Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

What happens when two first-time GWA Immersive attendees walk into a room of 77 people and realize there's nowhere to hide? This week, Jamie and Gio are joined by Nicole Antolino from FireWorks Coworking in Marietta, Georgia, and Brittany Alavinejad from Essential Offices in Oklahoma City for a fresh take on what made the Atlanta immersive so different from the big conferences. With 44 out of 77 attendees experiencing their first GWA event, the room was packed with new energy, honest questions, and real conversations about what's actually working in coworking right now. Nicole and Brittany share what stood out most—from AI and marketing panels to culture conversations and the surprisingly candid Alliance panel where a near-lawsuit turned into newfound respect. We talk about: Why the intimate format made it impossible to be a wallflower—and why that mattered Courtney Schwartz's AI panel debut and the power of AEO/GEO over traditional SEO How video testimonials and member stories beat flashy marketing every time The Alliance panel's real talk on managed service agreements and market saturation Why specialization is working for attorneys, creatives, and niche industries Brittany hitting 100% occupancy in Edmond and pre-leasing offices for next year Nicole's journey from two major member losses to nearly sold out by year-end If you've been wondering what the smaller GWA events feel like—or how operators are actually implementing what they learn the day they get back—this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Nicole Antolino on LinkedIn Brittany Alavinejad on LinkedIn FireWorks Coworking website Essential Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when you bring together operators and industry insiders who've just experienced the most eye-opening coworking conference in years? This week, Jamie and Gio are joined by Kane Willmott and Eyal Lasker for a deep dive into Coworking Europe— and the conversation is full of surprises, market insights, and real talk about where the flex industry is heading globally. Over 500 people gathered in Berlin for what many are calling the best coworking conference they've attended. Kane and Eyal share what made it so different from North American events, why the European market is years ahead, and what operators everywhere can learn from how the rest of the world does flex. We talk about: Why multi-location operators dominate Europe while single-location indies thrive in North America How European operators commonly own their buildings—and why 25-year UK leases drive 10% flex market penetration Kane's take on profitable consolidation versus distressed asset roll-ups How Flexspace is building an AI assistant trained only on your occupancy data If you've been curious about what the global flex industry looks like beyond North America—or why Europe is so far ahead—this episode will shift your perspective on what's possible. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Kane on LinkedIn Eyal on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when three people who spend their work lives inside the flex industry finally sit down and say the quiet parts out loud? This week I'm joined by Stormy McBride and Taylor Mason for a candid conversation about community, hybrid coworking models, wellness trends, creative studios, marketing hot takes and why so many operators underestimate the complexity of blended businesses. Stormy, who many of you know, jumps in as guest co-host. Taylor, who somehow hasn't been on the podcast until now, shares the story of how a random 6 a.m. dog-park encounter with Kevin Whelan pulled him into the coworking world eight years ago. We also get into: • Why humans still crave a "village" even though our daily lives look nothing like one • The reality behind gym + coworking, dog + coworking and other lifestyle mashups • Why creative studios inside coworking spaces rarely perform the way owners expect • How residential real estate marketing offers lessons for growing a coworking brand • Taylor's hot take on AI in content marketing and why it makes him nervous • Stormy's behind-the-scenes updates and why 2026 feels like a year of big shifts If you want a smart, honest conversation about where coworking is heading and how operators can adapt, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Taylor on LinkedIn Stormy on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  

