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Welcome to this special episode of Powering Productivity, created in celebration of Small Business Saturday and our place in the UK’s SmallBiz100. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with founders, freelancers, independent coworking operators, community leaders and small teams, all people who've shared their truths with such honesty and generosity. What struck me, time and time again, is how similar their stories are, not in the details but in the heart of them. Again and again, our conversations returned to the same quiet realities: the responsibility of holding things together, the emotional load that often goes unseen, and the importance of connection, care and support along the way. Small business isn’t powered by perfect strategies or flawless plans. It’s powered by people. By community. By the courage to keep going when things feel heavy and the relief and joy of finding support in places you didn’t expect. Across Series 4 of Powering Productivity, guests spoke openly about what this looks like in practice. From Claire Carpenter (Claire Carpenter Coaching) and Roland Stanley (Dragon Coworking), we heard how belonging, everyday check-ins and genuine care can turn a workspace into something far more meaningful than an office. Through voices like Stacey Sheppard (Tribe Coworking) and Maria do Céu Bastos (Nowhere Coworking), themes of resilience, vulnerability and the need for peer support came to the fore, particularly for those juggling many roles, responsibilities and expectations. With reflections from Benjamin Carew (Othership) and conversations linked to Connected Hubs, the lens widened to include flexible work, regional opportunity and the ripple effects that occur when people are enabled to work closer to home and contribute back to their communities. And through insights shared by Pauline Roussel (Coworkies) and Yoshio Tsuda (Morino Office), we were reminded that coworking is deeply shaped by place and culture and that care for community, whether urban or rural, sits at the heart of sustainable work everywhere. So in this special wrap-up episode, I’m bringing together some of the moments that have stayed with me most. The short reflections, insights and truths that show what small business really looks like from the inside. This is a celebration of the humans behind the work. A recognition of the emotional and practical support systems that hold us up. And a reminder that none of us are building alone. As you listen, I’d love you to reflect on this: What’s been quietly holding you up in your own work or business lately and who’s part of that support system for you? I hope you enjoy these voices as much as I did and that they help you feel a little more seen, understood and supported in your own small business journey.

What it really takes to run a coworking space without running yourself into the ground. From the outside, running a coworking space can look beautifully simple: open the doors, fill the desks, host a few events and “let community happen”. But for most independent and local operators, the reality is far heavier and far more human. In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Lucy McInally - a content strategist and writer who works with coworking brands and flexible workspace operators across the UK and Europe, and who also brings the lived perspective of having been a member in several independent and multi-location workspaces. Together, they open up an honest conversation about what coworking leadership really asks of you behind the scenes emotionally, energetically, and financially. They unpack the invisible load of holding space for everyone else, the pressure of keeping cashflow and community afloat, the constant marketing juggle, and the quiet loneliness that can appear when you’re “the one” everyone leans on. And importantly they move beyond the challenges to explore practical, human-centred ways to create more clarity, boundaries, and support so you can keep leading with heart without burning yourself out. ✨ In this conversation, they explore: • The invisible load operators carry (even when a space looks “full” from the outside) • Community, boundaries, and caring deeply without absorbing everything • Cashflow pressure, comparison with big brands & finding sustainable revenue • Marketing overwhelm and using content, podcasts & AI in a way that fits your energy • Loneliness in leadership — why alliances, champions & peer spaces matter • Realistic shifts that help you build a business that works for real life, not fantasy 💬 Quote from the episode: “There’s so much heart in this industry but that’s exactly why operators need support too.” Lucy McInally  A few moments to listen for: 00:00 — Welcome & episode introduction 01:12 — Lucy’s background & her experience across different coworking spaces 04:20 — The hidden emotional load behind running an independent hub 09:45 — Why community care requires boundaries 14:55 — Cashflow pressure, sustainability & comparison with larger brands 18:30 — The marketing juggle: content, podcasts & AI without overwhelm 22:40 — The loneliness of leadership & the need for peer support 27:10 — Small shifts that help operators protect energy & avoid burnout 31:50 — Final reflections & where to find Lucy’s work Before you dive in… Running a coworking space asks more of you than most people will ever realise so if this episode touches something for you, you’re not alone. What part of coworking leadership feels heaviest for you right now and what would make it feel lighter? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or DMs. And if you’re craving more clarity, structure or support as you lead your space, I’m here to help, you’ll find ways to connect with me in the show notes. 🔗 Links & Resources Lucy McInally - Content Strategy & Writing for Coworking https://www.lucymcinally.com Lucy's LinkedIn feed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymcinally The Hub Newry – Powering Productivity Podcast https://www.thehubnewry.com/podcast/ The Quiet Reset – Free Guide: 7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much https://www.thehubnewry.com/the-quiet-reset Connect with Suzanne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannemurdock/ Website: https://www.thehubnewry.com

What does it really take to scale a coworking business without losing the soul of what made it special in the first place? In this episode of Powering Productivity, I’m joined by Jo Hart, who has been at the heart of Mantle Space’s growth from a single serviced-office centre to eight thriving locations across the South East of England. Jo’s story isn’t flashy or polished, it’s real. She’s worked her way through every layer of the organisation over the last 14+ years: front-of-house, operations, business development, marketing. And because of that, she brings something rare, a grounded understanding of what teams, members, and communities genuinely need to feel supported. This conversation is especially meaningful for independent hubs, neighbourhood coworking operators, and micro business owners who want to grow in a way that still feels human. Even though Mantle is a larger operator now, the challenges they’ve navigated culture, communication, community balance, energy, wellbeing are the same ones small spaces face every day. ✨ Together, we explore: How Mantle scaled from 1 to 8 locations while keeping member + staff culture at the centre The realities of building community across multiple locations Why team wellbeing is foundational to member experience The juggling act of operations, hospitality and emotional labour The role of design, environment and atmosphere in shaping community How digital tools help without replacing the human touch What independent operators can learn from a bigger regional player This episode is ultimately about growth that doesn’t cost your heart and why scaling with care, clarity and culture still matters more than ever. “What stayed at the heart of Mantle through growth is simple: look after your people, and everything else follows.” Jo Hart Highlights: Jo’s journey from PA to leading across multiple business functions How Mantle kept its family-feel culture even as the team grew from 8 to 48 Culture, communication and why empowerment matters more than processes Navigating challenges: COVID, new centre openings, political + economic uncertainty Balancing diverse communities across different types of locations The power of thoughtful workspace design in belonging and productivity Using digital tools to support (not replace) human connection Supporting centre teams who juggle HR, operations, community, emotions The importance of celebrating wins and looking back at how far you’ve come What regional coworking operators can learn from each other Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Powering Productivity 00:54 — Introducing Jo Hart & Mantle Space 02:06 — Jo’s journey into coworking 04:26 — From 1 centre to 8: what has changed (and what hasn’t) 05:33 — Culture, values & how Mantle “scaled with heart” 10:58 — Operational challenges & opportunities in regional coworking 13:57 — Navigating COVID, furlough, and rebuilding with care 15:55 — Member mix: corporates, SMEs, remote workers & entrepreneurs 18:20 — Why design + environment matter more than ever 22:27 — Digital tools and keeping the human touch 25:18 — Team wellbeing, boundaries & emotional load 28:19 — Collaboration, connection & the future of regional coworking 31:12 — Where to find Jo and more about Mantle Space Resources: Mantle Space → https://www.mantle.co.uk Powering Productivity Podcast Homepage → https://www.thehubnewry.com/podcast Suzanne’s Coaching & Support for Micro / Coworking Operators → https://www.thehubnewry.com/coaching-mentoring/

What does it really take to build a thriving neighbourhood coworking space as an introverted founder especially when you’re juggling cashflow, confidence, and community in equal measure? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Melissa Richards, founder of Buick Mackane, a vibrant creative coworking, meeting and event space in the heart of Newbury. The conversation is honest, warm, and deeply relatable for anyone running a small hub or micro business especially those balancing people-first values with real-life energy and capacity. ✨ Quote from the episode: “I never really felt I belonged anywhere until I created the space I needed myself — and then I realised others needed it too.” Together, we explore the quiet strength behind independent operators, the courage it takes to show up consistently, and the beauty that unfolds when community forms in the smallest everyday moments. Some of the highlights: Creating a coworking space as an introverted founder Balancing confidence, cashflow and community connection Navigating COVID, reopening and keeping the doors open Why design, atmosphere and energy shape your member mix Freelancing as a bridge to financial stability How private offices change the sustainability model The emotional load of holding space for others Why “belonging” is built through small, consistent acts Managing energy, boundaries and burnout as a solo operator The value of members who become your extended team Baby-step confidence, comparison traps, and showing up in your own way Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Powering Productivity 00:48 — Meet Melissa: From freelance insights to founding Buick Mackane 02:45 — The search for a workspace that felt right 03:50 — Building community from scratch 04:58 — Launching during COVID & navigating the second lockdown 06:42 — Freelancing as a financial safety net 07:30 — How design shaped Buick’s community 09:25 — The power of quirky, creative, non-corporate space 10:00 — Cashflow realities & the turning point towards private offices 12:20 — Why private offices bring sustainability + freedom 14:10 — Events, energy and the “ideal” building setup 15:57 — Balancing freelancers, local SMEs & remote corporate teams 17:10 — Encouraging shy members to connect 18:30 — The hidden emotional labour of community building 20:00 — Collaboration, events and members sparking new ideas 21:50 — Introverted founders: leadership, energy & boundaries 23:40 — Recharging after hosting: managing energy well 25:00 — Letting members support you too 26:58 — Who holds the space for the operator? 27:57 — Delegation, extended teams & knowing when to accept help 29:10 — Comparison traps & showing up despite self-doubt 30:53 — Baby steps, consistency and what really builds confidence 32:45 — Listening deeply to what your members actually need 34:38 — Reading between the lines & navigating quiet feedback 35:10 — Unexpected, magical moments of community 36:30 — Where to find Melissa and Buick Mackane online Links & Resources: Buick Mackane Coworking (Newbury, UK) The Quiet Reset – Free Guide: 7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much If you’re a micro business owner or neighbourhood coworking operator who often feels like you’re carrying too much I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. There is quiet strength in the work you do, and community grows from the small, consistent actions that never make the headlines but change lives every day.

What if the future of work isn’t in glass towers or city coworking chains but in small, rooted hubs where people feel they belong? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Maria do Céu Bastos, founder of NOWHERE Desk - a rural coworking hub in Portugal that’s become a lifeline for freelancers, founders, and her local community.  Together, they explore how rural coworking is redefining connection and belonging not just for those who work there, but for the people who nurture these spacesevery day. ✨ In this conversation: Turning isolation into opportunityBuilding community far from the city noiseWhy reconnection with nature, with people, and with purpose is the real future of workThe emotional and economic value of local hubs 🌿 Discover more about Maria’s work and the rural coworking movement: NOWHERE Desk Creative Hubs Network European Coworking Assembly: Rural Coworking 💛 Listen now , this is a story about heart, place, and the quiet revolution happening in rural coworking. Time stamped Shownotes: 00:00 Introduction to the Powering Productivity Podcast 00:48 Meet Maria do Ceu Bastos: A Journey from Translationto Coworking 02:21 Challenges and Realities of Rural Coworking 07:29 Building Community and Overcoming Isolation 13:18 Navigating Bureaucracy and Renovation Hurdles 16:08 Funding and Financial Challenges 18:18 The Vision for Education and Reskilling 23:34 Navigating Emotional Challenges with AI 24:38 Finding Balance in Nature 25:19 Building Resilience Through Hobbies 26:13 The Importance of Community Support 26:54 Managing the Invisible Load 29:40 The Power of Networks and Collaboration 33:37 Sustainable Living and Upcycling 38:08 Rural Regeneration and Education 46:04 Conclusion and Resources

What happens when you take a bold idea - a women-only coworking space and turn it into a thriving hub of creativity, community, and support? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Stacey Sheppard, founder of Tribe Coworking in Devon. Stacey’s not just running a space she’s redefining what support looks like for freelancers, founders, and change makers. They talk about: ✅ The realities of running a niche, women-only coworking hub as a solo operator ✅ How balancing business with life (yes, including school holidays) can spark new models of support ✅Why traditional business programmes often miss what’s really needed: emotional scaffolding ✅ And the big question: as AI reshapes traditional jobs, are coworking spaces already carrying the future of entrepreneurship on their shoulders?   One line that really stayed with Suzanne: 👉 “Coworking spaces are the pathway to entrepreneurship. The infrastructure already exists it’s just so underused.” Stacey Sheppard This conversation is honest, heart-led, and full of fresh perspective. If you’re a micro business leader, a coworking operator, or simply curious about how values-led spaces shape the future of work this one’s for you. Here's some link and assets mentioned in the podcast:  🔗 ⁠Learn more about Tribe Coworking Hub hereLink to Stacey's Athen magazine subscriptionBecause so many of us are quietly carrying a lot right now, I’ve created a free guide 👉 The Quiet Reset – 7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much. S4E8 AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

In this episode discover how Ireland’s national coworking network is transforming local business, innovation and community through people-led workspaces and what it means for your coworking space or micro business. Suzanne together with Stephen Carolan and Leah Fairman of Connected Hubs explore the real-world impact of coworking on local economies, SME growth, and community resilience, especially in regional and rural areas. Whether you run a neighbourhood coworking space or lead a micro business, this episode is packed with insights on: How the Connected Hubs network evolved from a rural broadband project to a national initiative with nearly 400 hubsThe vision for Ireland’s coworking and hub strategy, and what it means for your workspace or businessWhy hub managers are community builders, not just operators and how to support themThe power of human connection in helping a diverse member makeup thrive from solopreneurs to corporate remote teamsHow coworking spaces are helping tackle real challenges like isolation, uncertainty and burnoutThe importance of being a step ahead of your members anticipating their needs before they even askReal examples of how hubs are fostering innovation, collaboration, and local regeneration  We also talk about the vital role of relationships, shared identity and community champions and why belonging is a competitive advantage in today’s uncertain world. If you’re building a space or business that’s rooted in people and purpose, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and connected. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Ireland’s coworking movement is shaping the future of local enterprise and thriving communities.

Suzanne chats with Benjamin Carew, Co-founder & Director of Othership, who’s redefining flexible work by integrating workspaces and software to empower freelancers, SMEs, and enterprises to work anywhere, better.   💡 They talked about: ✅ How workspace software is changing the game forcoworking & hybrid businesses ✅What is floworking? ✅ The evolution of flexible work—beyond just remotevs. office ✅ Making workspace solutions more accessiblefor smaller operators ✅Identifying the right software solution for yourbusiness ✅ The impact of AI,dynamic pricing & collaboration tools on the future of work Find out more about Othership at https://othership.com/

Suzanne talks to Roland Stanley, owner and operator of Dragon Coworking, an independent coworking space in Rochester, England. They chat around the highs and challenges of running a neighbourhood coworking space & why its relationships and not just desks that are at the heart of coworking. They talk about: ✅ How he went from hotelier to coworking operator (by accident!) ✅ The power of community over just desks & coffee ✅ Opportunities for smaller coworking operators—from partnerships to new spaces ✅ Challenges like market uncertainty & making hotdesking work ✅ Creative revenue streams & what you need to be aware of (hello, virtual offices!) ✅ Why sustainability & mental health support matter in coworking ✅ Making friends with the competition ✅ How small operators can leverage partnerships with councils and landlords Roland shares some great insights on growing a coworking space the right way—without losing its heart. Hit play & let’s dive in! 🎧✨ Find out more about Dragon Coworking at https://dragoncoworking.co.uk/

Suzanne talks to Claire Carpenter, a pioneer in coworking and social impact. From creating one of Europe’s first coworking hubs, The Melting Pot, Edinburgh to mapping rural opportunities & engaging in social fabric projects far & wide, Claire’s journey is full of lessons for community leaders and SME owners. They talk coaching, navigating transitions, and rethinking leadership—whether it’s running a business, fostering collaboration, or embracing new ways of working (like van life!). Here are some of the highlights: Claire's experiences as a coworking pioneer & its industry innovations Transitions to remote working ( quite literally, as in working from a van) Coaching for growth & adapting to change Empowering communities & SME leaders through social impact Navigating transitions Find out more about Claire at https://www.clairecarpentercoaching.com/

Suzanne is joined by Jessica Morgan, Founder of Carnsight Communications. In this episode Suzanne and Jessica delve into the ever-changing world of public relations, the challenges of evolving workspaces, and the opportunities for small businesses in a shifting media landscape. Jess offers insights into PR strategies, coworking trends, and the role of culture in flexible workplace environments. Whether you’re a small business owner, a PR professional, or someone curious about the intersection of work, media, and community, this episode has something for you. Here's some of the highlights: PR Evolution & Communication Media Landscape Changes PR Strategies for Small Businesses Evolving Workspaces & Culture AI Tools & Practical PR Insights Find out more about Jessica at https://www.carnsight.com/ and buy her Ebook, Practically Powerful PR at https://www.carnsight.com/our-ebook/

In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Jane Sartin, Executive Director of the Flexible Space Association known to many as Flexsa. Suzanne and Jane explored the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the flexible workspace industry, highlighting trends like hybrid work, the rise of town-centre workspaces, and the evolving role of AI. They also discussed support for small businesses and the importance of collaboration to navigate industry changes. Here are some of the highlights - The role Flexa plays in the industry Hybrid work expansion, diverse offerings & the corporate impact AI's role in the industry, benefits, challenges & the member fulfilment aspects Support for small operators & the collective voice Growth of flex in high streets & small town coworking Find out more about Flexsa here - https://www.flexsa.co.uk/ Powering Productivity is presented by Suzanne Murdock from The Hub Newry - https://www.thehubnewry.com/ It is produced by Emily Crosby Media

In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Pauline Roussel who, together with her partner Dimitar Inchev are co-founders of Coworkies. They chat around the challenges and opportunities in the coworking space industry. Pauline shares her journey from banking to becoming a Chief Happiness Officer in Berlin, highlighting her diverse experiences and the unique cultures she's encountered in over 550 coworking spaces across 65 cities. They chat around - Exploring coworking spaces & personal growth Transitioning roles & knowledge sharing Natural networking, ecosystems & energy in SME & micro workspaces Challenges & success factors Community engagement Coworking space growth, niches & differing cultures across the globe Coaching & mentorship Workplace trends 'Coworkies' the book Find out more about Coworkies at https://blog.coworkies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulineroussel/

In this episode Suzanne is joined by Yoshio Tsuda, founder of two very different coworking spaces - 'Morino Office' in rural Fujimi, Japan and the other 'Pile' - a collaborative studio space in the much more urban Yokohama, Japan. Suzanne & Yoshio chat around: Establishing remote work in rural Japan & the shift in Japanese work culture Exploring the industry & community importance Local community impact & engagement Building workspaces & supportive communities for success & the challenges that go alongside this or SME operators Work / life balance as SME operators & cultural differences across regions & workspaces Yoshio's public art project & office anniversary Learn more about Yoshio here: https://en.morino-office.com/about

In this episode Suzanne is joined by Bernie Mitchell - CoCreator of the London Coworking Assembly. A seasoned expert who’s been around the coworking scene for about as long as coworking’s been around! A huge advocate, writer, podcaster & coach he’s a champion for us smaller, micro & more regional & neighbourhood flexible workspace operators & communities. Suzanne & Bernie chat around: Challenges that smaller operators & creators often face & solutions we can explore collectively How communities, neighbourhood workspaces may differ depending on size, location, culture & the magic they bring The contexts of an innovator / creator /freelancer in coworking Juggling, headspace, sanity, burnout, fomo, imposter syndrome & prioritising what's important v resources when you're a micro business The '12 week year' - mindset, accountability & taking action Coaching for coworking & mastermind groups Scrum & the agile manifesto Learn more about Bernie here: ⁠⁠https://berniejmitchell.com/⁠