Coworking Values Podcast

Episode Summary

What happens when you realise your pricing model isn't just flawed—it’s sabotaging your freedom?

This is a raw, practical, and candid conversation with Elina Jutelyte, founder of the Freelance Business Community, who has spent nearly a decade navigating the complex web of freelance economics across Europe.

In this month's European Freelancer Special, we pull back the curtain on the emotional labour of pricing, the illusions sold to new freelancers, and how impostor syndrome sneaks in when we confuse execution with expertise.

We discuss transitioning from charging by the hour to charging by value (and why both approaches still have a place), how motherhood reshaped Elina’s business model, and what the gig economy gets completely wrong about autonomy.

If you’ve ever wondered why your pricing doesn’t feel right—or how to break the cycle—this one’s for you.

"I had retainers, hourly rates, day fees, projects... but I was still losing money. Something had to change."

Timeline Highlights

[00:28] Bernie welcomes Elina to the European Freelancer Special

[00:42] Elina introduces herself and the evolution of the Freelance Business Community

[01:39] First event of the year: Freelance Business Pricing Forum

[02:27] The emotional confusion around hourly pricing—and why it’s not always bad

[03:48] How Elina lost money switching pricing models—and what she learned

[05:07] What the Pricing Forum will cover: psychology, raising rates, minimum pricing, AI, and more

[06:28] Bernie reflects on experience, confidence, and the psychology of writing proposals

[07:50] Why confidence and asking the right questions matter more than we admit

[08:23] The invisible cost of not investing in your freelance education

[10:09] Bernie asks about zero-hours culture, gig economy realities, and exploitation

[12:11] Platform workers, fake independence, and the complexity of freelance categories in Europe

[16:47] "You started freelancing for freedom, but now you’re working twice as hard."

[18:36] Elina on burnout, motherhood, and the transition to consultancy

[20:36] Realising you already have a framework—but haven’t named it

[21:45] Elina’s formula: Fix yourself first, then help others

[22:45] AI for freelancers: Proposals, clarity, and unexpected prompts

[26:21] Using AI to unlock hidden knowledge in academic research and everyday tools

[28:16] Closing thoughts and links to everything mentioned

Freelance Pricing Isn’t Just Maths

From Circle to Confidence

Elina shares how she transitioned the Freelance Business Community from scattered tools to a unified home on Circle—and how that shift mirrors the clarity she’s building around freelance pricing. The move wasn’t just technical; it was emotional. It’s about stepping into your value and bringing others with you.

Pricing Isn’t Morality

Hourly rates aren’t evil. Project fees aren’t the holy grail.

Elina dismantles the myths and emotional narratives that confuse freelancers—and reveals how her assumptions cost her money until she took a step back and recalibrated.

When Working for Yourself Becomes a Trap

How working “for yourself” can slowly become worse than employment.

Elina explains how parenthood forced her to redesign her business—and how that moment of constraint created clarity, priorities, and a better offer.

Burnout, Branding & Becoming a Consultant

Many freelancers are already consultants, but don’t realise it.

We discuss how to name your frameworks, document your processes, and transition from endless execution to high-trust advisory roles.

Zero-Hours, Gig Work & Fake Freedom

We delve into the complex realm between freelancers and platform workers.

Bernie shares examples from Just Eat and Uber, while Elina outlines how European governments are grappling with fake independence and what policies might help.

AI Isn’t the Future—It’s the Assistant You’ve Needed

Elina and Bernie swap tools and tactics—from Google Notebook to ChatGPT—and discuss how they utilise AI to accelerate research, refine proposals, and reclaim hours lost to administrative tasks and formatting.

Links & Resources

* Freelance Business Pricing Forum - Online Event – 26-27 June

* Freelance Business Community

* Freelance Business Financial Tool Guide

* AI for Coworking Quiz

* Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* European Coworking Day 2026

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Elina on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values shaping the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

“Everything comes back to email.”

Emily and Bernie rip the plaster off a painful truth: frantic paid ads can’t rescue a hollow content strategy.

They swap war stories about “panic‑buying” LinkedIn and Google ads, compare the steep learning curve of PPC platforms, and reveal why most indie coworking spaces burn cash instead of building community.

Emily breaks down the real cost of outsourcing ads, how to vet an agency (hello, SEMrush reports), and why at least one team member should be 80 % focused on content.

Bernie drives home the email‑list gospel—own the relationship or risk algorithm whiplash—and drops the Marcus Sheridan pool‑builder case study (£22 m in organic revenue, one blog post - we double checked before posting and it’s $35 million as of April 2025).

Together, they outline a consistent content schedule: weekly newsletters, repurposed social media posts, cornerstone blogs, and strategic outbound links that cater to both humans and bots.

They conclude with an invitation to assess your AI readiness (quiz) and participate in their hands-on AI Workshop in London on 25 June—because smarter workflows surpass larger budgets.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] Emily opens with the Unreasonable Connection invite—monthly video call for coworking pros

[00:32] Bernie frames the day’s debate: paid ads vs. content‑led audience building

[01:10] “Plant seeds, water daily”—Emily’s garden metaphor for multi‑channel marketing

[02:17] The panic‑buy syndrome: grabbing Google Ads vouchers in desperation

[03:18] Bernie’s prime directive: email lists survive every algorithm shake‑up

[05:13] Person‑power reality check—ads demand constant monitoring

[06:16] How to spot a shady agency (and why authority scores matter)

[07:29] SEMrush 101—Emily explains the £200‑£600/month tool and what it reveals

[10:17] Website investment vs. social media dopamine hits

[11:29] Feeding bots and humans—alt tags, internal links, accessibility

[14:30] Slow‑burn organic search: the most stable growth engine

[17:44] SERP snippets, cornerstone content, and stealing smart from competitors

[19:18] Time maths—why an 80 % content role pays for itself

[21:40] Weekly newsletters are the backbone of every other channel

[22:58] AI Quiz + 25 June Workshop: hands‑on tactics for lean teams

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Why Panic Ads BackfireBernie admits to torching ad vouchers and explains how emergency PPC drains budget without fixing the funnel.

Emily adds that constant platform updates turn “set‑and‑forget” into wishful thinking.

Planting Seeds of ContentA garden grows when watered—so does your audience. The hosts outline a daily or weekly cadence that combines blogs, newsletters, and social media into an ecosystem that bots respect and people share.

Email List as LifelineFrom early Facebook page crashes to today’s LinkedIn throttles, Bernie shows how owned lists future‑proof community reach. One weekly newsletter will outperform a dozen boosted posts.

The Hidden Cost of Paid AdvertisingEmily breaks down agency vetting, authority audits, and why skipping due diligence can double your spend.

DIY? Expect a steep learning curve and constant rule updates.

SEO Tools DecodedSEMrush (and its rivals) unmask competitor keywords, SERP questions, and backlink gaps.

Use reports to craft cornerstone posts—think “Can I bring my dog?”—that outrank bigger brands.

AI & Workflow OptimisationChatGPT and Gemini now serve as on‑demand “body doubles.”

The hosts share the London Coworking Assembly AI workshop with Urban MBA, promising practical prompts that slice production time without slicing nuance.Links & Resources

* RSVP for Unreasonable Connection

* AI Readiness Quiz for Coworking

* Emily on LinkedIn

* Bernie on LinkedIn

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Urban MBA

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group.

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

“You can hire a branding agency. Or you can co-create it with the people who'll live it.”

In this REWIND episode, we revisit one of our most powerful conversations with Vanessa Sans, a coworking pioneer, community strategist, and founder of Kalima.

Vanessa didn’t just open a space by the sea. She co-created a movement with the people it was meant for.

From her early days launching Transforma and Coworking Spain to building Kalima with zero paid ads and 300 global applicants, this story is packed with hard-won insights on what it takes to build trust, inclusion, and longevity in coworking.

We talk about:

* How to co-create your brand with the people who'll use it

* What Lisbon 2014 taught us about finding our people

* Digital nomads vs remote workers (and how to serve both)

* Why does a real community start before you open the doors

Whether you're launching your first space or rethinking the soul of the one you run, this conversation will take you right back to the heart of coworking.

This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a blueprint for what's to come.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] Emily introduces Unreasonable Connection

[00:27] Bernie sets the scene with Vanessa’s global coworking legacy

[01:13] From Transforma to Coworking Europe, Africa, and India

[02:51] The 2010 Utopicus moment that changed everything

[04:40] Why "Transforma" means more than a space

[06:04] From organising events to operating spaces

[09:05] Lisbon 2014: Roast pigs, co-pass, and finding your people

[13:40] Kalima: A seaside hotel turned coworking hub

[17:49] Co-creating a community from scratch

[20:19] 300 applications, 2 months, 1 global-local tribe

[24:29] Project management vs participatory chaos

[26:26] Lessons in real-world coworking project launch

[27:27] Digital nomads vs remote workers: What’s the real difference?

[30:11] Why no one knew Caldas d’Estrac—until now

[32:28] How coworking activates the neighbourhood

Coworking Europe 2014

This wasn’t just a conference; it was a reunion of sorts—a meeting of minds that were shaping the coworking world.For Vanessa, this was a pivotal moment when coworking became more than just an idea; it became a movement that connected people across borders.The video below was made at the Copass Camp at Coworking Europe Lisbon in 2014.Watch out for Vanessa and Bernie in this video below.(And the goodbye hugs with our late great coworking friend Matija Raos in the final scene.)

How a Hotel Became a Home for Coworkers

Kalima wasn’t planned. It found Vanessa. A former hotel just seconds from the Mediterranean, the space offered more than rooms: it offered potential.

She didn’t roll out ads. She rolled out the invites. Locals and digital nomads joined the first Kalima workshop to co-create the space’s brand and values. Then she opened applications for a community residency: a free month in exchange for helping build the project.

It wasn’t always smooth—too many cooks, not enough clarity. But the result? A fiercely connected, co-built space where collaboration wasn’t a slogan. It was the foundation.

From Lisbon Legends to Local Impact

Vanessa and Bernie swap stories from the early Coworking Europe conferences. Roast pigs, flu-fuelled adrenaline, and the unshakable sense of discovering your people.

Today, that spirit lives on in Kalima. But it’s not about importing digital nomads—it’s about weaving them into the town's fabric. Members aren’t just passing through. They buy coffee from local shops. They host events. They meet the neighbours.

Coworking isn’t about space. It’s about presence.

Building With, Not For

Too often, coworking spaces are designed behind closed doors. Vanessa flipped that. From branding workshops to bartering stays for skills, every step of Kalima’s journey has involved the people it serves.

That’s not just inclusive design. It’s intelligent business.

Links & Resources:

* Kalima Instagram – Kalima Beach Life

* Kalima Coliving, Coworking & Cafè

* Happy Working Lab - Vanessa’s consulting firm.

* transforma bcn coworking space.

* RSVP for Unreasonable Connection

* AI in Coworking: Time-Saving Readiness Quiz

* Workspace Design Show London 2026

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn

What happens when you lose your workspace, your routine, and your community?

In this deeply human episode, Bernie and Lucy McInally crack open what real community feels like inside a Coworking space—and what gets lost when pricing, scale, or disconnection takes over.

Lucy shares how running grassroots freelancer meetups in London helped her understand the difference between surface-level connection and true belonging.

From trying to book overpriced rooms in Shoreditch to recreating the TownSq magic, her stories hit a nerve.

They discuss what independent Coworking operators still miss about freelancers, how the cost-of-living crisis is quietly pushing people out of shared spaces, and why hosting doesn’t scale in the same way as real estate does.

If you’ve ever felt the buzz of a “cool table,” wondered how to recreate that Pixie Dust in your space—or mourned the loss of it—you need this conversation.

Timeline Highlights

[00:05] Emily’s intro to Unreasonable Connection

[00:27] Bernie and Lucy catch up after a year of change

[01:08] Lucy introduces The Inclusive Coworker and her journey

[02:44] Inclusion vs. affordability: the tension in London Coworking

[05:50] Freelancers in crisis: rates, rent, and value misalignment

[09:16] Why Lucy started her freelancer meetups in Shoreditch

[12:24] Connection builds confidence: the power of being seen

[14:50] Cake, coffee, and a sense of belonging

[17:09] Anna from TownSq: When a community manager becomes your anchor

[22:59] Wigan: a community looking for a Coworking space

[24:16] Can community really be designed—or does it just emerge?

[26:55] Why Coworking feels more like a restaurant than a scalable asset

[30:10] Social battery drain and the cost of over-connection

[31:26] The Inclusive Coworker: Substack as a storytelling platform

[35:05] Tony from New Work Cities and the early Coworking spark

[36:40] Where to find Lucy online

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Inclusion isn’t just policy—it’s affordability, too

Lucy highlights the tension between talk and reality in London: numerous coworking spaces discuss inclusion, but their pricing excludes the very freelancers they claim to support.

Freelancer-led meetups aren’t events—they’re survival.

Lucy explains how a need for connection became a movement.

When she couldn’t afford local spaces, she brought people together in cafes and hotels, forming bonds that built confidence and community.

TownSq magic and the myth of scale

Together, Lucy and Bernie reflect on their time at TownSq: how it felt like family, and how that feeling disappears when people leave or spaces grow too big.

Some things don’t scale.

The Wigan model: community before real estate

Bernie shares the Weave Coworking story—where people started gathering before the building even opened.

A reminder that you don’t always need the space first.

Why hosting is sacred—and under-practised

Lucy touches on the rare gift of being truly welcomed.

It’s not in job descriptions. It’s in how people show up. And too many spaces get this wrong.

The Inclusive Coworker: making space for stories

Lucy’s Substack is about giving voice to those shaping coworking from the inside. It’s writing with weight—about belonging, access, and design that fits real life.

Links & Resources

* The Inclusive Coworker on Substack

* Lucy McInally on LinkedIn

* 🎙️Design Isn’t Enough - Alex Young

* 🎙️"The Science of Flexibility." - Denise Brouder

Recurring Links

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Unreasonable Connection – Lu.ma

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

🔑 Community is the key

Episode Summary

It’s June 2025, just a few weeks after European Coworking Day united coworking communities across Europe—and this week's SXSW event in London—are buzzing with energy about AI and creating meaningful experiences.

We’re resharing a grounding, unforgettable episode with Denise Brouder, founder of The Future of Work Alliance and author of "The Science of Flexibility."

Her report, initially published in January 2025, has never felt more urgent.

In this conversation, Denise makes a bold case: flexible work isn’t a policy—it’s a cultural shift.

One that must be designed, practised, and defended if we’re serious about inclusion, wellbeing, and future-proof workspaces.

She unpacks how enterprise and coworking can bridge the gap, why independent spaces matter more than ever, and how third places offer more than just desks—they offer dignity, autonomy, and access.

“The future is already here—it’s just unequally distributed.”

Join us for the next Unreasonable Connection on 18 June—link in the show notes.

Timeline Highlights

[00:53] Bernie introduces Denise and her head-hurting insights

[01:08] What Denise is known for— and what she wants to be known for

[02:34] How The Science of Flexibility came together with Sam and Ashley

[05:10] The third place dilemma—how coworking differs from 'just offices'

[06:56] Educating knowledge workers on “work from near home” strategies

[09:26] Why people don’t know coworking exists—and why that matters

[11:00] The invisible rituals of going to work—and why they still matter

[13:23] How independent space founders speak from lived experience

[14:04] “Pioneers take the arrows…”: the hard work of normalising third places

[16:32] Is coworking finally embracing enterprise clients? A then-and-now look

[19:15] Adam and Alex’s rule: no teams sitting together

[22:13] How removing flexibility punishes women—and what real inclusion looks like

[25:48] Are we losing our edge in the flex work conversation?

[30:08] From fringe to mainstream: how systems change spreads

[32:04] Coworking as infrastructure for collective, inclusive change

Episode Breakdown

The report that broke Bernie’s brainDenise’s Science of Flexibility report doesn’t just talk trends—it names what’s broken and dares to imagine what’s next.

It’s dense. It’s bold. And it’s a wake-up call for coworking.

Thinking differently to work differentlyFrom enterprise boardrooms to indie coworking havens, Denise argues that change begins in the way we think about space, autonomy, and value, not just how we structure work.

Third place vs. office spaceCoworking can’t just look like a repurposed cubicle farm.

Denise explains how space design signals dignity—and why most workers still don’t even know these options exist.

Habits, boundaries, and belongingDenise breaks down how rituals—like leaving the house—signal a shift in state. Coworking offers more than Wi-Fi.

It offers identity, rhythm, and a sense of belonging.

Coworking and the enterprise bridgeThis isn’t a hypey “corporates are coming!” segment.

It’s a real take on what happens when freelancers and bank workers sit at neighbouring desks.

Inclusion means practical access.Denise shares how mandating full-time office returns can crush mobility for marginalised workers—and how flexibility can open up leadership opportunities, not just schedules.

The future’s here—it’s just not evenly distributedYou’ll leave this episode seeing coworking not just as a business model, but as civic infrastructure.

A way of redistributing possibilities in how we live, work, and gather.

Links & Resources

* Download your own The Science of Flexibility report.

* RSVP for Unreasonable Connection

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Denise on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast delves into the core values that drive coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.

These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

We hope this resonates with you.If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich their lives, build their careers, and strengthen their communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Alex Young doesn’t want applause for installing ramps.

As Director at Projects in Brighton, she’s focused on something much harder: making inclusion part of the architecture of everyday coworking life.

From universal design to neurodivergent coaching, this episode is a masterclass in what it takes to build truly accessible spaces, not just compliant ones.

Emily and Alex delve into the cultural, emotional, and structural aspects of accessibility.

They unpack why well-meaning spaces still fail people with disabilities, how funding like Access to Work can transform a team, and what real self-advocacy looks like in an environment that doesn’t always listen.

This isn’t just about doorways and desks.It’s about dignity.

Come for the quiet room layouts.

Stay for the moment, Alex explains why mentorship in Berlin—and inclusion policy in the UK—aren’t just good ethics. They have good infrastructure.

*This is a ‘rewind’ episode first posted in 2024 - we think it is worth sharing again!

Timeline Highlights

[00:05] Emily plugs Unreasonable Connection—and what makes it more than just a meetup

[00:29] Alex’s role at Projects and why coworking is more than square footage

[01:48] Body doubling, time zones, and the quiet power of co-presence

[02:33] What “universal design” actually means—and how it shows up in a building

[04:04] Ramps and quiet spaces are great—but they’re not the whole answer

[04:40] Where well-intentioned workspaces fall flat: they don’t ask

[05:57] How to self-advocate when you’re used to being ignored

[07:32] Access to Work and the invisible resources that already exist

[09:40] Lessons from Impact Hub Berlin: mentoring across difference

[11:07] Inclusion as a competitive advantage—and a personal priority

[12:59] Why Alex stayed in coworking—and how sociology still shapes her thinking

[16:15] A practical, human checklist for accessibility from day one

[18:03] How to reach Alex—and why she’s always happy to talk

Episode Breakdown

Coworking Isn’t Inclusive by DefaultJust because a space is “cool” doesn’t mean it’s accessible.

Alex walks through the design decisions behind Projects’ spaces—wide doorways, adjustable desks, quiet zones—but also explains why no checklist beats asking people what they need.

The Emotional Labour of AdvocacyFor many disabled or neurodivergent people, asking for basic accommodations is exhausting.

Alex offers a nuanced take: yes, self-advocacy is powerful—but it shouldn’t always fall on the person with the “difference” to initiate the conversation.

Spaces must signal safety first.

Free Money, Untapped PowerAccess to Work is a UK government scheme that helps employers fund accessibility solutions; however, most people are not aware of it.

Alex explains how Projects uses it (with Exceptional Individuals) to secure tech, training, and coaching for team members.

If you're in the UK and not using this… you’re leaving impact on the table.

Don’t Just Look Inside—Look AroundCoworking spaces often focus on their own four walls.

But Alex highlights Impact Hub Berlin’s mentorship programme, which pairs business leaders with underrepresented entrepreneurs in the city.

It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about who’s already inside—it’s also about who still feels unwelcome.

Her Why: Sociology, Cafés, and a Sense of PlaceAlex studied people.

Then she worked from cafés.

Then she realised—none of them felt right.

Her entry into coworking was part accident, part calling.

She didn’t build an app, but she did find her people.

Now she makes sure others can find theirs too.

🔗 Links & Resources

People

* Alex Young on LinkedIn

* Emily Breder on LinkedIn

Events & Projects

* Alex’s Favourite Positions Podcast

* The Project’s Coworking Space Brighton

* Unreasonable Connection

* Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* European Coworking Day

Coworking Ecosystem

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

Referenced in Episode

* Access to Work (UK Government Fund)

* Exceptional Individuals – Neurodiversity Employment Support

* Impact Hub Berlin

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Summary

How do you keep your business running when your nervous system is screaming?

In this raw and resonant episode, Bernie and Emily tackle a weight most of us carry but rarely name: existential overhead.

That constant low hum of emotional load—personal, political, practical—that makes every small task feel harder.

From neurodivergence and mindset rituals to accountability rhythms and phantom limbs (yes, really), this episode explores how community builders can work with their brains instead of against them.

Emily shares how grounding in the body—not just the to-do list—is what keeps her going.

Bernie opens up about writing rituals, ADHD fog, and what years of weekly check-ins have taught him about stability.

There’s no big reveal. Just honest, hard-earned insight into the mess, rhythm, and relief of building community—while staying human.

Timeline Highlights

[00:05] Bernie introduces Unreasonable Connection and his Portugal–Spain coworking trip

[01:12] Emily shares what she’s known for—and what she wants to be known for

[02:34] Naming the invisible load: existential overhead in a chaotic world

[03:45] Bruce Lee, Daoism, and absorbing only what serves you

[05:36] The Prime Minister of Barbados and the weight of being many things at once

[07:13] Grounding before power: why mindset beats marketing

[08:53] Bernie on Ukraine, ADHD, and how perspective resets productivity

[09:56] Emily on needing body-first rituals to handle mental spirals

[12:28] What it’s like to finally say, “That’s not me”—and mean it

[13:52] Why Bernie’s day doesn’t start until 750 words hit the page

[15:27] Emily on sustaining cadence, journaling spirals, and disappearing goalposts

[17:40] “It’s not always building toward amazing”—Bernie on flow and 12-week rhythm

[18:47] Emily on retrospectives, diverse feedback, and asking: Am I wrong?

[20:34] How facilitation works: nudging without directing

[23:24] Bernie on phantom limbs, pain memory, and coworking triggers

[25:28] Permission to keep going—why cadence isn’t a loop, but a cycle

[28:58] Cross-pollinating wisdom: what restaurants, film, and sports can teach us

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Existential Overhead Is RealIt’s not just your to-do list that’s overwhelming you.

It’s politics, news, family, economic strain, and that sinking sense that you should be doing more.

Emily and Bernie name that weight, and talk about how recognising it can help you manage it.

Mindset Is a Starting Point, Not a BuzzwordFrom daily writing rituals to barefoot grounding, the small, repeatable acts that bring clarity take centre stage.

Not to optimise.

But to survive and build rhythm.

Accountability Is a LifelineEmily and Bernie reflect on 15 years of working together—and how peer support, weekly check-ins, and simply speaking their minds keep them (and their clients) on track.

You can’t outsource success to apps.

The Mess Is the MethodFrom Urban MBA's mindset-first approach to phantom limb analogies, this conversation honours the messy, human, often nonlinear path to clarity.

Permission to Keep GoingCadence isn’t a loop—it’s a cycle.

You revisit the beginning again and again.

The win isn’t perfection—it’s showing up to the next round with more self-awareness and community than the last.

Links & Resources

* RSVP for Unreasonable Connection

* Emily on LinkedIn

* Bernie on LinkedIn

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Urban MBA

* Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

* What is a phantom limb?

* 750 Words - Practice Writing Every Day

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group.

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

When Sangeeta Pillai walks into a coworking space, she’s not just looking for a desk—she’s scanning for signs that someone like her belongs.

In this raw and wide-ranging conversation, Sangeeta—founder of the Masala Podcast and Soul Sutras - joins Bernie to talk about what inclusion actually feels like, not just what it looks like in a brochure.

From growing up silenced in a Mumbai slum to building one of the UK’s most celebrated feminist networks, Sangeeta unpacks what makes a space truly safe—and why most coworking spaces still miss the mark.

They talk loneliness in big cities, misfiring community efforts, why asking someone’s name matters more than your branding, and how even a WhatsApp nudge can pull someone back from the edge.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people walk past your coworking space every day and never walk in, this is the episode that explains it.

Timeline Highlights

[00:40] “I’d like to be known for feminism until the day I die.”

[01:22] Growing up voiceless in Mumbai—and turning pain into a movement.

[02:34] Famous guests, taboo topics, and why Masala Podcast hits harder than PR fluff.

[03:30] What Brick Lane looks like through immigrant eyes (hint: it’s not your weekend bagel run).

[06:15] What safe space means—from name pronunciation to lunchbox shame.

[07:47] Why being noticed—just being seen—can save someone’s life.

[08:55] Loneliness in London: How 8 million people can feel like zero connection.

[10:55] “Even small talk is human contact.” Why strangers matter more than we admit.

[12:40] Bernie’s Vigo confession: he speaks to more people in Spanish than he did in English in London.

[15:55] The problem with coworking bubbles: why locals walk by and never step in.

[17:21] If your space doesn’t look diverse, it doesn’t feel welcoming.

[19:05] Bernie realises what felt like impostor syndrome was a lack of belonging.

[21:09] The workshop that made coworking leaders confront their fear of community.

[22:57] “It’s a buffet. But no one knows how to get to the table.”

[25:51] The WhatsApp message that got Bernie out of bed—and possibly saved his week.

[26:59] AI won’t save us. Conversation might.

Episode Breakdown

A Podcast That Became a Movement

Sangeeta didn’t set out to be a community leader—she was trying to survive a culture that wouldn’t let her speak.

Her podcast opened the floodgates for conversations that South Asian women were never “allowed” to have.

What Safety Feels Like

A safe coworking space isn’t about good vibes or diversity statements.

It’s about micro-moments of respect, like learning someone’s name or not judging their food. These things matter more than you think.

🏙️ Loneliness in a Crowd

You can be surrounded by millions in London and feel utterly alone.

Sangeeta and Bernie compare that isolation to the warmth of small-town India—and what coworking spaces could learn from it.

🧍🏾 Who’s Welcome?

If your space looks like a tech bro reunion, people notice.

If no one who lives nearby is inside, they notice.

If no one says hello, they feel it.

This is where “community” starts—or dies.

📍 Beyond the Bubble

Most coworking spaces say they care about the local community, but few engage.

Sangeeta explains why even well-meaning operators often get stuck, and what it takes to build trust across the street.

🔗 Links & Resources

* Soul Sutras – Website

* Masala Podcast

* Pre-order: Bad Daughter Memoir by Sangeeta Pillai

* Sangeeta on Instagram

* Sangeeta on LinkedIn

Recurring Links

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Unreasonable Connection – Lu.ma

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you.

Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Ever felt exhausted by the pressure to appear confident, even when you’re not?In this frank, funny, and insightful conversation, Bernie sits down with Jon Torrens, a former stand-up comedian turned communication coach, to tackle this.

They reveal why true confidence is not about volume or bravado, but rather about how authentically you present yourself, even when it’s awkward, uncomfortable, or just plain messy.

Jon shares how bombing on stage prepared him perfectly to coach others in speaking up at work.

Bernie reveals the hidden toll people-pleasing took on him when managing a coworking community, and why trying to keep everyone happy nearly broke him.

You’ll also hear practical strategies to lead engaging conversations around coworking tables, why sharing your quirks (even tofu recipes) creates deeper connections, and how leaning into discomfort can become your greatest strength.

If you're tired of superficial tips and are ready for a conversation that feels like real life, this episode delivers.

It’s permission to stop performing confidence and start living it.

Timeline Highlights

[00:00] Emily invites you to the next Unreasonable Connexion

[00:41] Jon: “I can only store one question at a time”

[01:20] Stand-up comedy instead of a dissertation? Comedy as a university module

[02:43] The golden age of weirdos on stage—before Edinburgh commercialised comedy

[04:02] Why walking away from comedy felt like both failure and freedom

[05:13] How bombing taught Jon everything he now teaches

[06:08] Bernie on finding your real energy source (and why Susan Cain’s Quiet Matters)

[07:31] The Ed Sheeran & Jack Dee paradox: stop caring, start connecting

[08:20] Bernie on burnout from trying to keep everyone happy

[09:33] People-pleasing as performance—why it drains community managers

[10:46] Real connection starts with “Me too”—not networking tricks

[13:52] How to lead a lunch table without sounding like a life coach

[14:50] Tofu tips and other unlikely conversation starters

[17:32] Small talk: survival tool or soul-sucking nonsense?

[18:41] How to speak first, set the tone, and keep it human

[23:14] The power of hooks—film quotes, parenting fails, and biscuits

[27:35] Coffee jugs, awkward silences, and why noticing is underrated

[28:11] Why Jon’s training sessions fly by—and yours should too

Episode Breakdown

Confidence Isn’t Always LoudJon dismantles the myth that louder equals more confident.

Real confidence shows up quietly, consistently, and authentically—even in moments of doubt. It’s about accepting yourself exactly as you are, rather than performing how you think others want you to be.

The Hidden Cost of People-PleasingBernie gets personal about the hidden emotional labour community managers face, especially when they’re younger or newer than their community.

Jon offers a powerful remedy: honesty and owning discomfort. Admitting when things aren’t perfect often creates stronger connections than pretending they are.

Silence, Hooks, and Tofu ConversationsEver been trapped in awkward silence?

Jon gives a masterclass in conversational hooks—from referencing immediate surroundings (weather, lunch, coffee mishaps) to niche film quotes.

This isn’t just small talk—it’s practical wisdom for sparking genuine dialogue.

Why Owning Discomfort is a Strength Jon shares why openly admitting discomfort is one of the strongest leadership moves you can make.

It dismantles tension, creates psychological safety, and invites others to be equally authentic.

It's a risky move that pays off in trust and real engagement.

Comedy Techniques for Real-Life CommunicationJon explains why his comedy-inspired communication training feels effortless and fun rather than draining and tense.

It’s about embracing playfulness, honesty, and vulnerability to connect deeper and communicate clearly.

Links & Resources

* Jon Torrens Website

* Jon Torrens on LinkedIn

* Quiet by Susan Cain

* Getting the Joke by Oliver Double

* Unreasonable Connection – Lu.ma

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Kyle Steele, co-owner of The Conduit in Orlando, explains why true coworking isn't about renting desks—redefining how communities connect, support, and thrive together.

The Conduit isn't just a workspace; it's a vibrant hub where coworking meets art, social advocacy, and local culture, creating genuine impact in the neighbourhood.

Kyle reveals how a casual Tuesday gathering in a coffee shop unintentionally sparked a movement, transforming freelancers into allies and acquaintances into lifelong friends.

Discover how their bold, invite-only approach nurtures real trust and community bonds, turning members into dedicated supporters who grieve when they leave.

Kyle openly shares his mission of helping people boldly embrace their stories, emphasising why openness and vulnerability aren't just nice ideas—they’re essential ingredients for meaningful community.

This episode will challenge you to rethink coworking as a deeply human and genuinely transformative force.

Timeline Highlights

[00:43] The Conduit is a community society, not just coworking.

[03:55] How The Conduit accidentally became a coworking space.

[06:28] Choosing authenticity over competition with larger coworking brands.

[08:11] Kyle’s mission is to empower people through their personal stories.

[11:55] Building an interdisciplinary society with intentional diversity.

[18:22] Why vulnerability strengthens coworking communities.

[21:05] Invite-only membership and how it protects community culture.

[24:22] Practical advice for onboarding new community members intentionally.

[28:31] Measuring success beyond occupancy rates through feedback and advocacy.

[31:31] Practical guidance for coworking spaces aiming for social impact.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

From Coffee Shops to Community Impact

Kyle narrates how an informal coffee shop gathering evolved into The Conduit, proving that authentic community building can organically create sustainable businesses.

Authenticity Beats Amenities

Discover why The Conduit chose genuine relationships and local impact over expensive amenities, positioning itself uniquely against large coworking chains.

Why Vulnerability Works

Kyle explains why openly embracing weaknesses strengthens coworking communities, enabling deeper connections and collaboration among members.

Protecting Community Culture

Learn why The Conduit adopted an invite-only model from the start and how it maintains its community-driven values and culture.

Measuring Real Impact

Kyle shares practical methods for assessing community success, going beyond financial metrics to capture real-life impact through feedback and advocacy efforts.

Links & Resources

* The Conduit Website

* Kyle Steele Personal Website

* Dare to be Open, Uncomfortable, and Vulnerable

* Unreasonable Connection – Lu.ma

* Coworking Values Podcast LinkedIn

* Register for European Coworking Day

* 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

* Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

One More Thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.

Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities.

Community is the key 🔑