What does it look like when a company that's been quietly leading behind the scenes for 15 years decides it's time to step into the spotlight? We're joined this week by Caroline Hecht, Senior Director of Member Relations at Preferred Office Network, to talk about their recent rebrand and how the company has helped shape the flex industry from the very beginning. Caroline shares how Preferred Office Network started with three independent operators who saw the need for a national network built on trust and relationships—and how that same mission still drives the company today. We also talk about: The inspiration behind the new Preferred Office Network brand How their "one agreement" model simplifies life for enterprise clients and operators Why trust and community continue to set them apart from marketplaces Caroline's personal journey from Craigslist job search to flex industry leader If you've ever wondered what makes Preferred Office Network different—or what it takes to build long-term trust and connection at scale—this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Preferred Office Network's website  Global Workspace Association's website  Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when a coworking operator decides to treat team development like a strategic investment, not an expense? This week, I'm joined by Meagan Slavin, COO and co-owner of 25N Coworking, for a conversation that's part post-GWA recap and part masterclass in leadership and culture-building. We talk about: Why bringing your team to industry events is a retention strategy, not just a perk How Meagan plans for conference travel and ROI in her annual budgets The intentional ways 25N debriefs, shares takeaways, and turns learning into daily action How their newest 54,000 sq. ft. Chicago-area space is redefining the meeting and event side of their business Why implementing EOS/Traction has been transformational for their leadership team. If you've ever thought, "How do I keep my team inspired and growing?", you'll want to take notes on this one. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: 25N Coworking's website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Marco didn't plan to end up leading sales for one of the most high-touch coworking brands in the world. From door-to-door charity fundraising to expanding The Great Room by Industrious across Australia, his journey shows what happens when you pair hustle with hospitality. In this episode, recorded in Sydney, Giovanni and Marco dive into what makes The Great Room stand out in a crowded market — and why enterprise clients are drawn to its five-star, service-first approach. We cover: How a hotel-inspired vision became a global coworking brand. What "hospitality" really means in the flex space world. The rise of enterprise demand in Sydney's CBD. How Australia's flex community is learning to collaborate, not compete. If you're curious about what the next evolution of premium coworking looks like, this episode offers a front-row view. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: The Great Room by Industrious  Industrious  Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Richie Parsons didn't start out planning to run multiple coworking spaces. From managing gyms to consulting in politics, he found himself leading locations across Virginia, Maryland, and Nashville—and building teams that thrive along the way. In this episode, Richie shares how he scales spaces without losing culture, leverages frameworks like Working Genius, and builds leadership practices that actually stick. We cover: Richie's unexpected path to becoming a multi-state coworking operator. How he approaches hiring, team alignment, and leadership for long-term success. The role of AI and tools in keeping operations smooth and team members engaged. Insights on creating a member-first experience without burning out staff. If you want practical strategies for growing coworking spaces while keeping your team—and yourself—happy, Richie's story is full of actionable lessons. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Richie on LinkedIn Venture X website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Get the inside scoop on next week's Global Workspace Association conference in Chicago! Jamie and Gio break down everything you need to know about this year's biggest coworking industry event. Key Topics Covered: -International expansion with speakers from Australia (Cassandra from Rethink Space, Jessie from WOTSO) -Major keynotes: John Santore (CEO of WeWork) and Anna Squires Levine (President of Industrious)  -Future conference announcements: Toronto immersive (June), Denver 2026, Puerto Rico 2027 -Hot panels including multi-site marketing, AI in coworking, KPIs, and culture building -Behind-the-scenes conference planning insights and what makes a great panel -Speed networking at Industrious and tours of Chicago's top workspaces -Why smaller conferences (250 people) create better connections and collaboration -The evolution from theoretical to practical, actionable content in industry events Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Global Workspace Association's website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Cassandra Kavanagh didn't set out to open a coworking space. After a business partnership dissolved, she suddenly found herself with 1,200 square meters of space, only six people left in the building, and a choice to make: sink, or rethink. That pivot became Rethink Your Workspace, a thriving flex space in Newcastle, Australia, built on connection, service, and an unwavering commitment to people. Cassandra shares her story of resilience, her all-inclusive business model, and why showing kindnes, even to those outside her member base, is central to her approach. We cover: How Cassandra turned a business crisis into the opportunity to launch a flex space. Why high-touch service and concierge-style support have become her differentiator. The role of connection in her community, and why it goes deeper than "coworking". How an all-inclusive pricing model simplifies operations and builds trust. Stories of how authenticity and kindness ripple through her member community. This episode is a reminder that small, independent operators often set the standard for what true hospitality and human-centered coworking look like. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Cassandra on LinkedIn Rethink Your Workspace website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Tobi Skovron has lived the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, launching ventures in Los Angeles, exiting successfully, and then bringing his vision for community-driven coworking back home to Australia. Now the founder of CreativeCubes, Tobi leads with intentionality, building spaces designed to enable success for thousands of members while expanding across the country. In this conversation, Tobi shares the story behind CreativeCubes, what fuels his mission, and how his approach to leadership, partnerships, and personal discipline have shaped his path. We cover: How coworking transformed Tobi's journey as an entrepreneur and inspired him to launch CreativeCubes in Australia. Why intentionality is the core value behind his member experience, team culture, and even landlord relationships. The growth of CreativeCubes, including acquisitions, brand evolution, and how they integrate services like F&B, events, and media. The role of the Rise Network and other programs that support entrepreneurs beyond just space. How Tobi's personal routines and guiding principles fuel both his business and his life. If you're passionate about coworking as more than just space, and curious about scaling with purpose, Tobi's story will hit home. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Tobi on LinkedIn Creative Cubes website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Brad Krauskopf, Founder and CEO of Hub Australia, has been shaping the flexible workspace industry since the early days of coworking. In this episode, Gio sits down with Brad in Melbourne to talk about Hub's journey, from scrappy beginnings with beanbags to high-touch hospitality and multi-layered partnerships with landlords. Brad shares his perspective on how Hub has evolved, what hybrid work looks like in Australia, and why the future of flex depends on experiences, not just square footage. In this episode, we cover: The evolution of Hub Australia from scrappy community hubs to high-touch, hospitality-driven workspaces. How hybrid work is reshaping demand in Australia and what that means for operators and landlords. Why partnerships between operators and landlords are essential for creating whole-building experiences. The role of hospitality as a true differentiator in flexible workspace. The future of flex in Australia: evolving models, member expectations, and the importance of meaningful connections. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Brad on LinkedIn Hub Australia website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

WOTSO is Australia's largest independent flexible workspace operator — and their story is one every operator should hear. From their beginnings as a single site to building a nationwide network, WOTSO has navigated growth, shifting demand, and the evolving landlord-operator relationship while staying true to their brand and community. In this episode, we sit down with the WOTSO team to unpack how they've built a model that works at scale and what operators everywhere can learn from their journey. What we cover: WOTSO's origin story and how they grew into a national flex operator. The keys to scaling without losing community and brand identity. How they've approached landlord partnerships and real estate strategy. Lessons learned from adapting their model across diverse markets. Insights into where Australia's flex market is heading next Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jessie on LinkedIn Paula on LinkedIn WOTSO Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

This week's episode is a little different. Gio takes the mic solo, delivering the keynote at the Flexible Workspace Australia Conference. In his talk, Gio brings his signature mix of candor and big-picture perspective to what's happening in the flex industry, in Australia, in the U.S., and globally. What Gio covers: Why operators everywhere are facing similar challenges around demand, landlords, and scaling. The critical role community plays, and why it remains flex's biggest differentiator. How landlord partnerships are evolving and what both sides need to make them work. What U.S. operators can learn from the Australian market, and vice versa. Why the future of flex is local and global at the same time. If you couldn't be in the room, this episode brings the keynote to you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Flexible Workspace Australia Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

This week, Gio and I sit down with Mike Kloppenburg, VP at Avison Young and longtime coworking insider, to pull back the curtain on what's really happening in the brokerage world, and what it means for flex operators. From the "flight to quality" and secondary market opportunities, to the messy reality of management agreements and the IWG land grab, Mike brings candid insights you won't get anywhere else. What we cover: Why the big brokerages are cautiously optimistic, and where the optimism comes from. How the "flight to quality" is reshaping both traditional office leasing and flex space demand. Secondary and tertiary markets: where the supply-demand balance tips in favor of operators. The challenges of management agreements, how IWG's aggressive expansion is affecting the industry, and why deal structure still makes or breaks success. Scaling beyond your home market: why granular, on-the-ground market knowledge is non-negotiable. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Michael on LinkedIn Avison Young website 2025 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey 2025 Mid-Year Outlook Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

If the term "cowarehousing" hasn't hit your radar yet, this episode will change that. Shannon and Emiliano Lerda didn't set out to build a flex space company — they just wanted to stop tripping over shipping boxes in their living room. What they ended up creating is Elevator Co-Warehousing, a fast-growing brand built specifically for product-based businesses that need more than a desk… but less than a forklift. In this episode, Gio and guest cohost Wesley Edmonds dive into how the Lerdas turned a personal pain point into a scalable model that blends real estate, hospitality, and serious operational know-how. Here's what we cover: How their own experience running an e-commerce brand led to the first Elevator space. Why their spaces feel more like coworking than traditional warehouse environments. The intentional decision to open in overlooked markets — and why it's paying off. How community, design, and practical logistics create a retention flywheel. The financing and buildout lessons they've learned while scaling a new category. If you're exploring new flex models or thinking about how to serve a different kind of member — this conversation is full of smart, grounded inspiration. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Emiliano on LinkedIn Shannon on LinkedIn Elevator Spaces website Wesley on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

