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Job-Seeking to Job-Making: Stories to Shape Coworking in 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Bernie and Emily open up about turning resolutions into intentions that stick, focusing on personal pacing rather than quick-fix willpower.
They share why annual predictions can feel like guessing games, and how coworking communities can shape a more grounded approach to work and life.
From redefining what a “safe space” means in a coworking setting to exploring rural coworking’s potential, they address real-world ways to stay connected.
They also spotlight the shift toward creating your own opportunities—trading soul-crushing job hunts for the freedom of job-making.
Throughout it all, they remind listeners that being in tune with community needs leads to more authentic and supportive spaces.
Timeline Highlights
* [00:00] – Bernie outlines the Community Builders Cohort.
* [01:18] – Emily explains intentions over resolutions.
* [03:56] – Bernie highlights “Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025.”
* [05:50] – Reflecting on the anxiety of traditional office life.
* [10:51] – Exploring the IDEA Handbook and equity in coworking.
* [18:04] – Why rural coworking spaces matter now more than ever.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Intentions, Not ResolutionsBernie and Emily talk about moving away from rigid New Year’s resolutions toward honest, long-term intentions, they referance Ann Hawkins email newletter.
They emphasize how this approach helps folks stay grounded and connected, offering more room for setbacks without losing momentum.
Job Making Over Job SeekingThey explore the pressure of traditional job hunting and highlight the power of building your own opportunities.
Coworking becomes a launchpad where individuals share resources, spark collaborations, and sidestep outdated application processes that don’t serve everyone’s talents.
Equity, Accessibility, and the IDEA MovementEmily dives into the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) framework and why it matters.
They discuss how invisible challenges—like neurodivergence—often require supportive, flexible environments that typical work settings can’t provide.
Hospitality in CoworkingBernie explains “hospitality” beyond free coffee and comfy chairs.
Instead, it’s about truly seeing people, anticipating unspoken needs, and cultivating a safe atmosphere where folks can be themselves and do their best work.
Rural Coworking’s Rising TideThey spotlight the growing demand for rural coworking spaces, linking it to local revitalization.
With more people choosing to work outside major cities, small towns and remote areas are evolving into work-live communities that share resources, reduce commutes, and foster closer connections.
Community Builders CohortBernie and Emily wrap up with their online peer learning program Coworking Community Builder Cohort designed to help new or growing coworking operators.
It’s priced the same as a monthly coworking desk, making it easier for owners to jump in, swap ideas, and avoid isolation on their coworking journey.
Links & Resources:
* Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025 (Blog Post)
* 🎙️Revitalising Local Economies through Coworking with Julianne Becker
* 🎥 David Brooks - Making People Feel Seen: How to Do it Right
* Ann Hawkins Drive Newsletter - What does it feel like to really be seen?
* European Coworking Assembly IDEA Handbook
* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn
* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort
* 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 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 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
View all episodes
By Bernie J MitchellEpisode Summary
In this episode, Bernie and Emily open up about turning resolutions into intentions that stick, focusing on personal pacing rather than quick-fix willpower.
They share why annual predictions can feel like guessing games, and how coworking communities can shape a more grounded approach to work and life.
From redefining what a “safe space” means in a coworking setting to exploring rural coworking’s potential, they address real-world ways to stay connected.
They also spotlight the shift toward creating your own opportunities—trading soul-crushing job hunts for the freedom of job-making.
Throughout it all, they remind listeners that being in tune with community needs leads to more authentic and supportive spaces.
Timeline Highlights
* [00:00] – Bernie outlines the Community Builders Cohort.
* [01:18] – Emily explains intentions over resolutions.
* [03:56] – Bernie highlights “Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025.”
* [05:50] – Reflecting on the anxiety of traditional office life.
* [10:51] – Exploring the IDEA Handbook and equity in coworking.
* [18:04] – Why rural coworking spaces matter now more than ever.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Intentions, Not ResolutionsBernie and Emily talk about moving away from rigid New Year’s resolutions toward honest, long-term intentions, they referance Ann Hawkins email newletter.
They emphasize how this approach helps folks stay grounded and connected, offering more room for setbacks without losing momentum.
Job Making Over Job SeekingThey explore the pressure of traditional job hunting and highlight the power of building your own opportunities.
Coworking becomes a launchpad where individuals share resources, spark collaborations, and sidestep outdated application processes that don’t serve everyone’s talents.
Equity, Accessibility, and the IDEA MovementEmily dives into the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) framework and why it matters.
They discuss how invisible challenges—like neurodivergence—often require supportive, flexible environments that typical work settings can’t provide.
Hospitality in CoworkingBernie explains “hospitality” beyond free coffee and comfy chairs.
Instead, it’s about truly seeing people, anticipating unspoken needs, and cultivating a safe atmosphere where folks can be themselves and do their best work.
Rural Coworking’s Rising TideThey spotlight the growing demand for rural coworking spaces, linking it to local revitalization.
With more people choosing to work outside major cities, small towns and remote areas are evolving into work-live communities that share resources, reduce commutes, and foster closer connections.
Community Builders CohortBernie and Emily wrap up with their online peer learning program Coworking Community Builder Cohort designed to help new or growing coworking operators.
It’s priced the same as a monthly coworking desk, making it easier for owners to jump in, swap ideas, and avoid isolation on their coworking journey.
Links & Resources:
* Hopes and Enthusiasms for Coworking in 2025 (Blog Post)
* 🎙️Revitalising Local Economies through Coworking with Julianne Becker
* 🎥 David Brooks - Making People Feel Seen: How to Do it Right
* Ann Hawkins Drive Newsletter - What does it feel like to really be seen?
* European Coworking Assembly IDEA Handbook
* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn
* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort
* 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 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 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