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating communities where everyone has a fair shot at belonging, whether walking into a coworking space or navigating a website.

Drawing from her decade of experience in coworking, software development, and event design, Kristina argues why this matters now more than ever.

This episode serves as both a practical guide and a rallying cry for coworking community builders and operators to build physical and digital spaces that genuinely include everyone.

Timeline Highlights

* [0:01] – Introduction to the episode and today’s guest, Kristina Schneider of Cobot.

* [0:45] – What is Cobot? A coworking management software born out of necessity in Berlin’s coworking scene.

* [1:30] – Embedding accessibility, diversity, and inclusion into Cobot’s product and team culture.

* [2:59] – Kristina’s personal experiences that shaped her commitment to accessibility.

* [4:27] – Translating physical space accessibility into digital design principles.

* [7:23] – Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: What coworking spaces need to know.

* [10:36] – Why accessibility isn’t just ethical—it’s a wise business decision.

* [16:39] – Cobot’s plans for improving accessibility in coworking spaces.

* [19:15] – Where to connect with Kristina online for more insights.

Episode Breakdown

Cobot: A Solution Born from CoworkingKristina explains how Cobot evolved from a tool for their own coworking space to software serving over 80 countries.

With a background in design and development, Kristina and her team deeply understand the challenges coworking operators face and how technology can help solve them.

The Human Side of AccessibilitySharing personal stories and professional experiences, Kristina discusses why accessibility matters.

From family members navigating disabilities to lessons learned as an event organiser, she emphasizes how small design choices can make a big difference in participation and inclusion.

Digital Accessibility: Designing Beyond the ScreenKristina connects the dots between physical and digital accessibility.

Whether ensuring contrast ratios for visually impaired users or optimizing apps for screen readers, she explains how coworking operators can make their digital tools work for everyone.

Navigating the European Accessibility ActWith enforcement starting June 2025, Kristina highlights the urgency for coworking spaces to audit their tech stacks.

She explains the basics of the European Accessibility Act and shares practical compliance tips, underscoring its benefits for business and the community.

Empathy in Product DesignCobot’s team-wide accessibility training, from screen reader usage to inclusive branding, showcases how empathy can drive better design.

Kristina outlines their proactive steps, including updates to customization features, to ensure accessibility remains a core focus.

Resources for Building Accessible Coworking SpacesKristina shares practical advice: Start by talking to your tech providers and explore the implementation of the European Accessibility Act in your country.

She also highlights Cobot’s blog as a go-to resource for coworking spaces looking to enhance their accessibility efforts.

Links & Resources:

* Making Coworking More Inclusive: A Guide to Meeting the WCAG 2.1 AA Standard for Online Accessibility

* Cobot.me

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Handbook

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn

Episode Summary:

Holidays can feel like a weird limbo for coworking spaces. Do you lock up, take a break, and hope for the best? Or do you keep communicating, even if it feels like no one’s paying attention? In this episode, Bernie and Emily dig into the realities of running a coworking space during the festive season. They strip away assumptions and explore what works—staying open for members, scheduling clever marketing, and gearing up for the January rush without burning out.

It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things. If you’re wondering how to strike that balance, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and actionable ideas for the new year.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] – Bernie and Emily reflect on the holiday mindset for coworking spaces.[1:50] – Should you keep your space open, and what does “open” really mean?[2:25] – Why people pay attention over the holidays (even if it doesn’t feel like it).[7:33] – The January membership surge—and why December marketing matters.[10:50] – How to stay visible without exhausting your team.[12:53] – Are holiday discounts worth it, or do they undercut your value?[16:08] – The Coworking Community Builder Cohort: what it is and why it works.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Should You Stay Open During the Holidays?Bernie and Emily kick things off by addressing a classic dilemma: close the space or keep it running. They discuss how “staying open” doesn’t have to mean full-service operations. For many members, just knowing they can access the space—even if it’s “unpersoned”—is enough. It’s about creating clarity and maintaining trust with your community.

Why Marketing in December Isn’t a Waste of TimeThe holidays often get written off as a dead zone for communication. Bernie calls this out as a myth. With less competition online, your posts and emails have a better chance of cutting through. Emily adds that the holidays are a time for people—especially freelancers and remote workers—to reflect on what’s next. This is your moment to show how your coworking space can be part of their 2025 story.

January: The Golden Month for MembershipsThe data is clear: January is prime time for coworking sign-ups. Bernie shares why consistent, low-effort marketing in December can put your space front and center when people make their new year plans. Emily emphasizes that communication doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs to remind people you’re there and ready to help them start strong.

Staying Visible Without Burning OutKeeping your team energized during the holidays is non-negotiable. Bernie and Emily break down the essentials: automate emails, schedule posts, and use tools like Slack or WhatsApp to maintain lightweight communication with members. Keeping things simple and consistent keeps you connected without overloading yourself or your staff.

Holiday Offers That Work Without Cheapening Your SpaceDiscounting memberships can backfire, making your space feel less valuable. Instead, Bernie suggests offering day passes or short-term memberships to attract people looking for a quiet, professional environment during the holidays. These small, thoughtful touches can introduce new members without sacrificing your long-term goals.

Why Freelancers and Remote Workers Seek Coworking During the HolidaysWith offices often shut and home life in complete holiday chaos, professionals need a place to focus. Emily points out that suburban and neighbourhood coworking spaces are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. Bernie adds that the rising awareness of flexible workspaces means more people are searching for nearby options—and you want your space to be the one they find.

The Coworking Community Builder Cohort: Real Support, No FluffThe conversation wraps with an introduction to the Coworking Community Builder Cohort. Bernie and Emily explain how this 12-week program allows owners and community managers a place to connect, plan, and build productivity systems that work for them. It’s not about selling solutions; it’s about working together to create approaches that fit your space, community, and goals.

Why This Episode Matters

This isn’t your typical holiday advice.

Bernie and Emily examine the practical, no-nonsense challenges of running a coworking space during one of the year’s most unpredictable seasons.

They offer a clear path forward that respects the realities of running space while showing how small, thoughtful actions can set you up for success in January and beyond.

Links & Resources:

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie chats with Julie and Sonya, founders of STORY22, to unpack the real deal of AI, content, and customer service for running your coworking business.

They share their journey from StoryBrand guides to leveraging AI tools for content creation and strategy.

Together, they explore how coworking professionals can incorporate AI into marketing, streamline content creation, and adapt to ever-changing customer needs.

Sonya and Julie also dive into the intersection of customer service and marketing, inspired by concepts from Unreasonable Hospitality.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:02] – Introduction: Helping coworking professionals with tailored cohorts.

[0:23] – Bernie welcomes Sonya and Julie, co-founders of Story 22.

[1:11] – Julie and Sonya's backgrounds and journey to StoryBrand.

[3:36] – How AI sparks creativity and boosts marketing quality.

[8:15] – Practical tips for coworking spaces to start using AI.

[16:01] – The "gold and pencil" analogy for adaptable marketing.

[25:15] – AI's role in enhancing StoryBrand application.

[30:41] – How exceptional customer service empowers marketing.

[34:47] – Where to find Sonya and Julie online.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Unlocking Creativity with AIJulie and Sonya discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity help streamline idea generation, improve content quality, and save time—once you’ve mastered the learning curve.

From brainstorming to refining tone, AI has become their creative partner.

However, they emphasize that AI requires human oversight to validate content and maintain authenticity.

Tailoring AI for Marketing and CoworkingSonya shares her insights on using different AI tools for specific tasks.

AI can support email marketing, blog creation, and Instagram strategy for coworking folks.

The key is persistence: learning to prompt effectively and understanding each tool’s unique “personality” leads to better results.

Customer Service Meets MarketingDrawing inspiration from Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality, Sonya and Julie explain how exceptional customer service can reduce marketing efforts.

They encourage coworking spaces to focus on creating "wow" moments for members, fostering trust and loyalty.

StoryBrand and AI: Finding the BalanceSonya and Julie, as seasoned StoryBrand guides, explain why AI can’t replace human strategic thinking.

While AI can accelerate processes like competitor analysis or avatar development, it lacks the context and nuance needed for compelling storytelling.

StoryBrand still requires human insight to craft a meaningful brand script.

Links & Resources:

* Story 22 Website

* Story 22 LinkedIn Page

* Unreasonable Hospitality Book

* Business Made Simple University

* StoryBrand.com

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Sonya Whittam on LinkedIn

* Connect with Julie Firth on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability. These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑.

Episode Summary:In this episode, Bernie chats with Stephen Carrick-Davis, founder of FaceWork and a passionate advocate for creating work opportunities through community spaces.

Together, they explore how the FaceWork maker space initiative in South London is breaking down barriers to employment, supporting refugees, and redefining what it means to “make” jobs instead of just seeking them.

They discuss how coworking can serve as a modern community hub, fostering connection, resilience, and local engagement in ways that support those often excluded from traditional labour markets.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:03] – Emily introduces the Third Place Works Coworking Community Builder Cohort[0:24] – Bernie introduces Stephen Carrick-Davis and the impact of FaceWork[1:25] – Makerspace and its effects on local London communities[2:32] – Social impact coworking: Bridging the gap for those furthest from the job market[5:51] – Stephen on job making vs. job seeking and redefining ‘making’

[8:34] – Shallow entry points: A new perspective on the world of work

[10:49] – Making as social integration: How FaceWork builds community

[12:15] – The importance of intergenerational connections in neighbourhoods

[13:54] – Rebuilding local trust and connection post-COVID

[17:30] – Why coworking spaces should serve as community hubs

[20:14] – The high street as a new coworking frontier

[23:51] – Lessons from Spain: Community at the school gate

[28:15] – Stephen’s approach to empowering refugee communities

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

The Impact of Makerspaces: Bridging Gaps in LondonStephen explores the purpose behind FaceWork’s maker space initiative, a community-driven project in South London aimed at helping those on the fringes of the job market.

From supporting refugees to rethinking job-making, Stephen highlights how the maker space model is about more than just workspace—it’s about connection, empowerment, and real-world change.

Job Seeking vs. Job Making: A New Mindset for WorkBernie and Stephen discuss the powerful concept of “making” jobs rather than simply seeking them.

For Stephen, making isn’t just about physical creation and building connections, skills, and opportunities, especially for those facing language or cultural barriers in traditional job-seeking processes.

Reimagining Community Spaces for Social GoodStephen shares his vision for community-led coworking spaces, reflecting on the need for accessible, ‘high-street coworking spaces.’

This isn’t just about business; it’s about creating local hubs where connections are formed and trust is built.

Stephen believes these spaces can foster a new era of social integration and local cohesion.

Learning Through Experience: Shallow Entry Points in WorkThe conversation turns to shallow entry points, an approach that allows people to ease into the job market through accessible, low-pressure environments. Stephen likens this to a “swimming pool” approach, where people can wade in without feeling overwhelmed, offering refugees and younger generations a chance to develop confidence and skills gradually.

Rebuilding Social Fabric Post-COVIDReflecting on lessons learned during COVID, Bernie and Stephen talk about how the pandemic has reshaped local communities. For Stephen, coworking spaces represent modern-day community centres, spaces that can foster relationships across generations and backgrounds. He shares his hopes for coworking to help repair the social fabric, creating environments where people are more connected and supportive of one another.

The outline for the maker space

Links & Resources:

* FaceWork main website

* FaceWork on Instagram

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Stephen Carrick-Davis on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

“We’re keeping people in Wigan, both in jobs, both in supply chain, young people not jumping on the train any longer to go in 30 minutes down the train track to Manchester or Liverpool. You don’t need to go outside of Wigan now. You can do everything in here.”Lee Dalgleish

Tired of running yourself into the ground?

Then stop running alone.

*On February 24th, the London Coworking Assembly presents Unreasonable Connection Goes Live!—a one-day working session for the people running London’s most vital neighbourhood spaces and the public sector allies working to help them thrive.*

It’s a day to share the load, find real solutions, and build a new playbook, together.

Lee Dalgleish fixes problems.

Not the tidy, admin problems.

The ones where young people leave town because there’s nothing for them.

Where historic buildings rot because nobody knows how to bring them back.

Where talent drains to bigger cities because local economies can’t retain it.

He’s the Commercial Property Manager at The Heaton Group in Wigan.

But that title doesn’t capture what he actually does.

The Heaton Group bought Eckersley Mills in October 2021. Three massive mills from the late 1800s, right in the centre of Wigan, sitting between Manchester and Liverpool.

The sort of place most people write off as too expensive, too complicated, too far gone.

They renamed it Cotton Works.

Then they started building something nobody expected.

Three Mills Pub opened in May 2024.

Four and a half thousand square feet with original slab stone flooring. The sort of character you can’t fake.

Lee’s daughter manages it now.

Feast at the Mills followed in October 2023.

An outdoor food hall in the old weaving sheds. DJs, street food, families, dog walkers, and bottomless brunches.

Over 2,000 people show up every weekend in summer.

But here’s what matters.

Cotton Works isn’t just hospitality. It’s a regeneration project built to stop the brain drain.

Wigan Youth Zone sits at 35,000 square feet. The largest youth facility of its kind in Europe.

Young people aged five to early twenties. Non-means-tested.

Music studios, climbing frames, arts, life skills. Teaching kids how to use a washing machine and turn on a dishwasher alongside creative work.

Lee’s the Chair of Development on the committee.

The Youth Zone runs on patrons—local businesses that support financially and in-kind. IT companies, joiners, and electricians.

Not just writing cheques. Doing the work.

Then there’s Weave.

The coworking space at Cotton Works. Hot desks, resident desks, offices.

Built to keep Wigan’s young talent in Wigan. To stop the exodus to Manchester and Liverpool that costs the town billions.

And the Friday Club.

Second Friday of every month. Over 250 people. Free drink when you arrive.

Business owners from Bolton, Warrington, St Helens. Doors that were slamming shut elsewhere stay open here.

All the proceeds go to local charities. Team Wigan & Leigh. The Brick. Daffodils Dreams. Wigan & Leigh Hospice. The Youth Zone.

This episode is for operators who’ve been told you need venture capital to make an impact.

For anyone who thinks regeneration belongs to property developers with offshore accounts.

Lee’s got a five-yard rule.

Anyone within five yards who makes eye contact gets a hello.

Sounds basic.

But it’s how you build a town where people don’t just work. They stay.

Timeline Highlights

[02:00] Lee on what he’s known for: “Commercial Property Manager at the Heaton group, Wigan.”

[02:29] What Lee wants to be known for: “If you’ve got a question enough, I can help you. Come to me. I’ll do my best to help you.”

[03:38] Eckersley Mills purchased: “In October 2021, we purchased the Ecclesley site, which is now known today as Cotton Work.s”

[04:56] Three Mills character: “It’s just got full of character... epitomises everything that we’re doing here... the restoration work, the respect that we’re paying to all these buildings.”

[06:22] Keeping people in Wigan: “We’re keeping people in Wigan... You don’t need to go outside of Wigan now. You can do everything in here.”

[07:54] Feast at the Mills: “We opened up that in October 2023... what we wanted to create is just people starting to come down to Cotton Works.”

[10:21] Summer numbers: “In the summer months, we’re getting over 2000 people every weekend into the venue, and it’s just snowballed.”

[12:09] Wigan Youth Zone scale: “Wigan Youthsown is the largest Uson of its kind in Europe. It’s 35,000 square feet.”

[13:35] Youth Zone inclusivity: “It’s not means-tested, Bernie... there’s no way of distinguishing children or young adults when they walk in the building... it’s for everybody and anybody.”

[16:29] Lee’s role: “I’m now Chair of Development within the committee... we bounce off each other, and we support each other.”

[18:54] Weave’s purpose: “Weave is about community... It allows small businesses to organically come in... to collaborate with other like-minded professionals.”

[21:23] Friday Club origin: “Come down on the second Friday of each month to three mills or to Feast at the Mills... you get a free drink... come and meet us.”

[23:32] Friday Club impact: “People are coming up to me now saying... we’ve got clients based in Wigan that we’ve never, ever had before.”

[27:03] Five-yard rule: “Everybody that’s within five yards of me, if they make eye contact with me, I’d know them and say hello to them.”

[29:47] Where to connect: “I’m always here at Cotton Works. I’m based up in Wiv in the centre of Wigan. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.”

