GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

Hosted by GCUC Coworking Podcast

BusinessInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed LinkedIn X / Twitter YouTube

Episodes

150

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Step into the dynamic world of coworking and flexible workspaces with the GCUC Podcast, where industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries converge to explore the future of work. Hosted by seasoned experts, this podcast delves into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global coworking movement. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with trailblazers from the coworking community, sharing their stories, experiences, and valuable insights. Whether you’re a coworking space operator, a remote worker, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of work, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the discussions that are shaping the way we work and collaborate. Each episode features thought-provoking interviews, thought leadership discussions, and practical tips to navigate the ever-changing world of workspaces. From the impact of technology on workspace design to the role of community in fostering innovation, the GCUC Podcast is your go-to source for staying informed and inspired in the coworking ecosystem. Tune in, stay connected, and discover the key trends influencing the future of work on the GCUC Podcast. Whether you’re a coworking enthusiast or just getting started on your flexible work journey, there’s something for everyone in this engaging and informative series. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of workspaces around the globe!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 13831 min

GCUC Podcast - Amanda Perry, Founder of Brain First

What makes a coworking space feel like a place you belong? And what happens when the way we design and run our spaces doesn’t work for every brain? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Amanda Perry, founder of Brain First and author of Brain First Business, to explore how coworking spaces can better support neurodivergent members and create environments where people feel they belong. Drawing on her own ADHD diagnosis and experience building a business that works with her brain, Amanda shares why sensory experiences, clear communication, flexible work environments, and psychological safety matter. They discuss practical ways operators can make their spaces more inclusive, the Brain First Mark and its role in helping people find supportive workplaces, and why community may be just as valuable as the workspace itself. Plus, Amanda shares what she's unlearning as she builds Brain First and works to make neuroinclusive coworking more accessible. Listen & Connect Connect with Amanda Perry https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaperryuk/ Follow Amanda Perry on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amandaperry/ Follow Amanda Perry on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amandaperry/ Explore Brain First Accreditation Take the Neurodiversity & Coworking Survey Learn more about Amanda Perry and Brain First amandaperry.co.uk Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

October 13, 2026Episode 13743 min

GCUC Podcast - Tuomas Sahi, CEO of Antilooppi

What happens when a landlord stops thinking about tenants and starts thinking about customers? On this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Tuomas Sahi, CEO of Antilooppi, a Finnish real estate company rethinking how office buildings operate through its flexible workspace concept, POOL. Tuomas shares how Antilooppi combines traditional office leases with flexible, pay-as-you-go workspace to give companies more control over their costs while creating better experiences for the people using their buildings. From building community across companies to rethinking how space is designed, managed, and measured, this conversation explores what happens when customer value becomes the driver of real estate performance. Plus, Tuomas breaks down the lessons learned from scaling POOL across the Helsinki metropolitan area, why flexibility needs to make financial sense for property owners, and what the future of office real estate can learn from coworking and hospitality. Because the future of office isn't just about owning buildings. It's about serving the people who work in them. Learn more about Antilooppi and POOL at antilooppi.fi/en/ Listen & Connect Connect with Tuomas Sahi https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuomas-sahi-0a74235/ Learn more about Antilooppi https://www.linkedin.com/company/antilooppi/about/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

September 29, 2026Episode 13635 min

GCUC Podcast - Roger Bruce, CEO of Workspace Geek

What happens when AI gets smarter, automation gets faster, and human connection becomes more valuable? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz sits down with Roger Bruce, CEO of Morningstar Software, the company behind Workspace Geek, to talk about the future of coworking, what operators can learn from decades of running business centers, and how technology can actually create more space for people. Roger shares his fresh perspective on the coworking industry, why operators may be leaving revenue opportunities on the table, and how better data and AI can help them make more proactive decisions. They also dig into where AI is genuinely useful, where it’s mostly hype, and why operators should be preparing for AI to become another channel for bookings and sales. But perhaps the biggest takeaway? Technology shouldn't replace the human side of coworking. It should make more room for it. Roger and Liz talk about why community, connection, and real human interaction may become even more important as AI becomes part of everyday life. Plus, Roger opens up about taking over a company with nearly 30 years of history and the one thing he’s currently trying to unlearn: doing too much and learning to slow down. If you're a coworking operator thinking about technology, AI, revenue, and the future of your business, this conversation is worth a listen. Listen & Connect Connect with Roger Bruce https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerbruce/ Learn more about Workspace Geek https://www.workspacegeek.com/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

