Coworking Values Podcast

Bernie J Mitchell
Coworking Values Podcast

Welcome to Coworking Values the podcast of the European Coworking Assembly. Each week we deep dive into one of the values of accessibility, community, openness, collaboration and sustainability. Listen in to learn how these values can make or break Coworking culture. coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

  1. Forget CVs—Ask About Spare Time: A New Way to Welcome Refugees with Mikael Johansson

    1 DAY AGO

    Forget CVs—Ask About Spare Time: A New Way to Welcome Refugees with Mikael Johansson

    "We are the bridge that can make the trust between the system and the association that can make the trust become more vivid." Episode Summary The swimming champion had been waiting tables for months. Nobody in the official integration system had bothered to ask the right question. They wanted to know about his qualifications, his work history, and his Swedish language skills. All the bureaucratic boxes that fit neatly into government forms. But when Mikael Johansson's team met him, they asked something different: "What did you do in your spare time?" That question changed everything. University swimming champion in Syria. Youth coach. Skills that had nothing to do with his CV and everything to do with what Malmö's community needed. One training session with a local swimming club later, they hired him immediately. His Swedish wasn't perfect, but his skills were exactly what they were looking for. This is the story of Föreningslots Malmö—literally "Association Guide," but "lots" means tugboat. The small, powerful boats that guide massive ships safely into harbour. That metaphor isn't accidental. Mikael runs a model that challenges everything we think we know about integration, networking, and how communities work. Since 1945, Malmö Ideella has been the umbrella organisation for approximately 300-400 member associations, including churches, football clubs, and educational groups. When refugees started arriving in larger numbers, they didn't just process them through government systems. They created tugboats. Malmö sits connected to Copenhagen by a bridge, and 185 different countries are represented in one place. However, what makes it remarkable is that when newcomers arrive, they are not interrogated about their past. They get asked about their dreams. The ResMove project takes this further, connecting refugees specifically to coworking spaces across Europe. Not just for the workspace, but for the networks, mentorship, and community connections that make landing in a new country possible. What emerges is a working alternative to the polarisation and exclusion that defines so much of our current moment. It's messy, human, and surprisingly effective. Timeline Highlights [01:08] Setting impossible standards: "I want to be known for having written the world's best novel ever" [02:03] Malmö revealed: Sweden's third-largest city, bridge to Copenhagen, "185 different countries representing Malmö" [04:45] From project to permanence: Föreningslots started as asylum seeker support, became essential infrastructure [06:43] Historical roots: "We started in 1945, in the aftermath of the Second World War" [08:36] The crucial difference: "Associations don't ask questions about things that maybe are hard to talk about" [10:51] The bridge principle: "We are the bridge that can make the trust between the system and the association" [13:46] ResMove's mission: "I see the coworking spaces like a catalyst for these people" [17:19] Bernie's Faceworks connection: LinkedIn profiles vs CVs and why community matters more [19:54] The swimming champion revelation: "We asked him about what you do in your spare time" [22:12] Network multiplication: "If we could help them get more contacts that have more contacts themselves" [24:50] The tugboat metaphor: "Föreningslots" means association guide, "lots" means tugboat [26:07] Facing invisible barriers: "There are obstacles when it comes to the economy", and hidden norms [28:16] Two-way transformation: "We will also help the coworking spaces to be more inclusive" [29:18] Bernie's insight about feeling seen: "You have to go and invite people one by one" The Questions Nobody Asks Government integration programmes ask the wrong questions. They want qualifications, work history, and language proficiency. All the official stuff that fits into databases and funding reports. Mikael's team asks: "What did you do in your spare time?" That shift in curiosity revealed a Syrian university swimming champion who'd also coached youth. His Swedish wasn't perfect, but his skills were exactly what the local swimming club needed. After one training session, they hired him immediately. "No one had asked him about what he had done when he was studying or working; they just asked about those things," Mikael explains. "But we asked him about what you do in your spare time." The lesson extends beyond refugee integration. Most networking fails because we lead with credentials instead of curiosity about what people actually love doing. Bernie recognises this from his work in London: "So many people have got jobs they wouldn't apply for, but they've just been in the room and hit it off with someone." You can't