Coworking Values Podcast

Episode Summary What if everything you thought you knew about work was wrong? In this episode, Bernie sits down with Denise Brouder, the instigator of The Science of Flexibility report—a project shaking up how we think about coworking, enterprise, and the spaces in between. Denise shares the story of this groundbreaking work, created in collaboration with Ashley Proctor and Sam Rosen and designed...

Episode Summary Far too many email tips fall flat, leaving coworking spaces and micro businesses with newsletters that go unread or fail to connect. But Helen Lindop sees email differently. She offers practical, real-world advice for making email communication feel human again. This isn’t about flashy tools or overwhelming schedules—it’s about getting the basics right and keeping things manageable...

Episode Summary In this episode, Bernie and Emily open up about turning resolutions into intentions that stick, focusing on personal pacing rather than quick-fix willpower. They share why annual predictions can feel like guessing games, and how coworking communities can shape a more grounded approach to work and life. From redefining what a “safe space” means in a coworking setting to exploring ru...

Episode Summary Picture an icy, pre-dawn seaside where a ragtag bunch plunges into freezing water, bonds over silly world-record attempts, and turns a regular newsletter into a launchpad for an unbreakable community. That’s the spirit Mark Masters brings to the mic. In this episode, Bernie teams up with Mark, the force behind You Are The Media (YATM) , to uncover how ridiculous challenges and genu...

Episode Summary: What’s the point of coworking if no one feels like they belong? In this episode, Bernie strips away the fluff with Chauntelle from Town Square Islington to talk about what matters: creating coworking spaces that don’t just look good on Instagram but bring people together. Chauntelle doesn’t hold back—sharing her guerrilla marketing plans (dog-walking meetups, anyone?), honest stru...

Episode Summary In this episode, Bernie welcomes back Jaskiran Mangat, the creator of Finance Therapy , to untangle the complex web of money, mental health, and how they shape our lives. Jaskiran doesn’t just talk about money; she’s on a mission to help people heal their financial relationships while navigating the everyday stress of keeping a business afloat in tough times. From the struggles of...

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast , Emily speaks with Kristina Schneider , co-founder of Cobot and a dedicated advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Together, they explore how the forthcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) will shape the future of coworking spaces and the tools they rely on, ensuring they are welcoming and accessible to all. Kristina offers...

Episode Summary: Holidays can feel like a weird limbo for coworking spaces. Do you lock up, take a break, and hope for the best? Or do you keep communicating, even if it feels like no one’s paying attention? In this episode, Bernie and Emily dig into the realities of running a coworking space during the festive season. They strip away assumptions and explore what works—staying open for members, sc...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Bernie chats with Julie and Sonya , founders of STORY22, to unpack the real deal of AI, content, and customer service for running your coworking business. They share their journey from StoryBrand guides to leveraging AI tools for content creation and strategy. Together, they explore how coworking professionals can incorporate AI into marketing, streamline content...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Bernie chats with Stephen Carrick-Davis, founder of FaceWork and a passionate advocate for creating work opportunities through community spaces. Together, they explore how the FaceWork maker space initiative in South London is breaking down barriers to employment, supporting refugees, and redefining what it means to “make” jobs instead of just seeking them. They d...

Episode Summary In the Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie sits down with Freddie Fforde, the bold mind behind Patch—a company on a mission to bring real life back to UK high streets. Freddie's vision is an intelligent rebellion against the stale, commuter-driven work culture, flipping the script by building coworking spaces that anchor communities and breathe life into local neighbourhoods....

Episode Summary In today’s episode, Bernie sits down with Claire Billings, a fierce advocate for self-connection who’s walked the talk of career pivots and personal growth. After 30 years in high-stakes marketing, Claire became a leadership coach. She’s no stranger to the highs and lows of self-doubt and the chaotic world of career transitions, and she’s here to share how mindfulness, hard-earned...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Bernie chats with Julianne Becker, co-founder of Coconat—a unique retreat in the German countryside where coworking and community blend naturally. Julianne shares how Coconat grew from a fresh idea about work-life balance into a thriving coworking and co-living space that has been operating for over a decade. She also describes her role with the Exile Media Hub ,...

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, we’re joined by Stacey Sheppard, the unstoppable force behind The Tribe—a coworking space nestled in Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes in Devon, that is changing the game for women in business. Stacey doesn’t just talk about empowering women; she lives it. From her “shepherd leadership” approach to her Faith Over Fear initiative, Stacey reminds us that cou...

Episode Summary In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Bernie welcomes back Gareth Jones, the founder of Town Square, for what feels like his five-hundredth appearance (and we’re glad to have him back!). Gareth gets honest about the surge in applications they’ve been seeing—over 500 people have applied for roles at their London locations in the last few months alone. This sudden wave of...

In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie Mitchell is joined by Szilvia Filip, founder of Coworking Hungary and owner of a coworking space in Vesprém. Szilvia shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a central figure in Hungary’s coworking scene. She discusses building a freelance ecosystem, fostering collaboration among coworking spaces, and how the Coworking Hungary Asso...

In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise of running a micro or small business. Ann Hawkins, founder of Drive, the Collaborative Network , joins us to share advice on simplifying the chaos and finding success by working together. Ann believes running a business doesn’t have to be a lonely grind—collaborating with the right people can be clear, focused, and rewarding. We cover everything fro...

In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie and Emily cut through the fluff to discuss why vision, mission, and values are more than just corporate jargon. They keep you from falling off the map, whether running a coworking space, a business or just trying to get through the day. Through personal stories and honesty, they show how these principles drive everything, especially when things g...

Episode Show Notes: London Flex Brand Index Report: Inside the Numbers with Zoe Ellis-Moore In this episode, we dive into the first-ever London Flex Brand Index Report with Zoe Ellis-Moore, founder of Spaces to Places . Zoe uses her passion for placemaking and expertise in the flex office market to analyze the report's findings about London’s coworking and flexible office scene. This episode unpac...

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast , Bernie sits down with Vanessa Sans , a leader and quiet storm who’s been rewriting coworking rules across Europe, Africa, and beyond for over fifteen years. From the gritty streets of Barcelona’s transforma bcn to the sun-drenched calm of Kalima Coliving, Coworking & Cafè , Vanessa’s work isn’t just about creating workspaces but connecting peop...

In this episode, we explore a topic that often feels difficult: money and trauma. Our guest, Jaskiran Mangat , a specialist in trauma-sensitive financial resilience and well-being, offers her perspective on how upbringing, culture, and society shape our relationship with money. Whether you're a freelancer, small business owner, or anyone who's felt the emotional strain of money, this conversation...

Summary: In this episode, Emily and Bernie are joined by Adrian Segar , a meeting designer, facilitator, and author of Conferences That Work . Adrian shares his unique journey from particle physics to revolutionizing the way conferences are run. He explains how he pioneered an entirely new format for meetings, focusing on peer-driven content and fostering genuine human connections. We discuss the...

In this episode, Bernie gets to pick the brains of Amy who is part of the team at 360 Workplace Consultancy about an often overlooked topic: how to design coworking spaces that truly work for neurodiverse people. Most coworking spaces seem set up for the so-called "average" worker—a middle-aged guy who likes the room at just the right temperature.  But what about everyone else? Amy explains how sp...

In this episode, Bernie talks with marketing expert, author, and educator Mark Schaefer, someone he's been learning from for over 15 years.  Mark shares practical insights from his latest book,  Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy . He discusses how micro and small businesses, including coworking spaces, can harness the power of community to be seen, build tr...

Episode Summary: Join Emily's conversation with Loubna Messaoudi, a social entrepreneur and founder of  BIWOC* Rising , a Berlin-based coworking space dedicated to intersectional justice for marginalised communities.  Loubna shares her insights on building inclusive and diverse work environments, particularly for women, trans, inter, and non-binary people of colour.  We explore the challenges and...