In this episode of the This Week in Coworking podcast, hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa dive into the coworking industry's latest trends and challenges.

See the full newsletter (for free) at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-22-2025/

They discuss the growing topic of disintermediation in the coworking space, touching on the evolving role of brokers and the increasing importance of being tech-enabled.

The episode also explores strategies for recession-proofing coworking spaces, citing recent data and examples from operators like WOTSO.

The hosts highlight key data points from the Australian market and emphasize the impact of flexible workspace solutions on CRE. Finally, they underscore WOTSO's significant rebranding, marking a pivotal shift in the industry by demonstrating the profitability and viability of a flex-focused REIT.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:33 Newsletter Highlights and Australian Focus02:40 Disintermediation in Coworking12:45 Recession Proofing Strategies19:49 Australian Market Data Insights24:37 WOTSO Rebranding and Industry Impact31:02 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

In this exclusive episode of the Unpacking APAC: Australia mini-series by This Week In Coworking, host Tashi Dorjee sits down with Gadi Hassin, CEO and co-founder of Helios Hospitality Management.

Learn more about the series at https://UnpackingAPAC.comExplore the evolution of coworking spaces within hotels, the importance of creating social connections, and how traditional commercial real estate can learn from the hospitality industry.

With over 25 years of global hospitality experience, Gadi shares valuable insights on design, community building, and experiential hospitality for nomadic travelers.

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Mini-series made possible by:

⁠‪OfficeRnD‬ Flex⁠, the ultimate platform that helps coworking and flex spaces streamline operations, wow their members, and grow faster.‪

⁠essensys⁠‬ is a global provider of software and technology for commercial real estate, helping the world's leading landlords and flexible workspace operators deliver seamless digital experiences.

‪⁠Syncaroo‬⁠ keeps your top talent unblocked through managed integrations, profit-protecting automations, and clear tech guidance.

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Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Host Introduction00:21 Sponsor Messages01:01 Interview with Gadi Hassin: Hospitality Insights02:03 Personal Experiences in Hospitality03:03 Creating Community in Hospitality Spaces04:35 Hospitality vs. Commercial Real Estate07:55 Evolving Hospitality Experiences08:09 Post-COVID Changes in Hospitality17:36 Blurring the Lines Between Work and Leisure19:40 Designing Flexible Hotel Spaces20:47 Creating Soul and Energy in Large Spaces21:12 Intentional Furniture and Accidental Collisions22:45 Role of Community Managers in Hotels23:35 Technology and Social Connectivity26:46 Digital Nomads and Their Needs27:44 Commercial Real Estate and Hotel Partnerships29:26 Coworking Spaces in Hotels32:53 Case Study: Villa Turned Coworking Space34:52 Impact of Media on Hotel Occupancy35:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the This Weekend Coworking podcast, Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa discuss the latest trends and insights in the coworking industry for week 21. Topics covered include the rise of fractional office management services, the strategic hiring of teachers for coworking spaces, reasons why members leave silently, and an overview of the initiatives by various coworking alliances in August. Additionally, they explore coworking data from the UK, Ireland, and Sweden, and highlight IWG's recent financial announcements. The episode also celebrates successes within the coworking community, such as Felena Hanson's recognition as the 2025 Women in Business Champion of the Year by the US Small Business Administration.

00:00 Welcome and Weekly Recap Introduction

01:16 Sponsorship and Undercurrents Report

02:20 Fractional Office Management: A Growing Trend

09:05 Hiring Teachers for Coworking Spaces

12:56 Understanding Member Retention

16:38 Planning for International Coworking Day

19:46 Coworking Data Insights: UK, Ireland, and Sweden

26:54 IWG Financial Updates and Industry Reflections

29:28 Closing Remarks and Shoutouts

Join Hector Kolonas and special guest Zoe Ellis-Moore in this Behind the News episode of our podcast. Zoe, known for her deep industry insights, discusses the evolution and future of workspaces in the UK. The conversation centers around Zoe's recent 'UK Flex Office Market Report for 2025,' (download for free here), the distinction between spaces and places, and the rise of premium workspaces. They explore the detailed methodology behind the report, including the classification of coworking, serviced, and managed offices, and the industry's unique challenges. Additionally, they delve into data nuances, such as brand positions, pricing, and ownership structures, shedding light on the dynamic flex office market. Tune in for a thorough analysis and discover how better data and transparency can propel the industry forward.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 The Impact of Outdoor Workspaces01:05 Spaces to Places: Transforming Work Environments01:54 UK Flex Office Market Report 2025 Overview03:05 Key Findings and Market Trends05:43 Methodology and Data Collection06:09 Classifications and Market Segmentation08:06 Challenges in Categorizing Workspaces28:53 Ownership and Funding Models33:29 Regional Distribution and Market Nuances36:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the first episode of our Unpacking APAC: Australia mini-series, hosted by Tashi Dorjee, head of Flex for Australasia at JLL, where the focus is on the future of work and coworking perspectives across Australia.

