Advertise on podcast: GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

What happens when a landlord stops thinking about tenants and starts thinking about customers? On this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Tuomas Sahi, CEO of Antilooppi, a Finnish real estate company rethinking how office buildings operate through its flexible workspace concept, POOL. Tuomas shares how Antilooppi combines traditional office leases with flexible, pay-as-you-go workspace to give companies more control over their costs while creating better experiences for the people using their buildings. From building community across companies to rethinking how space is designed, managed, and measured, this conversation explores what happens when customer value becomes the driver of real estate performance. Plus, Tuomas breaks down the lessons learned from scaling POOL across the Helsinki metropolitan area, why flexibility needs to make financial sense for property owners, and what the future of office real estate can learn from coworking and hospitality. Because the future of office isn't just about owning buildings. It's about serving the people who work in them. Learn more about Antilooppi and POOL at antilooppi.fi/en/ Listen & Connect Connect with Tuomas Sahi https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuomas-sahi-0a74235/ Learn more about Antilooppi https://www.linkedin.com/company/antilooppi/about/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What happens when AI gets smarter, automation gets faster, and human connection becomes more valuable? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz sits down with Roger Bruce, CEO of Morningstar Software, the company behind Workspace Geek, to talk about the future of coworking, what operators can learn from decades of running business centers, and how technology can actually create more space for people. Roger shares his fresh perspective on the coworking industry, why operators may be leaving revenue opportunities on the table, and how better data and AI can help them make more proactive decisions. They also dig into where AI is genuinely useful, where it’s mostly hype, and why operators should be preparing for AI to become another channel for bookings and sales. But perhaps the biggest takeaway? Technology shouldn't replace the human side of coworking. It should make more room for it. Roger and Liz talk about why community, connection, and real human interaction may become even more important as AI becomes part of everyday life. Plus, Roger opens up about taking over a company with nearly 30 years of history and the one thing he’s currently trying to unlearn: doing too much and learning to slow down. If you're a coworking operator thinking about technology, AI, revenue, and the future of your business, this conversation is worth a listen. Listen & Connect Connect with Roger Bruce https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerbruce/ Learn more about Workspace Geek https://www.workspacegeek.com/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What happens when a coworking space decides the business isn’t the most important thing? Danielle Casey is the Founder and Creative Director of 1909, a nonprofit entrepreneurial hub in West Palm Beach built “for creators, by creators.” Since launching in 2018, 1909 has helped more than 200 businesses get off the ground while providing workspace, education, mentorship, and community at below-market rates. In this episode, Danielle and Liz talk about why she chose the nonprofit path, what it means to focus on the founder rather than just the business, and how 1909 is helping entrepreneurs navigate everything from AI to rising commercial real estate costs. They also get into something even bigger: mental health. Inspired by Liz’s challenge at GCUC, Danielle has made free one-on-one mental health services available to 1909 members through a licensed mental health counselor based in the space. Plus, Danielle shares why she thinks the coworking industry can get too focused on occupancy, revenue, growth, and opening more locations, and why intentional programming, meaningful connection, transparency, and member success may be the real drivers of long-term value. This is a conversation about building coworking differently, supporting the people behind the businesses, and what becomes possible when a space puts people first. Listen & Connect Connect with Danielle Casey https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellewcasey/ Learn more about 1909 https://www.linkedin.com/company/weare1909/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

What if coworking had its own MBA? In this special episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with her new business partner, Jonathan O’Byrne, to officially introduce the Coworking Institute, a new education platform built to help the industry move from learning by instinct to learning by design. Jonathan and Liz talk about what sparked the idea, why coworking needs deeper and more structured education, and what happens when you bring together some of the most experienced operators, founders, and experts from around the world to share what they’ve learned. From Coworking Foundations for people just getting started, to the flagship Coworking MBA, executive education, AI training, mentorship, and professional accreditation, the Institute is designed to meet operators and teams at different stages of their careers. They also dig into the thinking behind the curriculum, why every program is assessed rather than simply attendance-based, how AI helped them build the platform, and why a truly global perspective matters in an industry that looks very different from market to market. Plus, they get into what's next: emerging coworking business models, wellness and longevity, the role of mental health, and how the industry can continue evolving as coworking becomes an increasingly important part of the future of work and real estate. This is a conversation about raising the bar for coworking education and building it together. Listen & Connect Connect with Jonathan O’Byrne https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanobyrne/ Learn more about The Coworking Institute https://coworkinginstitute.com/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos   Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam connects with Nyambura Gichohi, CEO & Co-Founder of Ikigai in Nairobi, to talk about the evolution of the company as it approaches its 10th anniversary. They explore Ikigai’s new 2030 strategy, the science behind biophilic design, and why nature-based wellness has become central to the brand’s future. Nyambura also shares why Ikigai attracts so many mission-driven organizations, how flexible workspace can solve unique challenges for NGOs, and what makes the African coworking market different from other parts of the world. They dive into the importance of building a stronger operator community across the continent, the lessons of growing to five locations, and what Ikigai needs to get right before its next phase of expansion. A conversation about intentional growth, healthier workplaces, the power of nature, and why Africa deserves a bigger seat at the global coworking table. Join Nyambura, Liz, and the GCUC community at GCUC Africa in Cape Town this September for more conversations about the future of coworking across the continent. Listen & Connect Connect with Nyambura Gichohi https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyamburagichohi/ Learn more about Ikigai https://ikigai.co.ke/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Get your GCUC Africa Tickets https://africa.gcuc.co/buy-tickets/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

