Flex Uncensored
Flex Uncensored
Giovanni Palavacini and Jamie Russo have partnered to ask industry leaders the questions that are on your mind. Giovanni Palavacini is a Real Estate Strategist focused on helping operators, landlords, and investors to make wise coworking/flexible office decisions using a combination of science and art. Jamie Russo was a coworking space owner/operator for 8 years, Executive Director of the GWA, the industry association, for 5 years, and has spent the last few years helping operators start and run profitable coworking businesses.
66. Cycling Through Tech Transitions: Michael Przytula on Creating Workspaces People Actually Want to Use
Michael’s passion is creating workspaces that people actually want to use. Gone are the days of enduring choppy calls - Michael Przytula tells us the new gold standard is all about that crisp, Zoom connection. Big corporations might have deep pockets, but transitioning massive office spaces post-pandemic? It's not as easy as it sounds. As we dreamt of next-gen tech and shiny meeting rooms, Michael brought us back to earth with the realities of budgets and the challenges of scale. And for a fun twist, we pedaled through Austin’s best cycling routes  Key Points: Clear tech communication is non-negotiable for today’s Zoom or Teams users. Michael P. sheds light on the corporate transition conundrum. The dream of tech upgrades meets budget realities. Michael’s take on Austin: It’s not just about tech, but also a cyclist’s paradise. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Register for our Live Flex Uncensored session with Dror Poleg on Wednesday, August 16th. Michael on LinkedIn Accenture website Michael’s Podcast Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Aug 15, 2023
49 min
65. Tasha Hydar on her Serve-First Approach to Helping Coworking Operators with their Network Management
If you attended either the GWA or GCUC conferences this year, you might have met the one and only Tasha Hydar. She’s the Vice President of Business Development at Isofy. What does Isofy do? It delivers world-class network management for your coworking members. Have you ever read the book “The Go-Giver?” Tasha exemplifies the moral of that story. She just wants you to succeed and wants to take the stress out of designing and managing your coworking space network. Because we all know there is one thing that your members won’t forgive you for. Bad Internet. Tasha also shares a personal challenge that she overcame this year and how it impacted her life.  Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Tasha on LinkedIn Isofy website  
Aug 9, 2023
51 min
64. The Future of Work is Finally Here: A Conversation with John Arenas, CEO of Serendipity Labs
John Arenas has had a 20 year career in flexible workspace. This guy has seen it all.   After business school, John worked in lending for office buildings, then worked for a developer doing office buildings…then he started a shared office franchise company that was later acquired by Regus. Today he’s the CEO of Serendipity Labs operating 30 locations in the US and the UK.    John shares his perspective on the tipping point in demand for flex, the shift he’s seeing in end user requirements…the landlord’s decision to build or partner when it comes to converting office assets to flex… and more     Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:   John on LinkedIn Serendipity Labs website   Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Aug 1, 2023
55 min
63. Cat Johnson on Keeping the "Co" in Coworking
Cat got into coworking because it made a huge impact on her as a solo freelancer looking for her people. Today, Cat hosts a podcast, monthly live Convos, and runs a marketing membership called The Lab.  Today, her mission is to help shape where the coworking industry is going and make sure the community piece is intact and that we're aligned with what coworking has always been and don't drift too far into desk rental territory. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Cat on LinkedIn Cat Johnson website   Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jul 25, 2023
43 min
62. Mike Kriel on His Approach to Creative Coworking Partnership Deals
Mike Kriel has ten coworking spaces under the Launch Workplaces brand as of this recording. They are all under creative deal structures - no leases. Mike shares: How he evaluates deals and says no to far more than he says yes to His commitment to identifying strong partners with high potential locations vs. just getting “dots on the map.” How he converted traditional office space into flex for under $10/foot  Why listening to an asset owner’s needs and listening and listening some more is the best approach to finding aligned incentives and getting a deal done. We also talk about: Gio fostering kitties, Gio returning from Alaska, Surprising your spouse with a puppy (because two dogs is way better than zero), and the meaning behind the Crossfit workout Murph. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Mike on LinkedIn Launch Workplaces website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jul 18, 2023
57 min
61. Mike Thakur CEO of Worklodge and Multi-passionate Entrepreneur on Building Culture, Community and Taking Risks
Mike Thakur is a creator…of coworking spaces, of community, of culture, of a lot of content… 💪 He has his own podcast and YouTube channel. Mike started WorkLodge to solve a personal pain point. He shares  what he got right lessons learned…one that involves umbrellas hanging from the ceiling… ☔️ how he built a team that runs his two Houston locations while his family lives in Nashville and how he channels his multi-passionate entrepreneurial spirit. 💼💡   Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Thakur on LinkedIn WorkLodge Mike on YouTube   Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space The Everything Coworking Academy Community Manager University Creative Coworking Partnerships: How to negotiate and structure management agreements from the landlord and operator perspective Follow Us on YouTube  
Jul 11, 2023
58 min
60. Wesley Edmonds - A Newcomer’s View of the Coworking/Flex Office Industry
Wesley Edmonds showed up at GCUC and at the GWA Immersive event in 2023 and met Gio…and Gio thought it would be really interesting to talk with someone that doesn’t run coworking spaces….and doesn’t sell to coworking space operators. Wesley does not have a horse in the coworking race. BUT she does sell furniture to designers of office space. In order to stay relevant, she needs a deep understanding of how and where humans are working today. Tune in to hear an “outsider’s” perspective of the coworking industry. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Wesley Ann on LinkedIn OFS website Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jul 4, 2023
48 min
59. Chris Davies on Designing the Full Customer Experience through Asset Ownership
Chris Davies is the CEO of Uncommon, a premium coworking brand in London. They are focused on creating the best shared workspace experience in the core central business district in London. Underlying their commitment to a superior member experience is their B Corp designation which reflects the value of their company. He's also kind of a control freak about crafting a seamless member experience. Uncommon started with 20,000 square feet but now operates buildings as large as 110,000 square feet. Chris talks about his commitment to continuous improvement, taking the best to each new location…and creating what he thinks is the best shared workspace in the world in Hoburn. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Chris on LinkedIn Uncommon website Uncommon’s Sustainability Report   Chris’ favorite books: Simon Sinek - Leaders Eat Last Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality Jim Collins - Good to Great   Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jun 27, 2023
48 min
58. Giovanni on his favorite Coworking space, the “why” and his business news
Gio shares his current favorite coworking space in Dallas, an important business update, and why the “why” is so important to Gio in his work.   Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:   Upcoming Management Agreement Course - Get the details here. Giovanni on LI   Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jun 20, 2023
35 min
57. Kadence and Liquidspace partner up to solve the “Why and Where” of getting work done
LiquidSpace has partnered with the leading hybrid workplace software platform, Kadence, to revolutionize flexible work.   Employees can now have access to a global network of flexible workspaces and their internal offices, seamlessly, in one platform.   Liquidspace is extending and enhancing the hybrid experience for Kadence customers, by giving them true choice and flexibility on where and when they work.   The future of work is hybrid, but for individual employees, it takes many forms. Working near home on days when home just doesn’t work. Huddling with colleagues to ideate and get sh*t done. Traveling to HQ to bond, celebrate wins, and the company mission. So together, Liquidspace and Kadence are changing the game for how hybrid should operate within companies.     Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:   Upcoming Management Agreement Course - Get the details here.   Dan on LinkedIn Mark on LinkedIn Kadence website LiquidSpace website   Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast  
Jun 13, 2023
38 min
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