Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

Hosted by Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini

Business Entrepreneurship

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206

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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.

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October 6, 202642 min

205: GWA 2026 Recap with Jessie Glew and John Herring: AI, KPIs and the Coworking Growth Forecast

What did three flex operators take home from the biggest coworking conference of the year? Giovanni is joined by Jessie Glew, CEO of WOTSO in Sydney, and John Herring, President of FUSE Workspace in Texas, for a candid recap of the GWA Conference in Denver. Jessie joined from an early-morning walk in Sydney, and the conversation covers business and personal growth in equal measure. We also get into: The opening JLL and Yardi session: the 30% by 2030 forecast, the more realistic 13 to 17% range, and why third-party data matters to banks and investors. Why the industry needs a shared set of 10 to 15 quarterly stats, and how the KPI session sent John and Jessie back to rebuild their own reporting. How operators are really using AI: WOTSO's training bot and internal ordering marketplace, plus the gap between beginners and experts in the room. Big rocks, 5:00 AM wake-ups and rebuilding routines after major life changes. WOTSO's growth from 42 locations to a target of 50 by year end, and what is next for the industry. If you missed Denver, this is the next best thing. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jessie Glew on LinkedIn WOTSO website John Herring on LinkedIn FUSE Workspace website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

October 1, 202641 min

205. How AI Gave WorkLodge Record Tours Every Month After 11 Years in Coworking

What happens when a coworking operator stops waiting for software and builds his own? Mike Thakur, founder and CEO of WorkLodge in Houston, is back. After 11 years and a decade of mixed results with ad agencies, he rolled up his sleeves and started building with AI. Since turning his system on in March, WorkLodge has hit a record number of tours almost every month, some months 40 to 50 percent above their previous best. We also get into: How Mike built his own booking system, landing pages and ad tracking with AI, and captures leads even when someone abandons a form halfway. Lola, the AI phone agent that answers when the front desk can't, books tours and sends summaries into Slack. Why meeting rooms are booking out with non-members, and the 12-person room Mike wishes he had built sooner. Why AI hasn't cost a single job on his team, and why he says it lies and needs a human to check it. Moving back to Houston, putting his kids to work in the business, and the nonprofit project he is still searching for. If you've wondered what AI can really do for a flex space, this is an episode you'll want to hear. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Mike Thakur / WorkLodge on LinkedIn (company page; personal profile URL not verified) WorkLodge website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

September 23, 202654 min

204. Flex Uncensored Gets Personal: Gio and Robin Share Their Wedding Story

What happens when the person you've known for years suddenly becomes the person you're meant to spend your life with? For Gio and Robin Palavicini, their relationship wasn't exactly a straightforward love story. They met through boxing, became friends, went their separate ways, spent a year barely speaking, and eventually reconnected when they were both in completely different places in life. And then Gio surprised Robin with a wedding. In this episode, they sit down to tell the full story — from how they first met and why they didn't date the first time around, to the intentional way their relationship developed and the five weeks Gio spent secretly planning their wedding. We also get into: How Gio and Robin first met through their boxing coach. Why they didn't pursue a relationship when they first connected. What changed when they reconnected in 2026. Why Gio chose to pursue Robin intentionally and consistently. How their very different personalities — structure vs. spontaneity — actually complement each other. The four things Gio knew he wanted in a long-term partner. Why they intentionally took physical intimacy off the table while dating. How they decided they wanted to be married before the end of the year. Why they wanted a small, meaningful wedding instead of a traditional event. How Gio secretly planned the entire wedding without Robin knowing. The elaborate cover story he created to get Robin to the ranch. The surprise proposal — followed immediately by the news that they were getting married two days later. How their families and closest friends were secretly brought in. The story behind Mario and Rio, the miniature donkeys who became part of the wedding. How Sheep Dog Ranch became the perfect place for their ceremony. Why the wedding ultimately became about much more than the wedding itself. How they've been adjusting to married life, from sleep schedules to workouts and everything in between. Why they believe that, at this stage of life, there's no reason to keep waiting to live it. There's a lot in this conversation about relationships, faith, personal growth, partnership, intentionality, and knowing when the timing is finally right. If you've ever wondered what happens when two people reconnect after years apart — and one of them decides to make the biggest surprise of their life — this is a story you'll want to hear. Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

September 2, 202651 min

203. Chiko Abengowe of Perfect Office Solutions on the Hard Lessons Behind Growth

What happens when growth starts going wrong? For Chiko Abengowe, founder and CEO of Perfect Office Solutions, the past year brought some of his biggest business challenges yet — from a location that didn't work out to a building shutdown that left his team and tenants without access, and a fire that caused more than $70,000 in damage. And this episode gets very real about what happens behind the growth. Chiko shares what he learned from those setbacks, how he approached difficult landlord situations, and why he believes failures can actually prepare you for the next success. We also get into: How Perfect Office Solutions uses sales contests and incentives to drive specific business goals. Why Chiko makes sales activity visible across the team. How different revenue streams have their own managers, bonuses, and incentives. What happened when one of his locations had to close after a building was shut down. The lessons he learned about leases and working with large landlords. How a $70K+ fire reinforced the importance of insurance for coworking members. Why Chiko continues to build multiple businesses at the same time. How he handles team members who aren't meeting expectations. Why he believes you're either growing or dying — there's no in-between. How setbacks have shaped the way he approaches the next opportunity. There's a lot in this conversation about revenue, leadership, team culture, expansion, and the reality of building a business when everything doesn't go according to plan. If you've ever wondered what the less visible side of coworking growth looks like, this is an episode you'll want to hear. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Chiko Abengowe on LinkedIn Perfect Office Solutions website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

August 26, 202647 min

202. Chris Hoyt of The Pioneer Collective on Why More Revenue Streams Aren't Always Better

What happens when a coworking operator decides that growth doesn't have to mean doing more? Christopher Hoyt, CEO of The Pioneer Collective, has taken a deliberately measured approach to growing his coworking business across Seattle and Tacoma — and a big part of that strategy is knowing what not to do. In this episode, Christopher shares how he and his wife Audrey bootstrapped the business, financed growth through cash flow, and used revenue-share deals with landlords to manage risk without taking on unnecessary fixed costs. In this episode, we talk about: Building a coworking business through cash flow rather than outside investment Using revenue-share leases to reduce real estate risk Why hyper-local knowledge is a competitive advantage The hidden danger of overspending on CapEx Why "premium" doesn't have to mean expensive Knowing when an additional revenue stream isn't worth the operational complexity How self-serve meeting-room bookings are creating new demand Balancing business growth with family and personal priorities Chris's approach is a good reminder that sometimes the smartest growth strategy is doing fewer things really well. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Christopher Hoyt on LinkedIn The Pioneer Collective website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

August 11, 202647 min

201. Jackie Latragna on Marketing Coworking Spaces

What happens when a marketer steps into coworking and starts looking at the business from the outside? In our latest podcast episode, Jamie and Gio sit down with Jackie Latragna, a marketer who went from answering phones at an executive suite at 21 to becoming a fractional CMO working with coworking operators. Jackie shares some great lessons on what she's seeing across the industry, including: Why owners need to find ways to step away from day-to-day operations The importance of ruthlessly evaluating your processes before scaling How to turn the knowledge of your location teams into actual strategy Why community involvement can be one of your most powerful marketing tools How ThinkSpace brought more than 2,000 people through its space during Seattle Tech Week Why smaller operators shouldn't feel like they need to replicate what larger brands are doing How to think about CRM and technology decisions without automatically reaching for the biggest platform Why marketers and operators should look outside coworking for ideas and inspiration The role of SEO, AEO, AI tools, reporting, and measurable marketing outcomes Why a little friction and different perspectives can actually lead to better ideas One of Jackie's biggest themes throughout the conversation is simple: don't let the day-to-day keep you from looking at the bigger opportunity. If you're trying to grow your coworking business without getting buried in the weeds, this one is worth a listen. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jackie Latragna on LinkedIn BLANKSPACES Coworking website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

July 30, 202650 min

199. Greg Miley on how Clockwise is Scaling Across Europe Through Partnerships with Asse Owners

What does it take to grow a coworking portfolio across multiple markets without relying on a one-size-fits-all playbook? According to Greg Miley, Chief Commercial Officer at Clockwise, it starts with understanding that every location has its own unique challenges, customers, and opportunities. In this episode, Greg shares how Clockwise operates 18 assets across 17 cities throughout the UK and Europe, and how the company approaches growth across a highly distributed portfolio. From entering new markets to building local awareness, Greg explains why successful flex operators need to understand the dynamics of each market instead of applying the same strategy everywhere. In this episode, we talk about: How Clockwise grew a portfolio across 17 different cities Why every coworking market requires a different sales and marketing strategy How operators can identify the right channels for each location Why brokers remain an important part of the flex workspace ecosystem Why general managers are critical to creating visibility and relationships outside the building How Clockwise uses CRM data to understand lead sources, conversions, and growth opportunities The importance of choosing the right buildings and understanding market demand Why flexible workspace adoption continues to grow as companies rethink traditional offices How Greg's experience as both a broker and operator influences his approach to partnerships As the flexible workspace industry continues to mature, the operators who combine strong local relationships, smart data practices, and a deep understanding of their customers will be the ones positioned for sustainable growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Greg Miley on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

July 21, 202632 min

198. Workbox CEO John Wallace on Scaling a Coworking Business

What does it take to scale a coworking company without losing focus? According to John Wallace, Founder & CEO of Workbox, it starts by knowing exactly who you're building for—and resisting the temptation to be everything to everyone. In this episode, John shares how Workbox has grown to 13 locations across seven cities while staying focused on serving small and midsize businesses. We also dive into the company's new strategic alliance with Serendipity Labs and why partnerships may become an increasingly important growth strategy for coworking operators. In this episode, we talk about: Why Workbox partnered with Serendipity Labs and what the alliance means for members How strategic partnerships can expand a coworking network without opening new locations Why Workbox prioritizes small and midsize businesses over enterprise clients How AI is helping operators improve pricing, sales, workflows, and decision-making Why hospitality remains the biggest competitive advantage in coworking The role of flexible workspace in supporting the next generation of AI startups How revenue-share and profit-share agreements create better alignment with building owners One insight that really stuck with me was John's reminder that AI shouldn't replace hospitality—it should eliminate the busy work so your team can spend more time creating meaningful member experiences. As our industry continues to evolve, the operators who combine great hospitality with smart technology and strategic growth will be the ones who stand out. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: John Wallace Workbox website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

July 16, 202637 min

197. How Andrew Runnette Is Helping Scale the Cowarehousing Industry

What happens when a former chef helps build one of the fastest-growing cowarehousing companies in the country? You get a fascinating perspective on where flexible workspace is headed next. In this episode, Andrew Runnette shares how his career took him from restaurant kitchens to Whole Foods, then into food tech, and eventually to helping scale Portal Warehousing across the U.S. What stood out most to me is how closely the evolution of cowarehousing mirrors the early days of coworking. At its core, it isn't just about warehouse space. It's about giving businesses the flexibility to grow without committing to traditional industrial leases—and creating space that adapts as those businesses evolve. In this episode, we talk about: Andrew's journey from chef to Whole Foods executive to scaling Portal Warehousing How Portal expanded from one location to multiple markets across the U.S. Why flexibility is becoming just as important in industrial real estate as it is in coworking The KPIs operators should be tracking before expanding to new locations Common layout and operational mistakes that limit growth How AI is helping operators connect systems, benchmark performance, and make smarter decisions Why Andrew believes "space as a service" is the future of both coworking and cowarehousing One insight that really stuck with me was Andrew's view that the future isn't about selling office space or warehouse space—it's about creating flexible solutions that help businesses grow. Whether you're already exploring industrial flex space or simply curious about where the flexible workspace industry is heading, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what's next. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Andrew Runnette Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

July 7, 202654 min

196. Best Of: Reclaiming Creativity in Coworking Design with Dean Connell

This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes because the conversation is just as relevant today as when it first aired. Design matters—but not in the way most coworking operators think. After helping design more than 2 million square feet of flexible workspace around the world, Dean Connell has a unique perspective on what makes a coworking space successful. It's not about following trends or choosing the right furniture. It's about creating spaces with personality, purpose, and a culture people genuinely want to be part of. In this conversation, Dean shares how he went from designing luxury bars and boutique hotels to becoming Creative Director at WeWork, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he believes too many coworking spaces have become predictable. If you're designing, renovating, or rethinking your coworking space, this episode will challenge the way you think about design, community, and member experience. In this episode, we cover: Dean's journey from hospitality design to leading creative projects at WeWork Why so many coworking spaces look and feel the same—and what operators can do differently The balance between scalable design and authentic community How thoughtful design influences culture, member experience, and brand perception Why operators should stop playing it safe and build spaces people remember Whether you're opening your first coworking space or planning your next renovation, this conversation is full of ideas to help you create a space that stands out—for all the right reasons. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Dean on LinkedIn I-AM.D.C website Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast