GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

GCUC founder Liz Elam sits down with Nir Kelner, CEO of Brain Embassy, to delve into the future of coworking. Nir shares how Brain Embassy is reimagining workspaces by blending hospitality with innovation, offering unique experiences like exclusive outdoor retreats and expanding into global markets. He also highlights the resilience of Israel’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tune in for a thought provoking conversation on how coworking spaces are evolving into dynamic hubs of connection, creativity, and community.

Nir Kelner’s LinkedIn Profile

Ben Wright, Head of Global Partnerships at The Instant Group, joins Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, for an enlightening conversation about the evolving coworking landscape. Ben reveals the driving forces behind Instant Group’s global expansion, how technology is shaping the future of workspaces, and the importance of fostering authentic partnerships in today’s competitive market.

From adapting to industry shifts to building meaningful relationships, Ben shares valuable lessons and strategies that anyone in business or the flex workspace industry can apply. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this discussion offers fresh perspectives on navigating the future of work and transforming challenges into opportunities.

📌 Listen now to explore the power of strategic partnerships and discover how they’re shaping the future of flexible workspaces!

#CoworkingEvolution #GlobalPartnerships #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceInnovation #GCUC #InstantGroupPodcast

Show Notes:

What sets you apart? In this inspiring episode, Liz Elam (GCUC Founder) chats with the incomparable Cat Johnson,(Cat Johnson Co, Founder), coworking community builder, writer, and coach. Cat shares her journey into thought leadership and how she’s helping others uncover their “unfair advantage.”

From authentic storytelling to finding balance between creativity and structure, Cat offers wisdom and practical tips for anyone looking to make an impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or just starting your journey, this conversation is packed with insights to guide you toward your unique path.

Tune in for an honest, uplifting, and empowering discussion about embracing your story, discovering your value, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.

📌Listen now and start uncovering your unfair advantage!

This one contains a GCUC exclusive announcement… Join us for a powerful conversation with Drake Rankin, CEO of Green Hive Spaces, as he shares his journey from a college dropout to launching a coworking franchise! 

With 47 locations across the globe, Mindspace has redefined coworking on a massive scale. Join Yotam Alroy, co-founder of Mindspace, on the GCUC Podcast as he shares the journey of transforming a basic concept in Tel Aviv into a world-renowned hub of innovation and hospitality.

Discover the secrets behind Mindspace’s boutique hotel inspired workspaces, their ability to foster genuine community connections, and how they navigate cultural nuances across the globe. Yotam also shares bold predictions for the future of coworking and uncovers what it takes to thrive in an ever evolving industry.

If you’re eager to explore the future of workspaces or curious how experience-driven design and hospitality are reshaping the coworking world, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!

 #coworking #GCUC #podcast #GCUCPodcast #flexworkspace #entrepreneur

In this dynamic year-end episode, Liz Elam dives into the Megatrends shaping the coworking industry in 2025. From the dramatic WeWork developments to the pivotal shift toward hospitality, Liz offers a fast-paced, insightful overview of where the industry is headed.

Explore the rise of hyper-focused spaces, the transformative power of AI, and the evolving real estate landscape. Learn how branding, mental health, and sustainability are taking centre stage and why corporate demand is booming like never before.

Whether you're a coworking enthusiast or an industry leader, this episode is your guide to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Plus, you can get a sneak peek at the future of coworking innovation at GCUC Boston. Tune in and join Liz in her mission to reshape the workplace and tackle the loneliness epidemic.

Let’s change the world, one workspace at a time!

Show Notes:

Tickets to Boston                

Show Notes: 

Radious Website 

Amina Moreau LinkedIn Profile 

This week, Liz Elam sits down with Tony Aleksandrov, the dynamic founder of WorkBetter, Bulgaria’s leading coworking provider. Tony shares his inspiring journey from working in Germany with Mindspace to returning home and building a coworking powerhouse from the ground up.

Listen as Tony discusses WorkBetter’s rapid growth, how they achieved 100% occupancy with zero turnover, and why focusing on hospitality over marketing has been a game-changer. Discover his strategies for attracting international corporates like Booking.com and Dell, insights into emerging coworking trends, and the role of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of the industry.

If you're curious about how Tony is using AI, green energy, and clever incentives to revolutionize coworking in Eastern Europe—or simply want to hear about his dreams of visiting Boston—this episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and forward-thinking ideas.

📌 Don’t miss this international perspective on coworking’s evolution. Plus, connect with Tony on LinkedIn (link in show notes) and learn more about his incredible work!

Show Notes: 

https://www.workbetter.bg/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-aleksandrov-418091150/

https://na.gcuc.co

https://gcuc.co

#coworking #community #bulgaria #fow #AI #podcast #gcuc #gcucpodcast #coworkingpodcast #flexible 

In this inspiring episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam speaks with Ryan Simonetti, CEO and co-founder of Convene, about the evolution of coworking and the role of hospitality in creating memorable experiences. Ryan reflects on 15 years of building Convene and shares lessons learned from navigating the pandemic's challenges, the importance of values-based hiring, and his commitment to setting new standards in service and design. They dive into Convene’s signature approach, “Hello, Coffee, Goodbye,” focusing on touchpoints that create lasting impressions for members. This episode is filled with insights on growth, resilience, and the intersection of hospitality and coworking—a must-listen for coworking operators and enthusiasts alike.

Keywords: coworking hospitality, Ryan Simonetti, Convene coworking, GCUC Podcast, coworking growth strategies, workspace design, member experience, coworking industry insights

Show Note: 

https://convene.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-simonetti-5873887

In this engaging episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam talks with David Edmunds, founder of Salt Mine, a pioneering coworking space in Utah. David shares the story behind Salt Mine's growth, including how it transformed from a former bowling alley into a community hub for the tech industry. They discuss the importance of hospitality, creating connections in coworking spaces, and how partnerships with local organizations like Silicon Slopes helped shape Salt Mine’s success. Tune in for insights on blending real estate, community, and hospitality to create an impactful coworking experience​

Shownotes: 

Linkedin: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-edmunds-97750583/

Website:  https://meetatsaltmine.com/