GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

Journalist and researcher Georgia Norton joins GCUC CEO Liz Elam to explore how Playhood Family Club, Research & Consulting is reshaping the way we live, work, and care.

From neighborhood coworking with childcare to global research on co-located spaces, Georgia reveals how families and founders are reimagining the modern workplace, blending productivity, parenthood, and community in powerful new ways. Together, she and Liz dig into what this means for equity, inclusion, and the next generation who see collaboration as the norm, not the exception.

 It’s not just about where we work, it’s about how we live, connect, and create thriving communities.

 Connect with Georgia Norton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-norton/

 Learn more about Playhood:  https://www.playhood.club/

Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam

Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast

Buy GCUC North America tickets: https://na.gcuc.co/buy-tickets/

Will Sanford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, is at the forefront of unlocking the next evolution of flexible work. His unique approach combines human connection with innovative technology, a strategy that has proven successful in his role. This episode offers a rare glimpse into his daily life, from the chaos and joy of new fatherhood to his laser-focused work on how operators can leverage technology to future-proof their spaces.

In this episode, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and podcast host, sits down with Will to explore how Yardi is integrating AI, automation, and data into the fabric of flexible work. From practical AI tools operators should be using right now, to Yardi’s forthcoming Virtuoso agent builder, Will shares why the future of coworking tech isn’t flashy, it’s pragmatic, and most importantly, member-first. This approach makes the audience feel prioritized and essential in the evolution of coworking technology.

Suppose you’re an operator, manager, or future-of-work enthusiast. In that case, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on how to scale more innovatively, simplify operations, and create seamless experiences that members can feel, not just see.

 Don't miss the opportunity to experience the future of coworking firsthand at GCUC North America in New York City this April. As a key partner, Yardi will be instrumental in shaping the conversation around the future of coworking. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry.

 Listen now and join the conversation: How can technology quietly support coworking, allowing hospitality and human connection to take center stage?

 Connect with Will Sanford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsanford/

 Learn more about Yardi: https://www.yardi.com/

Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam

 Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast

Buy GCUC North America tickets: https://gcuc.co/tickets/

Magda Al-Nugaidi, Managing Director at Uncommon, starts her day rowing on a misty river before sunrise, a practice that keeps her grounded and energized to rethink the workspace from the ground up. She’s turning offices into spaces where people feel inspired, supported, and truly connected. The future of work isn’t just desks and square footage, its design, wellbeing, and community.

In this episode, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and podcast host, explores how Uncommon blends thoughtful design, hospitality, and sustainability to create environments employees actually want to be in. Magda shares why flexibility, wellbeing, and community are non-negotiables, how spaces can support neurodiversity, and why hospitality is at the heart of every modern workspace.

If you’re a workspace operator, designer, or leader in flexible work, this episode is packed with actionable insights for creating spaces that go beyond function and deliver human-centered experiences.

👉 Experience it firsthand: Catch Magda live at GCUC UK in London, where she’ll share her vision for designing for a new generation of workers. 

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation: What design elements or features make a coworking/flex space feel welcoming, connected, and supportive, for both those who run it and those who use it?

🔗 Connect with Magda Al-Nugaidi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdaalnugaidi/

🌐 Learn more about Uncommon: https://uncommon.co.uk/

🔗 Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam

📺 Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast

🎟️ Buy GCUC UK tickets https://uk.gcuc.co/tickets/

The flexible workspace industry is exploding, but here’s the hard truth: most operators are flying blind. Enter Jonathan Bevan (CEO of Techspace) and Elliot Gold (Co-Founder of Work.Life). They’re on a mission to change the game with the Workspace Intelligence Network, WIN, an operator-led alliance built to weaponize data for growth.

In this episode, Liz Elam pulls back the curtain on how WIN is giving operators the insights they need to out-compete, make smarter bets and build stronger businesses. Jonathan and Elliot explain why collaboration beats competition, what metrics actually move the needle and how operators who plug in now will get the edge.

If you’re an owner, operator, investor or landlord, this is your wake-up call. The next wave of winners in flex space will be the ones who master the numbers.

👉 Want even more insider knowledge? Join us in person at GCUC London. It’s where the sharpest minds in coworking and flex space come together to share strategies, forge partnerships and set the direction of the industry. Tickets are live now — grab yours before they sell out.

🎧 Listen now. And tell us in the comments: what’s the one data point you wish you had to run your workspace better?

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

🌐 Learn more about Workspace Intelligence Network (WIN):

🌐 Learn more about Work.Life:

🔗 Connect with Liz Elam:

https://gcuc.co/

https://uk.gcuc.co/tickets/

In this episode of The GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Thom Wernke, co-founder of StartDock, for a deep dive into the evolution of coworking, the power of community, and the realities of scaling without losing your magic.

From his early days launching an IT company in university to running six stunning, canal-side coworking spaces in the Netherlands, Thom shares how an unexpected pivot turned into a thriving hospitality-driven brand. He reveals why StartDock’s success is rooted in community connections, how he funds growth creatively, and the surprising role collaboration with “competitors” plays in strengthening the industry.

