Podcast
Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast
Hosted by Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini · EN
Giovanni Palavacini and Jamie Russo have partnered to ask industry leaders the questions that are on your mind.
Giovanni Palavacini is a Real Estate Strategist focused on helping operators, landlords, and investors to make wise coworking/flexible office decisions using a combination of science and art.
Jamie Russo was a coworking space owner/operator for 8 years, Executive Director of the GWA, the industry association, for 5 years, and has spent the last few years helping operators start and run profitable coworking businesses.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
145. Sarah Travers, CEO of Workbar on why Flex Sells & Coworking in the Metaverse (June 2022)
Apr 8, 202500:53:41Tap to summarizeIn honor of the GCUC Conference happening this week in Boston, we're doing a re-run on episode 5 with Sarah Travers, CEO at Workbar, with over 10 locations in the greater Boston area. In this episode, Sarah shares how she became an “accidental CEO,” why her team is building slow on purpose, and what it means to grow with confidence in a market that’s not chasing the latest trends. We talk about: Why growing in Northern Ireland requires a unique approach to community and demand The strategic decision not to chase rapid expansion—and why that made the business stronger How Workplus designs its spaces to reflect each local market The cultural and operational differences between Belfast and Derry—and how the Workplus team adapts accordingly Why Sarah isn’t looking to London for her next playbook Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Sarah Travers on LI Workbar Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →144. How Jon Lambert Transformed a Bank into The Cannon, a Thriving Coworking Space
Apr 1, 202500:49:50Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a banker walks away from finance and into the world of coworking? Jon Lambert did just that—turning an old bank (yes, with an actual vault!) into a thriving coworking community. His story is packed with insights on transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, building a space with character, and creating a model that works. In this episode, we cover: How Jon made the leap from banking to coworking (and why he never looked back). The unique challenges—and opportunities—of transforming a bank into a flex space. The strategy behind building a strong community in a non-traditional location. What’s working (and what’s not) in Jon’s coworking model today. Key takeaways for anyone thinking about launching or evolving a coworking space. If you’re dreaming of starting your own space or looking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with real-world insights. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jon on LinkedIn The Cannon website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →143. The GSA Launches a Pilot to Transform How Agencies Book, Share, and Manage Workspace
Mar 25, 202500:38:33Tap to summarizeThe biggest real estate operator in the world—the U.S. federal government—is making a bold move toward flexible work. Mark Gilbreath, CEO of LiquidSpace, joins us to break down what this means for the coworking industry, why it signals a major shift in how large organizations view their real estate portfolios, and what coworking operators should be doing right now to prepare. In this episode, we cover: How the GSA’s new enterprise-wide marketplace for flexible work could change the coworking industry. What it means when a government agency starts thinking like an enterprise occupier. How coworking operators can position themselves to capture demand from this shift. Why flexible office space is becoming a critical piece of workplace strategy for major organizations. Mark’s insights on how the coworking industry is evolving—and what’s next. This is a huge step forward for the coworking and flex space industry. Don’t miss this conversation! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Mark on LinkedIn LiquidSpace website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →142. Inside IOS Offices: A Masterclass in Coworking Culture & Leadership with Javier Garcia Iza
Mar 18, 202500:53:44Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build one of the most respected coworking brands in Mexico—one that spans 36 locations and is known for its unparalleled hospitality? Javier Garcia Iza, CEO of IOS Offices, joins us for a deep dive into how he and his team have created a coworking brand that prioritizes people, purpose, and premium experiences. From redefining workspaces to scaling a culture that employees and members love, Javier shares the strategies that have made IOS Offices a leader in the industry. In this episode, we discuss: The origin story of IOS Offices and how it has evolved over 18 years The secret to hiring and keeping a passionate, dedicated team—without micromanaging Why IOS Offices integrates baristas, bartenders, and hospitality-driven experiences into its coworking model How IOS Offices serves enterprise clients and why long-term relationships are key to its success The importance of giving back—how Javier’s passion for community, conservation, and wellness fuels his leadership Plus, Javier shares his experience climbing one of Mexico’s highest peaks just days after hosting Immersive Mexico—because work and adventure go hand in hand. If you want to learn how to build a coworking brand with heart, hospitality, and longevity, this episode is a must-listen! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Javier on LinkedIn IOS Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →141. Inside GWA Immersive in Mexico City: Hospitality, Community & Big Takeaways with Kurt Patrick and Grant Barnhill
Mar 11, 202500:52:24Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you bring together top coworking operators, investors, and service providers from across North America and Latin America? A conference packed with insights, unexpected surprises, and a deep dive into the booming coworking scene in Mexico City. In this episode, we break down the key moments from GWA Immersive, an event that brought fresh perspectives on hospitality, enterprise adoption, and the future of Flex. Join us as we chat with event organizers and attendees about what made this gathering so unique. In this episode, we cover: 🔥 How EOS and other Mexican operators are setting new standards for hospitality in coworking 🏢 Why demand for flex space in Mexico City is outpacing supply—and what that means for the global market 🎧 The behind-the-scenes logistics of hosting a bilingual coworking conference (spoiler: it involved 25 translation devices!) 🍹 Why coworking spaces in Mexico are doubling down on baristas, bartenders, and high-touch service 🤝 The value of global collaboration and how events like this are shaping the future of flex If you’re in the coworking industry—or just love a good story about how Flex is evolving—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Kurt Patrick on LinkedIn Grant Barnhill on LinkedIn essensys website Shift Workspaces website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →140. Beyond the Office: Why Hospitality is the Secret to Coworking Success with John Egan & John Herring