What happens when you run a meeting and events business like a hospitality company? For Elliott Sparsis, it means creating spaces where every detail. From the food and air quality to the technology and, most importantly, the people, they are designed around the experience. In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Elliott Sparsis, Co-Founder of Together, to talk about his journey from Blackstone and Convene to launching Together in London. They explore why physical experiences are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world, how COVID changed the corporate meeting landscape, and why companies are moving away from traditional hotel meeting spaces. Elliott also shares what it takes to build a hospitality-first team, the thinking behind Together's technology and food offerings, the realities of raising £10 million to launch the business, and why giving back through their partnership with James's Place is an important part of their mission. Come experience Together for yourself and join the GCUC community in London for conversations, connections, and fresh ideas about the future of coworking and flexible work. Get your tickets today at uk.gcuc.co/tickets. Listen & Connect Connect with Elliott Sparsis https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-sparsis/ Learn more about Together https://together.space/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam GCUC Events https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

Building Coworking Communities Across Africa with Paul Keursten of Workshop 17 In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Paul Keursten, co-founder of Workshop17, to explore his journey from launching coworking spaces in the Netherlands in 2008 to building a 16+ location operation across Africa. Paul shares lessons from scaling a coworking business while staying true to community, hospitality, and culture. They discuss: Why coworking has always been about people, not just space How Workshop 17 navigated the WeWork acquisition talks and COVID uncertainty Why you can’t scale community and why you have to nurture culture Building a coworking ecosystem across Africa through partnerships The future of flexible work beyond traditional office spaces A conversation about resilience, innovation, and creating workplaces where people feel connected and inspired.   Connect with Paul Keursten:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-keursten-b6b1625/ Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Learn more about GCUC & get your tickets for GCUC Africa: The conversations shaping the future of coworking don't stop with the podcast. Join operators, founders, and industry leaders from across the continent this October at GCUC Africa. https://africa.gcuc.co/ GCUC Events https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Learn more about Workshop 17:  workshop17.co.za   Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

What if the biggest problem with today's office isn't where we work but how we've designed work itself? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Phil Kirschner, workplace strategist, founder of PK Consulting, and author of the Work/Life newsletter, to explore why the future of work demands a completely new way of thinking about the office. As organizations become more agile and teams gain greater autonomy, traditional office models are struggling to keep up. Phil argues that tomorrow's workplaces won't be defined by fixed desks or long-term leases.  They'll be built around flexibility, shared infrastructure, and experiences that help people do their best work. Together, Caleb and Phil unpack what this shift means for landlords, occupiers, coworking operators, and anyone shaping the future of the built environment. They cover: Why today's offices are still designed for a world that no longer exists What "octopus organizations" can teach us about the future of work The concept of "full stack flex" and why buildings need to become more adaptable How shared infrastructure creates better workplaces and stronger communities Why team autonomy is reshaping workplace strategy The role data and AI will play in helping people move through workspaces more intelligently Why landlords and occupiers need to collaborate instead of operating in silos How coworking principles can influence the future of corporate real estate Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, workplace strategist, or corporate real estate leader, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how flexibility, hospitality, and human-centered design will shape the next generation of work. Connect with Phil Kirschner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkirschner/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What does it really take to build a sustainable flex office business in today’s evolving market? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Chiko Abengowe to unpack how disciplined leasing, operational clarity, and cash-flow-first thinking can still outperform increasingly complex industry models. While much of the flex office sector has shifted toward management agreements, hybrid leases, and profit-sharing structures, Chiko has taken a different path by sticking with a lease-based model, prioritizing private offices, and focusing on simplicity as a core competitive advantage. The result is a scaled portfolio built on fundamentals rather than financial engineering. Together, they explore how operators can grow sustainably without overcomplicating the business and why understanding both landlords and customers is essential to long-term success. They cover: Why Chiko has stayed committed to a lease-driven growth model while the industry shifts toward hybrid structures How simplicity in deal structure can become a competitive advantage at scale What landlords actually care about and how to structure deals that work for both sides Why private offices continue to drive the majority of demand in flex space portfolios How Chiko underwrites deals using straightforward, cash-flow-first logic rather than complex modeling Why is rent collection a more important metric than occupancy How founder-led authenticity and social media presence can directly drive customer acquisition What it takes to scale during downturns and why flex space performs differently in market cycles Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, investor, or workplace strategist, this episode offers a grounded look at how real operators build resilient businesses by focusing on fundamentals instead of industry hype. Connect with Chiko Abengowe: www.linkedin.com/in/chiko-abengowe-6124452/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What does it take to build an office building people actually want to stay in? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Brandon Medeiros, CEO of ReKalibrate, to explore why commercial real estate is no longer just a leasing business– it's an operating business. As tenant expectations evolve and market conditions continue to shift, landlords can no longer rely on long-term leases alone. Brandon shares why customer intelligence, hospitality, and operational excellence are becoming the biggest drivers of asset performance, tenant retention, and long-term value. Together, they discuss how landlords can better understand their customers, why retention matters more than renewal, and what role AI, workplace data, and premium experiences will play in the future of the office. They cover: Why commercial real estate is shifting from leasing to operations The difference between retention and renewal and why it matters How customer intelligence is reshaping office buildings Why hospitality has become a competitive advantage for landlords What AI can (and can't) do for commercial real estate today How premium amenities and experiences drive stronger tenant engagement Where landlords should begin if they want to build an operational real estate strategy Whether you're a landlord, investor, coworking operator, workplace strategist, or commercial real estate professional, this episode offers practical insights into how the industry's most successful operators are adapting for what's next. Connect with Brandon Medeiros: www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-medeiros-08b82614/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What are enterprise occupiers really looking for from flexible workspace? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Shay Bolton and Kirill Azovtsev of Savills to explore how enterprise occupiers are evaluating flexible workspace and what operators and landlords need to understand to win more deals. As flexible workspace becomes a permanent part of corporate real estate strategies, occupiers are looking beyond desks and short-term leases. They're evaluating hospitality, amenities, operational partnerships, and the overall experience a building can provide. Together, Caleb, Shay, and Kirill discuss how enterprise demand is evolving, why landlord-operator partnerships are becoming more important, and what separates successful flex deals from the ones that fall apart. They cover: How enterprise occupiers are using flexible workspace as part of their long-term portfolio strategy Why hospitality and customer experience have become competitive advantages for office buildings How coworking operators can create more value for landlords beyond leasing space Why management agreements and profit-sharing models are replacing traditional lease structures The biggest reasons flex deals fall apart and how operators can avoid them What landlords look for when evaluating coworking partners How operators should qualify buildings before investing time and capital Why are larger office buildings increasingly incorporating flexible workspace Whether "coworking" still defines the industry or if it's time for a new language Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, broker, or workplace strategist, this episode offers an inside look at how occupiers are making workplace decisions and what it takes to build successful partnerships in today's commercial real estate market. Connect with Shay Bolton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bolton-873a566b/ Connect with Kirill Azovtsev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillazovtsev/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

How do coworking operators actually win deals with today's landlords? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Justin Halpern and Christine Wyckoff of Cushman & Wakefield to unpack how enterprise demand is reshaping the flexible workspace industry and what operators need to do to stay competitive. As enterprise occupiers increasingly integrate flex into their real estate portfolios, the conversation has shifted beyond finding space. Today, operators must demonstrate value, understand landlord priorities, and position themselves as long-term partners rather than tenants. Justin and Christine share what they're seeing firsthand in the market, from the rise of hybrid lease structures and management agreements to the growing importance of speed, hospitality, and data-driven decision-making. They cover: How enterprise occupiers are using flexible workspace today Why speed to market has become one of flex's greatest competitive advantages What landlords are really looking for when choosing an operator How hybrid leases and management agreements are changing the industry Why operators should pitch landlords like investors—not just negotiate leases The biggest mistakes operators make when pursuing expansion Whether niche operators or national brands have the advantage in today's market Why strong data, a clear value proposition, and intentional growth strategies matter more than ever Whether you're growing a coworking brand, negotiating with landlords, or trying to better understand where enterprise flex is headed, this episode offers practical insights from two professionals at the center of today's commercial real estate transactions. Connect with Justin Halpern: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-halpern-338ba0a/ Connect with Christine Wyckoff: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-wyckoff-9779193/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What makes someone choose your workspace—and more importantly, stay? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Flip Howard, CEO of Lucid Private Offices, to explore why brand, experience, and intentional design have become some of the biggest differentiators in flexible workspace. After spending years operating traditional executive suites, Flip transformed his company into a premium private office brand by focusing on one question: What kind of workspace do people actually want to spend their time in? Together, Caleb and Flip discuss how Lucid found its niche between traditional executive suites and modern coworking, why premium doesn't have to mean expensive, and how thoughtful design, hospitality, and operational discipline create lasting value for both members and operators. They cover: Why brand matters more than ever in flexible workspace How Lucid repositioned itself from a traditional executive suite operator to a premium private office brand The balance between coworking energy and private office profitability Why consistency across every location strengthens a brand How design influences customer acquisition and community drives retention Lease arbitrage vs. management agreements and why Lucid continues to bet on leases What landlords are really looking for in today's coworking operators Why the fundamentals of revenue, occupancy, and profitability still matter How Lucid is approaching growth while staying true to its brand Whether you're building a coworking space, operating private offices, or scaling a flexible workspace brand, this episode offers practical insights into creating spaces people remember and businesses that stand the test of time. Connect with Flip Howard: www.linkedin.com/in/flip-howard/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

What happens when a career in coworking comes full circle? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Jessica Knapp, longtime coworking leader, former employee #1 at OfficeRnD, and now a member of the GCUC team, to explore her journey through some of the industry's most pivotal moments. From discovering coworking at NextSpace in Los Angeles and finding a community that changed her life, to helping build one of the industry's leading software platforms from the ground up, Jessica shares the lessons, relationships, and experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on coworking, technology, and entrepreneurship. They also dive into why community remains the most powerful force in coworking, what operators often overlook when it comes to technology and financial management, the realities of building businesses with limited resources, how sponsorships and partnerships create value across the industry, and why no operator should feel like they're figuring it all out alone. Plus, Liz and Jessica share insights from behind the scenes at GCUC, discuss the new GCUC Summer Series, and reveal the exciting location for GCUC 2027. If you're a coworking operator, entrepreneur, community builder, or anyone passionate about the future of work, this conversation is packed with industry wisdom, candid stories, practical advice, and a reminder that great communities can change lives. Listen & Connect Connect with Jessica Knapp https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalouiseknapp/   Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam   GCUC Tickets https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/   Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

A quiet shift is happening in Paris: managed offices are surging, and it’s reshaping the entire flex workspace landscape. Coworking Europe will be in Paris this fall, so let’s talk to the man bringing the coworking world to Paris this November, Jean-Yves Huwart.  Liz Elam sits down with her good friend, Jean‑Yves, the founder of Coworking Europe (the world’s longest‑running coworking conference) and Social Workplaces, to unpack why they’re still bullish on coworking after 16 years, and what’s changing fast across Europe. From the rise of managed/operated offices to the growing influence of flex-focused brokers, to profitability realities and the ways AI is reshaping how companies use space, this conversation is a tour through the next wave of coworking. Jean‑Yves also shares what to expect at Coworking Europe in Paris (Nov 5–6), including the venue, themes, and why Paris is becoming a major tipping-point market for flex and managed office demand. In this episode: Why in-person conferences are thriving and matter more than ever in the flex workspace industry. The definition of a "managed/operated office" and why this model is booming specifically in Paris. The emergence and influence of flex-focused brokers and how they are changing deal flow. The hard truth about profitability and the financial realities the flex workspace industry needs to face. How AI is impacting operational efficiency and reshaping how teams organize work (focus vs. social time). Make sure you like and follow for more GCUC content!  The Links you’re looking for:    Jean-Yves Huwart https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-yves-huwart-73b0464/   Coworking Europe Tickets https://coworkingeurope.net/product/coworking-europe-2026-paris-conference/   Liz Elam  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/   GCUC https://gcuc.co/   GCUC’s next Event: https://africa.gcuc.co/