Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

What happens when a coworking operator stops thinking like a coworking operator… and starts thinking like a hospitality brand? That's exactly what Uri Isken and Gabriel Isken are building at HIT. And honestly, this conversation completely expanded my perspective on what enterprise flex space can become. HIT now operates 13 locations across Argentina, Chile, and Brazil with 94% occupancy, serving major enterprise clients like Google, Accenture, TikTok, and L'Oréal. But what really stood out to me is that coworking is only part of the story. In this episode, we talk about: How HIT generates 30% of its revenue from wellness, events, and food & beverage Why enterprise clients increasingly want one trusted operator to handle everything How they turned rooftops and common areas into profitable event venues Why Argentina's changing business climate is fueling demand for premium flex space What it takes to serve large enterprise clients across multiple countries How they transformed a historic horse carriage garage into one of the coolest flex spaces I've seen One of my favorite moments in the episode was hearing how Gabriel joined HIT at 19 years old as the company's very first employee working the front desk… and eventually became partner as the company scaled across LATAM. If you're thinking about the future of enterprise flex space, hospitality-driven operations, or how coworking operators can create entirely new revenue streams… this episode is packed with ideas. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Uri Iskin on LinkedIn Gabriel Bucher on LinkedIn HIT Cowork Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What percentage of your market is actually flexible office space… and does that number even matter? I loved this conversation with Jim Groves, founder of Rubberdesk, because he completely reframed how we think about supply, demand, and what tenants actually see when they're searching for space. Jim built Rubberdesk around one core idea: transparency. Not just more data, but better, usable data that helps tenants actually make decisions and helps operators understand what's really happening in the market. We also dig into: Why lack of transparency leads to poor pricing and bad customer experiences How AI is transforming brokerage, from instant shortlists to real-time market insights The massive diversity in today's coworking product… from bare-bones offices to spaces with saunas, ice baths, and golf simulators Why brokers need better tools (and how Rubberdesk is building them) What the future of flex looks like in an uncertain economic environment If you're trying to understand where flex is really headed… or how to position your space in an increasingly competitive and diverse market… this one is worth your time. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jim Groves on LinkedIn Rubberdesk website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What if the future of work isn't about better offices… but no offices at all? We had the chance to sit down with Amina Moreau, CEO and co-founder of Radious, and I'm still thinking about this conversation. Amina's journey is anything but linear. From a psych degree and a passion for photography… to building a storytelling company that won five Emmys… to now reimagining how and where work happens. And what she's building with Radious is one of the most interesting shifts I've seen in our industry. Instead of asking people to commute into a central office, Radious flips the model. It brings work closer to where people actually live. Think homes, neighborhoods, unique spaces that make you feel something… not just another white box conference room. But what really stuck with me wasn't just the model. It was how deeply Amina understands people. In this episode, we talk about: Why the commute is still the biggest barrier to returning to the office How unique spaces create memorable team experiences that last for years The surprising shift in what people actually want from a workspace How Radious is tapping into residential areas to rethink access to work What it really takes to deliver a hospitality-level experience outside of traditional offices The role of storytelling in building and scaling a disruptive company Amina is building something bold. But she's also grounded in what matters most. People, relationships, and creating experiences that actually improve how we live and work. If you're thinking about the future of flex, commuting, or what "the office" even means anymore… this one will get you thinking. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Amina Moreau on LinkedIn Radious Website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What if the real KPI for your coworking space isn't occupancy… but connection? I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Brandon Houston, and this conversation stuck with me long after we hit stop. Brandon is quietly building something really special in a small town in Ontario. His space, The Foundry, is 7,000 square feet in a community of just 26,000 people… and it's thriving. Not because of private offices or fancy amenities, but because of something most operators still undervalue: community. He's built a system that tracks how members interact, who they're building relationships with, and how connected they are to the community. Every member even has a "pulse score" based on their engagement. Brandon also shares: Why small, rural coworking spaces can absolutely thrive How automation and AI can support operators without replacing the human touch The surprising demand for social events over traditional programming Why open space and "collisions" matter more than maximizing office count And maybe my favorite part… hearing how deeply personal this work is for him. From friendships to business partnerships to even meeting his partner, so much of his life has come from the community he's built. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why coworking matters. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Brandon Houston Huwart on LinkedIn Collingwood Foundry website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Most commercial real estate brokers don't start their careers playing 200 shows a year in dive bars. But that's exactly how Ward Richmond's career began. Before becoming Vice Chairman at Colliers and building a high-performing industrial brokerage team, Ward was a touring musician. When that chapter ended, he stepped into commercial real estate… and eventually built a business very intentionally around people, culture, and personal growth. We get into: How a financial scare and a baby on the way forced Ward to rethink how he was working The moment he realized the difference between being a business operator and a true business owner Why he invested heavily in coaching and personal development (including Tony Robbins and Grant Cardone) The core values he uses to build and manage his team And why gratitude, humility, and discipline matter just as much as market expertise If you're thinking about leadership, team building, or what it actually looks like to build a career that aligns with your values, you'll enjoy this one. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Ward Richmond on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when the Queen of Coworking returns to share her vision for the industry's future—and announces a mission that could save lives? This week, Jamie and Gio sit down with Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and Link Coworking, for a conversation that spans everything from neurodiversity and AI to hospitality standards and why coworking should be the first industry to offer free mental health services. Liz just returned from Australia where she toured The Commons' 19 locations and experienced hospitality so exceptional it left her stunned. She shares what made every unannounced walk-in feel like visiting a new friend, why Cliff Ho's spaces are profitable when so many aren't, and the one thing American operators can learn from how The Commons hires and trains their teams. We talk about: What makes The Commons' hospitality so extraordinary (and why 90% of coworking spaces fail the walk-in test) Why GCUC's 50th event in New York will feature coworking-adjacent content, not just operators talking to operators Liz's mission to make free mental health services standard in every coworking space The mega trends shaping 2026: AI as invisible concierge, wellness integration, neurodiversity, and the Great Reconnection Why younger generations take calls on speakerphone (and why we need better acoustics) How The Commons uses different local designers for each location and why it works Why design innovation in coworking has stalled—and what needs to change The rise of insiders buying existing coworking brands (Second Home, Kahoots, Bond, The Yard) Why bringing your team to conferences makes them more likely to stay How Judah Space became GCUC's New York venue and why the conference business is actually working for coworking operators If you care about the future of coworking, mental health advocacy, or just want to hear from someone who's been shaping this industry for 14 years—this episode is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Liza on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

This week, Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavicini sit down with Derek and Broyny Vitatoe, co-founders of Work at Wheel in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just days before their official opening. Derek and Broyny left Harlem, New York with no idea where they'd open their coworking space. They just knew they wanted to blend corporate wellness, HR leadership, and their passion for movement into a space where people could work, move, and thrive. This conversation is pure joy. Derek's the visionary who wanted bikes in every office. Broyny's the integrator who reins him in (lovingly). Together, they've built something special—and their journey to get here is a masterclass in perseverance, partnership, and trusting the process. We talk about: How Shark Tank during the pandemic led to the Work at Wheel concept The moment they realized 5,000 square feet wouldn't cut it—and how they got to 16,000 How Gio drove them around Houston looking at spaces (and why they walked away) The Rock Hill deal—and the negotiation that almost fell apart over occupancy limits Why community buy-in matters more in Rock Hill than hustle ever did in New York Derek's background as a spin instructor, HR executive, film director, and author (yes, really) How Broyny went from introvert to confidently leading tours and closing deals Their creative process for TikTok and Instagram content (and why they're both so good at it) The three things Broyny loves most about Derek (spoiler: generosity and energy top the list) How Derek proposed in Jamaica (and why Broyny says the ring was cubic zirconia) This conversation is proof that coworking isn't just about desks and offices—it's about people, passion, and building something that reflects who you are. If you're thinking about opening a space, wondering how long it really takes, or just need a dose of inspiration from two people who are all in, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Work at Wheel website Derek and Broyny on TikTok Derek on LinkedIn Broyny on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when a COO, a Director of Brand and Culture, and a Director of Sales sit down together—and you realize they're not just colleagues, but people who genuinely love working together? This week, Giovanni Palavicini sits down with three members of the 25N leadership team—Meagan Slavin (COO), Sari Lash (Director of Brand and Culture), and Mecca Shannon (Director of Sales and Launch)—for one of the most heartfelt conversations about culture, leadership, and building a team that actually sticks around. They're in Dallas announcing 25N's third Texas location, and between the excitement of expansion, they open up about what makes their culture work: trust, grace, radical ownership, and the willingness to let people mess up without hiding it. We talk about: Why culture isn't HR fluff—it's a strategic advantage that impacts your bottom line The "people first" value and why it means hiring overachievers, then giving them grace How trust shows up when someone calls to say "I really screwed up—help me fix this" Why 25N has never described themselves as a "family" (and why boundaries matter) How Meagan's dad taught her she could conquer the world—and how she's passing that on Why pouring equally into every employee creates long-term wins The power of supportive partners who show up and hold down the fort This conversation is proof that great culture isn't about perks or buzzwords—it's about seeing people as humans, creating clear boundaries, and giving your team freedom to bring their best. If you're building a team or wondering how to scale culture as you grow, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Meagan Slavin on LinkedIn Sari Lash on LinkedIn Mecca Shannon on LinkedIn 25N Coworking website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when a VP of Operations becomes the translator between a founder's 3 a.m. ideas and the team that has to make them reality? Five years later, she's running the show. This week, we sit down with Carly Bedini, VP of Operations at iQ Offices, and her boss Kane Willmott for one of the most honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversations we've had on this podcast. Carly came from nonprofits and events. She had no idea what coworking was. But she knew how to lead teams, manage chaos, and translate a founder's vision into operational reality. And that's exactly what she's been doing for Kane and his co-founder Alex ever since. In this episode, we talk about: How Carly went from running We Day events in Canada to becoming Kane's operational translator Why Kane now trusts Carly to speak at industry events more than he speaks himself The GWA Atlanta Immersive—and why smaller conferences force everyone to show up and be present How iQ is focusing on enterprise clients and broker relationships heading into 2026 Carly's 2026 goal: embrace AI and stop resisting Kane's ideas quite so hard This conversation is proof that the best hires aren't always the ones with industry experience—they're the ones who show up authentically, lead with humor, and aren't afraid to challenge their CEO while making magic happen behind the scenes. If you're a founder wondering how to let go and trust your team, or if you're an operator building a culture where people actually love coming to work, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Carly Bedini on LinkedIn Kane Willmott on LinkedIn iQ Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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 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 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

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