Episode Summary

What happens when the dream of creating a coworking haven meets the cold realities of small-town economics?

In this episode, Bernie sits down with Claire Carpenter, a trailblazer who built one of Europe’s first coworking hubs before trading it all for van life and rock climbing.

Claire doesn't shy away from the unique struggles of running a coworking space in a tight-knit community and explains why she believes owning your space is the ultimate survival move.

This conversation goes beyond clichés, offering real-world lessons for anyone trying to make coworking thrive in 2025.

Timeline Highlights

* [0:35] – Claire Carpenter introduces her “grey gap year” as a climber and coach.

* [2:10] – Do you want to participate in a coworking hub or make one happen?

* [3:06] – Why running a coworking hub in a small town is so challenging.

* [4:37] – Balancing community aspirations with the cold reality of cash flow.

* [8:33] – The shift in coworking: From social activism to corporate roots.

* [11:42] – Burnout in coworking operators: How to stay resilient.

* [13:45] – Key advice: Rent smart, but aim to own your coworking space.

* [20:02] – Affordable workspaces: Some councils still don’t get it.

* [22:35] – Claire’s hope for 2025: Thriving coworking spaces and sustainable communities.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

Claire’s Grey Gap YearClaire shares her journey into a year of climbing, van life, and coaching after stepping away from operating one of Europe’s first coworking hubs.

Her transition offers a refreshing perspective on redefining purpose while staying connected to coworking’s roots.

Small Town Coworking: Community vs. CashflowBernie and Claire dive into the unique challenges of running coworking hubs in small towns.

They discuss what it takes to succeed in these close-knit environments, from limited customer pools to balancing modest ambitions with community needs.

Social Activists to Corporate PioneersClaire reflects on the evolution of coworking, from its early days driven by social activism to its adoption by former corporate professionals.

She highlights the importance of sustaining the social mission alongside financial realities.

Burnout and Resilience in CoworkingWith two decades of experience, Claire discusses the emotional toll of running a coworking hub and offers practical advice on how operators can balance their vision, business, and personal well-being.

Future-Proofing Coworking HubsThe conversation ends with a discussion on coworking’s role in community recovery and economic resilience.

Claire shares her hopes for 2025, emphasizing the need for coworking operators to focus on sustainability—for both their spaces and themselves.

Links & Resources:

* Claire Carpenter Coaching

* Follow Claire’s adventures on Instagram

* 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 Claire 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