Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

You don't need a real estate background to thrive in coworking—but you do need to understand people, process, and patience. Lee Linton, owner of two Office Evolution locations outside Austin, shares how he used his background in telecom and data to build strong community-centered businesses. Lee walks us through the realities of building out two locations, hiring (and marrying) his community manag...

In honor of the GCUC Conference happening this week in Boston, we're doing a re-run on episode 5 with Sarah Travers, CEO at Workbar, with over 10 locations in the greater Boston area. In this episode, Sarah shares how she became an "accidental CEO," why her team is building slow on purpose, and what it means to grow with confidence in a market that's not chasing the latest trends. We talk about: W...

What happens when a banker walks away from finance and into the world of coworking? Jon Lambert did just that—turning an old bank (yes, with an actual vault!) into a thriving coworking community. His story is packed with insights on transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, building a space with character, and creating a model that works. In this episode, we cover: How Jon made the le...

The biggest real estate operator in the world—the U.S. federal government—is making a bold move toward flexible work. Mark Gilbreath, CEO of LiquidSpace, joins us to break down what this means for the coworking industry, why it signals a major shift in how large organizations view their real estate portfolios, and what coworking operators should be doing right now to prepare. In this episode, we c...

What does it take to build one of the most respected coworking brands in Mexico—one that spans 36 locations and is known for its unparalleled hospitality? Javier Garcia Iza, CEO of IOS Offices, joins us for a deep dive into how he and his team have created a coworking brand that prioritizes people, purpose, and premium experiences. From redefining workspaces to scaling a culture that employees and...

What happens when you bring together top coworking operators, investors, and service providers from across North America and Latin America? A conference packed with insights, unexpected surprises, and a deep dive into the booming coworking scene in Mexico City. In this episode, we break down the key moments from GWA Immersive, an event that brought fresh perspectives on hospitality, enterprise ado...

If coworking is just about filling offices, you're doing it wrong. John Egan (Lucid Private Offices) and John Herring (Fuse Workspace) know that thriving flex brands are built on hospitality, experience, and genuine community. In this episode, we dig into how these two regional operators create spaces where members feel truly at home—and why that's the key to long-term success. We cover: The strat...

We finally got Caleb Parker in the hot seat! If you know Caleb, you know—he's a flex space industry leader, a branding expert, and the voice behind the Brave Ideas podcast. Caleb joins us to talk about his journey from IWG to launching multiple companies, the critical role of brand and hospitality in the future of flex, and how he's building a business that he actually wants to work in. In this ep...

Anne Olsen, Director of Coworking at The Shop, joins us to share how she went from community building to leading a multi-city coworking brand under The Domain Companies. With locations in Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and soon Brooklyn, The Shop is growing, and Anne is at the center of it all—scouting new locations, refining operations, and making sure each space fosters connection. In this episode...

Most executives are still debating "how many days in the office"—but Brian Elliott is here to tell them they're asking the wrong questions. A former Google and Slack exec, Future of Work 50 Thought Leader, and leadership advisor, Brian has spent years helping companies navigate the future of work, AI, and leadership. In this episode, we dive into: Why the debate over office days is outdated—and wh...

In this episode of Flex Uncensored, Jamie and Gio catch up on Gio's new role with the Global Workspace Association (GWA), upcoming immersive events, and his personal adventures that always tie back to Flex. They dive into the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how they're both focused on helping operators level up in 2025. They talked about: Gio's new role at GWA an...

How do you reshape an industry steeped in tradition? David Cairns, a commercial real estate veteran turned flex space advocate, shares his journey from the brokerage world to building a life centered on flexibility and purpose. With sharp insights into the CBRE-Industrious deal, the hurdles to flex adoption, and why companies need to "earn the commute," this episode is packed with bold predictions...

What does the future of coworking and flex spaces look like? According to Will Sandford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, it's all about building connections—between spaces, technologies, and people. In this episode, Will shares exclusive insights into Yardi's recent acquisitions of DeskPass and Hubble HQ and what these moves mean for the industry. Will also dives into Yardi's vision of creating a...

How does one go from brokering corporate jets to building a thriving co-warehousing business? David Fisher, Managing Director of Fisher Global Development and Founder of Kefi Spaces and Business E Suites, shares his fascinating journey of innovation, persistence, and vision. With a background in aviation and a knack for seeing potential where others don't, David has created a unique model combinin...

In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we dive deep into the flex workspace world with Michael Kloppenburg of Avison Young. A seasoned expert in the field, Michael brings unparalleled insights from his journey as an operator, broker, and trusted industry advisor. Gio and Michael unpack the challenges, growth, and untapped opportunities in the flex and coworking sector. We talked about: Michael's tran...

What happens when some of the brightest minds in coworking gather to share insights, tour inspiring spaces, and discuss the future of the industry? You get a jam-packed episode brimming with takeaways from the GWA Immersive event in New York City! In this episode, we're diving into highlights from a unique gathering that brought together operators, service providers, and industry newcomers. It's a...

Cid Rhomberg is co-founder and Chief Experience Officer for Brick House Blue, in Dublin, OH. Brickhouse is setting the industry standard for how to run a post-COVID meeting and events business along with coworking.  Cid started Brick House Blue to solve a personal challenge - she wanted a professional, inspiring, hospitality-focused, local spot to host her team offsites for Fortune 500 companies l...

In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we're joined by Stacey Messier, General Manager at CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) New England. Stacey shares her unique career path—from metal band vocalist to leading one of the most innovative coworking ecosystems in the world—and offers insights into how CIC supports groundbreaking ideas across industries. Stacey explains CIC's approach to fostering innova...

What happens when vision, faith, and business savvy collide? Patrick Hemus, Business Development Manager at the Maggie O'Neill Center in Liverpool, shares his fascinating journey of transforming a church hall into a dynamic coworking and community hub. From family inspiration to navigating challenges in one of the UK's most underserved areas, Patrick reveals how the Maggie O'Neill Center combines...

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Lee Ann and Jamie Willard, co-owners of W Executive Suites, a family-led flexible workspace brand. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing family and business dynamics, the Willard sisters share their journey of scaling a successful executive suite business while staying true to their values. We talked about: How Lee Ann and Jamie transitioned fr...

In this episode, we're joined by Jonny Rosenblatt, co-founder of Spacemade, a UK-based operator revolutionizing coworking spaces with landlord partnerships and sector-specific projects. Jonny shares Spacemade's unique approach to creating bespoke spaces and fostering meaningful connections, all while partnering with landlords to drive long-term success. If you're curious about the intersection of...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Anant Yardi, the Founder & CEO of Yardi Systems, join us for a candid conversation on leadership, vision, and the next big moves in the coworking and flex space industry. Anant shares his unique journey from a team of four programmers to a global software enterprise with over 9,500 employees, offering insights into how Yardi Systems views the future of cowor...

Jessica Cooper, Chief Product Officer at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and Sam Pickering, Head of Sustainability at the Instant Group, join Gio and Jamie to discuss the Well Coworking Rating and its impact on the flex workspace industry. With their wealth of experience and dedication to sustainable practices, they break down the essentials of creating healthier, more sustainabl...

In this episode, Jamie and Gio chat with Kane Willmott, CEO and Co-founder of IQ Offices. Kane takes us on a detailed journey through London's coworking and flex office landscape. Kane shares his experiences touring some of the most innovative and high-end coworking spaces in the UK, uncovering what North American operators can learn from the London market's approach to design, operations, and com...

In this episode of the Flex Uncensored Podcast, Kurt Patrick and Giovanni Palavicini sit down with Annie Draper, Director of Product Strategy for Flex Office at Hines, to talk about her journey in the flex workspace industry, the exciting projects at Hines, and how the company is scaling flexible workspace solutions on a global level. From her early days at Carr to leading strategy at Hines, Annie...