September 15, 2026Episode 13534 min

GCUC Podcast - Danielle Casey, Founder and Creative Director of 1909

What happens when a coworking space decides the business isn’t the most important thing? Danielle Casey is the Founder and Creative Director of 1909, a nonprofit entrepreneurial hub in West Palm Beach built “for creators, by creators.” Since launching in 2018, 1909 has helped more than 200 businesses get off the ground while providing workspace, education, mentorship, and community at below-market rates. In this episode, Danielle and Liz talk about why she chose the nonprofit path, what it means to focus on the founder rather than just the business, and how 1909 is helping entrepreneurs navigate everything from AI to rising commercial real estate costs. They also get into something even bigger: mental health. Inspired by Liz’s challenge at GCUC, Danielle has made free one-on-one mental health services available to 1909 members through a licensed mental health counselor based in the space. Plus, Danielle shares why she thinks the coworking industry can get too focused on occupancy, revenue, growth, and opening more locations, and why intentional programming, meaningful connection, transparency, and member success may be the real drivers of long-term value. This is a conversation about building coworking differently, supporting the people behind the businesses, and what becomes possible when a space puts people first. Listen & Connect Connect with Danielle Casey https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellewcasey/ Learn more about 1909 https://www.linkedin.com/company/weare1909/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

September 2, 2026Episode 13442 min

GCUC Podcast - Jonathan O’Byrne, Co-Founder of The Coworking Institute

What if coworking had its own MBA? In this special episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with her new business partner, Jonathan O’Byrne, to officially introduce the Coworking Institute, a new education platform built to help the industry move from learning by instinct to learning by design. Jonathan and Liz talk about what sparked the idea, why coworking needs deeper and more structured education, and what happens when you bring together some of the most experienced operators, founders, and experts from around the world to share what they’ve learned. From Coworking Foundations for people just getting started, to the flagship Coworking MBA, executive education, AI training, mentorship, and professional accreditation, the Institute is designed to meet operators and teams at different stages of their careers. They also dig into the thinking behind the curriculum, why every program is assessed rather than simply attendance-based, how AI helped them build the platform, and why a truly global perspective matters in an industry that looks very different from market to market. Plus, they get into what's next: emerging coworking business models, wellness and longevity, the role of mental health, and how the industry can continue evolving as coworking becomes an increasingly important part of the future of work and real estate. This is a conversation about raising the bar for coworking education and building it together. Listen & Connect Connect with Jonathan O’Byrne https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanobyrne/ Learn more about The Coworking Institute https://coworkinginstitute.com/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

September 1, 2026Episode 13331 min

GCUC Podcast - Nyambura Gichohi, CEO & Co-Founder of Ikigai

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam connects with Nyambura Gichohi, CEO & Co-Founder of Ikigai in Nairobi, to talk about the evolution of the company as it approaches its 10th anniversary. They explore Ikigai’s new 2030 strategy, the science behind biophilic design, and why nature-based wellness has become central to the brand’s future. Nyambura also shares why Ikigai attracts so many mission-driven organizations, how flexible workspace can solve unique challenges for NGOs, and what makes the African coworking market different from other parts of the world. They dive into the importance of building a stronger operator community across the continent, the lessons of growing to five locations, and what Ikigai needs to get right before its next phase of expansion. A conversation about intentional growth, healthier workplaces, the power of nature, and why Africa deserves a bigger seat at the global coworking table. Join Nyambura, Liz, and the GCUC community at GCUC Africa in Cape Town this September for more conversations about the future of coworking across the continent. Listen & Connect Connect with Nyambura Gichohi https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyamburagichohi/ Learn more about Ikigai https://ikigai.co.ke/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Get your GCUC Africa Tickets https://africa.gcuc.co/buy-tickets/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

August 18, 2026Episode 13238 min

GCUC Podcast - Elliott Sparsis, Co-Founder of Together

What happens when you run a meeting and events business like a hospitality company? For Elliott Sparsis, it means creating spaces where every detail. From the food and air quality to the technology and, most importantly, the people, they are designed around the experience. In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Elliott Sparsis, Co-Founder of Together, to talk about his journey from Blackstone and Convene to launching Together in London. They explore why physical experiences are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world, how COVID changed the corporate meeting landscape, and why companies are moving away from traditional hotel meeting spaces. Elliott also shares what it takes to build a hospitality-first team, the thinking behind Together's technology and food offerings, the realities of raising £10 million to launch the business, and why giving back through their partnership with James's Place is an important part of their mission. Come experience Together for yourself and join the GCUC community in London for conversations, connections, and fresh ideas about the future of coworking and flexible work. Get your tickets today at uk.gcuc.co/tickets . Listen & Connect Connect with Elliott Sparsis https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliott-sparsis/ Learn more about Together https://together.space/ Connect with Liz Elam https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam GCUC Events https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

August 4, 2026Episode 13136 min

GCUC Podcast - Paul Keursten, Co-founder of Workshop17

Building Coworking Communities Across Africa with Paul Keursten of Workshop 17 In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Paul Keursten, co-founder of Workshop17, to explore his journey from launching coworking spaces in the Netherlands in 2008 to building a 16+ location operation across Africa. Paul shares lessons from scaling a coworking business while staying true to community, hospitality, and culture. They discuss: Why coworking has always been about people, not just space How Workshop 17 navigated the WeWork acquisition talks and COVID uncertainty Why you can’t scale community and why you have to nurture culture Building a coworking ecosystem across Africa through partnerships The future of flexible work beyond traditional office spaces A conversation about resilience, innovation, and creating workplaces where people feel connected and inspired. Connect with Paul Keursten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-keursten-b6b1625/ Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Learn more about GCUC & get your tickets for GCUC Africa: The conversations shaping the future of coworking don't stop with the podcast. Join operators, founders, and industry leaders from across the continent this October at GCUC Africa. https://africa.gcuc.co/ GCUC Events https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos Learn more about Workshop 17: workshop17.co.za Check out our Juicy Podcast Sponsor, Workspace Geek Workspace Geek helps coworking operators simplify billing, automate operations, and spend less time managing software so they can focus on building thriving communities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the GCUC Podcast, leave a review, and share it with another coworking operator. Follow GCUC for more conversations with the people shaping the future of flexible work.

July 1, 2026Episode 13037 min

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Chiko Abengowe, CEO of Perfect Office Solutions

What does it really take to build a sustainable flex office business in today’s evolving market? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Chiko Abengowe to unpack how disciplined leasing, operational clarity, and cash-flow-first thinking can still outperform increasingly complex industry models. While much of the flex office sector has shifted toward management agreements, hybrid leases, and profit-sharing structures, Chiko has taken a different path by sticking with a lease-based model, prioritizing private offices, and focusing on simplicity as a core competitive advantage. The result is a scaled portfolio built on fundamentals rather than financial engineering. Together, they explore how operators can grow sustainably without overcomplicating the business and why understanding both landlords and customers is essential to long-term success. They cover: Why Chiko has stayed committed to a lease-driven growth model while the industry shifts toward hybrid structures How simplicity in deal structure can become a competitive advantage at scale What landlords actually care about and how to structure deals that work for both sides Why private offices continue to drive the majority of demand in flex space portfolios How Chiko underwrites deals using straightforward, cash-flow-first logic rather than complex modeling Why is rent collection a more important metric than occupancy How founder-led authenticity and social media presence can directly drive customer acquisition What it takes to scale during downturns and why flex space performs differently in market cycles Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, investor, or workplace strategist, this episode offers a grounded look at how real operators build resilient businesses by focusing on fundamentals instead of industry hype. Connect with Chiko Abengowe: www.linkedin.com/in/chiko-abengowe-6124452/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos

July 1, 2026Episode 12941 min

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Shay Bolton & Kirill Azovtsev, Savills

What are enterprise occupiers really looking for from flexible workspace? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Shay Bolton and Kirill Azovtsev of Savills to explore how enterprise occupiers are evaluating flexible workspace and what operators and landlords need to understand to win more deals. As flexible workspace becomes a permanent part of corporate real estate strategies, occupiers are looking beyond desks and short-term leases. They're evaluating hospitality, amenities, operational partnerships, and the overall experience a building can provide. Together, Caleb, Shay, and Kirill discuss how enterprise demand is evolving, why landlord-operator partnerships are becoming more important, and what separates successful flex deals from the ones that fall apart. They cover: How enterprise occupiers are using flexible workspace as part of their long-term portfolio strategy Why hospitality and customer experience have become competitive advantages for office buildings How coworking operators can create more value for landlords beyond leasing space Why management agreements and profit-sharing models are replacing traditional lease structures The biggest reasons flex deals fall apart and how operators can avoid them What landlords look for when evaluating coworking partners How operators should qualify buildings before investing time and capital Why are larger office buildings increasingly incorporating flexible workspace Whether "coworking" still defines the industry or if it's time for a new language Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, broker, or workplace strategist, this episode offers an inside look at how occupiers are making workplace decisions and what it takes to build successful partnerships in today's commercial real estate market. Connect with Shay Bolton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bolton-873a566b/ Connect with Kirill Azovtsev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillazovtsev/ Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos