Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

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

We talked about:

• How Lee Ann and Jamie transitioned from traditional commercial real estate to flexible workspaces.

• The challenges and rewards of running a family business.

• Insights into managing a lean team while maintaining exceptional hospitality.

• Their approach to growth, from design innovation to tackling financial constraints.

• Why personal touches, like owner-led follow-ups, can transform customer retention.

Tune in to hear how these sisters are making waves in the coworking industry while staying deeply connected to their roots!

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Lee Ann on LinkedIn

• Jamie on LinkedIn

• W Executive Suites website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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

If you’re curious about the intersection of community, technology, and tailored coworking spaces, this episode is a must-listen.

Key takeaways include:

• How Spacemade is reshaping the coworking landscape with sector-specific projects like their health-tech hub in London.

• Spacemade’s commitment to transparency and landlord-friendly management agreements.

• Why building strong partnerships and community connections is vital for long-term success.

• Jonny’s insights into the evolving coworking trends in the UK and Europe.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Jonny on LinkedIn

Spacemade website

Kane Willmott on LinkedIn

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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

Discussed topics:

• Anant’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to creating Yardi Systems, and the principles that guided him along the way.

• Yardi’s strategy behind acquiring WeWork and the company’s vision for the future of coworking and commercial real estate.

• Insights on the growth potential of flex space and its expected impact on corporate real estate.

• The importance of institutional capital for coworking and flex space expansion and what it means for operators.

• How Yardi Systems balances its focus as a tech provider while supporting the coworking ecosystem at large.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

About Anant Yardi

Yardi System website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How the new Well Coworking Rating empowers coworking operators to elevate wellness standards and attract wellness-conscious members.

• The collaborative process that helped shape the rating, with input from coworking leaders and experts globally.

• Why the rating is designed to be achievable, scalable, and impactful across varied types of coworking spaces.

• The significance of wellness ratings in meeting growing demand from enterprises and individual members.

• Real-world applications of wellness principles, from air quality improvements to ergonomic enhancements, that make coworking spaces more attractive and productive for everyone.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Jessica on LinkedIn

• Sam on LinkedIn

• WELL Certification

• WELL Coworking Rating

• WELL at Scale

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Jamie and Gio chat with Kane Willmott, CEO and Co-founder of IQ Offices. Kane takes us on a detailed journey through London’s coworking and flex office landscape. Kane shares his experiences touring some of the most innovative and high-end coworking spaces in the UK, uncovering what North American operators can learn from the London market's approach to design, operations, and community engagement. From ESG initiatives to flexible month-to-month models, he dives into what's setting the London scene apart and what North American operators can anticipate as the flex space industry continues to evolve.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The high design and elevated F&B offerings found in London’s coworking spaces.

• How UK operators integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements into their spaces to meet rising tenant expectations.

• London’s flexible, month-to-month membership model and its surprising advantages for both operators and members.

• The importance of community-driven design and hospitality as a core component of a thriving coworking space.

• His takeaways on management agreements, UK broker relations, and what this means for North American coworking growth.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Kane on LinkedIn

iQ Offices website

Chris Davies on LinkedIn

Uncommon’s website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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

Here's what Gio and Annie discussed:

• Annie’s career journey from Carr to Hines and her deep experience in the flex office industry

• The launch of the Square Collection at Hines and what makes it unique

• How Hines is adapting flex space offerings for both small and large tenants in different markets

• The challenge of balancing spec suites and coworking within the flex office ecosystem

• Future trends in the flex office space and what’s on the horizon for Hines

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Annie on LinkedIn
• Hines website
• Kurt on LinkedIn

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Giovanni sits down with Ryan Harris, the largest franchisee of Intelligent Office, to explore his journey from biotech to scaling multiple Intelligent Office locations. Ryan shares his unique story of joining the family business and how his background has shaped his approach to running a successful franchise. We dive deep into his growth strategies, working with family, and managing a wide range of client needs. Whether you're curious about scaling a business or learning more about the franchise world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

What you'll learn:

·       Ryan's transition from biotech to Intelligent Office and how he scaled to six locations.

·       The dynamics of working with family and how they each bring different skill sets to the table.

·       Managing diverse client needs in the flexible office industry and providing tailored services.

·       Growth strategies for Intelligent Office, including future plans for expansion.

·       The importance of integrity, perseverance, and resourcefulness in business.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

·       Ryan on LinkedIn

·       Intelligent Office website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Giovanni sits down with Ryan Harris, the largest franchisee of Intelligent Office, to explore his journey from biotech to scaling multiple Intelligent Office locations. Ryan shares his unique story of joining the family business and how his background has shaped his approach to running a successful franchise. We dive deep into his growth strategies, working with family, and managing a wide range of client needs. Whether you're curious about scaling a business or learning more about the franchise world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

What you'll learn:

• Ryan's transition from biotech to Intelligent Office and how he scaled to six locations.

• The dynamics of working with family and how they each bring different skill sets to the table.

• Managing diverse client needs in the flexible office industry and providing tailored services.

• Growth strategies for Intelligent Office, including future plans for expansion.

• The importance of integrity, perseverance, and resourcefulness in business.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Ryan on LinkedIn

• Intelligent Office website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Gio and I sat down with Eric Gutierrez, US Sales Manager at Accessia, to discuss how technology is transforming the coworking experience. From door access to advanced location services, Eric shares how his team is helping operators enhance member experience and streamline space usage. Whether you’re a coworking operator or a tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights into the future of flexible workspaces.

We talked about:

• From Door Access to Location Services: How Accessia goes beyond simply opening doors by automating space usage tracking and booking.

• Member Experience Optimization: The importance of seamless access and how it impacts coworking operators and members alike.

• The Power of Hospitality: Why first impressions and the front desk experience are critical to coworking success.

• Innovating the Coworking Tech Stack: Eric talks about integrating Accessia’s technology with existing coworking management platforms for a frictionless experience.

• Challenges of Growth: How Accessia is supporting both small operators and large enterprises in the ever-evolving coworking landscape.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Eric on LinkedIn

Accessia website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode, Gio and I welcome Tom Bruister, Chief Revenue Officer at LiquidSpace. Tom shares his experience from his time at WeWork and beyond, offering unique insights into the evolving flex space industry.

What you'll learn:

• Tom’s journey from leading enterprise business at WeWork to his current role at LiquidSpace.

• How the pandemic has reshaped enterprise demand for flexible workspace solutions.

• The innovative approach LiquidSpace is taking to meet the needs of large enterprise clients through their managed service solution, AltSpace.

• How data-driven insights are informing real estate strategies for enterprises in the new world of work.

• The personal side of Tom, balancing life as a father of young children with his professional responsibilities.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Tom on LinkedIn

LiquidSpace website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast