This Week In Coworking

Weekly Coworking Recap: Acoustic Lounges, BubbaDesk & AI with Freddie Fforde from PatchSee this week's full newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-09-2025/In this episode of the This Weekend Coworking recap show, Hector Kolonas is joined by guest co-host Freddie who discusses his experiences and insights on various coworking trends and innovations. The conversation covers topics such as ROOM's new acoustic lounge furniture, the growing trend of combining coworking with childcare services exemplified by BubbaDesk in Australia, and the successful strategies adopted by coworking brands like Maven and Cloudworks. The episode also touches on the role of AI in coworking spaces and the evolving relationship between coworking operators and landlords. Tune in for an in-depth look at the latest developments in the coworking industry.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:18 Special Guest: Freddy from Patch00:51 Sponsor Spotlight: ROOM's Showroom01:04 Discussion on Acoustic Spaces03:37 Coworking and Childcare: BubbaDesk08:07 Maven's Pre-Sale Strategy11:14 Cloudworks' Growth and Market Maturity16:10 Industrious and Management Agreements19:47 AI in Coworking24:23 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome back to the This Week in Coworking podcast!  In this episode, we dive into some of the news and updates affecting coworking spaces worldwide that were shared in this week’s newsletter. From AI advancements transforming business processes to exciting new coworking spaces opening in London and Berlin, we cover it all.  Discover LiquidSpace's new AI-powered Team Connect feature, explore Nexudus’ update, and see a range of ways that coworking spaces and practitioners are utilizing AI for predictive analysis and customer engagement.  Hector and Mike also discuss IKEA's extended foray into coworking, along with the importance of SEO and authentic website content.  Join us for insightful discussions and innovative trends shaping the coworking industry! Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to This Week in Coworking 00:56 Diving into AI and Business Processes 01:49 Tech Updates and AI Applications 04:08 The Future of AI in Coworking 09:44 Global Brands Entering Coworking 14:04 Innovative Coworking Websites 16:29 SEO and AI Strategies for Coworking 20:59 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this recap episode of 'This Week in Coworking,' the hosts discuss various advancements and trends in the coworking industry with special co-host Sophia Stolberg from PilotoMail. Explore this week's full newsletter here: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-04-2025/ They delve into PilotoMail's new CRD Chrome extension that streamlines manual data entry for coworking space operators, saving significant time and ensuring data security. The episode also covers the evolution from Software as a Service (SaaS) to outcomes as a service, emphasizing the importance of delivering measurable benefits to clients beyond just features. Additionally, the hosts explore the burgeoning trend of coworking franchising, highlighting its potential to de-risk business expansion and bring new entrants into the industry effortlessly. They also touch upon creative marketing strategies and community-building initiatives that coworking spaces can adopt to attract and retain members. The episode concludes with a note on the industry's solidarity and contributions towards social causes, emphasizing the community-centered ethos of coworking spaces. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:43 PilotoMail's New Chrome Extension 04:42 The Importance of Compliance 05:19 Outcomes as a Service 14:23 Franchising in the Coworking Industry 18:45 Creative Perks to Attract Members 25:07 Marketing Strategies and Content Creation 29:29 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Navigating Coworking Careers: Insights from Industry Leaders In this episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, we bring together four industry experts—Carly Bedini (iQ Offices), Sam Shea (Future Leaders of Coworking), Chiko Abengowe (Perfect Office), and Stormy McBride (GCUC) — to discuss the evolving landscape of coworking careers. The roundtable discussion delves into the benefits of investing in coworking careers, the industry's maturity, and how operators can attract and retain top talent. Despite technical difficulties with the host's microphone, the episode is packed with valuable insights on fostering employee growth, implementing incentives, and the importance of networking and mentorship. Tune in to learn more about the future of coworking careers and how to navigate this dynamic industry. Links in the show notes: Inaugural application for joining FLOC: Email templates from GCUC on requesting funding for events/personal development: Chapters: 00:00 Addressing some Technical Issues00:51 Meet the Panelists02:20 The Appeal of Coworking Careers06:30 Improving Coworking Jobs12:35 Career Mobility in Coworking19:25 Building a Coworking Community21:47 Incentives and Rewards at Perfect Office24:26 Supporting Coworking Teams27:20 Career Advice for Coworking Professionals30:09 Conclusion and Thanks

In this episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa discuss two major coworking sector mergers.  The first merger is CBRE's acquisition of Industrious, valuing it at $800 million and forming a new business unit within CBRE.  The second is Yardi’s acquisition of Deskpass and Hubble, with an eye on creating a cohesive global coworking network.  The episode also introduces FLOC, a new peer support network for mid-career coworking professionals, aiming to facilitate career growth within the industry.  Additionally, upcoming deep dive studies from 'Undercurrents' are previewed, focusing on e-commerce, AI, and revenue stacks. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:23 Mega Mergers in Coworking 02:41 CBRE's Acquisition of Industrious 10:39 Yardi's Acquisition of DeskPass and Hubble 18:10 Introduction to FLOC: Future Leaders of Coworking 23:40 Undercurrents and Upcoming Topics 24:26 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, hosts Hector Kolonas & Mike LaRosa welcome Sam Rosen, CEO and founder of Deskpass, and Will Sandford, Head of Coworking Initiatives at Yardi, to discuss Yardi’s recent acquisition of Deskpass and UK-based Hubble. They delve into the implications of this acquisition for the coworking industry, the strategic reasons behind Yardi's move, and the future potential of integrating the unique strengths of DeskPass and Hubble into Yardi’s ecosystem. The conversation highlights the collaborative synergy expected between the companies, the preservation of service quality to current customers, and the long-term vision of creating a unified platform for flexible workspace solutions. The episode also touches on the operational aspects of the merger and the industry's response to this development. Chapter 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 Big News: Yardi Acquires Hubble and Deskpass 01:36 Congratulations and Industry Impact 02:25 Interview with Sam and Will: The Future of Deskpass 04:08 Yardi's Vision and Strategy 08:42 Technical Integration and Market Impact 17:29 Customer Concerns and Data Security 24:12 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa are joined by REIT expert David Auerbach from Hoya Capital and The Daily REITBeat newsletter. They discuss the fundamentals of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), including their structure, benefits, and impact on coworking spaces. David explains how various types of REITs function and provides insights into the current real estate market trends. The conversation also touches on the conversion of officespaces to multifaceted properties post-COVID and strategies for coworking operators and landlords to form successful partnerships. Subscribe to free This Week In Coworking updates at https://TWIC.co Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Meet David Auerbach: REIT Expert02:42 Understanding REITs: A Simple Explanation05:58 Diverse REIT Investments and Market Insights13:32 Office Space Trends and Coworking Dynamics22:28 Advice for Coworking Operators and Landlords30:16 Future of Coworking and Real Estate35:03 Conclusion and Farewell

In this final recap episode of the year, Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas reflect on their experiences at the GWA conference in New York and discuss the exciting trends and insights shaping the coworking industry for 2025. They highlight the importance of integrating technology, the future of flexible workspaces, and the evolving dynamics of business travel. Tune in for an engaging discussion on what's ahead for coworking and how to stay competitive in the coming year. Be sure to get next week's newsletter for free at ThisWeekInCoworking.com Chapters 00:00 Welcome to This Week in Coworking 00:30 Reflecting on the GWA Conference 02:42 End-of-Year Trends and Predictions 05:44 The Importance of Technology in 2025 08:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Coworking 11:36 The Future of Flex Workspaces 26:04 Year-End Reflections and Thank You

Meet Dr. Tammira Lucas: The Fairy Godmother of Coworking in Baltimore. In this episode of This Week in Coworking podcast, we are joined by Dr. Tammira Lucas, founder of The Cube, a unique coworking space that offers on-site babysitting services. Dr. Lucas shares her journey of supporting women, especially moms, in entrepreneurship through her coworking space, and her extensive work as a professor and venture growth advisor. She discusses the challenges of providing quality human capital, the importance of sustainable business models, and the intersection of coworking and childcare. Dr. Lucas also highlights her efforts in building community and fostering generational wealth, her role with TEDCO, and her plans for future expansions, including franchising opportunities. Tune in to hear about how The Cube addresses childcare obstacles for entrepreneurs and the lessons learned from a recent conference in The Hague on building sustainable cities. Get more show notes and links here. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:01 Dr. Tamara Lucas' Journey to Coworking 03:07 The Unique Coworking Model 10:32 Challenges and Solutions in Coworking 15:26 Connecting Students and Entrepreneurs 18:48 Supporting Underserved Communities 26:14 Expansion and Future Plans 28:43 Real Estate and Strategic Advice 32:00 Global Perspectives on Coworking 35:30 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of 'This Week in Coworking,' host Hector Kolonas welcomes Tashi Dorjee, an experienced creator and 'flexpert' from Sydney, Australia. They dive deep into Tashi's journey from founding TwoSpace, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, to his current role as Head of FlexSpace Solutions in APAC at JLL. Tashi shares his insights on the evolving perception of flexible workspaces within the corporate real estate sector and offers valuable advice for operators on working with landlords.  They discuss innovative strategies, including bespoke white-label solutions under the 'Civis' brand and the importance of extending services beyond traditional coworking spaces to maximize value and tenant satisfaction. Tashi also emphasizes the power of personal branding and content creation in building trust and influencing potential clients.  Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical takeaways and forward-looking trends in the flexible workspace industry. Chapters & Highlights 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:35 Tashi Dorjee's Background and Journey 02:00 Transition to Corporate Life at JLL 03:51 Flex Space Solutions and Market Insights 09:30 Innovative Concepts in Flex Space 14:41 The Civis White Label Solution 18:59 Global Reach and Future Plans 36:50 Building Trust Through Personal Branding 42:21 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa recap the latest This Week In Coworking newsletter and coworking trends, including a groundbreaking 2.5 million euro bond by Workland in the Baltics and how Coworking Whistler doubled their revenue just by implementing software. They also discuss the integration of Hubli with Amadeus and reflect on the growing focus of coworking spaces similar to subscription business models. Additional highlights include included.co’s new partnership with BuiltFirst for coworking perks and the intriguing Water Street Associates coworking space at the former AIG headquarters. Links to discussed summaries: 🇱🇻 Baltic operator taps property-backed bonds to expand: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-49-2024/#item4545 💸 Indie operator doubles revenue by implementing software: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-49-2024/#item4546  ✈️ Global business travel platform gets meeting space bookings: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-49-2024/#item4532  🎟️ Making coworking even more valuable with $250k+ in perks: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-49-2024/#item4547  🎨 700k sqft former AIG NYC HQ repositioned: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-49-2024/#item4534  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Spirit 01:28 Big News in the Baltics 04:15 Doubling Revenue with Software 10:25 Corporate Travel and Workspace Integration 14:04 Exciting New Perks Program 20:40 Disney Plus Spain's Coworking Sitcom 23:22 Luxurious Workspace at WSA 26:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Podcasts

As the coworking industry continues to grow and evolve, marketing strategies for coworking spaces must adapt to stay competitive and relevant.  In a special episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, host Hector Kolonas sat down with coworking marketing experts Cat Johnson (Cat Johnson Co), Reuben Lau (Spacefully), and Taylor Mason (Talemaker) to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities for coworking spaces in 2024 and beyond.  They discuss the shift towards on-demand services, leveraging personal and brand narratives, and the critical role of data and analytics.  Tune in for invaluable insights on how to make your coworking space stand out in 2025 and beyond. Chapters. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 Meet the Coworking Marketing Superheroes 00:58 The Evolution of Coworking Marketing 04:04 The Importance of Brand and Community 05:15 Trends and Predictions for 2025 14:21 The Power of Storytelling in Coworking 18:10 Content Strategies for Coworking Spaces 20:02 Sales and Automation in Content 20:29 Celebrating Member Successes 21:32 Ad Spend and Revenue Strategies 23:34 Leveraging Data for Personalization 24:52 Balancing Data Tracking and Workload 25:49 The Role of AI in Content Creation 31:36 Building Personal Brands in Coworking 38:48 Marketing to Diverse Stakeholders 40:42 Final Thoughts and Future Trends

In this week 47 recap episode of the This Week In Coworking podcast, hosts Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas discuss Allstate's bold move towards hybrid work by partnering with LiquidSpace, providing coworking space access to 13,000 employees. The episode delves into evolving coworking terminologies, highlighting 'space as a service' and the emergence of diverse workspace brands like Kinrise. Other key topics include the potential for the first flex-oriented REIT and the industry's collective challenge to create a standardized lexicon amid growing complexities. The episode also touches on industry community support and announces a brief hiatus for the Thanksgiving holiday. 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap 01:17 Allstate's Hybrid Work Strategy 02:20 Corporate Coworking Trends 08:49 Terminology in Coworking 19:05 Emerging Trends in Flex Spaces 33:01 Community and Support 34:03 Thanksgiving and Wrap-Up

How COHatch went from an accidental coworking space to a 44-space network, and where they're going next. In this episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, host Hector Kolonas welcomes Ryan Fogelman, co-founder of COhatch. They discuss the serendipitous origins of COhatch, their initial ventures into coworking, and the incredible growth from one accidental space to over 40 locations across the U.S. Ryan shares insights into the COhatch community, including the Boost and Give Scholarship programs designed to empower entrepreneurs and nonprofits. They also delve into Ryan's personal ventures, Fire Rover and Stick Grip, and how coworking played a pivotal role in their development. Lastly, Ryan reveals the ambitious Startup Village project in Dublin, Ohio, aiming to create a tight-knit, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:46 The Origin Story of COhatch 03:03 COhatch's Growth and Expansion 03:52 Ryan's Role and Personal Journey 06:39 The Boost and Gift Scholarship Programs 12:57 Building Fire Rover and Other Ventures 18:24 The Startup Village Project 22:30 Conclusion and Contact Information Links: Ryan Fogelman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjayfogelman The Everyday Entrepreneur Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-everyday-entrepreneur-7238522004595732481 COhatch Impact Scholarship Information and Application: https://www.cohatch.com/impact/ The 🔥 Fire Safety Report 🔥 Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/%F0%9F%94%A5-fire-safety-report-%F0%9F%94%A5-6897330434980880384 As always, check out ThisWeekInCoworking.com for summaries on what you may have missed from across the coworking world each week.

In this episode of the weekly recap, hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa discuss the latest stories in coworking and flex spaces from week 45's newsletter. Key topics include the launch of the Workspace Intelligence Network in the UK, a data-sharing initiative among ten multi-location coworking brands, and the growing trend of management agreements in the coworking sector.  They also explore new data sets from Coworking Cafe and CBRE, highlighting market growth and trends in the UK. The hosts dive into the benefits and challenges of different coworking models, including rent arbitrage, asset ownership, and management agreements, and mention notable expansions and acquisitions of coworking spaces.  Additionally, they discuss the potential impact of these developments on the coworking landscape and call for listener feedback to improve future recaps. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 UK Workspace Intelligence Network 05:13 UK Coworking Market Data 09:10 Management Agreements in Flex Spaces 17:03 Operator-Owned Assets and Trends 26:37 Closing Remarks and Feedback Request

In this exclusive ThisWeekInCoworking.com interview, Hector & Mike chat with Sophia Stolberg, co-founder of Piloto 151, Puerto Rico's first coworking space, about her journey and the coworking industry on the island. Sophia shares the genesis story of Piloto 151, the significance behind the brand and its pigeon mascot, and how Piloto 151 has continuously evolved since its inception in 2013. They dive into the various concepts introduced by Piloto, from micro-offices to the innovative Piloto Venues, designed to cater to a wide range of entrepreneurs and multinational companies. The conversation also covers the unique managed partnerships with hedge funds, the introduction of private wings in their newest class-A building, and the potential for international expansion. Join them to learn more about the dynamic coworking landscape and Piloto 151's contribution to the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:26 History of Coworking in Puerto Rico 01:32 Piloto 151: Market Leader and Competitors 02:30 Piloto 151's Unique Brand and Member Profile 05:21 Genesis of Piloto 151 and the Pigeon Story 10:12 Expansion and New Concepts: Venues and Private Wings 32:08 Future Plans and Industry Insights 34:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join ThisWeekInCoworking.com Podcast hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa as they unpack the latest trends and insights from this week’s newsletter.  This episode features an in-depth discussion with Carsten from DeskMag about the Global Coworking Survey, highlighting a focus on coworking space profitability. PS Take the Coworking Trends Survey at coworkingtrends.co The conversation also covers coworking space growth in the U.S., the decline of the Bay Area, and the closure of Deutsche Bahn's coworking spaces.  Special guest Sophia Stolberg from Piloto 151 shares the inspiring journey of Puerto Rico's first coworking space and its impact on the local startup ecosystem. Don't miss this episode full of expert analyses, industry trends, and captivating success stories. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:42 Global Coworking Survey Insights with Carsten 05:25 Coworking Cafe Data Drop 11:16 Deutsche Bahn's Coworking Space Closure 13:55 Ad Spend Strategies for Coworking Spaces 17:09 Exciting News from Puerto Rico 17:34 Key Takeaways from the Conversation 18:40 Introducing Sophia Stolberg 18:56 The Genesis of Piloto 151 20:01 Piloto 151's Unique Market Position 20:55 The Power of Brand and Location 25:47 The Iconic Piloto Pigeon 28:10 Wrapping Up and What's Next

In this episode of 'This Week in Coworking,' hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa delve into significant advancements and collaborations within the coworking industry - the big WeWork, Yardi and Vast Coworking Group news. Key discussions cover the shift from traditional lease models to flexible management agreements, the rise of suburban coworking spaces, and the importance of protecting intellectual property. Featured are insights into tech integrations, cybersecurity, and notable market movements, such as JLL's new flex space product and the U.S. Navy's involvement in flexible workspaces. The episode also includes an interview with Sam Pickering and Olivia Chatten from The Instant Group, discussing the launch of a new coworking rating system in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This initiative aims to fill the gap in wellbeing ratings for coworking spaces by focusing on nutrition, fitness, air quality, and more. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:21 Exciting Week in Coworking 01:02 Exclusive CEO Interview Insights 02:08 Collaborative Environment in Coworking 05:27 Landlords Embracing Flex Spaces 11:02 Suburban Coworking Trends 15:05 Tech Integrations and Security 20:25 Market Moves and Trends 20:57 Exciting New Developments 22:07 Introducing Sam Pickering and Olivia 22:42 The Well Building Institute Collaboration 23:53 The Co-Working Rating System 30:22 Key Features of the Co-Working Rating 33:01 Advice for Co-Working Operators 36:35 Certification Process and Costs 39:34 Future of Well Ratings 43:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

What coworking professionals need to know about WeWork's new Partner Network. In this episode, Hector Kolonas of Syncaroo leads an in-depth discussion about WeWork's groundbreaking launch of a coworking partner network, which involves over 690 locations across the US and Canada. The episode features insights from Jason Anderson, CEO of Vast Coworking, John Santora, CEO at WeWork, and Anant Yardi, CEO at Yardi Systems. The leaders delve into the changing dynamics of coworking spaces, the increasing role of technology, and the need for collaboration. Topics covered include the strategic benefits of this new network, technological advancements, and the future of coworking ecosystems. 00:00 Big Coworking News: WeWork's New Partner Network 00:35 Meet the Leaders Behind the News 01:34 Anant Yardi on Flex Workspace and Commercial Real Estate 05:57 John Santora on WeWork's Evolution 08:25 Jason Anderson on Vast Coworking's Vision 12:39 The Why Behind the WeWork Partner Network 19:46 Technical Insights: How the Network Functions 22:29 Expanding Beyond Yardi Kube 23:10 Benefits for Vast Franchise Owners 23:27 Lead Generation and Revenue Growth 26:53 WeWork's Strategic Approach 28:28 Technology and Asset Light Strategy 31:50 Collaboration Over Competition 33:06 Future Opportunities and Industry Growth 40:13 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

The podcast features an interview with Jessie Glew, CEO of WOTSO, a successful coworking and flex workspace operator based in Australia. They recently celebrated their 10th anniversary and on the heels of reported record revenue. A publicly held company, they are quickly mastering how to transform distressed real estate into profitable coworking spaces. Jessie shares the origins of the WOTSO name, discusses her career path in real estate, and explains the company's expansion plans, and emphasis on technology. Jessie reflects on marketing efforts, including a TV commercial, and their success with hyperlocal marketing and nurturing local businesses.