A couch, a few desks, and a Wi-Fi password won't cut it anymore. In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Edmonds, Director of Workplace at Office Furniture Solutions, and Kurt Patrick, Senior Executive at Essensys, to talk about what it really takes to create a functional, flexible space, from physical design to digital infrastructure. They've both worked behind the scenes on hundreds of flex space projects. Their perspective? Too many operators underestimate the complexity of getting a space ready, and keeping it competitive. Here's what we cover: Why tech infrastructure should be part of the earliest planning conversations — not a bolt-on. Common mistakes in space design that hurt member experience and operational efficiency. How Wesley helps landlords and operators align vision with real-world furniture, flow, and budget. What the biggest operators get right when it comes to tech, access control, and back-of-house ops. Why speed to market matters — and how the right team can help you launch faster and smarter. If you're opening a space, refreshing your layout, or scaling a flex brand, this conversation will save you time, money, and headaches. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Wesley on LinkedIn OFS website Kurt on LinkedIn essensys website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

We're bringing this one back because it's one of our most inspiring episodes. If you haven't met Chiko Abengowe, you're in for a masterclass in scaling coworking with hustle, heart, and zero VC funding. Chiko is the founder and CEO of Perfect Office Solutions, a 20+ location flex brand that's built for affordability, speed, and entrepreneurs who just need space to get to work. We talk about: How Chiko turned $1,000 and a background in staffing into a coworking company serving hundreds of small businesses. The secret behind his "Walmart of coworking" model and why members furnish their own spaces. How he gamifies sales and motivates his team with monthly bonuses and international trips. The art of negotiating leases where landlords cover 100% of the buildout. Why staying lean, scrappy, and mission-driven still wins in a competitive flex market. If you think you need fancy furniture and deep pockets to grow, this episode will challenge everything. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Chiko on LinkedIn Perfect Office Solutions website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this host-only episode, Jamie and Gio catch up on what's happening across the flex space landscape, and let's just say, it's anything but quiet. From emerging product types to the mystery of Peerspace algorithms, this one dives into the macro (industry mergers, the rise of co-warehousing) and the micro (why your meeting room pricing strategy might be off). If you're feeling the pull to try something new or just want a pulse check on what's working, this is the episode for you. What we cover: Why showing up to coworking events and conferences is more valuable than ever. Meeting room trends: pricing, product design, and creative inventory strategies. The (surprising) growth of co-warehousing and adjacent flex models. Big moves in the flex industry: acquisitions, brand launches, and new entrants. Why some operators are quietly selling out and what others can learn from that momentum. This one's got ideas, inspiration, and a few names you'll definitely want to keep an eye on. Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

If you think all coworking leaders have the same backstory… this episode will change your mind. Mark Goldfinger, GM and Head of North America for Mindspace, joins us for a deep (and often hilarious) dive into his journey. From running global expansion at WeWork to building boutique, hospitality-forward spaces at Mindspace. We talk about what he learned from the early days of coworking (and Adam Neumann), why operators should take events seriously, and how to scale without losing the heart of the business. Plus, Mark opens up about the personal moments that shaped his leadership style, and yes, there's a Taylor Swift karaoke moment in here too. 🎤 Here's what we cover: Mark's journey from international expansion lead at WeWork to scaling Mindspace in the U.S. The magic of Mindspace's "host" events business model, and why events are core to modern coworking His six-year ride at WeWork and the powerful, human moments that defined it Mindspace's U.S. growth strategy, and what he looks for before signing on a new location The unexpected connection between marathon training and scaling a coworking brand This episode is part ops, part origin story, and full-on inspiration for anyone building a flex space with heart. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Mark on LinkedIn Mindspace website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Amanda shares how she co-founded Bamboo and scaled it into a multi-location flex space operator managing over 200,000 sq ft—all while staying true to her indie roots and mission-driven values. We cover: The early Bamboo story: humble beginnings, tough calls, and a few desks from Craigslist The decision to grow beyond Detroit and what scaling has meant for the team Bamboo's strategy for operating AND managing third-party spaces (and why it works) A deep dive into their 115,000 sq ft conversion of a former school Amanda's thoughts on public-private partnerships and building local ecosystems This episode is packed with practical takeaways for indie operators and inspiring insights for anyone navigating the long game in flex. Amanda doesn't just talk the talk—she's walked every inch of this path. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Amanda on LinkedIn Bamboo Website Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast