Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie chats with writer and community host Lisa Kissane about creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.

Lisa shares her journey from freelance copywriting to writing personal essays, building a supportive community for non-parents, and embracing creativity. Together, they discuss the challenges of navigating societal expectations, fostering inclusivity in coworking spaces, and how writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and connection. If you’ve ever struggled to find your place in traditional networks or want to make coworking spaces more welcoming, this conversation is for you.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:23] – Bernie introduces Lisa and her journey into writing and hosting a unique networking group for non-parents.

[1:44] – Why do we need networking groups for non-parents and Lisa’s personal stories?

[3:05] – The social challenges of being childless in professional spaces.

[6:17] – Understanding pronatalism and its impact on societal norms.

[7:48] – How coworking spaces can create inclusive environments for everyone.

[10:35] – Icebreakers that move beyond the “Do you have kids?” question.

[13:57] – How Lisa’s group, Flow, fosters genuine connection and support.

[16:30] – Embracing creativity and self-discovery after a life-changing loss.

[24:39] – The Artist’s Way, 750 Words, and the importance of creative rituals.

[27:06] – How to connect with Lisa and learn more about Flow.

Detailed Episode Breakdown:

Writing as a Tool for Healing and IdentityLisa shares her transformation from freelance copywriting to writing personal essays and memoirs. After navigating grief and societal expectations, she found writing to be a lifeline, helping her embrace her identity and purpose.

Challenging Societal Norms with FlowLisa talks about founding Flow, a networking group for non-parents, to create a safe, judgment-free space. The group avoids assumptions and pressures around parenting, allowing members to focus on professional and personal growth.

Making Coworking Spaces InclusiveBernie and Lisa explore how coworking spaces can foster inclusivity by avoiding assumptions and creating environments where everyone feels welcome. Lisa suggests actionable steps, like rethinking icebreaker questions and respecting personal boundaries.

The Artist’s Way and Daily Creative PracticesLisa dives into her experience with The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and the value of daily writing through platforms like 750 Words. These practices have helped her embrace creativity and build a fulfilling life centred around writing.

Connecting with LisaLisa encourages non-parents and anyone interested in her work to connect through LinkedIn or Medium, where she shares her writing and ideas.

Links & Resources:

Mentioned in This Episode:

* Really Honest Business

* Flow Non-Parent Business Community

* Drive Collaborative Network

* Lisa Kissane here on Substack

* Lisa’s Writing on Medium

* 750 Words

* The Artist’s Way

Additional Links:

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort Waitlist

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Lisa 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 🔑

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com