Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini

Our guest on this episode is Kane Willmott, co-founder and CEO of IQ Offices and a prominent figure in the flex office industry.
We dive into Kane's journey from aspiring accountant to leading the largest Canadian-owned coworking operator.
The dialogue covers the intricacies of the flex office market, the impact of COVID-19, and the evolution of coworking models. Kane also shares his personal journey into triathlons and marathons, highlighting the parallels between personal challenges and entrepreneurial resilience.
We also talk about the importance of community and mentorship within the coworking industry, offering valuable insights into the future of work spaces and the enduring power of passionate involvement in one's work.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Kane Willmott on LinkedIn
 
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Jarred Schenke is a flexible office/coworking reporter for Bisnow. His job is to cover industry news from a variety of vantage points.
He shares his informed, but outside-the-industry insight on Yardi's acquisition of WeWork.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Follow Jarred on BisNow
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
 

In this comprehensive conversation, Ben Wright discusses his journey in the flex space industry, including his promotion to Global Head of Partnerships at Instant and his thoughts on the dynamic shifts in coworking spaces. The discussion touches on the challenges of acquisitions and consolidating the industry, with a special focus on the recent acquisition of WeWork by Yardi. Ben emphasizes the importance of understanding business value from both a buyer's and seller's perspective, the role of curiosity, trusting others, and taking personal risks in professional growth. Additionally, the conversation covers strategies for regional operators and the impact of digital platforms on the industry. Personal anecdotes, including Ben's reflections on life changes and advice he would give to his younger self, provide a holistic view of his journey in the flex space and beyond.
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Ben on LinkedIn
The Instant Group website
Kurt on LinkedIn
Essensys website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
 

Michael Feinstein opened his first location in Miami’s midtown…before coworking was popular and before midtown was cool. Michael had been living in London where office space was intentionally designed. He was surprised when he moved to Miami and discovered that office space was pretty bland and uninspiring. He decided that Miami needed an upgrade and he would try to provide it. Eight locations later, Buro has built a brand known for…great office space. Thoughtful design, great lighting, compelling locations…and touches of hospitality Michael brings from his pre-coworking background. 
Michael shares how his international travel influenced the design of his locations, his real estate structure for each his eight locations, why he keeps his team lean, and more. 
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Michael on LinkedIn
Büro website
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
 

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Brandon Medeiros, CEO of REKalibrate, and Ryan Donahue, CTO, to discuss their innovative journey in the commercial real estate industry. They share their personal backgrounds and how they’ve transitioned from relying on anecdotal evidence to embracing data-driven decision-making. We explore the critical role of data in understanding occupancy patterns and tenant needs, which has become even more essential since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our conversation covers a range of topics including the future demand for workspaces, the impact of amenities, and how technology is reshaping real estate strategies for a data-informed future.
Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
 
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Brandon on LinkedIn
Ryan Dononhue on LinkedIn
REKalibrate website
 

Connect with your Hosts:
Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn
Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn
Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast