Coworking Values Podcast

Elina Jutelyte is done tiptoeing around the harsh truths freelancers face every day—outrageous taxes, policy neglect, and invisibility in economic planning.

In this episode, she challenges governments to wake up and recognise freelancing not just as a lifestyle, but as a backbone of modern economies.

Elina opens up about reshaping the Freelance Business Community to serve better seasoned freelancers, who are often stuck in the dreaded mid-career plateau—the messy middle that business gurus conveniently skip.

She shares exactly why being accused of "going commercial" didn’t faze her—it just made her clearer on who she serves and why.

If you’re tired of freelancer fantasies and ready for raw truths about what it takes to level up, this is your call to arms.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] Emily invites listeners to the next Unreasonable Connexion event

[00:39] Elina introduces her multi-perspective take on the freelance economy

[02:45] How tax policies punish freelancers despite their social benefits

[04:20] Why governments don’t see freelancers—and how that needs to change

[06:04] Bernie asks: Why are we still fighting this battle in 2025?

[08:22] Generational shifts in “going to work” and what that means now

[11:08] How the Freelance Business Community started and why it had to evolve

[14:05] Elina gets blunt about narrowing the focus—and being called “not inclusive”

[15:41] Monetising a community without selling out: hard truths and real talk

[17:11] The forgotten freelance middle: not beginners, not millionaires

[18:21] From event coordinator to consultant—Elina’s upgrade

[19:04] Bernie and Emily echo the pain of growing into business owners

[20:16] Elina lists her latest freelance reports and why data still lags behind

Detailed Episode Breakdown

The Policy Blind SpotElina lays out the maddening contradiction: freelancers create jobs, reduce unemployment, and lower healthcare burdens—yet face tax codes designed to punish them.

Why? Because the system wasn’t built for us. And no one’s fixing it.

From Local Meetup to Global ShiftWhat started as a Belgium-based meetup transformed into an international movement.

But as Elina explains, scaling meant rethinking who the community was actually for.

Broad reach doesn’t equal deep impact.

That Freelance PlateauForget six-figure bro-marketing.

Most freelancers reach a plateau after 5 to 10 years.

You’re experienced, but not earning what you could.

Elina opens up about her stall—and how community, coaching, and clarity helped her pivot.

Redefining the Business of CommunityBeing accused of “going commercial” hurt, but she’s right: communities don’t run on vibes.

Elina breaks down why making the Freelance Business Community financially sustainable was the only way to keep its mission alive.

Links & Resources

* Freelance Business Community

* Freelance Business Financial Tool Guide

* Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day

* 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

Bernie sits down with Chris Marr, the straight-talking expert on navigating gut-churning client interactions, for an unfiltered deep dive into exactly how to stay in control when tough conversations catch you off guard.

This isn't theoretical—Chris and Bernie candidly share their own "floor-opening beneath me" moments, exploring the anxiety, panic, and practical steps that transform chaos into clarity.

Whether you're a freelancer battling isolation or a community manager steering coworking spaces, you'll learn Chris’s "pushback pivot"—a simple, game-changing technique that turns awkward confrontations into empowering exchanges.

Discover why embracing early tension and asking precise, fearless questions positions you as an equal partner, not just another service provider.

This is your definitive guide to turning stressful client interactions into relationship-defining opportunities.

Timeline Highlights:

[00:04] Bernie vividly captures why freelancers and community managers need Chris’s insights—urgently.

[02:09] Chris reveals the single most powerful skill for turning client chaos into confidence.

[05:36] How Bernie eliminated anxiety from client calls using Chris’s transformative questioning technique.

[08:19] The one massive mistake freelancers consistently make—and how to avoid ever making it again.

[11:53] "It felt like an ambush": Chris shares his real-life, high-stakes client call disaster—when a surprise critique from top executives threatened his professional credibility—and his exact step-by-step recovery.

[13:31] From confrontation to collaboration: The exact pivot that flips a tense client moment into mutual understanding.

[16:32] The mindset shift that elevates freelancers from subordinate to peer, enabling clearer communication, mutual respect, and significantly improved client collaboration.

[18:13] Why owning your authority (with wisdom from David C. Baker) is your best protection against client drama.

[20:46] The 3-second "pushback pivot": Chris demonstrates how effortlessly asking one simple question instantly shifts negative client energy into a productive, collaborative conversation.

[24:52] How one well-placed question can instantly calm tension, restoring your control and confidence.

[27:20] The real-time magic trick: maintain your authority and composure under any pressure, without breaking a sweat.

[30:36] Bernie nails the fundamental shift: Why leading—not following—client conversations empowers freelancers to proactively resolve conflicts, secure stronger relationships, and consistently attract better client outcomes.

[31:55] Chris details powerful, practical resources: The Client Success Playbook and Authority Under Pressure workshops.

Detailed Breakdown:

Turn Anxiety into AuthorityBernie shares visceral, relatable moments of panic, and Chris precisely outlines how to turn anxiety-driven assumptions into empowering, decisive questions that instantly clarify your client relationships.

Stop Guessing, Start AskingChris's clear techniques eliminate guesswork, showing exactly how Bernie transformed awkward client interactions into confident, clear exchanges.

Lean into Discomfort, Early and OftenWhy upfront honesty and fearless questioning lead to infinitely smoother client relationships, reducing later-stage firefighting to zero.

Links & Resources:

* Chris Marr’s Website

* Chris Marr on Instagram

* Unreasonable Connection

* European Coworking Day

* David C. Baker's Expert Guidance

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

* Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

One More Thing:

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

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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.

Episode Summary

What happens when a trauma psychologist redesigns workspaces?

In this episode, Bernie talks with Paula Madrid, a clinical and forensic psychologist turned founder of Blue Panda Office Spaces in New York City.

Before launching her coworking business, Paula spent years responding to some of the world’s most catastrophic events—9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Haiti earthquake—supporting survivors through grief, chaos, and the rebuilding process.

That experience didn’t just shape her—it rewired how she thinks about space.

Paula explains how emotional safety, visual calm, and intentional design became the foundation of Blue Panda, a coworking space that feels more like a sanctuary than an office.

They dig into everything from the psychology of colour and comfort to the discipline of bootstrapping a space without investors.

Paula also breaks down how she runs virtual offices with the same level of confidentiality and care you’d expect in a therapist’s office.

This episode is a goldmine for anyone building workspaces, community spaces, or simply trying to make “where we work” feel more human.

And yes—she has strong feelings about plastic plants.

Timeline Highlights

[00:06] Emily’s reminder: Unreasonable Connection link in the show notes

[01:21] Paula’s journey from trauma psychology to design and workspace creation

[04:39] The quiet beginnings of Blue Panda—before it had a name

[06:22] Designing therapy rooms to create safety and trust

[10:27] What workspace operators get wrong about “wellness”

[14:17] Spending smart: the ice cream spoon principle in real life

[16:04] Bootstrapping with purpose and pride—no investors, full control

[18:16] How design keeps Paula grounded after difficult client work

[21:20] Paula’s love of people, strangers, and unexpected conversations

[25:07] Virtual offices as hospitality—not just handling mail

[29:50] NYC–London idea: small operators sharing virtual office networks

[30:13] Why Paula calls them “tenants,” not “members”

[32:19] Where to connect with Paula and what she’s proud of

Detailed Episode Breakdown

From Trauma Work to Workspace DesignPaula opens up about her early career in disaster mental health, supporting survivors of 9/11, Katrina, and the Haiti earthquake.

That experience deeply shaped her understanding of what people need to feel safe, and how that translates into space.

Designing for Emotional SafetyA breakthrough moment came at a refugee trauma training in Italy: design a therapy space that helps someone heal.

That prompt never left her.

Today, it’s a design principle that runs through every room in Blue Panda.

The Wellness TrapMost spaces chasing the “wellness” trend miss the point.

Paula breaks down the visual noise, trend overload, and bad furniture decisions that make spaces feel off, even when they look good on Instagram.

Why Bootstrapping is FreedomBlue Panda was built without outside investment, by design.

Paula shares how doing it her way—not just creatively but financially—lets her control the experience, the standards, and the soul of the space.

Virtual Offices, ReimaginedIt’s not about mail. It’s about trust.

Paula treats virtual office clients the same way she treats therapy patients—with confidentiality, care, and deep understanding of what’s at stake when your address is on the line.

Obsessed with People (and It Shows)Paula talks about the joy of street conversations, curiosity-fueled wanderings, and how talking to strangers makes her a better space operator, business owner, and community builder.

Links & Resources

* Blue Panda Office Spaces – Website

* Blue Panda on Instagram

* Paula A. Madrid & Associates

* Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma

* Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Visit the Workspace Design Show

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

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Paula A. Madrid on LinkedIn

One more thing

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

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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

Why is it so hard to do the things we know we need to do?

In this episode, Bernie and Emily sit down for one of their regular fireside chats to unpack the messy reality of executive dysfunction, time management, and sustainable workflows.

They explore why traditional productivity hacks often fall short for neurodivergent brains — and why building systems around real life, rather than forcing willpower, actually works.

From the adrenaline rush of restaurant work to the freedom of tracking your time your way, Bernie and Emily share the small shifts that changed everything.

They also reveal one powerful AI prompt that cut through months of overthinking — and helped people completely reframe their work and focus.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or overwhelmed, this conversation will feel like coming home.

Timeline Highlights

[00:04] – Bernie’s reminder: Unreasonable Connection event link in the show notes

[01:10] – Emily on what she’s known for — and what she’s aiming for

[02:02] – Realising neurodivergence is everywhere (and why it’s not about bandwagons)

[03:00] – What executive dysfunction feels like

[04:00] – Why restaurant work was easier than emails: managing chaos in motion

[05:30] – How time tracking became life-changing (after years of resisting it)

[08:00] – Different brains need different systems: why clocks stress Emily out

[09:30] – Choosing the right work for the right environment

[11:00] – Estimating time vs effort — and why it saves your brain

[14:00] – The AI prompt that cuts through months of overthinking

[16:30] – How changing your work format can break creative block

[18:00] – Why changing environments rescued Bernie’s writing flow

Adaptive Workflows for Real Life

Emily shares how adaptive workflows — not rigid schedules — help neurodivergent business owners build momentum without burning out.

Bernie reflects on how applying these ideas made daily work feel lighter and more human.

Executive Dysfunction: It's Not You, It's the System

Knowing what you need to do — and not being able to do it — isn’t a character flaw.

Bernie and Emily open up about what executive dysfunction feels like and why the solution is smarter support, not more grit.

Why Restaurant Work Felt So Good (And Why Office Work Doesn’t)

Bernie and Emily explore why chaotic restaurant jobs often make focus easier than creative work today — and what that teaches us about momentum and motivation.

Time Tracking Isn't About Control, It's About Clarity

Tracking time changed everything for Bernie — but only when he found a way that worked with his brain, not against it.

Emily shares how to personalise time tracking to make it empowering, not overwhelming.

The Secret Power of Time and Effort Estimation

Not all short tasks are easy, and not all long tasks are hard.

Bernie and Emily break down why understanding both time and emotional load can completely change how you plan your workweek.

The AI Prompt That Shook Up LinkedIn Profiles

Bernie shares a deceptively simple AI prompt (via James Poulter) that helped people reframe their direction faster than months of brainstorming.

Emily explains why asking better questions unlocks better answers.

Change the Format, Save Your Sanity

When you’re stuck, sometimes the answer isn’t pushing harder — it’s switching the environment, the tool, or the medium.

Bernie and Emily discuss how breaking habits intentionally can reignite creativity.

🔗 Links & Resources

* Unreasonable Connection - The world’s smallest coworking event.

* Register for European Coworking Day

* Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland

* Focus To-Do Pomodoro app

* Jessica Abel - Creative Business Building for Artists & Writers

* Sam Sundius Episode - Clocks on the wall: A simple fix for time blindness

* Ann Hawkins Episode - Founder of Drive Collabrative Network

* James Poulter — Leading AI and Innovation for House 337

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

One more thing

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

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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

Can coworking spaces bring neighbourhoods back to life—and help families reconnect?

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Teresa Bockmuehl, Community and Events Executive at Patch in High Wycombe.

Together, they unpack how coworking spaces can become vital hubs for real-world connection, not just places to plug in a laptop.

They talk about parenting, education, smartphone addiction, and why your local coworking space might be closer to a 21st-century community centre than you think.

From organising smartphone-free events to strengthening daily human bonds, Teresa shares how intentional community-building can reshape how (and where) we live and work.

This conversation is all about the slow, meaningful work that truly makes communities thrive.

Timeline Highlights

[00:05] Emily’s reminder: Unreasonable Connection event link in the show notes

[00:27] Teresa introduces herself and her role at Patch

[01:12] How coworking spaces can support education and family life

[03:29] Inside Patch’s family-friendly events programme

[04:11] Partnering with Smartphone Free Childhood

[06:27] Linking the event to Netflix’s Adolescence

[07:23] Why protecting children needs collective action

[08:52] Coworking events that spark deeper conversations

[09:45] Members’ reactions to the smartphone talk

[11:25] Coworking spaces stepping into citizenship roles

[12:51] Building collaborative, community-first spaces

[14:56] The overlooked art of connecting people

[17:10] Why personal relationships are the foundation

[18:03] Reimagining local living through coworking

[20:03] Scandinavian models: education, neighbourhood, and community

[22:50] Teresa reflects on project-based education methods

Coworking Spaces as Community Builders

Teresa shares how Patch rethinks coworking—not as a place for desks, but as a space for rebuilding local connections.

By running thoughtful, issue-driven events like smartphone-free parenting talks, Patch creates room for bigger conversations about life beyond work.

Family Life, Smartphones, and Real Conversations

The Smartphone-Free Childhood event wasn’t just another info session—it opened the door for honest and difficult conversations among members.

Teresa explains why supporting parents locally can lead to stronger bonds across the whole community.

The Daily Practice of Connection

Small moments—remembering a member’s child just started nursery, checking in about travel plans—make a bigger impact than flashy events.

Teresa talks about how showing up consistently for members builds the kind of trust that no marketing campaign can fake.

Scaling Community Without Losing Its Soul

It’s tempting to focus on growing numbers, but Teresa reminds us that real connection comes from knowing names, stories, and everyday realities.

Bigger isn’t always better.

Sometimes, scaling down is how you build up the strongest communities.

🔗 Links & Resources

* Smartphone Free Childhood Initiative

* Patch Places on LinkedIn

* Patch Places on Instagram

* Unreasonable Connection - the world’s smallest coworking event.

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Teresa Bockmuehl on LinkedIn

One more thing

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

Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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

Why are some events forgettable—and others unforgettable? Why do people still show up when they can stay home in their slippers and scroll?

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Mark Masters—founder of You Are The Media and Creator Day—to dismantle the idea that good events are about big names and flash.

They talk about how consistent community touchpoints, from weekly emails to 7 am swims, create trust long before you open the doors.

You’ll hear how to move from passive attendance to meaningful connection—and why scaling too fast might ruin the thing people came for in the first place.

This isn’t about selling out a room.

It’s about building a culture where people feel like they belong—and come back because they want to, not because you paid for their attention.

If you run a coworking space, host events, or want to make your gatherings feel like something, this conversation will help you stop guessing and start building for real.

No fluff. No hacks. Just the truth about what makes people show up—and stay.

⏱️ Timeline Highlights

[00:05] Emily’s reminder: Unreasonable Connection sign-up link in the show notes

[00:36] Mark introduces You Are The Media and Creator Day

[01:15] Creator Day: relevance, connection, and a tan by the sea

[02:50] What makes an event move from “nice” to “necessary”?

[03:30] Why passive learning is dead—making room for shared experience

[04:46] This is not an event hacks podcast

[05:51] The long road: why consistent effort beats flashy launches

[06:24] Why people don’t go out anymore—and what that means for events

[07:38] Zoom fatigue and why hybrid wasn’t enough

[08:03] Coworking: make the commute worth it

[09:29] Stage time vs. human connection

[10:41] Confidence, kinship, and meaningful returns

[11:48] The new watercooler: what togetherness means

[13:56] Why your event needs an ecosystem

[14:54] Breaking down Mark’s ecosystem: newsletter, Lunch Club, membership

[15:59] Yes, swim club counts

[17:56] The accidental brilliance of coworking breakfasts

[18:46] Why scaling often means losing connection

[20:50] Small events, strong returns, deeper bonds

[22:31] Mark’s advice to coworking leaders: know your people, design for connection

[24:15] The You Are The Media newsletter: Thursday mornings, no fluff

🔍 Shared Experiences, Not Just Speakers

Mark unpacks why today’s events need more than microphones and stage lights.

It’s not about the “expert on the podium”—it’s about who’s in the room.

Creator Day’s structure flips the script: talk-led mornings and collaborative afternoons.

The goal? Confidence, connection, and showing up for each other.

📅 Consistency Over Flash

The myth of the last-minute launch is dead.

Mark explains how a reliable rhythm—weekly newsletters, regular meetups, shared rituals—creates trust. People don’t show up for your event.

They show up for everything around it.

🌊 Swimming, Lunch, and the WhatsApp Thread

From 7 a.m. swims to Friday lunches, community happens in the spaces between.

It’s not just strategy—it’s lived experience.

Mark walks us through the quiet power of these rituals and how they give your events backbone.

🔁 Scaling Without Losing the Plot

More people isn’t always the goal.

Mark talks about designing for the right people.

That means knowing names, building warmth, and making space where folks want to return—not just RSVP.

🔗 Links & Resources

* You Are The Media newsletter every Thursday

* Creator Day 2025

* Unreasonable Connection Event on Luma

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Mark Masters on LinkedIn

🧩 One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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 lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary

Bernie and Emily are back together in this episode to tackle a familiar headache: running events in your coworking space that don’t just fill seats—but build something real.

If you’ve ever posted a “networking night” with free drinks and been met with silence (or worse—randoms who ghost the next day), this one’s for you.

Together, they walk through the first phase of their European Coworking Day event series, designed to help independent coworking operators run events with purpose—not gimmicks.

You’ll learn the three-part framework they use to create momentum, attract the right people, and avoid burnout.

You don’t need to run ads or invent a vibe—you need to understand why your event exists and who it’s for.

This episode is the blueprint.

Whether you're planning a lunch-and-learn, a member mixer, or a launch day for your space, this conversation will help you go from “hope they show up” to “can’t wait to be there.”

Timeline Highlights

[0:19] – Why European Coworking Day isn’t just about the day

[1:01] – The real cost of skipping community for ads

[2:16] – Events with a clear outcome beat free food every time

[3:35] – Understanding what makes people actually show up

[6:33] – Yoga, beer, and court cases: a story of values in action

[8:28] – Start promo with your inner circle, not your newsletter

[10:29] – '90s rave posters and standing out on LinkedIn

[13:25] – Personalised invites > Slack dumps

[14:44] – The 30% rule of attendance (and how to plan for it)

[16:03] – Why reminders aren’t annoying—they’re respect

[18:56] – Connecting before converting: why it’s the only way

[21:05] – Community Builders Cohort and the 12-week rhythm

Event Strategy That Works

Bernie and Emily unpack how most event struggles come from missing one key thing: a clear outcome.