teach networking, but you can create conditions that foster it naturally. Why Associations Beat Bureaucracy "Associations don't ask questions about things that maybe are hard to talk about," Mikael explains with quiet conviction. When you've fled your country, the last thing you need is another interrogation about your past. Government systems demand documentation, explanations, and proof of who you were before your world fell apart. Football clubs care about whether you can coach kids. Churches want to know if you play an instrument. Educational groups need help with accounting. The barriers to entry are human-sized, not institutional. "In general, the associations are much more welcoming to newcomers," Mikael notes. They operate on trust and contribution, not paperwork and background checks. This insight cuts deeper than refugee work. It reveals how real community integration works for anyone landing somewhere new, whether you're fleeing war or just moving for work. The Tugboat Principle Bernie gets visibly excited when Mikael explains the metaphor: "I'm above average excited about that, folks, because here in Vigo, a lot of big container ships and cruise liners come in all the day... There's all these tugboats in the Bay of Vigo guiding these bigger boats in all the time." Föreningslots translates as "Association Guide," but "lots" specifically means tugboat. Not the tourist guide you'd hire for sightseeing, but the small, powerful boat that guides massive ships safely into harbour. Malmö Ideella acts as the tugboat for 300-400 member associations. They know which football club needs a coach, which church group needs someone who speaks Arabic, and which educational association could use help with numbers. Government systems don't have this granular knowledge of community needs. "We know the associations," Mikael explains. "So we are the bridge that can make the trust between the system and the association that can make the trust become more vivid." The tugboat doesn't do the work of the big ship. It ensures the boat reaches its destination without colliding with anything. The Network Multiplication Effect "If we could help them get more contacts that have more contacts themselves, so the person gets a bigger network, then we have done even more than maybe a lot of governmental bodies are doing." This is where Mikael's model transcends traditional integration work. It's not about finding one job or making one connection. It's about connecting people to networks that multiply opportunities naturally. The swimming coach didn't just get hired. He gained access to the entire swimming community in Malmö—parents, other coaches, sports administrators, and people who might need his skills in completely different contexts. Bernie connects this to his experience with Urban MBA in London: "You can't teach networking. You have to let it happen with people, and throwing people together to bump into each other is one of the best things groups like yours can do." The Invisible Barriers Problem Even in welcoming communities, obstacles exist. Economic barriers—you can't join the opera if you can't afford tickets. Social barriers—golf clubs with expensive membership fees. Cultural barriers—the invisible norms that nobody explains but everyone's expected to know. "There are obstacles when it comes to the economy," Mikael acknowledges. "But there is also a challenge when you want to play golf, for example. So there are some obstacles." Then there's the deeper issue: "We have the problem with the norms in both the society and the association. Both the visible norms and the invisible norms." Mikael's insight: "We cannot just say that we go to an association and be a part of an activity... We must also do the other part to help the association become even more open." Integration is a two-way street. Communities need to examine their own assumptions about accessibility, rather than expecting newcomers to figure everything out. What Coworking Spaces Can Learn The ResMove project connects refugees to coworking spaces across Europe, but it's not just about access to workspace. "I see the coworking spaces like a catalyst for these people," Mikael explains. Not just a place to work, but where dreams become achievable through human connections. Where someone might find a mentor who knows how to start a company, or a collaborator who needs their specific language skills. The model challenges coworking operators to think beyond membership fees and hot desks. How do you become a tugboat for your community? How do you create conditions for organic networking rather than forced networking events? Bernie's connection to Faceworks illustrates this perfectly. When Ukrainian refugees arrived in London, well-meaning volunteers tried to teach CV writing. But CVs are intimidating in any language, let alone a second one. What worked was LinkedIn profile workshops—more informal, more visual, more aligned with how people find opportunities now. The Two-Way Transformation "We will also help the coworking spaces to be more inclusive," Mikael explains. The ResMove project isn't just about helping refugees access coworking—it's about helping coworking spaces understand how to be genuinely welcoming. This acknowledges som

    31 min
  2. When Yoga Becomes Work: The Dark Side of Coworking Wellness with Dr. Adèle Gruen

    2 DAYS AGO

    When Yoga Becomes Work: The Dark Side of Coworking Wellness with Dr. Adèle Gruen

    "It's not necessarily your boss telling you to do yoga, but yourself thinking that if you don't do yoga, if you don't do these networking events, you might not be as good as you would like at your job." The wellness class ends. Everyone rolls up their mats, checks their phones, and heads back to their desks. Productivity restored. Focus recharged. Another tool in the productivity arsenal. But what happens when yoga stops being about you and starts being about your quarterly targets? Dr. Adèle Gruen has spent years immersed in coworking spaces, observing how community activities evolve into business development opportunities. Her research reveals something uncomfortable: the very things that should restore us—yoga, networking events, communal meals—are being weaponised for work. As Junior Professor at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL, Adèle's 2021 paper "Customer Work Practices and the Productive Third Place" mapped how coffee shops became work accelerators. Her latest research on "Consumptive Work in Coworking" exposes how coworking spaces turn everything—from baking classes to meditation—into productivity tools. It isn't about corporate wellness programmes imposed from above. It's about the pressure we put on ourselves to turn every moment into a work opportunity. Adèle calls it "neo-normative alienation"—when you become your productivity overseer. Currently researching urban foraging ("I like weird stuff and I like people who do unexpected things"), Adèle embeds herself in the communities she studies. She attends workshops, learns skills, and spends hours understanding how people work and live. This conversation reveals the collision between two worlds: the traditional third place, which built community through leisure, and the emerging "productive third place," where everything becomes work. For coworking operators, it's a mirror. For community builders, it serves as a warning. For anyone who has ever felt guilty for not networking at a yoga class, it's validation. Timeline Highlights [01:29] The research curiosity that drives everything: "I like weird stuff and I like people who do unexpected things" [06:26] Why academic literature got third places wrong: "We didn't buy this discourse that people who worked in cafés were only silencing it" [09:52] The birth of "customer-workers": "We played around with cost worker or work customer... how do you do when there is no word to describe what you're seeing?" [12:56] Professional identity performance: "They advertise themselves as working in that space... they benefit from the imaginaries of that coworking space brand" [15:28] Bernie's realisation about the productivity machine: "It feels like you go to work, you go through the door, and you never have to leave" [17:57] The self-imposed pressure trap: "It's not necessarily your boss telling you to do yoga, but yourself thinking that if you don't do yoga... you might not be as good" [18:49] The burnout solution that creates more burnout: "The solution was to propose more meditation and wellness within the space. It's a never-ending circle" [20:10] community as marketplace: "Community enables them to sell better... the bigger the coworking space, the bigger the community, the more it resembles a market" [22:14] The proximity economy: "70% of people in coworking spaces said their business came from the people sitting near them" [24:46] work as lifestyle aspiration: "At least your work is more fun and you're not stuck behind a desk" [26:19] The exclusion problem: "A lot of people cannot engage in after-work networking events, especially if they involve alcohol" [27:16] What's next: "Part-time consultant, part-time farmer... people who work differently in the new ways of working" The Customer-Worker Revolution The coffee shop wars began with a simple observation that academics had overlooked entirely. "We didn't buy this discourse that was saying basically that people who worked in cafés were only silencing it and being very detrimental to the cafés," Adèle explains. The research establishment viewed these laptop warriors as parasites destroying the social fabric of third places. But something more complex was happening. Ray Oldenburg's "third place"—spaces dedicated to socialising between home and work—was evolving. Customer-workers weren't just exploiting coffee shops; they were transforming them into "productive third places" that actively cater to work whilst maintaining social energy. The language gap reveals the shift: "We played around with cost worker or work customer... how do you do when there is no word to describe what you're seeing in your data?" When you need to invent words, you know something fundamental is changing. The Professional Identity Marketplace Here's where coworking spaces become something more sophisticated than laptop squatting. "They advertise themselves as working in that space, and some of the coworking spaces have a very powerful brand," Adèle notes. "Independent workers benefit from the imaginaries of that coworking space brand that trickles down to their own business." Bernie recognises this immediately: "I know people that have said they work in some of those places... they will go, 'Oh, we're in the same office as X company' or 'Yes, we're in the same building as the BBC.'" This isn't proximity bragging—it's strategic identity construction. Coworking spaces serve as platforms for professional legitimacy, particularly for independent workers who lack traditional institutional credentials. The brand association works both ways. Members gain credibility from prestigious coworking brands, whilst spaces cultivate reputations that attract high-value members. It's an upward spiral of perceived status. But it creates exclusions based on who can afford premium spaces and who understands how to leverage brand associations for business development. The Consumptive Work Trap Bernie's realisation cuts to the heart of the transformation: "It feels like you go to work, you go through the door, and you never have to leave. There's this industrial productivity machine going on." This is "consumptive work"—the strategic use of consumption activities for work purposes. Yoga classes become focus sessions. Baking workshops become networking events. Communal meals become business development opportunities. "When they do yoga, it's also about finding productivity and focus. When you attend a baking class, it's also for networking, business development," Adèle explains. "What we are showing is that when you take work into these leisure activities or wellness activities, it becomes work, and then you're not doing it for its own sake." The psychology is insidious. It's not corporate mandates forcing you to network over cocktails. It's the pressure you put on yourself. "It's not necessarily your boss telling you to do yoga, but yourself thinking that if you don't do yoga, if you don't do these networking events, you might not be as good as you would like at your job." This is "neo-normative alienation"—when you become your productivity overseer. The Burnout Feedback Loop The solution to burnout in coworking spaces reveals the depth of the problem. "Some of the coworking managers were very much aware of the burnout situation," Adèle observes. "But the solution was to propose more meditation and wellness within the space. It's a never-ending circle." More wellness becomes more work. More community pressure becomes more pressure. The very things meant to restore us become another performance metric. When consumption becomes strategic, it ceases to be restorative. When community becomes commerce, it ceases to be a community. Community as Market The bigger the space, the more transactional it becomes. "Community enables them to sell better," Adèle explains. "The bigger the coworking space, the bigger the community, the more it resembles a market, a market for work." Bernie shares the statistics that prove it: "70% of people in coworking spaces said their business came from the people sitting near them, and it was proximity. I'd be on the phone, I'd be like, 'Oh, yes, you need a videographer?' And, Adèle, yeah, because you're there and I know you, you get the job." The platforms amplify this effect. Digital tools enable members to "scan and find someone very quickly," creating what one developer called a "business enablement platform." But size changes everything. Smaller spaces foster more authentic community, though with fewer business outcomes. Larger spaces become more efficient markets but lose genuine connection. The Lifestyle Deception Something deeper lurks beneath these work transformations. "Our respondents also expect work to be more like leisure," Adèle observes. "There is a sense of, I know I'm doing that, but at least it's part of this lifestyle aspiration that work is becoming a lifestyle in a way. Fluid." Bernie connects this to his own experience: "No one makes me work 9-to-5 somewhere. I always tell people to do calls on WhatsApp because I can walk and talk, and I walk around the park here doing calls, and it's just way nicer." The fluidity feels empowering until you realise the boundaries have dissolved entirely. Work expands to fill every space and activity. Leisure becomes strategic. Community becomes commerce. The promise is freedom. The reality is total absorption. The Inclusion Crisis The most damaging aspect isn't burnout—it's exclusion. "A lot of people cannot engage in after-work networking events, especially if they involve alcohol," Adèle notes. "People who are parents, particularly mothers... those who cannot go in crazy work hours or who are in a bit of a more rigid work contract." Bernie recognises this pattern: "For some reason in 2025, men have to stay out and women have to go home, which I don't agree with, but it's odd how that is a thing." The alcohol issue compounds the problem: "I don't drink... I would rather go for a delicious coff

    30 min
  3. Why Your Coworking Space Matters More Than You Think with Helena Norberg-Hodge

    3 JUL

    Why Your Coworking Space Matters More Than You Think with Helena Norberg-Hodge

    Episode Summary "We are being driven by a blind system that we support when we remain blind to it." Helena Norberg-Hodge doesn't talk about going local like it's a lifestyle choice. She talks about it like someone who's spent 50 years watching globalisation systematically dismantle communities, turn citizens into consumers, and leave people desperately lonely in a world designed to profit from division. As the founder of Local Futures, Helena has witnessed the shift from collective citizen action to individual consumer guilt. She's seen how trade treaties quietly handed power to global corporations, how algorithms now thrive on polarisation, and how the last five years of manufactured division aren't an accident. But she's also seen something else—the quiet revolution happening in community gardens, local food economies, and yes, coworking spaces where people are choosing to step back from the madness. This isn't another conversation about sustainability or buying different products. It's about understanding that your coworking space sits at the intersection of economic resistance and psychological healing. About why human connection comes before nature connection. About using the currency you already have to build the infrastructure you actually need. Helena breaks down the invisible empire of global trade, explains why the "inner peace first" movement keeps us trapped, and offers concrete steps any coworking space can take to become an anchor for local resilience. Tilley, Bernie and Helena discuss bread in Galicia, burnout in London, and the healing power of working with soil and seeds. We also talk about cash—the kind you can hold, the kind that doesn't disappear into blockchain energy consumption, the kind that can rebuild a local mill through grassroots sweat and tears. This episode is for anyone who senses the future isn't digital—it's local. For anyone building a community who needs permission to slow down without losing their fire. And for anyone wondering how to create real change when the whole system seems designed to keep you isolated and overwhelmed. Timeline Highlights [00:06] Bernie invites listeners to Unreasonable Connection—networking for people who hate networking [01:16] Helena introduces herself as a 50-year pioneer of worldwide localisation [02:33] The hard truth about going local: "It's quite hard to stop using Amazon, even though you hate it" [04:07] How governments signed away power to global corporations—and why we're all consumers now, not citizens [05:47] The shift from collective action to individual guilt: "You are destroying the world" [07:28] "We're victims of a system that's driving this"—why the last five years have been so polarised [08:58] The blindness problem: "We support the system when we remain blind to it" [10:17] Bernie's observation: more hope than ever despite the s**t storm [12:10] The spiritual bypass trap: why "inner peace first" thinking keeps us stuck [13:42] Human connection comes before nature connection—lessons from indigenous cultures [15:17] How to be fast and slow at the same time—the art of inhabiting different realities [17:18] Why local currencies often replicate the same problems—use what you've got instead [19:10] The Devon mill story: how grassroots effort rebuilt a local food economy [22:20] Bernie's Galicia bread revelation: why local food tastes different and doesn't make you feel ill [24:07] The idealism trap: watching out for perfect democratic structures that paralyse action [27:01] Tilley's reflection on feeling grounded—and Helena's rare combination of global view with grassroots experience Thematic Breakdown The Corporate Takeover Nobody Talks About Helena doesn't waste time with gentle introductions. She goes straight to the heart of how governments handed power to global corporations through trade treaties in the mid-80s. This wasn't gradual—it was a deliberate shift that transformed citizens into consumers and collective action into individual guilt. Why Everything Feels So Polarised Right Now The last five years haven't felt more divided by accident. Helena connects the dots between extractive capitalism and the algorithms designed to profit from hatred and division. She's witnessed 50 years of activism, and this level of polarisation is new—and manufactured. The Blindness That Keeps Us Trapped The biggest problem isn't evil CEOs or corrupt politicians. It's blindness to how the system works. Helena argues that from grassroots activists to BlackRock executives, we're all trapped in a system we support by not understanding it. Why Local Food Economies Matter Most Food is the only thing humans produce that everyone needs three times a day. Helena shares the Devon mill story—how a community rebuilt local wheat-to-bread infrastructure through sweat, tears, and philanthropy. This isn't romantic localism; it's practical economics that creates psychological healing as a side effect. The Spiritual Bypass Problem Helena calls out the "inner peace first" movement, which has dominated alternative thinking for decades. Real change requires working on both inner and outer transformation simultaneously. The human connection comes before the nature connection—a lesson from indigenous cultures that most spiritual movements often overlook. What Actually Works for Coworking Spaces Forget blockchain and complex local currencies. Use the national currency you have and start building relationships with local suppliers, local food initiatives, and community projects. Helena highlights coworking spaces that reduce rent for community initiatives, and owners who end up giving space away for free because they love what's happening. The Pragmatic Path Forward Helena warns against perfectionist idealism that demands representation from every group before taking action. Start with a few partners, watch one of their films, and begin the conversation about moving from individual consumer choices to collective citizen action. Links & Resources Helena's Work * Local Futures Website * Films – The Economics of Happiness & more * Books – Ancient Futures & more * Localisation Action Guide Events & Community * Unreasonable Connection * John Alexander – Citizenship Book Coworking Ecosystem * AI for Coworking Quiz * Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn * European Coworking Day * Workspace Design Show * Join the LinkedIn Coworking Group * Connect with Bernie * Connect with Tilley * Akou – Tilley's Company One More Thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    29 min
  4. Fighting to Belong: Building Places Where Everyone Can with Vibushan Thirukumar

    1 JUL

    Fighting to Belong: Building Places Where Everyone Can with Vibushan Thirukumar

    "It comes from being told no, being told to reduce yourself, and working for people who don't give a s**t about your future, your culture, or the environment, or your community. And it comes from that place of, F**k me, we have got to start doing something about this now." Vibushan Thirukumar doesn't mince words. The co-founder and CEO of Oru Space carries the weight of displacement, the memory of bunkers and burnt houses, and the fury of watching brilliant people conform to spaces that weren’t designed for them. This isn’t a founder story about scaling and exits. It’s a raw, essential conversation about what happens when someone who fled war as a toddler, grew up angry in Berrylands, and failed university at 21, decides to build places where no one has to shrink themselves to fit in. Vibushan talks about what it means to create genuine belonging, not as a marketing slogan, but as a form of resistance. About why coworking is becoming a property play for landlords and what it takes to hold the line. About spending locally, designing for diversity, and taking a stand on Gaza while others stay silent. We move from the Sri Lankan civil war to Sutton High Street. From racist neighbours to 45,000 square feet of community. From anger to purpose. From military metaphors to the language of care. From algorithmic distraction to human connection. This episode is for anyone who’s been told to reduce themselves—and chose not to. For anyone trying to build something real in their local area without losing their soul in the process. And for anyone wondering what coworking could still be. 🕰️ Timeline Highlights [00:06] Bernie introduces Unreasonable Connection – a networking event for people who hate networking [01:10] Vibushan introduces himself as co-founder of Oru Space, with 60 staff and 700 members across workspace and programs. [02:02] “I’d like to be known for not shying away from the discomfort and difficulties of being a first-generation person” [04:43] The source of Oru’s "Wakanda energy" – being told no and deciding to act anyway [06:00] "The coworking industry used to be purposeful. Now it’s becoming a property play." [07:13] Coworking as local economy: know your neighbours, stop commuting for no reason [09:41] Born in Trincomalee during the war, fleeing to the UK at two years old [12:51] The council flat years – the happiest time, full of real community [14:45] Suburban racism, school alienation, growing up angry [16:46] The 21-year-old realisation: "My life is s**t. I’ve achieved nothing." [23:45] “We don’t ask you to reduce yourself” – the design philosophy behind Oru [26:17] Why language matters: from ‘acquisition’ to actual community [27:07] Taking a stand on Gaza: "That could have been me" [33:41] Technology as the real enemy: echo chambers, manipulation, distraction [37:59] The solution is painfully simple: grow local, eat local, trade local [38:26] Final reflections on hope, property, and building forward from belonging 🧱 Thematic Breakdown The Tamil War Most People Don’t Know About Vibushan was born during Sri Lanka’s civil war, under British-induced divisions that left generations scarred. His family’s escape—hiding in bunkers while their home burned—began a lifelong journey of seeking safety and voice. From Council Flat Joy to Suburban Exile The Kingston council flat was a real community. Berrylands wasn’t. As soon as his family stepped into a whiter, wealthier suburb, things got harder: racism, silence, cold neighbours, and school staff who saw less in him than was there. What Language Does to Belonging What happens when you train staff to think in terms like "acquisition" instead of “neighbour”? The words we use shape how we see people—and how we treat them. Especially in coworking. When It’s Not Just Business This isn’t theory. Oru raised money for Gaza, cut suppliers complicit in destruction, and built infrastructure-level support into its operations. It’s not easy. It’s necessary. Belonging By Design Some spaces are built to flatten you. Some let you be anonymous. Others—like Oru—let you arrive and not know who you’re supposed to be. That disorientation is a gift: it gives people permission to be themselves. Real Neighbours, Real Community Forget the startup showroom. When you spend £1 locally, it circles four times through your community. When you spend it with a chain, it’s gone. Belonging is economic, not just emotional. 🔗 Links & Resources Oru Space WebsiteVibushan’s Oru Newsletter 🇵🇸Connect with Vibushan on LinkedInOru Space on InstagramAI for Coworking QuizUnreasonable Connection – Sign up on LumaJohn Alexander’s Citizenship BookCoworking Values Podcast on LinkedInEuropean Coworking DayWorkspace Design ShowLinkedIn Coworking GroupConnect with Bernie 🧠 One More Thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability — values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    42 min
  5. Coworking Without the Gimmicks: Why People Really Stay with Tom Ball

    27 JUN

    Coworking Without the Gimmicks: Why People Really Stay with Tom Ball

    Episode Summary "People don’t stay for the decor. They stay because they get more done and feel less alone." Most coworking spaces chase wow-factor tours. Big glass atriums. Branded mugs. Artfully placed ping-pong tables. But the reason people stay?It’s not the hobbit holes or upside-down dining tables. It’s because they feel less alone.And they get more done. This conversation with Tom Ball, founder of DeskLodge, doesn’t offer a five-step growth strategy or Instagram-friendly advice. It’s a story about building by instinct, not aesthetics.About designing for real life, not photo ops. Tom started with a beat-up building, zero budget, and a roll of masking tape.He didn’t optimise for scale. He listened to the space. And over time, something sticky and human emerged — a place where people don’t just rent a desk, they invest in the atmosphere. “Scaling is optional,” Tom says. “You don’t need 10 locations to feel proud. You need one that feels like home.” There’s even a “crap on a shelf” room — not for the brand deck, but for the quiet moment someone makes a new friend at the coffee machine. This episode is about choosing soul over scale.About what happens when you build a space that people miss when they’re not in it. Whether you’re starting your first space or trying to reconnect with why you began, this one’s a compass reset. Timeline Highlights [00:06] Bernie introduces Unreasonable Connection—no panels, no pitches, just real conversation [01:10] Tom shares what Desk Lodge is known for: quirky, creative, ultra-productive spaces [03:06] Behind the whimsy: how “crap on a shelf” becomes community fuel [04:24] Big atriums vs. crowded kitchens: what humans want from space [06:44] Bernie asks why some space owners still chase the WeWork dream [07:44] Tom’s answer: A thousand tiny things done well beats one big idea [09:03] The two things people want from coworking: get more done, feel less lonely [11:08] Silent zones, huddle spots, and breakout areas: designing for how humans actually work [14:19] From budget constraint to intentional design: how Desk Lodge grew out of making do [17:38] Why a quirky space builds trust faster than a polished one [22:47] Self-selection: the secret to building an authentic community without over-engineering it [25:06] Scaling is optional: how to choose depth over width (and why that's okay) [27:27] The wisdom of choosing to go deep—and not sit on two toilets at once Small Decisions, Big Vibe Every corner of Desk Lodge tells a story. Not because it was branded that way, but because it evolved from genuine constraints, real people, and genuine attention. From picnic benches in windowless rooms to themed zones that match how people work, this episode peels back the Instagram layer and shows how coworking can be built with heart and screwdrivers. Creating Places That Smile Back Tom doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all coworking. Instead, he shares how building for personality—even if it costs you monetisable space—creates the kind of environment people don’t want to leave. The Anti-WeWork Blueprint Forget the polished showrooms and bland lobbies. If you want people to invest their energy (not just their money), give them somewhere that feels like their own. Tom’s success isn’t from scale—it’s from soul. Links & Resources * DeskLodge Website * Video! DeskLodge in 23 Seconds * Unreasonable Hospitality book website * AI for Coworking Quiz * Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma * Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn * European Coworking Day 2026 * Visit the Workspace Design Show * Join the 8k+ Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group * Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn * Connect with Tom on LinkedIn One more thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values shaping the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    30 min
  6. Choosing the Right Software for Your Coworking Space - Not Someone Else’s Setup with Fiona Ross

    25 JUN

    Choosing the Right Software for Your Coworking Space - Not Someone Else’s Setup with Fiona Ross

    Episode Summary "If we don’t have revenue, we don’t have a space." Fiona Ross joins Bernie to discuss one of the most costly, challenging, and misunderstood decisions coworking operators encounter: when to abandon DIY systems and invest in software that genuinely supports your space. Forget the sales demos and shiny integrations. This episode is about the real-life process of choosing systems that work for your members, your team, and your values. You’ll learn when spreadsheets stop being cute and start costing you money. You’ll get a brutally honest look at integrations, platform migrations, and why some operators waste £10k just trying to fix problems they didn’t see coming. Fiona has helped dozens of coworking spaces scale without losing their soul—or their sanity. If you're opening a space, switching tools, or drowning in admin, this episode could save you months of stress. Timeline Highlights [00:05] Emily introduces Unreasonable Connection events and invites listeners [00:29] Bernie introduces Fiona and kicks off the software vs spreadsheet debate [01:47] The 5-year story of a Monday morning accountability ritual [02:52] Fiona explains when spreadsheets stop being sustainable [04:48] Why member experience and operator experience must shape your systems [06:21] What to ask before you even look at software [08:17] The role of values, support, and platform culture [10:25] DIY to platform: What makes a smooth transition? [12:36] Fiona's brutal honesty on integrations: "Only 40% actually work" [14:47] Platform decisions: what hill are you willing to die on? [17:17] Why mapping your customer and team journeys saves time later [19:45] Fiona's 3 key questions every space should answer first [21:26] The danger of hiring help too late and overpaying for panic [22:40] Cost vs value: don't mistake cheap for right [24:00] When to start evaluating platforms for a July opening [27:11] Why migrations can take 6 weeks—and how to do them right [30:02] Where to find and contact Fiona Ross Detailed Episode Breakdown Why Starting with Spreadsheets is Fine—Until It Isn't Fiona explains how spaces can start off messy, but why the administrative burden quickly becomes unsustainable. It's not about size—it's about complexity, capacity, and cash flow. Software Doesn’t Fix Chaos. Before choosing a platform, it's essential to understand your offer, your members, your workflows, and your core values; otherwise, you’ll cause confusion. The DIY-to-Platform Transition. The real pain isn’t the software itself—it’s the process of cleaning up your data, clarifying your needs, and rolling out change. Fiona shares what to prioritise to make it smoother. Beware the Integration Trap. Shiny promises often disappoint. Fiona warns that integrations rarely work as seamlessly as advertised, and understanding how they integrate matters more than whether they do. What's the Hill You're Willing to Die On? Every platform has pros and cons. Fiona urges space operators to get clear on their non-negotiables: what supports your team and member experience without compromise? The Cost of Cheap. You might save money upfront with a simpler system, but if it creates extra admin, errors, or friction, it could cost you members and momentum. Fiona makes the case for actual value over sticker price. When to Start and How Long It Takes. If you're opening in four months, now is the time. Fiona breaks down the realistic timelines and what you can (and should) be doing now to avoid a mad rush later. Peer Support and Avoiding Costly Mistakes Sometimes, the best move is just sitting down with other space operators and comparing notes. Don’t get dazzled by Brad from the booth with the squeezy ball. Links & Resources * Fiona’s website - Pink Scottie * AI for Coworking Quiz * Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma * Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn * European Coworking Day 2026 * Visit the Workspace Design Show * Join the 8k+ Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group * Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn * Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn One more thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values shaping the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    31 min
  7. Radical Hospitality & Real Community: Inside Prism Spaces with Olivia Jones & Tyshon Boone

    19 JUN

    Radical Hospitality & Real Community: Inside Prism Spaces with Olivia Jones & Tyshon Boone

    Episode Summary "I'm a mother now. I'm no longer a hostess." In this episode, Emily Breder talks with Olivia Jones and Tyshon Boone, co-founders of Prism Spaces in Chicago, about how two performing artists turned community managers are rewriting the coworking playbook. It starts with art: ballet and theatre degrees, open mics, and local gallery walls. But it doesn't stop there. Olivia and Tyshon bring a radical hospitality to their space—filtered water, lavender air, feminine care supplies, and no surprise charges for coffee. They run Prism like it's their baby, and their members feel it. We talk pricing pressures, staying accessible, and what happens when your coworking community drinks more tea than your Amazon cart can handle. Plus: the tensions of being best friends and business partners, and how sometimes community shows up as a serenade of Backstreet Boys covers. This one's for anyone who's ever wondered if coworking could be built with soul. Timeline Highlights [00:04] Emily invites listeners to the next Unreasonable Connection [00:59] Tyshon and Olivia share their arts backgrounds and coworking origin story [03:17] Olivia on pivoting from ballet to real estate to community building [06:02] How Prism supports local artists—with zero gatekeeping [07:44] Raffle prizes, theatre tickets, and the unexpected artsy side of members [08:57] A whole band forms during open mic night [10:13] Why charging for coffee isn’t the Prism way [12:42] Snacks, lavender, poodles, and the art of creating a welcoming space [14:19] The challenge of staying focused when your cofounder is your best friend [17:26] Why Olivia sees herself more as a mother than a manager [20:15] Cabo on the patio—how they use space design to shape member moods [21:55] The tension between financial sustainability and radical accessibility [25:06] Tyshon on member input, toilet flushes, and investing in the experience [26:45] How they divide work as a duo with different day jobs [29:24] The Chicago coworking boom—and how Prism stays different [32:09] How to find Prism online and get a free first day Detailed Episode Breakdown Meet the Artists-Turned-Owners Tyshon and Olivia met at the University of the Arts—he a theatre major, she a ballet dancer. Years later, they’ve taken their creative DNA and poured it into coworking. The Art of Building Community From open call gallery walls to raffle tickets for local plays, Prism isn’t just art-friendly—it’s art-first. Even their members bring surprise creativity to the table (or stage). Space as Care Work Olivia doesn’t see herself as a manager. She’s a mother to a living, breathing space. That care is evident in feminine supplies, quiet fountains, and complimentary snacks. Best Friends & Business Decisions Running a space with your bestie sounds dreamy—until your 1 PM meeting turns into cocktails and binge-watching. Tyshon and Olivia share how they navigate love and logistics. Pricing with Integrity What do you do when your members say, “You should charge more,” but you want to keep the doors open for everyone? Olivia and Tyshon talk real numbers, trust, and hard choices. Why Prism Doesn’t Feel Like a Business Between poodle greeters and morning lavender scents, members don’t feel like customers, and Olivia and Tyshon don’t want them to. But that doesn’t make running the place any easier. Links & Resources Referenced by Guests: * Prism Instagram – https://instagram.com/prism.spaces * Prism Website – https://prismpartners.space * Trap Door Theatre Chicago * RSVP for Unreasonable Connection * AI Readiness Quiz for Coworking * Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn * Visit the Workspace Design Show * Join the 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group * Emily on LinkedIn * Olivia on LinkedIn One more thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. Rate, follow, and share the podcast if this resonates with you. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    34 min
  8. The Freelance Pricing Crisis: How Undervaluing Your Work Costs More Than You Think with Elina Jutelyte

    17 JUN

    The Freelance Pricing Crisis: How Undervaluing Your Work Costs More Than You Think with Elina Jutelyte

    Episode Summary What happens when you realise your pricing model isn't just flawed—it’s sabotaging your freedom? This is a raw, practical, and candid conversation with Elina Jutelyte, founder of the Freelance Business Community, who has spent nearly a decade navigating the complex web of freelance economics across Europe. In this month's European Freelancer Special, we pull back the curtain on the emotional labour of pricing, the illusions sold to new freelancers, and how impostor syndrome sneaks in when we confuse execution with expertise. We discuss transitioning from charging by the hour to charging by value (and why both approaches still have a place), how motherhood reshaped Elina’s business model, and what the gig economy gets completely wrong about autonomy. If you’ve ever wondered why your pricing doesn’t feel right—or how to break the cycle—this one’s for you. "I had retainers, hourly rates, day fees, projects... but I was still losing money. Something had to change." Timeline Highlights [00:28] Bernie welcomes Elina to the European Freelancer Special [00:42] Elina introduces herself and the evolution of the Freelance Business Community [01:39] First event of the year: Freelance Business Pricing Forum [02:27] The emotional confusion around hourly pricing—and why it’s not always bad [03:48] How Elina lost money switching pricing models—and what she learned [05:07] What the Pricing Forum will cover: psychology, raising rates, minimum pricing, AI, and more [06:28] Bernie reflects on experience, confidence, and the psychology of writing proposals [07:50] Why confidence and asking the right questions matter more than we admit [08:23] The invisible cost of not investing in your freelance education [10:09] Bernie asks about zero-hours culture, gig economy realities, and exploitation [12:11] Platform workers, fake independence, and the complexity of freelance categories in Europe [16:47] "You started freelancing for freedom, but now you’re working twice as hard." [18:36] Elina on burnout, motherhood, and the transition to consultancy [20:36] Realising you already have a framework—but haven’t named it [21:45] Elina’s formula: Fix yourself first, then help others [22:45] AI for freelancers: Proposals, clarity, and unexpected prompts [26:21] Using AI to unlock hidden knowledge in academic research and everyday tools [28:16] Closing thoughts and links to everything mentioned Freelance Pricing Isn’t Just Maths From Circle to Confidence Elina shares how she transitioned the Freelance Business Community from scattered tools to a unified home on Circle—and how that shift mirrors the clarity she’s building around freelance pricing. The move wasn’t just technical; it was emotional. It’s about stepping into your value and bringing others with you. Pricing Isn’t Morality Hourly rates aren’t evil. Project fees aren’t the holy grail. Elina dismantles the myths and emotional narratives that confuse freelancers—and reveals how her assumptions cost her money until she took a step back and recalibrated. When Working for Yourself Becomes a Trap How working “for yourself” can slowly become worse than employment. Elina explains how parenthood forced her to redesign her business—and how that moment of constraint created clarity, priorities, and a better offer. Burnout, Branding & Becoming a Consultant Many freelancers are already consultants, but don’t realise it. We discuss how to name your frameworks, document your processes, and transition from endless execution to high-trust advisory roles. Zero-Hours, Gig Work & Fake Freedom We delve into the complex realm between freelancers and platform workers. Bernie shares examples from Just Eat and Uber, while Elina outlines how European governments are grappling with fake independence and what policies might help. AI Isn’t the Future—It’s the Assistant You’ve Needed Elina and Bernie swap tools and tactics—from Google Notebook to ChatGPT—and discuss how they utilise AI to accelerate research, refine proposals, and reclaim hours lost to administrative tasks and formatting. Links & Resources * Freelance Business Pricing Forum - Online Event – 26-27 June * Freelance Business Community * Freelance Business Financial Tool Guide * AI for Coworking Quiz * Unreasonable Connection – Sign up on Luma * Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn * European Coworking Day 2026 * Visit the Workspace Design Show * Join the 8k+ Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group * Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn * Connect with Elina on LinkedIn One more thing Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values shaping the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. If this resonates with you, rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking enriches lives, builds careers, and strengthens communities. Community is the key 🔑 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

    29 min

About

Welcome to Coworking Values the podcast of the European Coworking Assembly. Each week we deep dive into one of the values of accessibility, community, openness, collaboration and sustainability. Listen in to learn how these values can make or break Coworking culture. coworkingvaluespodcast.substack.com

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