What 2,000 People on a Weekend Actually Means

Most coworking spaces spend years trying to build community.

Cotton Works drew 2,000 people per weekend within months of opening Feast at the Mills.

Bernie asked the obvious question. How?

Lee’s answer is simpler than you’d think.

They created a place where people wanted to be.

Not just a venue with food and drink. A space where Doris and George bring their dog for a pint and listen to live music. Where Lee’s daughters turn up for bottomless brunch and DJs.

Where families find activities for kids without feeling like they’re at a soft play centre with alcohol.

“We’ve got dorming on the door, but I beg to differ whether or not we’re at the touch of what we ever need them because everybody comes in.”

No security incidents. No trouble.

Just people from across Wigan finding a reason to come down to the canal on a Friday night.

This isn’t a hospitality strategy.

It’s proof that when you build something the town actually needs, rather than what property developers think will maximise yield, people show up.

Feast at the Mills opened in October 2023. Within a year, it became the place people from outside Wigan know about.

“How do you know Wigan, Mitchell?” Bernie gets asked.

“Feast at the Mills,” they say.

That’s not marketing.

That’s what happens when 2,000 people have a good time and tell their mates.

The Patron Model That Funds a Youth Zone

Wigan Youth Zone costs money to run.

Serious money.

35,000 s...

Episode Summary

In the Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie sits down with Freddie Fforde, the bold mind behind Patch—a company on a mission to bring real life back to UK high streets.

Freddie's vision is an intelligent rebellion against the stale, commuter-driven work culture, flipping the script by building coworking spaces that anchor communities and breathe life into local neighbourhoods.

Freddie's journey from tech startups to creating Patch is about more than just business; it's a rallying cry for a future where work serves the people.

They explore what it means to discard the old "head to the city" mindset and challenge why we commute.

This is about connecting people, bringing purpose to local economies, and making coworking spaces the beating heart of communities.

Expect no fluff, direct experience, and perspectives on how coworking is evolving to fuel a local revolution—creating spaces that aren't just offices but lifelines for entire communities.

Timeline Highlights

[00:01] - Introduction by Emily and Bernie on Third Place Works and resources for coworking space owners.

[00:25] - Bernie welcomes Freddie Fforde, discussing Patch's mission to create local coworking spaces on every high street.

[02:35] - Freddie's view on community and coworking: expanding the idea of "work" beyond desks and offices.

[05:20] - Freddie's first experience with coworking and how it shaped his vision for Patch.

[08:33] - The "Work Near Home" Manifesto—a look into Freddie's passion for local coworking.

[11:16] - The commuting model as a "low ambition" idea and why it's time to rethink it.

[16:58] - The pandemic's impact on coworking and remote work and why the shift to local workspaces is here to stay.

[18:30] - Partnering with local authorities—Freddie's tips for coworking space owners on collaborating with councils to bring coworking into local economies.

[21:06] - Revitalizing the high street—how coworking spaces like Patch contribute to town regeneration.

[24:49] - Freddie's success stories: how Patch's presence on high streets sparks economic and social activity.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Patch's Mission to Build Community-First Coworking Spaces

Freddie shares the story behind Patch and its mission to create spaces that serve as workplaces and vital hubs of local communities.

His goal?

To bring coworking to every high street across the UK, making workspaces that genuinely meet people where they live.

Challenging Traditional Workspaces

As a company, Patch aims to redefine coworking, moving away from the corporate business centre model to create spaces that feel like true community hubs.

Freddie envisions Patch locations hosting various activities, from parenting groups to local clubs, reflecting communities' diverse needs.

Rethinking the Commute

Freddie argues that the traditional commute is a "low ambition" approach to work.

With technology allowing people to work closer to home, Patch advocates for a "work near home" approach, which values people's time and enriches local economies.

The Power of Local Partnerships

Freddie discusses his experiences working with local councils and shares advice for coworking operators on aligning with local authorities.

By framing coworking spaces as tools for economic and social uplift, coworking operators can become valuable partners in town regeneration.

Technology's Role in Transforming Work

Freddie reflects on how technology, especially post-pandemic, has reshaped the workplace.

With data showing a steady trend toward remote work, he believes local coworking spaces have a significant role in the future of work, providing flexible, accessible options that fit people's lives.

Success Stories and Future Vision

Freddie shares examples of Patch's impact on high streets, with stories of local businesses benefiting from coworking spaces that draw people back into town centres.

He envisions a future where coworking spaces serve as the new heart of communities, blending work, social connection, and local pride.

Links & Resources

* Patch Official Website

* Patch Manifesto on Medium

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Freddie Fforde on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren't just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.

If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

In today’s episode, Bernie sits down with Claire Billings, a fierce advocate for self-connection who’s walked the talk of career pivots and personal growth.

After 30 years in high-stakes marketing, Claire became a leadership coach.

She’s no stranger to the highs and lows of self-doubt and the chaotic world of career transitions, and she’s here to share how mindfulness, hard-earned confidence, and a hefty dose of self-trust helped her carve out a path that’s true to herself—and that could help you do the same.

This isn’t your typical leadership talk. Bernie and Claire met on Jamie Catto’s “Bring It” course, and their connection comes from a shared mission: to help people ‘get real’ with themselves and each other.

They dig into the tough stuff—why imposter syndrome persists, why we’re always afraid of change, and why learning to sit with discomfort is the best growth hack.

Expect honesty, humour, and the kind of advice you don’t find in self-help books.

This episode is for anyone on the edge of a significant change, ready to tune into themselves and take a step forward.

Timeline Highlights

[00:02] - Bernie and Emily introduce the podcast and share resources for coworking professionals.

[00:21] - Bernie welcomes Claire Billings, noting her journey from marketing to leadership coaching.

[02:08] - Claire advises her younger self on taking risks and following her instincts.

[03:29] - Imposter syndrome in the early years—Claire shares about battling self-doubt.

[04:48] - How mindfulness brought Claire a fresh sense of self-assurance.

[06:43] - Bernie’s reflections on adapting to new management and workplace shifts.

[11:46] - Claire on neurodiversity, her work style, and why understanding oneself is vital to effective leadership.

[16:20] - The power of presence—Claire’s take on being connected to yourself at work.

[19:18] - The “avoiding the avoid” meditation story—a no-nonsense approach to tackling procrastination.

[22:54] - Claire on why discomfort is the best catalyst for growth.

[24:29] - A look at Claire’s “Mindful Leadership Masterclass,” crafted for senior women in marketing and advertising.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

* Real Talk for Young ProfessionalsClaire opens up about her early days in marketing and journalism, sharing advice she’d give her younger self on taking risks and trusting her gut, even when others don’t see the vision. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t easy, and sometimes, you must leap.

* Facing Down Imposter SyndromeClaire and Bernie dig into the gritty side of imposter syndrome, touching on how this persistent self-doubt shapes so many of our careers. Claire’s journey shows how it can be a battle, but with the right tools, you can learn to carry it without letting it weigh you down.

* Mindfulness as a Power MoveFor Claire, mindfulness is more than a trendy buzzword. It’s a tool she’s used to ground herself amid career shifts and significant life changes. Claire shares her journey into mindfulness and offers practical steps for handling the chaos of work and life.

* Learning to Ride ChangeWorkplace dynamics are constantly shifting, and it’s not always comfortable. Claire shares her experience navigating change, from new bosses to new environments, and offers grounded advice for managing transitions with confidence and resilience.

* The Art of Facing What You’re AvoidingBernie recounts a pivotal meditation session with Claire, one focused on breaking the habit of avoidance. They discuss practical mindfulness tips for tackling procrastination, whether it’s the little things or big projects we keep putting off.

* Growth Through DiscomfortClaire’s philosophy is straightforward: growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. She urges listeners to face their fears and embrace the uncomfortable moments leading to breakthroughs.

* Upcoming Event: Mindful Leadership MasterclassClaire invites listeners to her upcoming free online session, “Make The Leap—Recognising Your Authentic Female Leadership Style,” on Tuesday, November 12th. This session is for women leaders in comms, advertising and marketing. It’s a space to connect, reflect, and develop an authentic leadership style that works with your unique strengths.

Links & Resources

* Claire’s Online Mindful Leadership Masterclass

* Join Claires’s ‘Marketing Perspectives’ LinkedIn Newsletter here.

* Claires website

* Jamie Catto’s Bring It Teacher Training.

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get your pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Claire on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie chats with Julianne Becker, co-founder of Coconat—a unique retreat in the German countryside where coworking and community blend naturally. Julianne shares how Coconat grew from a fresh idea about work-life balance into a thriving coworking and co-living space that has been operating for over a decade. She also describes her role with the Exile Media Hub, a coworking project that supports exiled journalists and refugees and redefines coworking’s social impact in rural spaces.

Together, Bernie and Julianne explore how coworking has changed in Germany, especially outside big cities, where local initiatives like the German Coworking Festival have created a network connecting spaces and people nationwide. Julianne explains how small, independent coworking spaces are often the beating heart of their communities and local economies, offering a glimpse into how coworking can be a vital support system for small businesses, freelancers, and the broader community. This episode offers fresh perspectives on rural coworking, community-building, and how coworking spaces are reshaping local economies.

Timeline Summary:

* [0:01] – Intro to Third Place Works, supporting coworking professionals.

* [0:34] – Meet Julianne Becker, Coconat co-founder and Exile Media Hub project manager.

* [1:20] – Julianne’s journey to managing a coworking and refugee housing project.

* [2:35] – Coconat’s beginnings: creating a new work-life balance concept.

* [5:19] – The impact of COVID on coworking and the “workation” trend.

* [8:20] – How coworking perception shifted in Germany, leading to the German Coworking Festival.

* [10:28] – Supporting independent coworking spaces through festivals.

* [15:01] – Why small businesses are essential to local economies.

* [17:56] – Bringing the public into coworking events for community and economic growth.

* [20:08] – Julianne’s take on rural coworking and the unique community it builds.

* [23:16] – How coworking spaces can participate by opening their doors.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Julianne Becker and CoconatJulianne introduces herself as the co-founder of Coconat, a rural coworking retreat, and her role is managing the Exile Media Hub. This project brings coworking to a new social level by supporting journalists and refugees.

Her dedication to blending coworking with social impact sets a powerful tone for the episode.

Coconat’s BeginningsCoconat started as an answer to the hustle of city life, offering a way for urban professionals to escape to nature without sacrificing productivity. Julianne shares how she and her partner leapt, creating a place where people could work and unwind in a setting designed for focus and community. It was a fresh idea back then, but it’s grown into something more than they imagined.

COVID’s Mixed Impact on Rural CoworkingWhile COVID brought more awareness to remote work, Julianne explains why it didn’t quite ignite the “remote work revolution” she’d anticipated. The experience brought new visitors and gave people a taste of flexible work, but the shift in corporate culture was slower than expected, creating new opportunities and some roadblocks.

The German Coworking FestivalThe German Coworking Festival was born from a need to put small, independently run coworking spaces on the map. Julianne and Bernie discuss how the festival connects urban and rural spaces across Germany, helping showcase coworking’s role in supporting small businesses and local communities.

Supporting Small Businesses through CoworkingAs Julianne and Bernie discuss, independent coworking spaces in Germany serve as support hubs for local businesses and freelancers. The German Coworking Festival highlights these small spaces as economic engines, especially in rural areas, showing how coworking spaces help power local economies.

The Public’s Role in CoworkingJulianne talks about coworking spaces as gathering points for diverse workers, which fosters a deep sense of community. This “coworking connection” builds an economic and social foundation that supports small towns and gives people a reason to engage with coworking beyond the usual city models.

Welcoming the Public to Coworking EventsJulianne wraps up by sharing simple ways coworking spaces can participate in community events, like the festival, just by opening their doors. Using the analogy from “Horton Hears a Who,” she describes how each small voice contributes to a more significant movement. By coming together, independent coworking spaces can show that their impact is more significant than it may seem.

Links & Resources

* Coconat Workation Retreat - Bad Belzig Germany

* Coconat Workation on Instagram

* Exile Media Hub - Support Refugee Media Professionals

* Exile Media Hub Brandenburg Main Site

* Horton Hears a Who - Dr Seuss

* 10,000 Independents Project - Philadelphia USA

* Lisette Sutherland

* German Coworking Festival

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get your pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Julianne on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, we’re joined by Stacey Sheppard, the unstoppable force behind The Tribe—a coworking space nestled in Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes in Devon, that is changing the game for women in business.

Stacey doesn’t just talk about empowering women; she lives it.

From her “shepherd leadership” approach to her Faith Over Fear initiative, Stacey reminds us that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about showing up, even when things get messy.

Stacey’s story is more than a roadmap—it’s a rallying cry.

She’s carved out a space for women to find their voice, build community, and take the leap into entrepreneurship, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Hit play if you’re a coworking space owner, a woman in business, or just someone looking for a spark of real talk and inspiration.

Stacey’s approach to building paths for others is raw and honest, and we need more of it today.

Episode Highlights

* [00:40] - Stacey’s background and her mission to build a supportive space for women in business

* [01:16] - How “business shepherd” became her guiding approach to leadership

* [02:39] - Exploring the roots and impact of shepherd leadership at The Tribe

* [04:28] - Faith over fear: How Stacey’s community initiative helps women tackle challenges head-on

* [08:54] - Facing self-doubt and starting imperfectly

* [14:16] - Why consistency beats perfection in podcasting and content creation

* [22:33] - Building pathways to entrepreneurship for women and young girls

* [27:17] - The potential for coworking spaces to serve as hubs of support, direction, and connection

Episode Breakdown

Shepherd Leadership: Guiding with PurposeStacey has crafted her leadership style around “shepherd leadership.”

Rather than adopting the usual labels like coach or mentor, she embraced a role rooted in guidance and connection, focusing on helping her members chart their unique paths through the business landscape.

She explains that this style is about leading by example and always tuning into her community’s needs and challenges.

Faith Over Fear: Creating Resilience Through CommunityStacey didn’t just talk about resilience; she lived it, primarily through hurdles like the pandemic and losing her workspace’s original location.

Out of these challenges, she launched the “Faith Over Fear” club, a space for members to support each other in facing fears and pursuing big goals.

For Stacey, this group embodies the idea that community can be a powerful anchor, providing support and accountability when the journey feels toughest.

Empowering the Next Generation Through EntrepreneurshipStacey sees coworking as more than just a workplace—a gateway to entrepreneurship.

She’s made it her mission to bridge the knowledge gap for women interested in business, providing guidance, mentorship, and practical insights that make the journey less lonely.

Through Athena Magazine, she also aims to extend these lessons to young girls in Devon, helping them imagine and prepare for careers that might not exist yet, especially in a rapidly changing job landscape.

Starting Imperfectly: The Value of Growth Over PerfectionWhen trying something new, Stacey believes in starting “badly”—embracing imperfection as a natural step in growth.

She shares this approach with her community and her kids, encouraging them to keep going despite rough times.

In her view, the absolute joy lies in the journey and the progress that comes from each small step forward, not from waiting until everything feels “just right.”

Realistic Expectations as a Path to LongevityIn her experience, setting realistic expectations is vital for anyone starting something new.

Stacey explains how she approached launching her coworking space by researching the market, understanding what to expect, and pacing herself accordingly.

This pragmatic mindset has helped her weather the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with a commitment to her mission that keeps her going despite the odds.

* The Design Sheppard Staceys interior design blog

* The Business Sheppard

* Athena Magazine - for Devon-based women in business.

* Choosing Faith Over Fear is Your Key to Success

* The Tribe Coworking Space

* Ira Glass - The Gap Talk

* Peter Block - Six Conversations

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Bernie welcomes back Gareth Jones, the founder of Town Square, for what feels like his five-hundredth appearance (and we’re glad to have him back!).

Gareth gets honest about the surge in applications they’ve been seeing—over 500 people have applied for roles at their London locations in the last few months alone.

This sudden wave of interest got him thinking, so they’re holding workshops at their Islington space to give people a proper look at what a career in coworking actually means.

We dig into why so many people are eyeing coworking jobs now, what it takes to stand out when applying, and why Gareth insists on hiring local talent who know their communities.

We also explore how coworking spaces, like the best restaurants, create a buzz of connection and belonging—skills Gareth says come naturally to those who’ve worked in hospitality.

Whether you’re curious about the ins and outs of building a career in coworking or you’re just here for a fresh perspective on how these spaces are becoming modern-day community hubs, Gareth’s stories and insights paint a vivid picture of what’s possible when coworking spaces focus on people first.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

[00:27] - Bernie Welcomes Gareth Jones, Founder of Town SquareBernie introduces Gareth and mentions his long-standing connection with the show.

Gareth begins by discussing his experience developing coworking spaces across the UK and the importance of partnering with local communities to establish and grow these spaces.

[01:02] - The Surge in Job Applications for Coworking RolesGareth reveals that over 500 people applied for jobs in Town Square’s London locations this summer—a surge they had never seen before.

In response, Town Square has initiated free workshops to educate job seekers about career opportunities in the coworking sector, broadening awareness and access to these roles.

[03:12] - Coworking and Hospitality: Drawing ParallelsBernie and Gareth chat about how working in coworking spaces mirrors the hospitality industry, especially regarding service and community interaction.

Gareth explains how they often seek candidates with hospitality backgrounds due to their transferable skills, which are valuable in managing the dynamic environment of coworking spaces.

[05:12] - Who’s Applying for Coworking Jobs?Gareth examines the diverse backgrounds of the applicants, ranging from hospitality managers to entrepreneurs and even salespeople.

He notes that many are drawn to coworking for its community focus and potential for career growth as they seek more stable and meaningful roles.

[06:41] - Overqualified Candidates Seeking StabilityGareth highlights a trend of overqualified candidates applying for entry-level positions, such as community coordinators.

He attributes this to the current economic climate, where stability and values-based roles are becoming increasingly important for professionals, regardless of their previous seniority or salary levels.

[10:18] - Local Hiring: The Key to Authentic Community ManagementGareth emphasises the importance of hiring locally and integrating proximity as a crucial factor in their recruitment process.

Understanding the local community, he argues, significantly boosts the credibility and effectiveness of community managers in engaging members and developing a sense of belonging.

[12:11] - Strategies for Effective Recruitment in CoworkingResponding to Bernie’s question, Gareth discusses finding the right talent.

He shares his strategy of avoiding traditional job platforms, which often attract candidates lacking genuine interest.

Instead, he focuses on leveraging local networks and encouraging team referrals to find the right fit.

[17:02] - Scaling Town Square Without Compromising AuthenticityGareth speaks about the complexities of expanding Town Square while staying true to its community-first ethos.

He shares their decision to avoid signing new leases and instead partner with local organisations to build sustainable, community-driven coworking environments.

He underscores the importance of adapting while keeping the mission focused on community wealth-building rather than profit-driven expansion.

[19:32] - ‘Clickday’: When a Coworking Space Comes to LifeGareth introduces the concept of ‘Clickday’—when a coworking space reaches its peak energy and activity - when everything ‘clicks’ for the first time.

He explains how they aim to increase the frequency of these days, highlighting the patience and persistence needed to build thriving coworking communities, particularly in smaller towns and regions.

[24:26] - Upcoming Workshop on October 30th: A Sneak PeekGareth promotes an upcoming workshop aimed at job seekers interested in coworking careers.

He provides an overview of the event, which will explore the history of coworking, typical job roles, and practical application tips.

The workshop is designed to bridge the gap for those unfamiliar with the coworking sector, offering insights into career pathways within the industry.

[25:00] - The Future of Coworking as Community HubsBernie and Gareth discuss the growing role of coworking spaces as community hubs, filling the void left by traditional gathering places like pubs and community centres.

Gareth explains how coworking is a critical driver for local economic growth, providing a space for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and meaningful connections.

Links & Resources

* Coworking Careers Day Event

* Town Square Spaces Website

* What if Everyone Could Walk to Work?

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get your pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie Mitchell is joined by Szilvia Filip, founder of Coworking Hungary and owner of a coworking space in Vesprém.

Szilvia shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a central figure in Hungary’s coworking scene.

She discusses building a freelance ecosystem, fostering collaboration among coworking spaces, and how the Coworking Hungary Association supports the local movement.

We discuss the balance between coworking and freelancing, the challenges of launching an association, and the power of community initiatives like Open Coworking Week.

Szilvia also gives us an exclusive look at the upcoming European Coworking Day and why it matters for coworking in Hungary.

This episode offers invaluable insights if you’re interested in growing a coworking community or learning how collaboration can lead to success.

Stay tuned for Szilvia’s advice on turning coworking spaces into innovation hubs and how you can contribute to the European coworking movement.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] – Bernie introduces Szilvia Filip, founder of Coworking Hungary, and discusses her role in the Hungarian coworking scene.[01:24] – Szilvia shares her first experience in a coworking space and how it inspired her to move from corporate life to community building.[03:48] – The allure of coworking for freelancers: Szilvia explains what attracted her to coworking and why freelancers find these spaces so valuable.[05:09] – Slow and steady: Szilvia recounts how she transitioned from her corporate job to freelancing, balancing both for years before leaping.[08:37] – Building an ecosystem: Szilvia discusses how she created a supportive network for freelancers and coworking space owners across Hungary.[14:53] – The rise of coworking in Hungary: Insights into the state of coworking in Hungary and how the movement has grown.[15:28] – Founding the Coworking Hungary Association: Szilvia faced challenges in setting up the association and the value it now brings to members.[18:43] – Open Coworking Week: Szilvia shares how this national initiative allows freelancers to experience coworking spaces across Hungary and the power of collective promotion.[21:37] – The community advantage: Szilvia reflects on the importance of community among coworking space owners and the benefits of collaborating on national campaigns.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Szilvia’s First Experience with Coworking:Szilvia vividly recalls stepping into her first coworking space in Budapest over a decade ago. The space's flexibility, creativity, and freedom instantly appealed to her, marking the start of her coworking journey.

From Corporate Life to Freelance Freedom:Shifting from corporate marketing to freelancing was a gradual process for Szilvia. She explains how she juggled both worlds for years, slowly building her freelance career alongside her corporate job.

Creating an Ecosystem for Coworking and Freelancers:Szilvia talks about how she brought together coworking space owners and freelancers to form a supportive ecosystem. By creating events and meetups, she helped foster a thriving community that led to the founding of the Coworking Hungary Association.

The Birth of Coworking Hungary Association:Starting a national association wasn’t easy. Szilvia shares her hurdles and how she and other coworking space owners worked together to create something that truly serves its members without becoming a burden.

The Power of Collaboration:One of the main benefits of the Coworking Hungary group is the sense of community. Szilvia explains how initiatives like Open Coworking Week help small spaces unite and offer more value to freelancers and remote workers nationwide.

Why Community Matters in Coworking:Collaboration is at the heart of Szilvia's coworking. She shares how building a community of space owners, and freelancers help people feel less isolated and more motivated to grow their businesses together.

Links & Resources:

* Coworking Hungary

* KATEDRA Coworking Veszprém

* FreelancerBlog is building the Hungarian freelancer ecosystem.

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Szilvia on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise of running a micro or small business.

Ann Hawkins, founder of Drive, the Collaborative Network, joins us to share advice on simplifying the chaos and finding success by working together.

Ann believes running a business doesn’t have to be a lonely grind—collaborating with the right people can be clear, focused, and rewarding.

We cover everything from nailing down your personal 'why' to setting practical goals and how the right resources and skills can further your business without burning you out.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by running your own business, Ann’s insights will remind you that it doesn’t have to be complicated.

More importantly, collaboration—even with competitors—might be the best-kept secret to thriving in the coworking world.

Ann’s 'Work Smart, Not Hard' Checklist gets a spotlight here.

It offers sharp, actionable steps for anyone who wants to run a business without losing their mind.

Plus, we explore how partnerships within the coworking community can propel your business forward in unexpected and powerful ways.

Timeline Summary:

* [00:33] – Meet Ann Hawkins, small business success and collaboration champion.

* [01:45] – Why teaming up with your competitors can be a game-changer.

* [03:03] – The importance of learning from others to avoid isolation in business.

* [05:36] – Ann’s 'Work Smart, Not Hard' checklist kicks off with understanding your personal 'why'—the core reason that keeps you motivated in business, especially on tough days.

"So the first one is to have a very clear vision of why you're doing it, and this isn't the Simon Sinek thinking everybody needs to understand my whyThey really don't care, but what you need to do is you need to understand your why..."

* [07:00] – No need for a grand business vision—sometimes, simple goals are what you need to stay grounded.

* [10:52] – How a strong driving need keeps you focused and steers you clear of distractions.

* [12:56] – Why outsourcing and collaboration are the antidotes to skill gaps and overwhelm.

* [19:02] – How time and money are the real game-changers for sustaining your business.

* [26:12] – The role of a flexible plan and how consistent action leads to long-term success.

* [33:50] – How building a supportive community and collaborating with others keeps you accountable.

* [40:38] – Creative community-building with Ann’s Drive network and groups like The Neotists.

Episode Breakdown:

Ann Hawkins cuts through the fluff with her six steps to small business success, starting with understanding your personal ‘why.’

It’s not about selling your purpose to the world but knowing precisely what drives you, especially when it gets tricky.

It could be as simple as wanting more control over your life, financial security, or finding work that truly matters to you.

From there, Ann makes it clear: you’ve got to have a genuine need driving your business.

Whether making enough to live well or doing work that aligns with your values, this need keeps you going.

We explore how outsourcing and working alongside others can fill skill gaps that otherwise leave people feeling stuck.

Ann is about strategic simplicity—handling time, money, and resources without overcomplicating things.

She advocates starting small, ideally alongside another job, to build financial stability before taking the full plunge.

Her advice on pricing confidently is a sharp reminder to never undervalue your work, even when you’re just starting.

One of the most potent takeaways is Ann’s emphasis on collaboration. In coworking, competition is often overrated.

Seeing each other as collaborators rather than competitors opens up growth opportunities you didn’t see coming.

It’s the core philosophy behind her Drive network, which is why it’s been such a game-changer for small business owners.

Finally, Ann reinforces the power of consistency.

Keep showing up and sharing what you do, even on the rough days.

You never know when someone will be ready to work with you, but they’ll only know about you if you keep getting yourself out there.

Links & Resources:

* The Drive - Collaborative Network

* Dan Pink - Drive

* The Neotists - A Community Of Creatives

* RSVP: For Adventures In Democracy: Everyone A Citizen

* 🎙️Tony Bacigalupo and Jon Alexander

* 🎙️Emily and Martyn Sibley

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Ann on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie and Emily cut through the fluff to discuss why vision, mission, and values are more than just corporate jargon. They keep you from falling off the map, whether running a coworking space, a business or just trying to get through the day.

Through personal stories and honesty, they show how these principles drive everything, especially when things get tough.

You'll hear why so many businesses get this wrong and how you can avoid that trap, plus tips on cutting through the noise and keeping it simple.

If you've ever felt lost or unsure about what you're doing, this conversation will help you get your head straight.

Episode Timeline:

* [00:00] Bernie introduces the Community Builders cohort, a peer-to-peer learning programme for those who want to transform their community from invisible to unstoppable.

* [01:01] Emily checks in from Ohio. They dive into how vision, mission, and values should guide every team meeting and not be a dusty artefact.

* [02:39] Bernie shares a personal story of how a startup he worked with treated vision and values like a marketing task and why that’s a big mistake.

* [03:09] Emily breaks down why the whole team needs to be in on shaping a company’s principles, not just the leadership.

* [06:15] Bernie asks what happens when someone loses their way. Emily describes vision and values as the “lighthouse in the storm” when you're adrift.

* [09:25] Bernie and Emily talk about how outsourcing your vision to AI strips away authenticity—and why you can spot it a mile away.

* [12:15] Bernie dives into the emotional drive behind staying aligned with your mission, especially when times get tough.

* [16:03] Emily talks about how founders can confuse community-building with day-to-day tasks and how that stalls progress.

* [18:59] Bernie and Emily discuss the importance of discussing money and balancing financial goals with the bigger picture.

* [20:30] Bernie shares how a lack of clear vision can fragment a team and drain the life out of a project based on his own experiences.

No BS Breakdown:

This episode is about vision, mission, and values—whether you’re running a business, building a community, or figuring out your next move. Bernie and Emily tear down the idea that these are just corporate buzzwords, showing how they’re practical tools for staying on track when the going gets rough.

Bernie shares how some founders get so caught up in startup chaos that they pawn off the important stuff, like defining their vision, to marketing teams. This is a big mistake. Vision and values need to come from the top, and Emily backs that up, explaining that the whole team needs to understand why certain values matter and how they manifest in daily work.

Revisiting these values regularly is vital. It’s not a one-and-done thing—it’s your lighthouse when everything’s going sideways. Emily digs into why personal alignment with a company’s mission fuels the team, especially during hard times. They also discuss how money can’t be ignored—yes, the mission matters, but if the bills aren’t getting paid, there is no mission.

Bernie shares his frustration with businesses that outsource their vision and values to AI or marketing consultants.It’s hollow, and everyone in the company feels that disconnect. Real vision has to come from within, or it will fall flat.

Emily finishes by offering a challenge to listeners—define your vision, mission, and values. These aren’t just tools for business; they’re for life. They’ll help you figure out where to go when things go off the rails.

Links & Resources:

* Hero On A Mission - An online morning ritual and vision planner

* OuiShare Community & Festival

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Show Notes:

London Flex Brand Index Report: Inside the Numbers with Zoe Ellis-Moore

In this episode, we dive into the first-ever London Flex Brand Index Report with Zoe Ellis-Moore, founder of Spaces to Places.

Zoe uses her passion for placemaking and expertise in the flex office market to analyze the report's findings about London’s coworking and flexible office scene.

This episode unpacks the categories, tiers, and trends highlighted in the report, offering a clearer view of where the market is heading and why branding matters more than ever.

Zoe explains the confusion surrounding coworking vs flex, clarifies how different segments are emerging, and explains how brands like Regus, WeWork, and neighbourhood spaces shape the market.

If you manage a space or are just curious about how flex spaces are transforming post-COVID, this episode is packed with real data and actionable insights straight from the London Flex Brand Index.

Timeline Summary:

[00:27] - Zoe Ellis-Moore introduces herself and her passion for placemaking

[02:25] - Defining the difference between coworking and flex office spaces

[04:55] - Unpacking the London Flex Brand Index and why categorising the market matters

[07:51] - Breaking down flex office brands: from niche players to mainstream giants

[12:17] - Why Regus’ Net Promoter Score is so low and what it means for the market

[18:24] - The rise of neighbourhood workspaces and how they’re changing local economies

[23:24] - Post-COVID shifts in workspace demand and the role of local authorities in boosting neighbourhood coworking

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

* Placemaking and the Flex Office RevolutionZoe explains her passion for turning empty, soulless spaces into thriving places people want to be. This philosophy sets the stage for understanding how placemaking influences the way we work and live, especially in the evolving landscape of coworking and flex offices.

* What is Flex and Why Does It Matter?Zoe provides a straightforward breakdown of the differences between coworking and flex spaces, focusing on the contract terms that distinguish them. Flex offices cater to businesses that need professional spaces but want the flexibility of shorter leases—under three years, to be exact. On the other hand, coworking often feels more like 'pay-as-you-go,' serving individuals and freelancers who need communal, adaptable environments.

* The London Flex Brand Index: Cutting Through the ClutterZoe introduces the report and its methodology. With over 60 brands and 686 locations across London, the flex market is dynamic but fragmented. The London Flex Brand Index categorises providers based on their market presence, breaking them down into mainstream, niche, premium, and value categories to help operators understand their position.

* Regus, WeWork, and the NPS DilemmaWhile brands like WeWork and Regus are household names in the flex market, their Net Promoter Scores tell a different story. Zoe highlights why Regus, despite being a giant, scores a shocking -82 on the NPS scale. She dives into the customer frustrations and friction points that lead many users to start with Regus but then transition to higher-quality spaces once they understand the market.

* Neighbourhood Coworking: The Post-COVID BoomThe conversation shifts to the rise of neighbourhood coworking spaces. Post-COVID, local authorities have recognised the value of keeping people working closer to home. Zoe explains how this shift has led to a boom in local, multifunctional spaces that blend work, lifestyle, and community. These spaces aren’t just about desks—they’re about creating local hubs where people live, work, and interact.