Get more info and all the show notes at: UnpackingAPAC.comTashi interviews Tanya Lambert, a seasoned property professional with 25 years of experience, to explore the changing landscape of asset management and valuation.

They discuss key topics, including the integration of flexibility and amenity in office spaces, the evolving needs of tenants post-COVID, and the importance of hospitality and food and beverage components in new developments.

The conversation sheds light on how landlords and asset managers are adapting to new trends and challenges in the commercial real estate industry.--Mini-series made possible by:‪OfficeRnD‬ Flex, the ultimate platform that helps coworking and flex spaces streamline operations, wow their members, and grow faster.‪essensys‬ is a global provider of software and technology for commercial real estate, helping the world's leading landlords and flexible workspace operators deliver seamless digital experiences. and‪Syncaroo‬ keeps your top talent unblocked through managed integrations, profit-protecting automations, and clear tech guidance.--Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Host Introduction00:21 Sponsor Messages00:58 Interview with Tanya Lambert Begins02:46 Asset Valuation and Market Changes06:01 Tenant Needs and Flex Space12:39 Hospitality and Commercial Real Estate20:54 Challenges of Returning to the Office21:33 The Social Dynamics of Office Spaces23:01 Designing Offices Like Homes23:34 The Importance of Flex Space24:00 Future-Proofing Office Spaces24:57 The Role of Food and Beverage in Office Buildings28:06 Valuation and Flex Space30:09 The Evolving Office Strategy36:37 Portfolio Strategies in Real Estate39:18 Concluding Thoughts and Insights

Mergers & Expansion in the Coworking Industry in 2025

Hector Kolonas and Craig Baute dive deep into the exciting news of Creative Density's recent merger with Thrive Workplace.

Craig shares insights on the history of coworking in Denver, the operational aspects of coworking alliances, and the market research that drives successful coworking spaces.

He also highlights the significance of mergers, acquisition strategies, and the benefits of scaling operations.

Whether you're a coworking space operator or thinking about entering this market, this episode offers a masterclass on the complexities and opportunities within the coworking industry.

See the full show notes at https://twic.co/exits

00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:31 History of Coworking in Denver02:30 Craig's Journey in Coworking03:44 Market Research and Consulting05:13 DenSwap and Marketplace Insights09:16 Valuation and Seller Financing13:17 The Big Reveal: Creative Density Merges with Thrive Workplace17:25 The Benefits of Merging18:12 Why Choose Merger Over Cash Buyout?20:21 Deal Structure Insights21:28 Landlord Partnerships and Benefits22:48 Maintaining Separate Brands26:35 Expansion Plans and Strategies28:19 Pro Tips for Smooth Mergers and Exits30:48 The Power of Complementary Skills32:49 Conclusion and Future Outlook

This Week in Coworking: Special Edition from Huntingburg, Indiana with Wesley EdmondsJoin us for a unique Weekly Recap episode of This Week in Coworking, as we visit Huntingburg, Indiana, and chat with the excellent Wesley Edmonds.

Weekly Recap episodes dive into the biggest stories from this week's industry newsletter.

Read Week 19, 2025's newsletter here: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-19-2025/

This week, we discuss contract furniture, its relevance to coworking spaces, and dive into technological advancements in workspace design.

We also explore the exciting development of coworking spaces in train stations, featuring Industrious and Bright Line, and how automation is revolutionizing the furniture manufacturing industry.

Additionally, we touch on AI's role in future office management and highlight some notable industry updates. Don't miss out on this special edition!

Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Setup00:23 Special Guest: Wesley Edmonds00:38 Recap of the Week01:39 Key Takeaways from the Podcast03:57 Industrious and Bright Line Collaboration07:47 AI and Automation in Flex Spaces11:59 Technological Innovations in Furniture14:47 Community Highlights and Closing Remarks

Hector Kolonas guides us through fundamentals, insights, lessons earned and pro-tips from 9 industry leaders implementing AI Agents in and around coworking businesses.Premieres on May 9th 2025 at noon ET.Fill web, PDF and audio versions of the report will then be made available at https://twic.co/agentsWelcome to Undercurrents! In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of AI agents in the coworking industry. Join us as we analyze their current applications, motivations for adopting AI, and the potential future impact on the sector.Featuring insights from leading experts, operators, and industry leaders, we take a deep dive into how AI agents enhance efficiency, customer engagement, and business growth. Although AI is rapidly evolving, our discussion provides a foundation to understand the present and future possibilities of AI in coworking. Whether you're a coworking space operator or simply interested in AI, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology and flexible workspaces.

Chapters

00:16⁠ Intro⁠02:58⁠ Foreword⁠03:40⁠ Experts⁠04:49⁠ Fundementals⁠13:15⁠ Why now?⁠19:48⁠ Some Implementations⁠29:30⁠ Some Builders⁠38:52⁠ Fears, Myths & Misconceptions⁠44:22⁠ Learning Curves⁠52:19⁠ Challenges⁠56:13⁠ Agents all the way down⁠01:01:32⁠ Pro-tips and considerations⁠01:08:20⁠ What next?⁠01:14:31⁠ Last word