Mar 4, 202501:03:40Tap to summarizeIf coworking is just about filling offices, you’re doing it wrong. John Egan (Lucid Private Offices) and John Herring (Fuse Workspace) know that thriving flex brands are built on hospitality, experience, and genuine community. In this episode, we dig into how these two regional operators create spaces where members feel truly at home—and why that’s the key to long-term success. We cover: The strategy behind scaling a hospitality-first coworking brand. Why design and first impressions matter—but why people matter more. The role of culture, service, and even faith in coworking leadership. How regional flex brands can go head-to-head with the big players. What coworking operators can learn from hotels, restaurants, and even summer camps. If you’re serious about running a coworking space that actually builds loyalty, retention, and impact—this one’s a must-listen! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ John Egan on LinkedIn John Herring on LinkedIn Lucid Private Offices website Fuse Workspace website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →139. Caleb Parker Uncensored: Brand, Partnerships, and the Future of Flexible Work
Feb 25, 202500:44:07Tap to summarizeWe finally got Caleb Parker in the hot seat! If you know Caleb, you know—he’s a flex space industry leader, a branding expert, and the voice behind the Brave Ideas podcast. Caleb joins us to talk about his journey from IWG to launching multiple companies, the critical role of brand and hospitality in the future of flex, and how he’s building a business that he actually wants to work in. In this episode, we cover: How Caleb got into the flex industry and what led him to London The power of branding and why it’s more important than ever Why office space needs to focus on human experiences, not just desks The future of flex partnerships and why collaboration beats competition How to build a company culture that keeps people coming back Caleb is one of the sharpest minds in the industry, and this conversation is packed with insights. Don’t miss it! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Caleb on LinkedIn Brave Corp website Brave Ideas podcast Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →138. Coworking Meets Mixed-Use Development: Anne Olsen on The Shop’s Unique Model
Feb 18, 202500:41:50Tap to summarizeAnne Olsen, Director of Coworking at The Shop, joins us to share how she went from community building to leading a multi-city coworking brand under The Domain Companies. With locations in Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and soon Brooklyn, The Shop is growing, and Anne is at the center of it all—scouting new locations, refining operations, and making sure each space fosters connection. In this episode, we cover: How The Domain Companies integrates coworking with mixed-use developments. Why The Shop is expanding into new cities and how they select locations. The balance between community-building and financial sustainability in coworking. Anne’s career path from community manager to director and her advice for growth-minded coworking pros. The role of management agreements in The Shop’s expansion strategy. Whether you're looking for inspiration on growing your coworking brand or just love a good community-building success story, this one’s for you! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Anne on LinkedIn The Domain Companies website The Shop Coworking Spaces website LExC Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →137. Brian Elliott Breaks Down the Future of Work: Why Some Leaders Are Getting It Wrong
Feb 11, 202500:51:32Tap to summarizeMost executives are still debating "how many days in the office"—but Brian Elliott is here to tell them they’re asking the wrong questions. A former Google and Slack exec, Future of Work 50 Thought Leader, and leadership advisor, Brian has spent years helping companies navigate the future of work, AI, and leadership. In this episode, we dive into: Why the debate over office days is outdated—and what leaders should be focusing on instead. The biggest mistakes companies make when implementing hybrid and remote work policies. How leadership styles need to evolve for a world of distributed teams and generative AI. Why traditional “hustle culture” is failing—and what today’s workforce actually values. The data-driven case for flexibility: how companies can attract and retain top talent. If you’re a leader, workplace strategist, or just obsessed with the future of work, you won’t want to miss this one. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Brian on LinkedIn Future Forum website How the Future Works Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →136. Inside the Flex Industry: Gio and Jamie discuss GWA, Global Events, Industry Trends & More
Feb 4, 202500:41:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Flex Uncensored, Jamie and Gio catch up on Gio’s new role with the Global Workspace Association (GWA), upcoming immersive events, and his personal adventures that always tie back to Flex. They dive into the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how they’re both focused on helping operators level up in 2025. They talked about: Gio’s new role at GWA and how it’s shaping the future of flex industry events, including the first international immersive event in Mexico City. Why Gio believes San Antonio is the sleeper market to watch and how Texas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are Flex powerhouses in the making. The three mistakes you can’t recover from when launching a coworking space (hint: bad real estate deals top the list). How Jamie’s Virtual Mail Challenge became a surprise hit—and why it’s a game-changer for existing operators. The importance of getting out of your “operator silo” to build relationships, scout competitors, and avoid costly mistakes. If you’re an operator, investor, or flex enthusiast looking to grow smarter in 2025, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a healthy dose of Gio’s signature storytelling. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Google Reviews to Revenue Challenge GWA Immersive Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
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