Episode Summary:

In this episode, Bernie is joined by Hector Kolonas—newsletter writer, systems builder, and coworking operator turned tech integrator—for a raw and practical conversation on what makes coworking spaces profitable… or painfully unsustainable.

They explore revenue streams that look great on paper (virtual mail, IT services, F&B) but often cost more in stress and labour than they earn.

You’ll hear why so many operators burn out trying to scale services without the right systems and what “good” vs “great” revenue really looks like.

👉 Whether you’re running a small independent space in London or looking to scale across Europe, this episode hits hard on the stuff that matters: operational efficiency, strategic automation, and building tech stacks that serve your team—not slow them down.

You’ll also catch forward-looking takes on AI agents, loyalty programs, and community-driven monetisation models like alumni memberships and childcare partnerships.

It's not theory—it’s insight grounded in real coworking experience from two people who’ve lived it.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:40] – Bernie opens with upcoming European Coworking Day events.

[1:33] – Hector on what he’s known for vs. what he wants to be known for.

[2:18] – His origin story: coworking during Cyprus’ financial crash.

[5:57] – Why most “new revenue” plans lead to burnout.

[9:00] – Good vs. great revenue: where coworking spaces lose money.

[12:11] – Workflow friction: the hidden killer in your tech stack.

[14:32] – Can you run a coworking space from your phone?

[18:21] – A case study in chaos: selling virtual mail without automation.

[21:38] – Events, catering, and why your team shouldn’t serve sandwiches.

[23:52] – What looks like profit… but bleeds money behind the scenes.

[24:52] – Alumni memberships, tool libraries, and childcare as real revenue.

[27:25] – Loyalty points: coworking’s next big move?

[29:18] – Hyperlocal at scale: community agreements that work.

[31:56] – Hector’s Undercurrents: spotting the trends before they hit.

[33:28] – WTF an AI agent? Hector breaks it down.

[35:13] – Final thoughts + links to get involved in European Coworking Day.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Revenue That Works (and Revenue That Wrecks You)From virtual mail to catering, Hector explains why coworking spaces lose money when they chase new revenue without the backend systems to support it.

Profit is never just about the sale—it’s about the process behind it.

Automation, Burnout, and the Myth of “Just Add This One Thing”Bernie and Hector dig into the real-world friction coworking teams face when they’re handed “great ideas” from owners without the time, tools, or training to pull them off. The result? Burnout, churn, and lost revenue.

The Stack is the StrategyIt’s not about having an app—it’s about having the right systems wired together to match how your team works.

The episode shows how stack design shapes your community’s experience, from booking software to marketing apps to custom integrations.

Revenue Most Operators MissHector shares three overlooked—but doable—revenue ideas: alumni memberships, tool libraries, and childcare partnerships.

These aren’t silver bullets but are built on real community needs and sustainable delivery.

Loyalty Points and AI Agents: What’s Coming NextFrom coworking-powered rewards schemes to AI agents that behave like digital staff, this part of the conversation keeps you looking ahead.

The tech is here—you need to ask better questions about how it fits into your business.

Links & Resources

* This Week in Coworking Newsletter

* Undercurrents Coworking Deep Dives

* Syncaroo

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Hector 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