This episode dives into the evolving world of coworking with candid insights on balancing hospitality and operations, creating quiet rooms and neurodiverse-friendly spaces, and the art of scaling community without losing its personal touch. You’ll also hear about funding strategies—from private loans to investor partnerships—and discover future trends shaping Europe, from landlord management agreements to the rise of diverse customer “flavors.” Whether you’re an operator, member, or simply fascinated by the future of work, this conversation is packed with inspiration, insights, and maybe a little canal-side envy.

Whether you’re an operator, a coworking member, or just obsessed with the future of work, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe a little jealous of those Dutch canal views

Thom Wernke

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomwernke/

https://startdock.nl/en/

Liz Elam 

Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search

https://gcuc.co/

na.gcuc.co

uk.gcuc.co

Guests: Jean-Yves Hauer Founder at SocialWorkplaces/ Coworking Europe & Zoe Ellis-Moore CEO & Founder of Spaces to Places 

Liz introduces this special crossover episode spotlighting a new global initiative in which she  teams up with Jean-Yves Hauer of Coworking Europe. Jean Yves is sitting down with Zoe Ellis-Moore, founder of Spaces to Places, to explore her groundbreaking report "From Hype to Operational Real Estate" and uncover the real growth trends driving the flex office sector.

From the explosive rise of managed offices to the shift toward service-driven, hospitality-inspired workspaces, this conversation challenges old stereotypes and looks at how collaboration between major players is redefining the future of the workplace.

Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers data-driven insights, fresh perspectives, and a glimpse into the power of industry-wide alignment

Jean-Yves Hauer

Founder at SocialWorkplaces https://socialworkplaces.com/

Coworking Europe https://coworkingeurope.net/team/jean-yves-huwart/

Zoe Ellis-Moore 

CEO & Founder at Spaces to Places https://spacestoplaces.co.uk/resources/reports/london/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-ellis-moore-flexspaceconsultant/

Liz Elam

Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search

gcuc.co 

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/

If you know Liz & GCUC, you already know our obsession with Unreasonable Hospitality—we treat it like the bible of coworking and proof that our industry belongs in hospitality. So when our friend Brad Krauskopf told us one of his top team members was headed to the Unreasonable Hospitality Summit, we had to hear her take.

In this episode, Liz Elam sits down with Rebekah (Bex) Murphy, Chief Revenue and Experience Officer at Hub Australia, to unpack the mindset behind extraordinary hospitality. Drawing lessons from the summit, Bex reveals why intentional, personal hospitality isn’t just a “nice touch”—it’s the ultimate competitive edge in a world where products can be copied, but feelings can’t.

From surprise coffee tabs to “Hub Lux Moments” and onboarding strategies that gather member preferences from day one, this conversation is full of practical ways to elevate your coworking experience. Expect actionable takeaways, a few laughs, and a fresh look at how hospitality can shape the future of coworking, community, and connection.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Hub Australia:

Host – Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC:

  Unreasonable Hospitality :https://a.co/d/icM08pu

From building one of Canada’s top coworking brands to crushing triathlons, Kane Wilmot knows what it takes to push limits and lead with resilience. In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam chats with the co-founder and CEO of IQ Offices about scaling a premium flexible workspace brand, navigating new market challenges, and why endurance training has made him a stronger leader.

Kane shares insights from opening new locations, recruiting top talent with Bottle Rocket, and staying ahead of industry trends—all while balancing the demands of running a company with a passion for triathlons. Packed with leadership lessons, health hacks, and coworking strategy, this episode is a must-listen for operators looking to grow and lead with strength.

How do you create a coworking experience that not only attracts members but keeps them happy and engaged long-term? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz sits down with Megan from 25N Coworking to reveal the secret sauce behind their legendary onboarding and hospitality strategy.

Megan shares how 25N sets the tone for community from the very first touchpoint, delivering a high-touch experience across multiple locations while maintaining consistency and culture. They also dive into 25N’s evolution into managing coworking spaces for landlords, what it takes to successfully run these partnerships, and the leadership principles that guide their growth.

From actionable tips on improving member retention to insights on scaling without losing your brand identity, this episode is packed with strategies you can put into practice.

If you know Liz & GCUC then you know our obsession with the book Unreasonable Hospitality. We consider it the bible of our industry and evidence that Coworking should be in the hospitality industry. When we heard from our friend Brad Krauskopf that a top member of his team was attending the Unreasonable Hospitality summit, we knew we had to get her take on the experience.

Rebekah (Bex)  Murphy, Chief Revenue and Experience Officer at Hub Australia and Liz Elam are unpacking the game-changing mindset of Unreasonable Hospitality. Inspired by lessons from a summit dedicated to creating world-class experiences, Bex shares how hospitality done intentionally and personally isn’t just nice to have. It’s the only long-term competitive edge in an industry where products can be copied, but feelings can't be.

From “Hub Lux Moments” and surprise coffee tabs to onboarding strategies that collect member preferences from day one, this podcast conversation explores the little details that make a big difference. Bex dives into how Hub Australia is building a culture where excellence is the baseline, and hospitality is everyone’s job no matter their title. Expect actionable ideas, a few laughs, and a fresh perspective on the future of coworking, community, and human connection.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Hub Australia:

Host – Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC:

  Unreasonable Hospitality :https://a.co/d/icM08pu