* Educating the Public: The Big ChallengeBernie and Zoe discuss the ongoing challenge of educating the public about the value of flexible workspaces. Many people don’t realise these options exist in their neighbourhoods. Zoe stresses the need for the industry to step up and bridge this awareness gap by showing people the benefits of working in these spaces firsthand.

Which flex providers are leading the London market?

Links & Resources:

* Get your copy of The London Flex Brand Report Here

* Spaces to Places - Zoe’s Flex space consultancy

* Follow Spaces to Places on Instgram

* Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Zoe on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Bernie sits down with Vanessa Sans, a leader and quiet storm who’s been rewriting coworking rules across Europe, Africa, and beyond for over fifteen years.From the gritty streets of Barcelona’s transforma bcn to the sun-drenched calm of Kalima Coliving, Coworking & Cafè, Vanessa’s work isn’t just about creating workspaces but connecting people in ways that matter. Her influence stretches across continents like a thread between the wild, untethered lives of digital nomads and the locals who shape these communities from the ground up.

But this isn’t your typical coworking success story. It’s about sweat, failure, and the hard lessons learned in the trenches. Kalima—a place born from vision and struggle—is more than just a coworking space by the sea. It’s a personal victory for Vanessa, a testament to the power of community-led neighbourhood coworking. Here, the lines blur between work and life as Kalima - Coliving | Work Café breathes new life into the local economy, revitalising the neighbourhood and building a culture far beyond desks and Wi-Fi and just 7 seconds from the beach.

This is where Vanessa’s journey and the coworking community’s future collide in something raw, natural, and undeniably triumphant.

Timeline Summary:

* [00:26] – Bernie introduces Vanessa Sans as a coworking leader and a community architect whose projects span continents.

Her work has brought people together in coworking spaces beyond the physical—spaces that breathe life into cities and create lasting bonds.

* [02:51] – Vanessa reminisces about her first encounter with coworking at Utopicus - it wasn’t just a moment of inspiration but a revelation.

It was a place that wasn’t just about working but connecting and building something bigger than yourself.

* [04:48] – The birth of transforma bcn. Vanessa doesn’t just talk about founding this space; she explains her vision of coworking as a tool for transformation.

* She didn't just want to build a business—she wanted to create a movement that brings culture, creativity, and collaboration together.

* [06:04] – Coworking in Europe back in 2012. This was the beginning of something much more significant. Vanessa reflects on how she helped shape coworking into more than an office space—it became a cultural hub, a place for ideas to meet and grow.

* [09:55] – The 2014 Coworking Europe Conference in Lisbon. This wasn’t just a conference; it was a reunion of sorts—a meeting of minds that were shaping the coworking world. For Vanessa, this was a pivotal moment when coworking became more than just an idea; it became a movement that connected people across borders.The video below was made at the Copass Camp at Coworking Europe Lisbon in 2014.Watch out for Vanessa and Bernie in this video below.(And the goodbye hugs with our late great coworking friend Matija Raos in the final scene.)

* [15:41] – The serendipity of Kalima. Vanessa describes when she stumbled upon a beachside hotel in Catalonia that would soon become her latest venture. Kalima - Coliving | Work Café isn’t just a coworking space—it’s a community by the sea where remote workers and locals come together to create something unique.

* [20:19] – The magic of co-creation. Vanessa didn’t build Kalima - Coliving | Work Café alone—she invited local and international remote workers to help shape its branding and philosophy. The result? It is a thriving, organic community that has always been there.

* [29:17] – Digital nomads vs. remote workers: Vanessa breaks down the differences and how Kalima has become a unique space that caters to both, creating a blend of work and life that few places can offer.

* [32:28] – How coworking spaces like Kalima will transform neighbourhoods. It’s not just about business; it’s about people. Vanessa shows us how coworking spaces can activate local economies, support nearby businesses, and foster a sense of belonging that’s hard to find in today’s fragmented world.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Vanessa Sans isn’t just another coworking consultant. Vanessa has seen firsthand how these spaces can change the fabric of a city, the rhythm of a street, and the lives of the people inside them.

In this episode, we follow her journey from the streets of Barcelona, where she founded transforma bcn, to the sunlit shores of Kalima - Coliving | Work Café.

This conversation is about more than workspaces—building lasting communities.

Vanessa talks about how she built Kalima - Coliving | Work Café from the ground up, involving local and international workers in every process step.

It’s a rare and beautiful example of what can happen when a space is created with the people in mind rather than just profit.

We explore how coworking can revitalize a neighbourhood by creating collaboration, friendship, and economic growth opportunities.

For Vanessa, coworking spaces aren’t just places to work—they’re hubs of creativity, culture, and connection. Kalima is the embodiment of that vision.

Links & Resources:

* Kalima Instagram – Kalima Beach Life

* Kalima Coliving, Coworking & Cafè

* Happy Working Lab - Vanessa’s consulting firm.

* transforma bcn coworking space.

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even...

“Community is a really irritating word to me right now. We ask it to carry too much. Everything’s a community.”

Rose Radtke

Tired of running yourself into the ground?

Then stop running alone.

On February 24th, the London Coworking Assembly presents Unreasonable Connection Goes Live!—a one-day working session for the people running London’s most vital neighbourhood spaces and the public sector allies working to help them thrive. It’s a day to share the load, find real solutions, and build a new playbook, together.

Rose Radtke is a brand strategist, writer, and community manager.

She positions herself as a “smart connector”—someone who finds the links between brand, community, and marketing.

Six years deep in community building, she’s watched the word “community” stretch thinner each year.

Everything became a community. Discord servers. Email lists. Substack comments. The word stopped meaning anything specific.

Rose makes a distinction that matters.

Audience, community, and village are not the same thing.

One lets you lurk. One expects participation. One demands mutual care.

Bernie and Rose unpack the framework. They move from COVID’s online community boom to the messy reality of engineering community in coworking spaces.

Rose is watching 2026’s trends closely.

Coworking spaces struggling to meet rent.

Pricing strategies getting flexible—day blocks, modular memberships.

The lines between workspace and third space blurring.

Pop-up markets in coworking spaces. Coworking desks in bookshops and gyms.

And she’s asking a question that hospitality venues should be terrified of:

Why don’t they have community managers?

This episode is for operators tired of using “community” to mean everything and nothing.

It’s for anyone trying to work out whether they’re building an audience, a community, or a village—and what the difference actually means for the people who show up.

Timeline Highlights

[01:51] Rose describes herself: “I’m actually a bit of an octopus. I am a brand strategist, I am a writer, and I’m a community manager.”

[02:12] What she wants to be known for: “Being a real connector, being someone that’s really smart and that connects people up in interesting ways.”

[03:04] The frustration: “We ask it to carry too much. Everything’s a community. We want everything to be a community, and it just carries an awful, awful lot.”

[04:49] The distinction: “Participation is optional. You can either be a lurker... but then you can fluidly move into being a participant.”

[06:46] Village versus community: “In a village, there’s an expectation of care. You extend to each other and everyone has their part to play.”

[08:49] COVID’s turning point: “Communities were lifelines for people in COVID. Most of those communities were online.”

[11:31] Engineering community: “Your branding and your marketing and your community have to work as one for it to work.”

[13:34] Bernie on his favourite spaces: “Started by people who are scratching their own edge.”

[16:25] Rose on 2026 struggles: “Coworking spaces seem to be struggling a bit more this year... a shift towards more flexible memberships.”

[19:46] The blurred lines: “The lines becoming blurred between work space and third space in coworking spaces.”

[21:27] Multi-use strategy: “I want to create reasons for people to stay beyond their work day... and ways to make additional revenue.”

[22:53] Hospitality insight: “I’m really interested in whether or why hospitality venues don’t have community managers. I feel like that’s madness.”

[24:19] Multi-use excitement: “Really make it multi-use. That’s a really interesting and exciting space at the moment.”

[26:38] The future is now: “Lines are being blurred in lots of areas, and I think spatially, that’s the case as well.”

The Three-Type Framework

Rose has been working in community for six years.

She started through branding—branding communities, finding the work fascinating.

Then the word stretched.

“Over the last 6-8 years, we ask it to carry too much. Everything’s a community. We want everything to be a community, and it just carries an awful, awful lot.”

She’s right.

The word “community” used to mean something specific. Now it means anything a brand wants it to mean.

Rose thinks we need to go back to basics.

Stop calling everything a community. Work out what you’re actually running.

An audience is passive.

They consume what you produce. They might engage, but they don’t expect to be part of the thing.

A community is fluid.

Participation is optional. You can lurk. You can absorb what you’re reading, overhear conversations, eye things up.

Then you can fluidly move into being a participant when you’re ready.

No pressure. No expectation.

A village is different.

Everyone’s participation is needed. Everyone has a role. There’s an expectation of care.

You extend care to each other.

Even if your role is just taking your rubbish out on the right day, you have to participate.

Rose thinks coworking sits somewhere between community and village, depending on how the space is designed.

Some members want to get out of their house. Leave behind the mess and the half-eaten Rice Krispies. Work somewhere clean and tidy.

Get their head down. Leave at the end of the day. Go home.

That’s valid.

Other people want to network. They want to go to a place where people know their name.

They want to be part of the programme, learn stuff, be all in.

That’s valid too.

Both are community. But they’re not the same kind of community.

Calling them both “community” without distinction makes the word useless.

COVID Broke the Word

COVID was a huge turning point.

Community went online. It had to.

Online communities became lifelines for people. They were essential, not optional.

“We piled a lot on the word community during COVID,” Rose says.

“That is where it all became a bit stretched and misshapen.”

She’s not wrong.

The word community used to imply something physical, something local, something you could walk to.

COVID made it mean “any group of people who talk to each other online.”

Online communities are just as important and valid as in-person communities.

But they’re very different.

The expectations are different. The rhythms are different. The care structures are different.

We’ve never quite come back from that.

The word “community” now has to work for both. It has to mean your local pub and your Discord server. Your coworking space and your Substack comments section.

No wonder it’s irritating.

Engineering Community in Coworking

Rose makes a distinction that matters.

Some coworking spaces start because someone needed a place to work. They had extra space. They built something around what they were doing.

The Skiff in Brighton. Coworking Lisboa in Lisbon. Indy Hall.

Other spaces start as a brand first.

Someone decides to start a coworking space. They build the brand, then they build the community.

Both can wo...

In this episode, we explore a topic that often feels difficult: money and trauma.

Our guest, Jaskiran Mangat, a specialist in trauma-sensitive financial resilience and well-being, offers her perspective on how upbringing, culture, and society shape our relationship with money.

Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or anyone who's felt the emotional strain of money, this conversation will be insightful.

We discuss the connection between money, mental health, and trauma and reveal why many, especially from underrepresented groups, find it hard to address financial struggles.

Jaskiran shares how her experiences as a woman of colour and a former fintech founder shaped her understanding of financial resilience.

We also explore the pressure to 'keep up appearances', how early experiences with money affect adult financial habits, and what practical steps we can take to build healthier financial relationships.

Whether you're keen to understand money habits and the emotional toll of startup culture or want tips on discussing finances more easily, this episode offers valuable guidance.

Finance Therapy Circles – Join Jaskiran’s free monthly virtual event to explore your relationship with money in a safe, supportive environment. More here.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] – Emily introduces the next three-month cohort to help community builders develop their audience and management skills.

[00:29] – Bernie opens the conversation, outlining the episode’s focus on money and trauma, setting up an insightful discussion with Jaskiran Manga.

[01:36] – Jaskiran describes her work as a trauma-sensitive financial resilience expert and explains how identity and life experiences shape economic behaviour.

[02:46] – Jaskiran explains how our money habits form by age seven, setting the tone for the discussion.

[05:37] – The concept of "money scripts" is introduced, explaining how they influence spending habits and career choices.

[12:02] – Jaskiran shares her experience as a fintech founder and the difficulties marginalised communities face in accessing venture capital.

[17:29] – Bernie and Jaskiran discuss the advantages of bootstrapping and why it may be a more sustainable option for some entrepreneurs.

[21:41] – The emotional ties to money are examined, with Jaskiran offering freelancers and small business owners advice on how to address them.

[34:40] – The discussion critiques the link between freelancing, financial pressure, and the ongoing pursuit of stability.

[37:51] – Jaskiran highlights the importance of talking openly about money and mental health, stressing that those who discuss it often cope better.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Money: More Than Just NumbersBernie and Jaskiran start by exploring how money is not just about figures.

For many, it is tied to emotions such as fear, shame, and anxiety, often linked to early experiences.

Jaskiran explains that by age seven, our attitudes towards money are already forming, shaping how we handle it for the rest of our lives.

Understanding Money ScriptsJaskiran introduces the concept of money scripts, which are core beliefs about money, such as "money avoidance," "money worship," "money status," and "money vigilance."

These scripts influence spending, saving, and thinking about financial success. She provides insights on becoming more aware of these patterns.

Societal Pressure and Financial TraumaThe conversation touches on how societal expectations and comparisons, often driven by social media, can cause financial trauma.

Jaskiran discusses how venture capital funding impacts founders from marginalised groups and advises on building financial resilience without falling into the funding trap.

Freelancers and Financial PressuresBernie and Jaskiran examine freelancers' challenges, such as delayed payments and underpayment from larger companies, which lead to financial stress.

They offer freelancers helpful tips on advocating for themselves and setting healthier financial boundaries.

Money, Mental Health, and Suicidal ThoughtsAs the discussion continues, the focus shifts to the link between financial stress and mental health.

Jaskiran talks about how financial insecurity, particularly among freelancers and small business owners, can lead to anxiety, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts.

This part of the conversation encourages openness around financial challenges and mental health.

Managing Stress Through Nervous System RegulationJaskiran shares techniques for managing the emotional triggers related to money, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises.

She explains how understanding the physical signs of financial stress can lead to more thoughtful conversations and decisions about money.

Links & Resources:

* Jaskiran Mangat on Substack

* Jaskiran’s Finance Therapy publication on Substack.

* Article: Broke, not broken - World Suicide Prevention Day Edition

* Join the Monthly Finance Therapy Circles on Luma

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Jaskiran on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Summary:

In this episode, Emily and Bernie are joined by Adrian Segar, a meeting designer, facilitator, and author of Conferences That Work. Adrian shares his unique journey from particle physics to revolutionizing the way conferences are run. He explains how he pioneered an entirely new format for meetings, focusing on peer-driven content and fostering genuine human connections.

We discuss the evolving role of in-person events, why they still matter in 2024, and how coworking spaces can elevate community and collaboration through well-designed gatherings.

Adrian also dives into actionable strategies for coworking space managers to enhance events, ensuring they bring out the best in their communities. Whether you're planning a conference, managing a coworking space, or just curious about the future of meetings, this conversation is packed with insights on designing events that foster meaningful connections and practical takeaways.

Timeline Summary:

* [00:57] – Adrian shares his journey from academic physics to becoming a leader in meeting design.

* [02:24] – How Adrian’s impromptu meeting structure changed the conference world in 1992.

* [04:27] – The shifting reasons people attend events in 2024 and why connection is more important than ever.

* [08:29] – How coworking spaces can improve community collaboration through well-thought-out events.

* [11:15] – Adrian’s 3-question approach to uncovering hidden resources and needs in coworking events.

* [15:30] – Why the term “unconference” doesn’t fully capture the essence of peer-led conferences.

* [19:55] – Strategies for encouraging attendees to take action post-event and maintain momentum.

* [23:27] – How to collect feedback effectively and adapt future events to community needs.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Adrian Segar, a veteran in the meeting design space, talks us through his revolutionary approach to creating events where the attendees shape the content and connections matter more than presentations.

Drawing on decades of experience, Adrian explains how he designed his first peer conference by necessity, sparking a new way of thinking about how we gather.

Instead of passive learning, he encourages event planners to foster collaboration, build networks, and allow participants to dictate the agenda.

Adrian emphasises that people no longer attend events just for content — they come to connect.

With the rise of the internet, accessing knowledge is easier than ever, but meeting like-minded individuals in person still holds unmatched value.

This philosophy is crucial in 2024, as event attendees seek real human connections, the opportunity to network, and a way to integrate what they learn into their daily lives.

He also shares his advice for coworking space managers: enhancing events to build genuine community bonds.

By asking the right questions — "What do you need?" and "What can you offer?" — coworking events can reveal valuable skills and experiences within the room and enable collaboration that extends far beyond the event itself.

Adrian's method of peer-driven conferences and meetings makes coworking spaces more than just office rentals; they become hubs of opportunity, connection, and innovation.

* Adrian's Website Conferences That Work

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Adrian on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greaterimpact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode, Bernie gets to pick the brains of Amy who is part of the team at 360 Workplace Consultancy about an often overlooked topic: how to design coworking spaces that truly work for neurodiverse people.

Most coworking spaces seem set up for the so-called "average" worker—a middle-aged guy who likes the room at just the right temperature. 

But what about everyone else? Amy explains how space owners can rethink their setups to be more welcoming to people, especially those who don't fit the typical mould.

They discuss how small changes, like offering a welcome guide or paying attention to lighting and noise, can make a huge difference—not just for neurodiverse folks but for everyone. 

And there's more than just a feel-good reason to do this: it can significantly boost your community and bottom line, opening up new opportunities and growth potential.

If you run a coworking space or even just use one, you'll walk away with plenty of ideas on how to make these spaces better for everyone. 

Plus, stay tuned for information on our upcoming London event, where you can learn hands-on how to make these changes in your own space.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

* [00:00] Introduction from Emily – Announcing a 3-month cohort program designed for community builders to strengthen their skills.

* [00:29] Bernie introduces Amy, who discusses her expertise in workplace consultancy and her goals for making coworking spaces more inclusive.

* [02:18] Why coworking spaces need to move beyond the traditional design, which caters primarily to neurotypical individuals.

* [04:09] Amy explores the economic and community impact of failing to include neurodiverse individuals in coworking spaces.

* [07:18] The hidden biases in design and how they affect diversity and inclusion in coworking.

* [11:02] How simple solutions, like a welcome guide or arrival pack, can dramatically improve the coworking experience for neurodiverse members.

* [13:04] Technology and apps that can assist in creating a more inclusive coworking environment.

* [15:48] How hospitality plays a crucial role in coworking, and what we can learn from other service industries about anticipating members' needs.

* [18:03] Amy addresses the misconception that making coworking spaces inclusive requires a substantial financial investment.

* [20:20] The importance of intersectionality in coworking spaces, ensuring inclusivity for all demographics and neurodiverse individuals.

* [22:15] Bernie and Amy preview their upcoming event in London, focusing on designing inclusive coworking spaces through interactive workshops.

Links & Resources:

* 360 Workplace Website

* 360 Workplace Case Studies 

* 360 Workplace Podcast with Guenaelle Watson

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Amy on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greaterimpact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode, Bernie talks with marketing expert, author, and educator Mark Schaefer, someone he's been learning from for over 15 years. 

Mark shares practical insights from his latest book, Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.

He discusses how micro and small businesses, including coworking spaces, can harness the power of community to be seen, build trust, and create lasting connections. 

Mark's mix of real-world marketing experience and academic expertise makes this conversation particularly useful for anyone looking to grow a business through authentic human connections.

Throughout this episode, Mark emphasises that the future of marketing isn't in traditional advertising or digital tactics but in building genuine human connections. 

This is a can't-miss episode for anyone passionate about coworking, community management, and independent business success.

Key Questions Covered:

* How have online communities evolved since the early days of the internet?

* What key mistakes did companies make when building online communities in the past?

* Why is a community the next big marketing strategy, especially for small businesses?

* What are the most effective ways to grow a community organically?

* How can coworking spaces and small businesses maintain community values despite larger competitors?

Timeline Summary

* [01:52] - Mark shares his journey of being a "teacher" through various mediums like blogging, speaking, and consulting.

* [04:29] - Mark recounts the rise and fall of early internet communities and how technological improvements reignited the community conversation.

* [06:18] - The COVID pandemic has accelerated the need for genuine, human-centred marketing and community-based business models.

* [09:29] - Exploring the misconception that community success depends on large numbers, with insights on smaller, more engaged groups.

* [15:47] - Bernie and Mark discuss the importance of organic advocacy over digital advertising for coworking spaces.

* [20:17] - Who owns your brand: the business, the community, or the people who experience it? Mark answers this age-old question.

* [28:38] - Mark shares a case study of a local jewellery store using community engagement to compete with larger chain stores.

* [33:05] - How building a personal brand helps launch and sustain community efforts for small businesses.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Building a Sustainable Community in the Digital Age Mark highlights how early attempts at building online communities failed due to limited technology and the isolated platforms brands created. 

With the evolution of social platforms like Slack and Discord, community building has become more fluid and integrated into modern life.

Community as the Future of Marketing Mark explains how he foresaw community becoming a critical component of future marketing strategies, especially in his book Marketing Rebellion. 

This insight led him to expand on the idea, culminating in his latest book. 

He emphasizes that customers today seek more authentic human connections, not traditional advertising.

The Myth of Large Communities A common misconception is that successful communities must be huge to thrive. 

Mark debunks this myth, sharing that smaller, highly engaged groups—often under 500 people—offer the best opportunities for meaningful interaction and growth. This revelation can change how you approach community building for your coworking space or business.

Organic Growth Through Shared Value Mark explains that the most influential communities grow through advocacy rather than advertising. 

By providing members with value, like expert guest speakers, they are motivated to share their experiences, which organically brings in new members.

Word of Mouth vs. SEO for Coworking Spaces While SEO and advertising play their roles, Mark reinforces the power of word-of-mouth advocacy, particularly for small, community-driven businesses like coworking spaces. 

Authentic, human-led growth creates more potent, more sustainable communities.

Who Owns Your Brand? In a discussion about brand ownership, Mark suggests that while businesses can guide their brand's image, a brand is ultimately shaped by what others say about it. 

Consistent, value-driven engagement is crucial in shaping this narrative positively.

The Role of Personal Branding For small businesses, Mark emphasizes that building a personal brand is crucial to starting a community. 

A personal brand based on trust allows people to connect with the leader, becoming the foundation for the wider community.

Links & Resources

* Mark's long-running blog and website

* Mark's articles on LinkedIn

* Mark's Uprising Community Retreat October 2024

* All of Mark's books are on one page

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

* Connect with Christian from SALTO on LinkedIn

* SALTO Systems Website

Closing Remarks

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work. 

Episode Summary:

Join Emily's conversation with Loubna Messaoudi, a social entrepreneur and founder of BIWOC* Rising, a Berlin-based coworking space dedicated to intersectional justice for marginalised communities. 

Loubna shares her insights on building inclusive and diverse work environments, particularly for women, trans, inter, and non-binary people of colour. 

We explore the challenges and learning curves of creating spaces that claim to be inclusive and genuinely feel safe for everyone. 

Loubna also discusses the critical importance of unlearning biases, the complexities of evolving a community's structure, and the power dynamics involved in truly sharing decision-making.

Timeline Summary:

* [00:01] - Introduction to the upcoming Community Builders cohort and how it supports independent creators and community builders.

* [01:03] - Loubna Messaoudi shares her passion for inclusion and her role in the European Coworking Assembly's IDEA Handbook project.

* [03:28] - Discussing the essential elements needed to create a safe work environment for marginalised communities.

* [05:15] - Loubna explains the importance of authenticity in creating safe spaces and the pitfalls of superficial inclusivity.

* [08:03] - Transitioning from focusing on one marginalised group to broader inclusivity presents challenges in meeting all groups' needs.

* [10:28] - Dealing with tough conversations when people doubt your intentions is hard. It's essential to keep learning and adapting.

* [13:14] - Understanding the "elbow mentality" and how power-sharing can transform the workplace dynamics in coworking spaces.

* [17:26] - Loubna reflects on the inspiration behind Biwalk Rising and the need for spaces that genuinely cater to marginalised communities.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Loubna Messaoudi delves into the nuanced challenges of creating truly inclusive coworking spaces in this incredible episode.

We explore the following key topics:

* The IDEA Handbook: Loubna aims to help coworking spaces focus on genuine inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

* Intersectionality in Practice: How BIWOC* Rising uses intersectionality to dismantle exclusive structures and the practical steps they take to ensure everyone feels safe and included.

* Authenticity in Inclusion: The critical difference between superficial inclusivity efforts and genuine, impactful change. Loubna emphasizes the need for spaces beyond token gestures and genuinely engages with the communities they serve.

* Evolving a Community’s Structure: The journey of BIWOC* Rising as it transitioned from focusing on women of colour to a more inclusive space that also welcomes trans, inter, and non-binary individuals. Loubna discusses the internal debates and the learning process that accompanied this shift.

* Power Dynamics in Coworking Spaces: Loubna illuminates some people's reluctance toward sharing power and the importance of understanding that inclusivity does not diminish one's influence but rather enhances the collective power of the community.

* Practical Tips for Creating Safer Spaces: Loubna offers actionable advice on how coworking spaces can make marginalized individuals feel welcome, from non-gendered bathrooms to sensitivity training for all members.

Links & Resources

* BIWOC* Rising website

* BIWOC* Rising on Instagram

* Nook Wellness Pods

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Workspace Design Show London

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Loubna Messaoudi on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast we welcome back Hector Kolonas, the mastermind behind This Week in Coworking, a newsletter that has become an indispensable resource for the coworking community. We dive into Hector's journey, from his first encounter with coworking in Manchester to building a sustainable and impactful newsletter that connects coworking spaces and communities globally. Hector shares his insights on how coworking has evolved from niche spaces to essential parts of local economies and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to start and sustain a successful newsletter. This conversation is a must for coworking enthusiasts, community builders, and anyone interested in the future of workspaces.

Timeline Summary

* [00:00] - Emily introduces the podcast and shares details about a new cohort for community managers.

* [00:30] - Francesca from Virtual Headquarters discusses how they support coworking spaces across the UK and Europe.

* [01:00] - Bernie welcomes listeners and introduces Hector, the guest for this episode.

* [01:11] - Hector shares what he's known for and his goals, including his involvement with This Week in Coworkingand removing the hyphen in "coworking."

* [01:48] - Hector recounts his first experience with coworking in Manchester and how it led to his current work in the coworking industry.

* [04:27] - Discussion on the origins of This Week in Coworking, its growth, and the sustainability challenges faced along the way.

* [07:04] - Hector talks about different business models for newsletters and why he opted for a patron-based model rather than traditional sponsorships.

* [12:17] - Bernie and Hector discuss the importance of co-creating with brands and the benefits of a collaborative model in the coworking community.

* [16:59] - Hector shares advice for creating newsletters, focusing on sustainability, consistency, and writing for the reader's worst day.

* [23:28] - The debate over the hyphen in "coworking" and its implications for SEO and industry visibility.

* [28:13] - Hector discusses the role of coworking spaces in hyperlocal economies and their evolution into community hubs.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

* Introduction and Special Offers:Emily opens the podcast with details about a new cohort for community builders, followed by Francesca explaining how Virtual Headquarters supports coworking spaces.

* Hector’s Introduction and Early Days in Coworking:Hector shares his experience with coworking, starting from his time in Manchester and the significant role that economic crises played in shaping his involvement with coworking spaces.

* The Birth and Growth of This Week in Coworking:Hector explains how his passion for coworking and storytelling led to the creation of This Week in Coworking, a newsletter that began with just six subscribers and has since become a key resource in the industry.

* Challenges of Monetizing Newsletters:Hector and Bernie discuss the sustainability of newsletters, different business models, and why Hector chose a patron-based model over traditional sponsorships.

* Tips for Aspiring Newsletter Creators:Hector offers practical advice for anyone looking to start a newsletter, emphasizing the importance of consistency, writing with empathy, and focusing on sustainability.

* SEO and the Coworking Hyphen Debate:The conversation turns to the ongoing debate about the use of a hyphen in "coworking" and its impact on SEO. Hector provides data-driven insights into why removing the hyphen can improve discoverability - see the image below.

* The Role of Coworking in Local Economies:The episode concludes with a discussion on how coworking spaces have become integral to local communities, especially in the post-COVID era.

Why don’t you a hypen in the word coworking?

Google trends shows how "coworking" search volume is exponentially higher than for "co-working" so you stand more chance of being found in search without the hypen.

Links & Resources

* Subscribe to Hector’s This Week in Coworking Newsletter

* Hector’s Syncaroo saved Freddie’s Patch a ton of time and money.

* Coworking or Co-working How Do You Spell It?

* Jon Alexander’s Citizens

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Hector on LinkedIn

* Join the Virtual Headquarters Network here.

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Summary:

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Emily Breeder and Bernie Mitchell explore the challenges of adopting new systems and overcoming the inertia that often keeps us clinging to ineffective methods.

Emily shares valuable insights from their current community builder cohort, touching on the hesitation many feel when faced with change and the importance of finding the simplest tools that actually work.

Bernie adds a personal story about his resistance to shifting his video content format despite knowing it would yield better results—an experience many of us can relate to.

The conversation then dives into the significance of having a reliable "system of capture" for organizing tasks, the emotional barriers that prevent us from completing essential yet daunting tasks, and how maintaining consistent “staying speed” can keep us moving forward without burnout.

Whether you’re a community manager, freelancer, or someone simply looking to improve your workflow, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you streamline your processes and tackle challenges head-on.

Timeline Summary:

* [00:00] - Emily introduces a next three-month cohort for community builders, designed to help build and strengthen your workflow and community skills.

* [00:35] - Discussion about resistance to change, with Bernie sharing his experience of finally switching his video format from landscape to vertical.

* [02:37] - Bernie reflects on overcoming perfectionism and the importance of doing rather than over-preparing.

* [04:42] - Emily discusses the impact of perfectionism on participation and how rationalizing excuses can hold people back.

* [09:12] - A deep dive into finding the right tools for task management, with Emily emphasizing simplicity and practicality.

* [14:24] - Emily outlines a method for dealing with overwhelm by dumping all tasks into a backlog and then prioritizing them using the urgent/important matrix.

* [17:33] - Strategies for managing emotions when faced with difficult tasks, and the benefits of collaborative work.

* [21:02] - The importance of documenting processes for regular tasks to save time and mental energy, especially on challenging days.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

* Introduction to the New Cohort [00:00 - 00:26]:Emily kicks off the episode by introducing a new offering for community builders—a three-month cohort designed to provide personalized guidance, practical strategies, and motivation to help participants build and manage their communities effectively.

* The Challenge of Changing Habits [00:26 - 02:32]:Bernie and Emily discuss how difficult it is to let go of old habits and embrace new systems, even when we know the change will be beneficial.

Bernie shares his struggle with switching from landscape to vertical video format and how making the change drastically improved his engagement.

* Perfectionism and Its Pitfalls [02:32 - 04:42]:The conversation shifts to the common trap of perfectionism, where Bernie and Emily explore how our desire for everything to be "just right" can often prevent us from taking action.

Emily points out how perfectionism can manifest in various forms, from delaying projects to avoiding participation in events due to trivial concerns.

* The Role of Simple Tools [09:12 - 11:05]:Emily emphasizes the importance of using simple tools that you and your clients can easily adopt.

She argues against the need for feature-rich, complex systems, advocating instead for tools that are straightforward and effective.

* Managing Overwhelm with a System of Capture [14:24 - 15:35]:Emily introduces the concept of a "system of capture" as a way to manage overwhelm.

By dumping all tasks into a backlog and prioritizing them based on urgency and importance, she explains how this method can help clarify what needs to be done without feeling overloaded.

* Collaborative Work as a Solution [17:33 - 19:23]:Bernie and Emily discuss the value of collaboration, especially for those working alone or in small teams.

Sharing ideas and tasks with others can help alleviate the burden of decision-making and increase productivity.

Documenting Processes for Efficiency [21:02 - 22:02]:The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of documenting processes for routine tasks.

Bernie shares his own experience of how creating a checklist for publishing podcast episodes has streamlined his workflow, making the process faster and more efficient.

Links & Resources

* Thich Nhat Hanh - Foundation Website

* European Coworking Day

* Martin Huntbach - Jammy Digital

* AppSumo - lifetime software deals.

* Creator Write Club

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary:We are back again with Gareth Jones, co-founder of Town Square Spaces, discussing the often misunderstood concept of "indie" coworking spaces.

We explore why success in coworking isn't about going alone but choosing interdependence—building strong communities and thriving together.

Gareth shares his journey from opening a single coworking space in Wales to leading a network of eight across the UK.

Along the way, we debunk the myth of the “independent” space and highlight the critical role of collaboration in creating a lasting impact in the coworking industry.

If you're curious about how to make your coworking space or micro business more resilient and community-focused, this episode is a must-listen.

Timeline Summary:

* [1:18] - Gareth's story: From one coworking space in Wales to a network of eight.

* [2:41] - The myth of “independent” or “indie” spaces and why it’s misleading.

* [4:06] - How teamwork and interdependence drive real success.

* [8:14] - Strategies for small spaces to compete by building strong communities.

* [12:04] - The role of coworking in boosting local economies.

* [22:10] - Insights from opening a new space in Kingston and the importance of community engagement.

* [23:24] - The power of serendipity in connecting with local authors and thought leaders.

Detailed Episode Breakdown: Gareth and Bernie deeply look at the concept of independence in coworking.

Gareth, who co-founded Town Square Spaces, shares his experiences growing from a single coworking space in Wales to managing a network of eight thriving spaces across the UK.

We challenge the popular notion of “indie” spaces, arguing that true success comes not from standing alone but from choosing interdependence—building strong, collaborative communities that support and uplift each other.

Gareth discusses the importance of recognising the role that others play in your success and the value of building support networks rather than trying to do it all on your own.

We also touch on how small coworking spaces can differentiate themselves from larger chains by fostering community and offering unique, locally rooted experiences.

We explore the economic impact of coworking spaces on local communities, using real-life examples from Gareth’s work and the broader coworking movement.

Gareth shares exciting news about a new coworking space in Kingston and reflects on the power of serendipity in bringing people together in meaningful ways.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone involved in coworking or small business, especially those looking to build something sustainable and community-focused.

Links & Resources

* Town Square Website

* Whitepaper - What if there were no freelancers?

* Alex Hillman’s Tiny MBA

* Jon Alexander’s Citizens

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn

* Join the Virtual Headquarters Network here.

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary

In the Coworking Values Podcast episode, Emily is joined by Gavin Neate, founder of the innovative accessibility platform WelcoMe.

We explore Gavin's fascinating journey from a Royal Air Force police dog handler to a disability advocate and entrepreneur and his passion for enhancing accessibility and empowering disabled individuals through technology. Gavin shares insights into how his platform, WelcoMe, transforms the customer service experience for disabled individuals, ensuring they receive personalized and respectful treatment wherever they go.

Gavin also discusses the broader implications of accessibility, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in creating inclusive environments.

We explore the WelcoMe platform's functionality, its impact on businesses, and Gavin’s vision for expanding accessibility solutions worldwide.

Join us as we explore how simple yet powerful ideas can significantly improve the lives of many.

Timeline Summary

* [00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and a new community management offering.

* [00:53] - Emily “welcomes” Gavin Neate, guest for the accessibility edition.

* [01:34] - Gavin explains the origin of his company name, WelcoMe.

* [03:04] - Gavin’s journey into the world of accessibility through guide dog training.

* [08:12] - The concept and functionality of the WelcoMe platform.

* [11:08] - Addressing common accessibility challenges with businesses.

* [14:22] - How the WelcoMe platform enhances customer interactions.

* [18:51] - Communication process between businesses and customers using WelcoMe.

* [19:38] - Feedback and compliance from businesses using the platform.

* [20:57] - Future innovations and expansion plans for WelcoMe.

* [22:43] - Discussion on societal challenges and the importance of empathy.

* [26:27] - How to connect with Gavin Neate online.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Introduction and Gavin’s BackgroundEmily introduces the episode's focus on accessibility and “welcomes” Gavin.

Gavin shares his unique journey from being a Royal Air Force police dog handler to a guide dog mobility instructor, which sparked his passion for disability advocacy.

The Inspiration Behind WelcoMeGavin explains the concept of his company, WelcoMe, and how it addresses the specific needs of disabled individuals by making customer service interactions more inclusive and personalized.

He discusses the significance of the company's name and how it reflects the mission to make every individual feel truly welcome.

Functionality of the WelcoMe PlatformThe episode dives into the practical aspects of the WelcoMe platform, which allows disabled individuals to communicate their needs to businesses before arriving.

Gavin elaborates on how the platform provides staff with essential training and tips to ensure positive interactions.

Challenges and Solutions in AccessibilityGavin addresses common challenges businesses face in providing accessible services and highlights the importance of treating everyone individually. He emphasizes the role of the WelcoMe platform in bridging gaps in understanding and service.

Future of Accessibility and WelcoMe’s ExpansionGavin shares his vision for expanding WelcoMe globally, discussing the vast potential for growth and impact. He discusses the roadmap for future developments and how the platform aims to become a staple in customer service for businesses worldwide.

Societal Impacts and EmpathyWe discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in creating a kinder, more inclusive world. Gavin shares his thoughts on societal trends and the need for genuine human connections.

Connecting with Gavin NeateGavin invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of professional networking and collaboration in promoting accessibility.

Links & Resources

* WelcoMe Website

* Nook Wellness Pods

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* 360 Workplace - Learn about Guenaelle's workplace consultancy and its approach to inclusive design.

* Forefront Group - Explore the parent company of 360 Workplace and their diverse offerings.

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Emily is joined by Guenaelle Watson, the head of 360 Workplace, part of the Forefront Group. Guenaelle shares her workplace strategy and consultancy expertise, focusing on creating inclusive environments catering to neurodiverse individuals. We explore how designing spaces supporting well-being and mental health can foster community, enhance productivity, and make workspaces more inviting.

Guenaelle delves into the principles of neurodiverse design, emphasising the importance of choice, flexibility, and sensory considerations. We also discuss the upcoming "Design for Neurodiversity" event on September 17th, part of the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp, where participants will engage in interactive workshops to co-create best practices for designing inclusive spaces. This episode is packed with insights for coworking space owners, managers, and anyone interested in innovative design solutions.

Timeline Summary

* [00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and our latest offering for community managers.

* [00:58] - Guenaelle Watson's journey from marketing to workplace strategy.

* [02:16] - Connecting neurodiversity to design and creating inclusive environments.

* [03:14] - Design elements that enhance well-being and mental health.

* [07:27] - Overview of the "Design for Neurodiversity" event on September 17th in London.

* [09:02] - Approaching businesses about the benefits of neurodiverse-friendly design.

* [12:38] - Financial and business benefits of inclusive workspace design.

* [14:13] - Personal stories and passion for creating comfortable spaces.

* [15:29]—Details about the interactive workshops at the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp on September 17th, 2024.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Meet Guenaelle WatsonGuenaelle shares her fascinating journey from studying marketing and interior design to becoming a leader in workplace strategy.

Her passion for understanding how environments impact human behaviour led her to head 360 Workplace, where she helps clients create spaces that support diverse needs.

Designing for NeurodiversityThe conversation explores the critical role of neurodiverse design in fostering inclusive environments.

Guenaelle explains how understanding user preferences and providing a variety of workspace settings can accommodate different needs and enhance well-being.

Key Design PrinciplesGuenaelle outlines specific design principles that cater to neurodiverse populations, such as flexibility, choice, and control over environmental factors like lighting and acoustics.

She highlights the importance of engaging with users to understand their unique challenges and preferences.Business Benefits and Quick WinsWe discuss the financial benefits of designing for neurodiversity, including improved occupancy rates and customer satisfaction.

Guenaelle shares strategies for creating more inclusive spaces that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.

London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar CampGuenaelle introduces the "Design for Neurodiversity" event, part of the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp, on 17th September 2024.It features interactive workshops on co-creating best practices for inclusive design. The event involves group discussions, activities using Post-it notes, and a friendly design competition to inspire creative solutions for neuro-inclusive environments. Participants will receive guidance from in-house design experts to explore innovative approaches.

Workshops and AudienceThe workshops are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging collaboration through group activities and a design competition. The event is ideal for anyone involved in coworking spaces, whether they own, manage, or work in them. It aims to provide insights into what drives behaviours and supports people, making it relevant for those looking to enhance their space's inclusivity and appeal.

Links & Resources

* Nook Wellness Pods

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* 360 Workplace - Learn about Guenaelle's workplace consultancy and its approach to inclusive design.

* Forefront Group - Explore the parent company of 360 Workplace and their diverse offerings.

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Guenaelle on LinkedIn

“What concerns me most is this idea that we’re returning to the norms from before... when we tore down the walls between home and work and childcare.”

Georgia Norton

Tired of running yourself into the ground?

Then stop running alone.

On February 24th, the London Coworking Assembly presents Unreasonable Connection Goes Live!—a one-day working session for the people running London’s most vital neighbourhood spaces and the public sector allies working to help them thrive. It’s a day to share the load, find real solutions, and build a new playbook, together.

Georgia Norton spent spring 2024 interviewing founders, childcare workers, and parents across co-located childcare and coworking spaces.

What she documented wasn’t a pandemic oddity for affluent families.

It was a structural shift in how people want to arrange work and care.

The report, “The Case for Childcare plus coworking,” argues that these spaces should be treated as essential social infrastructure, not premium amenities.

Georgia calls it social infrastructure because that’s what it functions as:

* Places where work happens alongside childcare

* Where childcare workers gain professional development opportunities shoulder to shoulder with laptop workers

* Where bridges get built between people who’d never otherwise meet

But Georgia’s facing pushback from two contradictory directions.

Front one: This is elitist. How could this ever be universal childcare?

The spaces look too nice, too intentional about natural light and materials.

Front two: Not everyone wants work and care integrated.

Some people prefer separation, long commutes, and wrap-around daycare.

Both critiques miss what Georgia is actually arguing.

She’s not trying to universalise a single model.

She’s pointing out that thousands of families restructured their lives during the pandemic and don’t want to return to the way things were.

They’ve tasted something different—messy, overlapping, human—and the old binary (office or home, parent or professional, boss or employee) feels like a lie.

The teens who kept wearing sliders and pyjama pants to school after lockdown?

That’s the same cultural shift.

We loosened our grip on “how things are supposed to be” and got more realistic about what actually matters.

Georgia names fixable barriers:

* Licensing rules that block grant access

* Outdated funding structures

* The assumption that childcare innovation requires private equity backing

She’s taking these findings to the House of Lords in June.

She’s exploring intergenerational models that integrate eldercare alongside childcare.

Her next horizon isn’t scaling Playhood into a chain—it’s asking smarter policy questions about how to fund site-specific, adaptive models that serve neighbourhoods.

This episode is for:

Space operators are wondering if childcare integration makes sense.

Parents who’ve felt the guilt of separation and want to explore alternatives.

Anyone asking whether coworking can do more than rent desks—whether it can actually function as civic infrastructure that builds bridges across differences.

⏱ Timeline Highlights

[02:07] What Georgia wants to be known for: “Making an impact... putting that report to work to help inspire entrepreneurs, to defend the childcare workforce.”

[03:34] The provocative question that drove the report: “So many people wanted this... Why aren’t we funding models to pilot this?”

[04:56] Why the report’s lens was American: “I’m sitting on more of a global picture.”

[05:53] The tension Georgia feels most: “What concerns me most is this idea that we’re returning to the norms from before.”

[09:10] On loosening standards: “We all loosened our standards... But I think we just got more realistic about, let’s not waste any time on that separation.”

[10:20] The power of bridges: “We need bridges to other people... not binary employee versus boss, teacher versus parent.”

[11:11] What the pandemic revealed: “The pandemic let us see childcare workers as key workers... We should hold on to models that integrate with families.”

[14:03] The contradictory feedback: “Two key pieces of feedback contradict one another—how is this equitable? And also, this isn’t for everyone.”

[15:21] On not dismissing the model: “If there’s a model here that could work in other neighbourhoods, we’ve got to look at smarter ways of funding.”

[16:48] Georgia on fixable problems: “The barriers to making this more accessible—things like you can’t get grants without the licensing. Really old-fashioned things that get in the way. Fixable problems. I like those.”

[17:42] Why childcare changes everything: “When you add or integrate with a childcare offering... there’s something next level going on.”

[19:11] The workforce development story: “One of the strongest stories... is the workforce development that occurs here.”

[24:09] On species needs: “Openness, open-heartedness and open-mindedness to being around other people is absolutely critical to our social cohesion right now.”

[26:30] Small solutions matter: “Microschools, micro-nurseries with coworking show you don’t need the private equity-backed chain—there have to be entrepreneurs trying things out.”

[27:56] What adaptive means: “We need to be site-specific and grow and adapt to meet each other’s needs... potentially even go into the House of Lords in June to share policy ideas.”

The Two-Front Fight

Georgia’s fighting two battles at once.

And they contradict each other completely.

Front one: This is elitist. How could this ever be universal childcare?

The spaces she profiled look gorgeous. Full of plants, natural light, and intentional materials.

People see that and assume expensive, inaccessible, designed for the 2.5% with disposable income.

Georgia pushes back hard: “It’s really sad to me that people assume we can’t all have nice things.”

Why should designing for human thriving automatically signal exclusivity?

Front two: Not everyone wants this.

Loads of parents are perfectly happy with the separation between work and care.

They want to commute, drop off, access wrap-around daycare, and keep the worlds distinct.

Georgia’s not arguing against that choice.

She’s arguing against the assumption that integrated models shouldn’t exist because some people prefer separation.

The contradiction exposes the real problem.

We’ve built a system where innovation in childcare is assumed to be the preserve of premium membership models.

And simultaneously, we’ve normalised the idea that “for everyone” means erasing specificity and choice.

Georgia’s not trying to universalise one model.

She’s documenting what happens when you give families actual options—and then asking why we’re not funding more experimentation.

The answer involves fixable barriers like licensing and grant eligibility, not inherent inaccessibility.

What the Pandemic Actually Taught Us

Some people untethered completely after the pandemic.

Sold everything, joined travelling villag...

In this episode, we interview Miguel Lucea, the visionary behind Sojuela Joven, the first rural co-living space in La Rioja, Spain. Miguel shares his journey and the transformative impact of rural co-living on local economies and cultural landscapes. Discover how digital nomads and entrepreneurs revitalise small towns, create meaningful connections, and contribute to community growth. This conversation illuminates rural areas' potential to offer a high-quality, fulfilling lifestyle beyond big cities' allure.

Timeline Summary

* [01:20] - Miguel Lucea introduces Sojuela Joven, the first rural co-living in La Rioja, Spain.

* [02:12] - Discussion on the rapid impact of co-living on local economies and cultural dynamics.

* [04:17] - Average stay duration and the goal of fostering long-term community engagement.

* [05:23] - The role of regional government support and public funding in the project.

* [06:55] - The longstanding issue of rural depopulation and its historical context.

* [09:20] - Miguel’s connection to rural life through his grandparents' agricultural background.

* [10:01] - The shift from rural to urban life across generations and the decision to return.

* [12:02] - The appeal of rural living post-COVID and the advantages of remote work.

* [13:22] - Quality of life in rural areas versus the perceived benefits of urban living.

* [17:12] - Miguel’s career path from academia to founding Sojuela Joven.

* [22:09] - The importance of genuine human connections in the digital age.

* [24:47] - The future of rural co-living and its potential to drive regional development.

* [28:43] - Ideal candidates for Sojuela Joven and the community-oriented lifestyle offered.

Links & Resources

* Sojuela Joven Co-living: Sojuela Joven Website

* Connect with Miguel Lucea on LinkedIn

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Rural Coworking Project by European Coworking Assembly 

* Maria do Ceu Bastos, co-founder of Nowheredesk

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Introduction to Sojuela JovenMiguel Lucea introduces Sojuela Joven, emphasizing its unique position as the first rural co-living space in La Rioja. Located in the village of Sojuela, this initiative aims to revitalize the local community by attracting digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Impact on Local EconomiesMiguel explains how the introduction of Sojuela Joven has rapidly influenced the local economy and social dynamics. With a small permanent population, the arrival of new residents has increased the village's population by 20%, bringing new energy and interactions.

Government Support and Public FundingThe success of Sojuela Joven has been bolstered by support from the regional government through the Emblematic Initiatives to Fight Rural Depopulation program. This funding and support have facilitated engagement with local authorities and other regional initiatives.

Historical Context of Rural DepopulationMiguel discusses the historical and economic reasons behind rural depopulation in La Rioja and similar regions. He highlights the migration trends that have led to the current situation and the need for innovative solutions to reverse this trend.

Personal Connection to Rural LifeDrawing from his family history, Miguel shares the generational shift from rural to urban living and the desire among younger generations to reconnect with their roots and create sustainable rural communities.

Advantages of Rural Living Post-COVIDThe pandemic has highlighted the benefits of rural living, such as lower costs, better quality of life, and the feasibility of remote work. Miguel emphasizes the unique opportunities rural areas offer for personal and professional growth.

The Future of Rural Co-LivingLooking ahead, Miguel envisions rural co-living spaces as hubs of community and cultural development. He sees potential for these spaces to address rural depopulation and foster regional growth by attracting diverse and dynamic residents.

Ideal Candidates for Sojuela JovenSojuela Joven is open to young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking for a supportive community and a high-quality rural lifestyle. Miguel describes the ideal candidates as seeking a meaningful and collaborative living experience.

Closing Remark

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, we chat with Jenny, the dynamic force behind Coworking Corner in Matlock, Derbyshire. Jenny shares her journey from running a small coworking space to juggling multiple roles as a charity agile strategy consultant, travel blogger, and nature connection facilitator. We explore how she seamlessly integrates her diverse interests and balances her professional and personal life. Tune in to hear about her planning techniques, the evolution of Coworking Corner, and the unique challenges and joys of building a coworking community in a rural area.

Timeline Summary

00:02 Introduction to the episode and guest, Jenny.

00:49 Jenny discusses what she is known for and her future aspirations.

02:06 Balancing different aspects of her life and how they support each other.

03:26 The impact of COVID-19 on her consultancy work and the motivation to start Coworking Corner.

04:39 The joys and challenges of managing multiple roles and interests.

05:01 Planning her week and balancing priorities.

07:49 Using agile methodology to achieve bigger life goals.

10:18 The importance of detailed planning for personal and professional success.

12:09 Reflecting on the early days of Coworking Corner and building a community.

17:58 How Matlock’s location attracts returning visitors and remote workers.

20:26 Marketing strategies and the flexibility of Coworking Corner.

21:59 Hopes for the future of coworking and the importance of small, community-driven spaces.

23:19 The widespread benefits of coworking and overcoming public awareness challenges.

24:10 Personal experiences with the advantages of coworking and community support.

26:19 Jenny’s multiple projects and where to find her online.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Introduction and Getting to Know Jenny (00:02 - 01:36)

- Jenny, known for her vibrant and multifaceted career, owns Coworking Corner, a charity agile strategy consultant, and is a travel blogger. She aspires to become a nature connection facilitator.

Balancing Multiple Roles (01:36 - 04:39)

- Jenny explains how she balances her various roles, the flexibility required, and how each aspect of her life supports the others.

Impact of COVID-19 and Starting Coworking Corner (03:26 - 04:39)

- The pandemic's impact on her consultancy work led to the creation of Coworking Corner, fulfilling her need for community and interaction.

Planning and Agile Methodology (05:01 - 10:18)

- Jenny's approach to weekly planning and agile methodologies helps her manage her diverse projects and maintain productivity.

Building Coworking Corner and Community (12:09 - 17:11)

- Jenny shares her journey of establishing Coworking Corner, the importance of community building, and how she transitioned from being solely a consultant to running a coworking space.

Attracting Visitors and Marketing Strategies (17:58 - 21:32)

- The unique appeal of Matlock and how Jenny's flexible, easy-going approach attracts repeat visitors and remote teams.

Future of Coworking (21:59 - 25:04)

- Jenny's vision for the future of coworking involves more small, community-driven spaces and increased public awareness of coworking benefits.

Personal Insights and Experiences (25:04 - 26:19)

- The personal benefits of coworking, including increased productivity and community support, are highlighted through Jenny’s experiences.

Links & Resources

* Follow Jenny on Instagram

* Coworking Corner on Instagram

* Jenny's Travel Blog: She Gets Around

* Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values. Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact. It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Renegades of Flow, Bernie and Emily explore the concept of breakthroughs, drawing insights from their recent "Creator Write Club Goal Setting", an online workshop they run as part of Creator Write Club.They discuss how creating space and embracing chaos can lead to personal and creative breakthroughs. Emily shares a Zen story about emptying one's cup to make room for new knowledge, and Bernie reflects on his journey of reading and gaining clarity. They deconstruct the challenges of overcoming mental blocks, the importance of routine, and the role of meditation in nurturing our creativity.

Listen out for simple and practical strategies for achieving your micro breakthroughs in your workflow.

Timeline Summary

00:37 Introduction: Bernie and Emily catch up and share recent experiences.

02:05 Workshop Recap of the "Creator Write Club Goal Setting" online workshop.

03:47 Zen Story: Emily shares a Zen story about emptying one's cup.

04:58 Reading Habits: Bernie reflects on his reading journey and gaining clarity.

07:12 Mindless Activities: Emily discusses how physical activities can spark creativity.

10:13 Meditation Practices: Bernie and Emily share their meditation techniques.

13:57 Writing Routine: Bernie talks about his daily writing habit and its impact.

17:56 System Design: Emily explains her approach to designing and maintaining systems.

22:13 Collaborative Ideas: Bernie and Emily discuss the importance of collaboration and idea sharing.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Introduction and Recent Events 00:37

Bernie and Emily start with a light-hearted catch-up, discussing the recent eclipse and its effects.

Insights from the Workshop 02:05

They delve into the "Create a Write" workshop, highlighting key takeaways about writing processes and overcoming creative blocks.

Zen Philosophy 03:47

Emily shares a Zen story that emphasizes the importance of making space for new knowledge, setting the stage for a discussion on mental clarity.

Bernie’s Reading Journey 04:58

Bernie recounts his shift from consuming numerous books to focusing deeply on a few, which has helped him achieve greater clarity and insights.

Physical Activities and Creativity 07:12

Emily suggests engaging in physical activities can help clear the mind and nurture creative breakthroughs.

Meditation Techniques 10:13

Both hosts discuss their meditation practices and share tips to clear mental clutter and enhance focus.

Daily Writing Habits 13:57

Bernie emphasizes the power of daily writing routines in maintaining mental clarity and generating new ideas.

System Design and Adaptation 17:56

Emily explains her approach to constantly reinventing organizational systems to keep them effective and engaging.

Collaborative Idea Generation 22:13

The conversation wraps up with Bernie and Emily reflecting on the collaborative process of idea generation and how it leads to breakthroughs.

Links & Resources

* Creator Write Club

* Insight Timer Meditation App

* 750 Words

* Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

* Why Jonathan Stark writes every day

* Urban MBA 

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Today, Tony Bacigalupo is joined by Alycia Levels Moore, founder of Polaris BHM in Birmingham, Alabama, for her second appearance on the Coworking Values Podcast.

Alycia shares her journey from New York to East Atlanta and finally to Birmingham, where she has become a vibrant community advocate.

Discover how Alycia's passion for her Woodlawn neighbourhood led her to create a thriving coworking space that nurtures local entrepreneurs.

We delve into the importance of community engagement, the role of coworking spaces as educational hubs, and the impact of fostering a supportive environment for dreamers and doers alike.

Timeline Summary:

00:54 - Meet Alycia Levels Moore, founder of Polaris BHM.

01:26 - Woodlawn: A vibrant community in East Birmingham.

02:33 - Alycia's journey from New York to Birmingham.

03:36 - The Urban Main program and nurturing community talents.

05:27 - The inception of Polaris BHM: A coworking space dream.

08:37 - Integrating coworking with neighborhood businesses.

12:05 - Providing safety and support for entrepreneurs.

15:33 - The standards and culture at Polaris BHM.

17:33 - Messaging and mutual support within the coworking community.

19:54 - Educating and welcoming new visitors to the coworking space.

23:11 - Strategies for revitalizing and engaging a coworking space.

28:01 - Building a sense of community in new neighbourhoods.

33:25 - The role of patriotism and active participation in community building.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Introduction and Background

Woodlawn Community

- Alycia highlights the vibrancy and revitalization efforts in the Woodlawn neighbourhood.

- The "Woodlawn is significant for lovers" movement and community shirts.

Journey to Birmingham

- The backstory of Alycia's move to Birmingham and her involvement in the Urban Main program.

- Her husband’s influence and their commitment to the Woodlawn neighbourhood.

The Birth of Polaris BHM

- Inspiration behind starting Polaris BHM during the pandemic.

- Overcoming challenges to create a coworking space and gathering community support.

Integrating with the Neighborhood

- How does Polaris BHM collaborate with local businesses and organizations?

- Examples of technical assistance and programming provided to entrepreneurs.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

- The importance of safety and support for entrepreneurs.

- Alycia’s approach nurtures dreams and provides a safe space for ideas to flourish.

Culture and Standards at Polaris BHM

- Establishing a culture of home, safety, and mutual support within the coworking space.

- Engaging with members and the broader community through clear messaging.

Community Engagement

- The significance of being actively involved in the community.

- Strategies for building and maintaining a vibrant community space.

Personal Reflections and Advice

- What advice does Alycia have for other coworking space owners on assessing and adapting to member needs?

- The importance of staying connected and actively participating in the community.

Conclusion and Future Plans

- Alycia shares ways to stay connected with Polaris BHM and her ongoing initiatives.

- Encouragement for listeners to follow her journey and engage with their communities.

Links & Resources:

* Polaris BHM Website: polarisbhm.com

* How Do I Do This Podcast with Alycia

* Polaris BHM on Instagram

* Main Street America

* ‘More Fight’ - Alycia’s 2016 Album

* Alycia’s first podcast with us!

* Connect with Alycia Levels Moore on LinkedIn

* Connect with Tony Bacigalupo on LinkedIn

* Find out more about The Belongfulness Project

* The Summer 2024 Coworking Community Builder Cohort

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode, we interview Claire Carpenter, a pioneering figure in the European coworking movement and a passionate advocate for community and adventure.

Broadcasting from Kent, Claire shares her journey from founding one of the first coworking spaces in 2007 to her current life as a coach, traveller, and climber.

Claire discusses the evolution of coworking, the importance of creating comfortable and engaging conference experiences, and the significance of hospitality in fostering community.

This episode contains valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from Claire's travels and professional experiences.

Timeline Summary

00:27 - Introduction to Claire Carpenter from Kent, the Garden of England.

00:36 - Claire’s background and current passions as a coach and adventurer.

01:06 - The early days of coworking and the founding of Claire's space in 2007.

02:06 - Claire's recent travels, including a visit to Morocco.

02:22 - Attending Coworking Spain and GCUC (Global Coworking Unconference Conference) in Manchester.

03:06 - The importance of accommodating different learning styles at conferences.

04:47—Hospitality and community are core values of coworking conferences, and this session will focus on the exceptional food at Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester.

07:22 - The growth and diversification of the coworking industry.

10:10 - Understanding placemaking and its role in coworking.

17:35 - Conferences are vital for connecting with peers and sharing knowledge.

21:38 - Welcoming new entrants into the coworking community and supporting their growth.

23:58 - Claire's coaching philosophy and how she helps change-makers achieve their goals.

26:42 - The story behind Claire's van, Dignity, and her love for designing spaces.

Key Topics

1. Learning Styles and Conference Experiences:

   Claire emphasises the importance of addressing various learning styles to make attendees comfortable. She shares how Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester were successful because they catered to different learning preferences and maintained a human-sized conference setting.

2. Hospitality and Community at Conferences:

   Highlighting the role of hospitality, Claire mentions how the food at Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester exceeded expectations, enhancing the overall experience. Bernie and Claire discuss how good food and thoughtful event planning can significantly impact attendees' perceptions and satisfaction.

3. The Evolution and Growth of Coworking:

   Claire reflects on the coworking movement's journey from its early days to becoming a diverse and established industry. She discusses the ongoing growth and diversification, noting the increasing number of place-makers and the importance of community building within coworking spaces.

4. Placemaking and Creating Destinations:

   Claire explains the concept of placemaking, which goes beyond creating a physical space to establishing a destination within a broader ecosystem. She emphasises the importance of connecting with local businesses and support systems to enhance the coworking community.

5. The Importance of Connection at Conferences:

   Conferences serve as a platform for coworking professionals to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Claire and Bernie discuss the value of arriving at conferences already feeling connected and the efforts made by the London Coworking Assembly to foster such connections.

6. Welcoming New Entrants and Continuous Learning:

   Claire highlights the importance of welcoming new members into the coworking community and supporting their development. She stresses the value of continuous learning and the role of experienced members in mentoring newcomers.

Links & Resources

Claire Carpenter Coaching

Follow Claire’s adventures on Instagram

Listen to "Dignity" by Deacon Blue: YouTube Music

Coworking SpainGCUC Manchester

London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar CampCoworking Values Podcast on LinkedInVirtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even more significant impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Holly Cooke - Founder of The Lonely Girls Club

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Tony talks with Holly Cooke, the inspiring founder of the Lonely Girls Club. We explore Holly’s journey from being a lonely graduate in London to creating one of the UK's largest communities for women seeking connection. Holly shares her experiences, the club's evolution, and how it has grown to include branches across several major cities in the UK. 

She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a supportive network that caters to diverse needs and interests.

 Key Topics Covered:

 The origin story of the Lonely Girls Club and its mission to combat loneliness among women.

Holly’s personal journey of moving to London and the challenges of making new friends in a big city.

How the club has expanded beyond London to other major UK cities like Manchester, Nottingham, and Birmingham.

The innovative ways the club fosters community both online and through in-person events.

Collaborations with local businesses and organisations to create unique opportunities for members.

Future plans for the club, including potential global expansion and continued support for its growing community.

 Timeline Summary:

 01:20  Tony welcomes Holly Cooke and introduces the topic.

 02:16  Holly shares the founding story of the Lonely Girls Club.

 06:54  The initial meetup experiences and the challenges of organising events.

 10:32  How the club supports members through digital forums and weekly newsletters.

 13:57  Partnering with coworking clubs and other businesses to enhance community experiences.

 18:12  Transitioning the club into a sustainable social impact business.

 25:51  Addressing loneliness globally and future expansion plans.

 31:29  The process of opening new branches and onboarding city hosts.

 36:31  The importance of newsletters and the tools used to manage community engagement.

 Links & Resources:

*  Lonely Girls Club 

* Follow Lonely Girls Club on Instagram 

* Join the Lonely Girls Club on Facebook

* Connect with Holly Cooke on LinkedIn

* Connect with Tony Bacigalupo on LinkedIn

* Find out more about The Belongfulness Project

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even more significant impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Summary:

Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their coworking business. 

We are joined by Connor, Director of Revenue Operations at Impact, a marketing agency that helps companies in-house their marketing and improve inefficient sales processes.

Connor's insights are particularly valuable for coworking spaces aiming to attract and retain members through effective marketing strategies. 

Connor is a key figure in the Impact Plus community, recognised for his work with the "They Ask, You Answer" framework.

You’ll see the journey of Marcus Sheridan, whose content marketing strategy turned his pool company into a multimillion-dollar business, offering valuable lessons for coworking spaces on leveraging content to drive engagement and sales. 

Connor illuminates the buyer's journey, emphasising how businesses can use their websites to guide potential customers through this process, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates. 

He also delves into the enduring effectiveness of email marketing and identifies common pitfalls small businesses encounter when outsourcing their marketing efforts. 

Finally, Connor explains why focusing on outcomes rather than deliverables is essential for creating successful agency partnerships when marketing your businesses. 

Timeline Summary:

2:04 – Connor introduces himself, mentioning his background and current role in Connecticut.

3:00 – The story of Marcus Sheridan's early adoption of HubSpot and pioneering content marketing efforts.

5:02 – Marcus Sheridan's success story: Turning content into $35 million in sales by answering customer questions.

7:00 – Breaking down the buyer's journey and how a well-structured website can guide customers.

10:55 – The "Don't screw it up sale" – a tale of a highly informed customer making a swift purchase decision.

14:35 – The vital role of email marketing in maintaining customer engagement and driving sales.

16:19 – Common mistakes small businesses make when outsourcing their marketing, such as not knowing what they are outsourcing.

21:22 – The importance of prioritising outcomes over deliverables in agency partnerships for mutual success.

Links & Resources:

* They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan

* Marcus Sheridan on LinkedIn

* Impact Plus Community 

* River Pools & Spas Website

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connor on LinkedIn - The best place to find his videos and written posts.

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

Welcome back to "Community is the Key," our series with Salto Systems, where we explore ways to grow, start, and evolve communities.

Today, we introduce Ali, a community connector passionate about creating inclusive spaces through food and fellowship.

We explore Ali's journey from starting her social enterprise, Carib Eats, a Weekly Canteen across Hackney & with a Caribbean twist. Ali started this during the lockdown to her vision of using food to connect diverse neighbourhoods.

Ali shares her experiences and challenges, emphasizing the importance of providing culturally relevant meals with dignity.

We reflect on our first meeting with Ali at Urban MBA HQ in London and discuss the unique environment that brings together people from all walks of life.

Discover the magic of communal dining and how it reduces loneliness and fosters a sense of belonging.

Episode Highlights:

[00:02] Introduction to the episode and Ali’s role in the community.

[01:04] Ali discusses her current focus on Caribbean Eats, a social enterprise born out of lockdown.

[02:13] Recalling our first encounter at Urban MBA HQ and the importance of experiencing community firsthand.

[03:49] The diverse group of people that come together over meals at the EdTech Centre and the significance of these gatherings.

[06:25] Discussing the broader vision of coworking spaces as community hubs for all ages.

[09:29] Ali’s motivation for starting Caribbean Eats and the power of connection through food.

[10:15] Ali shares a touching story about helping a man with learning difficulties who was lonely after losing his support network during the lockdown.

[14:24] The challenges of maintaining a social enterprise and the importance of providing culturally relevant meals.

[19:03] Heartwarming stories of the impact of Caribbean Eats on individuals like Malcolm, who found companionship and community.

[26:35] How listeners can get involved and support the initiative, whether through hosting canteens or offering skills and resources.

Links & Resources:

* Matthias Hollwich’s New Aging Book

* Our podcast with Matthias Hollwich

* Urban MBA

* Carib Eat's main website

* Slato Systems

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Ali on LinkedIn

* Connect with Christian from SALTO on LinkedIn

* SALTO Systems Website

One More Thing:

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact. It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand what coworking is, how it can help their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Emily chats with Natalie Du Toit, an Olympic and Paralympic swimmer who has become a digital marketer and content writer. We explore her inspiring journey, her work with the European Coworking Assembly, and the impactful IDEA Handbook, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. Natalie shares her experiences and valuable insights on how coworking spaces can become more inclusive and accessible, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported.

Timeline Summary:

* [1:17] - Introducing Natalie Du Toit: From Olympic and Paralympic swimmer to digital marketer.

* [3:04] - What is the IDEA Handbook, and what does IDEA stand for?

* [4:24] - Practical applications of the IDEA Handbook in work settings.

* [7:03] - Natalie’s sports background influences her inclusion perspective.

* [9:59] - Advice on integrating the IDEA Handbook into a team.

* [12:22] - Personal reflections on the sections of the IDEA Handbook.

* [15:09] - The stakes for companies that don’t adapt to diverse needs.

* [16:56] - How to connect with Natalie online and her final thoughts on inclusion.

Links & Resources:

* Summer 2024 Sprint Cohort Sign-Up

* Nook Wellness Pods

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* Buy the European Coworking Assembly IDEA Handbook

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Natalie Du Toit on Twitter and LinkedIn

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, we chat with Jerome Chang, a veteran and skilled architect in the coworking community. We explore Jerome's journey from architecture to launching his coworking spaces in 2008. Jerome reflects on the early days of coworking, the role of design in creating functional coworking environments, and his efforts to foster inclusive communities. We delve into his initiative, People of Coworking, which aims to improve diversity and representation within the coworking industry.

This episode offers deep insights into building welcoming spaces and the ongoing challenges and opportunities in making coworking more inclusive.

Timeline Summary

- [00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guest Jerome Chang.

- [00:11] - Jerome talks about his background in coworking and architecture.

- [00:27] - Jerome shares his first memory of coworking and how he got into it.

- [02:09] - Building communities beyond coworking spaces.

- [03:42] - Launch of People of Coworking and its goals.

- [05:05] - Discussion on diversity in coworking and representation at events.

- [08:30] - The importance of inclusive marketing and role models.

- [11:50] - Challenges and efforts in addressing diversity in coworking.

- [13:36] - The role of visible diversity in creating relatable communities.

- [16:07] - Why representation at events is crucial.

- [18:12] - Strategies for event organizers to ensure diverse representation.

- [22:40] - Jerome's call to action for supporting People of Coworking.

Links & Resources

* People of Coworking

* Catherine Park of Color in tech - Our podcast with Catherine.

* Sonia Thompson is an expert on diversity and inclusivity in marketing.

* London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Virtual Headquarters - join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.

* Join the next Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Jerome on LinkedIn

* Contact Jerome via Email

One More Thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.

“If freelancing is the future of work, then coworking is the future workplace.”

Szilvia Filep

Tired of running yourself into the ground?

Then stop running alone.

On February 24th, the London Coworking Assembly presents Unreasonable Connection Goes Live!—a one-day working session for the people running London’s most vital neighbourhood spaces and the public sector allies working to help them thrive. It’s a day to share the load, find real solutions, and build a new playbook, together.

Ten years ago, Szilvia Filep quit her multinational job in Budapest because they wouldn’t let her work remotely.

Back in 2016, that decision meant becoming a freelancer when Hungarian society viewed freelancing as code for “can’t get a proper job.” It meant moving from the capital to Veszprém—a countryside city—with her husband and young daughter. It meant choosing time over salary, proximity over prestige, freedom over the illusion of security.

Today, Szilvia runs the Hungarian Coworking Association, operates a coworking space in Veszprém, and serves as Communications Manager for Coworking Europe. Everything she needs—her kids’ school, her coworking space, the city centre, supermarket, her mother-in-law for childcare—sits within a 10-minute walk from her front door.

She calls it her “10-minute city.” Where Paris has Professor Carlos Moreno’s ambitious 15-minute city vision, Szilvia built her own version through strategic decisions about where to live, what to prioritise, and how to structure work around life instead of life around work.

The contrast with her previous existence is stark. One to one-and-a-half hours each way in Budapest traffic. Now? She chooses how to spend that reclaimed time. Not stuck in traffic jams. Not at the mercy of delayed trains. Freedom to prepare for her day on her own terms.

But here’s what matters for you as a coworking operator: Szilvia’s journey from corporate employee to freelancer to association founder mirrors the transformation happening across Europe right now.

What seemed risky in 2016—outcome-based work, autonomy, side projects, choosing flexibility—has become mainstream. In Hungary, the average person under 35 now spends just two years at one company. The future Szilvia bet on has arrived.

And if freelancing truly is the future of work, then coworking genuinely is the future workplace. Not because of hot desks or good coffee. Because people working flexibly still need human contact.

They need spaces designed around connection, not just productivity. They need to know they’re not alone “slogging it out” trying to make WordPress work or deciding whether to invoice before or after completing the work.

Szilvia’s experience in smaller cities reveals something corporate chains can’t replicate: 60% of her coworking members joined when the space opened two-and-a-half years ago and are still there.

That loyalty stems from limited options, yes—but more powerfully, from genuine belonging. In smaller towns, you run into each other outside the space. The connections run deeper. The community isn’t strategic; it’s real.

This episode is for operators building local coworking spaces, running regional associations, or wondering whether European Coworking Day matters beyond marketing. Szilvia shows how grassroots movements gain credibility through continental connection whilst maintaining fierce local loyalty.

You’ll leave understanding how to design a life that actually fits your values, why freelancing skills translate directly to coworking operations, and how European Coworking Day on 6th May gives your local work the visibility it deserves.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] Bernie announces European Coworking Day is on the sixth of May

[01:26] Szilvia introduces herself: founder of Coworking Hungary Association, runs a space in Veszprém, recently joined Coworking Europe conference team

[02:07] Coworking Europe 2026 will be in Paris on sixth of November

[02:39] “I’ve created my life, my basic needs in a way that everything is just 10 minutes walk from my home”

[04:52] On reclaimed commute time: “It’s freedom”

[08:34] The brave 2016 decision: “I had to quit. That was the time when I became a freelancer to be able to create the life I wanted to live”

[11:49] Essential freelancing skills: “Creativity... you have to be quite brave... good in marketing and pretty much in sales... personal branding... Very, very thoughtful on financials”

[13:54] Szilvia’s realisation: “It’s just the future of work”

[16:38] On selling outcomes: “It’s not the time what you sell, but it’s the results what you sell”

[17:57] Job tenure in Hungary: “The average time a younger person under 35 years spends at one company is two years”

[21:03] The defining quote: “If freelancing is the future of work, then coworking is the future workplace”

[22:38] Why European Coworking Day matters: “This gives an extra credibility and visibility to the things that we do here in Hungary”

[25:21] On loyalty in smaller cities: “60% of the coworkers who are currently using the space, joined at the very beginning when we opened the space two and a half year ago”

[29:59] Bernie’s reminder: “Collaboration over competition”

The 10-Minute City You Can Build Today

You don’t need municipal permission to create a 10-minute city.

Szilvia designed hers through decisions: choosing Veszprém over Budapest, paying more for a flat near the city centre instead of cheaper suburbs, opening her coworking space within walking distance of her home.

The trade-off was clear. Living centrally costs more. But the return—time, autonomy, presence with her children—proved worth every forint.

Before moving, Szilvia and her husband sat down and asked: “How do we want to lead our family life together?” Both had spent their childhoods travelling to school in different cities. Both commuted 30-40 minutes one way to university in Budapest. Both wanted something different for their kids and themselves.

What makes this relevant for coworking operators? Your members face the same calculation. They’re weighing commute time against flexibility, corporate salaries against autonomy, prestige against presence. The operators who understand this friction—who position their spaces as infrastructure for freedom, not just desks for rent—win the loyalty Szilvia describes.

Sixty per cent retention over two-and-a-half years doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when your space solves a life design problem, not just a workspace problem.

When “Freelancer” Meant “Unemployed”

In 2016, telling people in Hungary you were a freelancer translated roughly to: “I can’t get a proper job.”

Szilvia heard it constantly. “Poor freelancers, it’s how hard for them to get a job, how it’s just not stable, it’s just unpredictable. It’s unsafe financially.”

She could count on her hands how many people she knew doing the same work. So she organised a freelance conference. She ran events for freelancers to meet and learn from each other. She told everyone she could about this emerging way of working.

Ten years later, the world has caught up. Remote work. Outcome-based projects. Side gigs. Portfolio careers. These aren’t fringe anymore—they’re how most knowledge workers operate, whether officially freelance or not.

But here’s the insight that matters: the skills Szilvia needed to succeed as a freelancer in 2016 are exactly the skills coworking operators need today. Creativity. Courage. Marketing yourself ...

In this video, Lucy McInally shares her transformative journey with coworking, emphasizing the profound impact of community. While it's her story, I can recognise so much of my path as a freelancer and finding a home 'in coworking' and 'in coworking spaces' since I first read the word 'coworking' in Tony Bacigalupo's group on Meetup in August 2008. I also want to add that the 'magic' Lucy talks about is not unique to the London Coworking Assembly.I've had the same experience with many coworking events, meet-ups, and things like Marko Orel's Coworking Symposium - as cheesy as it sounds, it is the power of community.Lucy explains that to her, the essence of coworking is not just about shared spaces but the vibrant spirit that comes alive when people connect. She believes the core of coworking lies in community, connection, and collaboration—elements that bring people together to exchange ideas, share challenges, and inspire each other.Lucy reflects on her experiences since coming to London Coworking Assembly events after moving from Scotland. Starting as a freelancer, she quickly felt at home, thanks to the community's welcoming atmosphere, many of whom have become her friends and clients. She notes that this community goes beyond typical organisational boundaries, discussing relevant topics like inclusion, diversity, accessibility, equity, and personal and professional growth.For Lucy, the London Coworking Assembly is more than just a coworking space; it's a community that listens, supports, and grows together.🎙️Shout out to Lucy's ongoing collaboration on the Coworking Values Podcast with Christian Schmitz and me. 🎙️Our next 'Community is the key' episode will be recorded in person at our next London Coworking Assembly event at Urban MBA, with (THE) Caleb Parker, the head waiter at Brave Corporation Ltd. 🤣Join us and the rest of our community next Thursday as we continue to explore and discuss coworking community building and local economic development.It's a whole day of conversations and connections with Ashley Proctor, Anna Chuicharoen, Kofi Oppong, and Stephen Carrick-Davies at our London Coworking Assembly Forum and Bar Camp: ➡️ RSVP here: https://lu.ma/LCAJunep.s. Love and Thanks to Blake from Urban MBA for the video, Sam at Silent Gliss International Ltd. and Workspace Design Show London for the location.

In this episode of the Coworking Values podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Alex Young, Director of Projects in Brighton. We discuss the significance of accessibility in shared workspaces and how Projects is leading the way in creating inclusive environments. 

Alex shares practical advice on advocating for accessibility needs, designing spaces to be universally accessible, and listening to those who face accessibility challenges.

Tune in to learn how inclusive design can make a difference in the workplace and the wider community.

Highlights

[0:02] - Introduction to the Accessibility Edition with guest Alex Young.

[0:26] - Alex talks about her role and the mission of Projects as a workspace provider.

[1:26] - Importance of supporting employees with diverse needs.

[3:09] - Emily shares a personal example of body doubling for productivity.

[4:04] - Key considerations for making coworking spaces accessible.

[5:55] - Common mistakes in accessibility efforts.

[7:18] - Tips for advocating for accessibility needs at work.

[8:42] - Low-hanging fruits for improving accessibility.

[10:52] - Story of successful advocacy and mentorship in a Berlin coworking space.

[12:17] - Future trends in accessibility for coworking spaces.

[14:09] - Alex's journey into coworking and accessibility.

[17:27] - Advice for new co-working spaces on building accessibility from the ground up.

[19:13] - How listeners can connect with Alex.

Alex on LinkedIn

Projects - Brighton

Listen to Alex's Favourite Positions Podcast

Emily on LinkedIn

Coworking Values Podcast on Substack

Co-created by Nook Wellness Pods

Links & Resources

Centre of Excellence in Universal Design: Universal Design

Access to Work (UK Government Fund): Access to Work

Exceptional Individuals (UK Gateway Provider): Exceptional Individuals

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast wherever you listen.

Your support helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand what coworking is, how it can help their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects and work.

In this episode, we hear from Eva Sanz of Locus Workspace in Prague, who shares how to create a lively community where work and relationships flourish. Eva talks about the unique blend of work and social life at Locus Workspace.

She explains how their unique approach to community management transforms a typical coworking day into an opportunity for creating lasting friendships and professional networks. 

Whether you're a freelancer seeking a collaborative space or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next creative spark, this conversation reveals how community-driven spaces can elevate your work experience.

Episode Highlights:

0:20 Introduction to Eva Sanz and Locus Workspace - discover the unique coworking environment that balances productivity and networking.

1:07 The Role of a Community Manager - Eva discusses her day-to-day activities and the integral role of community managers in fostering a welcoming and connected workspace.

3:03 Defining community management - clarification on community managers’ distinct roles and impacts versus traditional receptionists.

4:10 You’ll hear Eva’s journey from a newcomer to a pivotal community influencer in Prague's coworking scene.

10:06 Dynamic workspace culture - explore Locus Workspace’s flexible desk policy that encourages new connections daily.

14:11 The power of reviews and recommendations - Learn how positive feedback and word-of-mouth propel Locus Workspace to a leading position in Prague.

Links & Resources:

- Visit Locus Workspace: LocusWorkspace.com

- Follow on Instagram: @locusworkspace 

- Eva Sanz on LinkedIn 

- Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn 

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast ; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand what coworking is, how it can help their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects and work.

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