People don’t show up for vague vibes.

They come for a purpose—like “find a project partner over coffee” or “meet other freelancers who live nearby.” Without that, even free pizza won’t save you.

The Gimmick Trap (And Why You Should Avoid It)

Not all “community” is created equal.

Bernie shares the fallout of a corporate coworking space that sold yoga and beer but lost the trust of its members during COVID-19.

Meanwhile, local spaces survived—because people chose community over contracts. If your space vanished tomorrow, would anyone fight to keep it going?

Promotion Without Burnout

Forget blast emails and generic LinkedIn posts.

This episode explains how to make event promotion a daily ritual—like texting your inner circle with a real invite, not a copy-paste.

Think rhythm over rush.

Bonus: the 90s rave poster trick and how to become unmistakable online.

Reminders = Respect

People are busy.

They forget. Reminding them isn’t pushy—it’s helpful.

The duo discusses their promo system using Luma and why sending “still coming?” emails might be the most respectful thing you do all week.

From Connection to Commitment

Want to sell desks?

Start with the connection.

Emily and Bernie make it clear that people join coworking spaces because they feel something, not because of the amenities list.

Host better events.

Tell better stories.

Build real community.

That’s the strategy.

Links & Resources

* Running Events In Your Coworking Space

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Episode Summary

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Shamena Nurse-Kingsley, founder of Cowo & Crèche in Washington, DC, to explore how coworking spaces become quiet sanctuaries in uncertain times.

Shamena shares how her "Pause & Pour" gathering gently brings people together—freelancers, working parents, federal workers, anyone navigating life’s messy transitions.

It's a real conversation about loneliness, courage, vulnerability, and why the simple act of holding space for someone can mean everything.

This one's about more than desks and meetings—it’s about creating places where people feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Timeline Highlights

[2:46] – What Shamena hopes people see in her.

[3:55] – The deeper reason behind “Pause & Pour.”

[6:41] – The messy truth about working parents.

[10:16] – Loneliness in Washington DC and why we struggle asking for help.

[13:35] – Where the courage for community comes from.

[17:42] – Coworking spaces can be safe spaces and why neutrality matters.

[20:34] – Why boundaries make better coworking spaces (and lives).

[22:52] – The quiet power of being surrounded by others.

[24:44] – Walking away from comfort and discovering your courage.

[27:05] – Shamena’s fearless take on imposter syndrome.

[28:56] – Where to find Shamena and Cowo & Crèche online.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Holding Space in the Messy Middle

“Pause & Pour” isn’t just an event—it’s breathing room for people caught in uncertainty.

Shamena explains how gathering people in quiet community helps ease the tension of transitions, anxiety, and feeling stuck.

Coworking spaces, she reminds us, are perfectly built to offer kindness and understanding exactly when people need it most.

No More Juggling Acts

Forget "work-life balance"—Shamena shares why "ruthless prioritisation" is a better, more honest way of understanding the realities facing working parents.

Cowo & Crèche adapts around parents, allowing them space to work, breathe, and feel respected rather than rushed. It's not complicated, it's just human.

Loneliness, Community, and the Courage to Connect

Loneliness hits hard, especially in big cities like Washington DC. Shamena describes the quiet courage it takes to build real community—checking in with honest intention, truly listening, and refusing to let people disappear into their struggles alone.

It’s about creating moments of genuine human connection in a world that often feels too busy to care.

Why Coworking Spaces Feel Like Home

Coworking, Shamena suggests, uniquely bridges the gap between home comfort and office practicality.

More than just convenience, it provides a space that feels safe, neutral, welcoming—a kind of "Switzerland" away from office politics and household distractions.

It’s where real work meets real life in the best possible way.

Audacity and Vulnerability: Rejecting Imposter Syndrome

Finally, Shamena passionately rejects the concept of imposter syndrome, challenging us all to see the strength and resilience we already carry.

Life may get messy, uncertain, or even scary—but we’ve made it this far. Sometimes we just need a gentle nudge to believe it.

Links & Resources

* Cowo & Crèche

* Pause & Pour on Instagram

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Shamena on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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 lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie is joined by Hector Kolonas—newsletter writer, systems builder, and coworking operator turned tech integrator—for a raw and practical conversation on what makes coworking spaces profitable… or painfully unsustainable.

They explore revenue streams that look great on paper (virtual mail, IT services, F&B) but often cost more in stress and labour than they earn.

You’ll hear why so many operators burn out trying to scale services without the right systems and what “good” vs “great” revenue really looks like.

👉 Whether you’re running a small independent space in London or looking to scale across Europe, this episode hits hard on the stuff that matters: operational efficiency, strategic automation, and building tech stacks that serve your team—not slow them down.

You’ll also catch forward-looking takes on AI agents, loyalty programs, and community-driven monetisation models like alumni memberships and childcare partnerships.

It's not theory—it’s insight grounded in real coworking experience from two people who’ve lived it.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:40] – Bernie opens with upcoming European Coworking Day events.

[1:33] – Hector on what he’s known for vs. what he wants to be known for.

[2:18] – His origin story: coworking during Cyprus’ financial crash.

[5:57] – Why most “new revenue” plans lead to burnout.

[9:00] – Good vs. great revenue: where coworking spaces lose money.

[12:11] – Workflow friction: the hidden killer in your tech stack.

[14:32] – Can you run a coworking space from your phone?

[18:21] – A case study in chaos: selling virtual mail without automation.

[21:38] – Events, catering, and why your team shouldn’t serve sandwiches.

[23:52] – What looks like profit… but bleeds money behind the scenes.

[24:52] – Alumni memberships, tool libraries, and childcare as real revenue.

[27:25] – Loyalty points: coworking’s next big move?

[29:18] – Hyperlocal at scale: community agreements that work.

[31:56] – Hector’s Undercurrents: spotting the trends before they hit.

[33:28] – WTF an AI agent? Hector breaks it down.

[35:13] – Final thoughts + links to get involved in European Coworking Day.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Revenue That Works (and Revenue That Wrecks You)From virtual mail to catering, Hector explains why coworking spaces lose money when they chase new revenue without the backend systems to support it.

Profit is never just about the sale—it’s about the process behind it.

Automation, Burnout, and the Myth of “Just Add This One Thing”Bernie and Hector dig into the real-world friction coworking teams face when they’re handed “great ideas” from owners without the time, tools, or training to pull them off. The result? Burnout, churn, and lost revenue.

The Stack is the StrategyIt’s not about having an app—it’s about having the right systems wired together to match how your team works.

The episode shows how stack design shapes your community’s experience, from booking software to marketing apps to custom integrations.

Revenue Most Operators MissHector shares three overlooked—but doable—revenue ideas: alumni memberships, tool libraries, and childcare partnerships.

These aren’t silver bullets but are built on real community needs and sustainable delivery.

Loyalty Points and AI Agents: What’s Coming NextFrom coworking-powered rewards schemes to AI agents that behave like digital staff, this part of the conversation keeps you looking ahead.

The tech is here—you need to ask better questions about how it fits into your business.

Links & Resources

* This Week in Coworking Newsletter

* Undercurrents Coworking Deep Dives

* Syncaroo

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Hector on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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 lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Kofi Oppong, founder of Urban MBA, to hear why entrepreneurship is no longer just a choice—it’s a lifeline.

Kofi shares his story of being locked out of his home at 17, sleeping rough, and clawing through the retail industry to become a corporate leader and community educator.

Together, they dig into the hard truth: the game is rigged. If you're not born into wealth or connected to the right networks, the doors to opportunity stay locked.

Kofi doesn’t sugarcoat it—access to finance, funding, and information is still a postcode lottery.

From tech revolutions widening the wealth gap to the myth of meritocracy, this conversation is a call to wake up.

If you're waiting to be included, you're already behind.

The future belongs to those who build their table, not those still waiting for a seat.

Timeline Highlights:

[1:00] – Kofi shares the mission behind Urban MBA

[3:10] – Growing up in Hackney and being pushed out at 17

[7:00] – The emotional impact of being locked out and how it shaped Urban MBA

[9:40] – Sleeping rough, police run-ins, and a failed lead heist

[11:30] – Sneaker knowledge lands him a job at JD Sports

[13:40] – Community support and how small acts of kindness changed everything

[15:20] – Corporate years at Nike and the birth of Urban MBA

[17:50] – How new tech cycles shape wealth and wipe out entire industries

[20:10] – Fashion, music, tech—and why being “cool” isn’t enough

[22:50] – The lie that "anyone can be an entrepreneur"

[24:20] – Why 4-day work weeks and UBI are not just for your wellbeing

[27:30] – Black spending power and how real change is tied to money

[33:10] – Why access to finance is the core issue, not motivation

[36:30] – Gary Stevenson, Daniel Priestly, and the realities of economic mobility

[42:45] – Tower Hamlets and the five-mile wealth gap

[47:00] – Brian Eno, safe societies, and why being poor costs more

[50:30] – Kids know school isn’t working—and they’re right

[55:51] – Final message: build your ecosystem or get left behind

Episode Breakdown:

The Urban MBA Origin Story

Kofi shares the events that led him to create Urban MBA—a youth-focused business and enterprise training programme.

From sleeping on park benches to launching community programmes in Old Street, he paints a vivid picture of what it means to be excluded from traditional success.

Locked Out at 17

Kofi recounts how his father's expulsion was a turning point.

What felt like abandonment became the spark that ignited his lifelong commitment to education and self-reliance.

This part of the episode shows how personal and structural resilience intertwine.

Retail, Reading, and the Roots of Self-Education

Working at JD Sports and later Nike, Kofi turned every opportunity into a learning experience.

He breaks down how books like Think and Grow Rich, The Celestine Prophecy, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad shaped the Urban MBA curriculum and helped him understand systems most schools never touch.

The Big Lie: Anyone Can Be an Entrepreneur

Bernie and Kofi dissect the popular narrative that anyone with a laptop can make it.

Kofi explains why the barriers are real for people from marginalised communities: there is no funding, no access, and no safety net.

Entrepreneurship isn’t a luxury—it’s the only path left.

Tech, Timing, and the Next Wave of Inequality

We explore how every tech revolution has widened the wealth gap, not closed it. Kofi explains how understanding technological shifts—like AI and quantum computing—is critical for anyone trying to build a future-proof life.

Finance, Funding, and the Systems Rigged Against Us

From DEI performativity to the myth of equal access, Kofi makes the case that marginalised communities will continue to be locked out of opportunity without structural changes to how money moves.

Building Your Own Ecosystem

The episode closes with a message of urgency and hope.

Don’t wait for someone to include you.

Don’t wait for a seat at the table.

Build your own system—because the clock is ticking, and the game is already changing.

A Call to Empower Marginalised Youth

Are you concerned about the future of education in a rapidly changing world? The Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI and automation, has reshaped the job market and the essential skills required to navigate it.

This white paper, Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, was developed in collaboration between Kofi from Urban MBA and Jacqueline from Innocomm.

It explores the unique challenges faced by marginalised youth—especially those of Black heritage—and proposes practical, innovative solutions aimed at empowering them to thrive.

Links & Resources

* Urban MBA Website

* Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Urban MBA White Paper

* Gary’s Economics YouTube

* EMERGENCY DEBATE: They Lied About The Economy Recovering! Is A Financial Apocalypse Coming?

* Autonomy Think Tank – UBI Research

* World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2023

* Fourth Industrial Revolution – Overview

* Black Pound Day

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Kofi on LinkedIn

One more thing

Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving 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 lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.

Community is the key 🔑