Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini
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Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

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.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    128. Building a Business from Faith and Vision: Patrick Hemus, Maggie O’Neill Center, Shares His Journey

    What happens when vision, faith, and business savvy collide? Patrick Hemus, Business Development Manager at the Maggie O’Neill Center in Liverpool, shares his fascinating journey of transforming a church hall into a dynamic coworking and community hub. From family inspiration to navigating challenges in one of the UK’s most underserved areas, Patrick reveals how the Maggie O’Neill Center combines business and purpose to uplift its local community. In this episode, you’ll learn: The unique story of how a derelict church hall became a vibrant coworking and event space. How Patrick’s family history and his father’s vision set the foundation for the Maggie O’Neill Center’s mission. The challenges and rewards of running a coworking space in a disadvantaged area. Patrick’s philosophy on building community and serving others through innovative workspace models. How free coworking sparked interest and led to new opportunities for growth. Join us as Patrick shares his passion for creating impact and why he believes community-focused coworking spaces can thrive in any neighborhood. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Patrick on LinkedIn The Maggie O’Neill Business and Training Centre website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    26 min

  2. NOV 26

    127. Scaling Success: How Lee Ann & Jamie Willard Built a Multi-Location Executive Suite Brand

    Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Lee Ann and Jamie Willard, co-owners of W Executive Suites, a family-led flexible workspace brand. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing family and business dynamics, the Willard sisters share their journey of scaling a successful executive suite business while staying true to their values. We talked about: How Lee Ann and Jamie transitioned from traditional commercial real estate to flexible workspaces. The challenges and rewards of running a family business. Insights into managing a lean team while maintaining exceptional hospitality. Their approach to growth, from design innovation to tackling financial constraints. Why personal touches, like owner-led follow-ups, can transform customer retention. Tune in to hear how these sisters are making waves in the coworking industry while staying deeply connected to their roots! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Lee Ann on LinkedIn Jamie on LinkedIn W Executive Suites website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    50 min

  3. NOV 20

    126. Evolving the Coworking Model Through Landlord Partnerships and Industry-Specific Ecosystems w/ Jonny Rosenblatt, Spacemade

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jonny Rosenblatt, co-founder of Spacemade, a UK-based operator revolutionizing coworking spaces with landlord partnerships and sector-specific projects. Jonny shares Spacemade’s unique approach to creating bespoke spaces and fostering meaningful connections, all while partnering with landlords to drive long-term success. If you’re curious about the intersection of community, technology, and tailored coworking spaces, this episode is a must-listen. Key takeaways include: How Spacemade is reshaping the coworking landscape with sector-specific projects like their health-tech hub in London. Spacemade’s commitment to transparency and landlord-friendly management agreements. Why building strong partnerships and community connections is vital for long-term success. Jonny’s insights into the evolving coworking trends in the UK and Europe. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jonny on LinkedIn Spacemade website 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

    53 min

  4. NOV 13

    125. Navigating Risk and Opportunity in Flex Space with Anant Yardi, CEO of Yardi Systems

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Anant Yardi, the Founder & CEO of Yardi Systems, join us for a candid conversation on leadership, vision, and the next big moves in the coworking and flex space industry. Anant shares his unique journey from a team of four programmers to a global software enterprise with over 9,500 employees, offering insights into how Yardi Systems views the future of coworking and the transformative role of flex space. Discussed topics: Anant’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to creating Yardi Systems, and the principles that guided him along the way. Yardi’s strategy behind acquiring WeWork and the company’s vision for the future of coworking and commercial real estate. Insights on the growth potential of flex space and its expected impact on corporate real estate. The importance of institutional capital for coworking and flex space expansion and what it means for operators. How Yardi Systems balances its focus as a tech provider while supporting the coworking ecosystem at large. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: About Anant Yardi Yardi System website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    49 min

  5. NOV 5

    124. Scaling Wellness Standards in Coworking with IWBI’s Jessica Cooper & Instant Group’s Sam Pickering

    Jessica Cooper, Chief Product Officer at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and Sam Pickering, Head of Sustainability at the Instant Group, join Gio and Jamie to discuss the Well Coworking Rating and its impact on the flex workspace industry. With their wealth of experience and dedication to sustainable practices, they break down the essentials of creating healthier, more sustainable coworking spaces and share their vision for scaling wellness standards across the industry. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the new Well Coworking Rating empowers coworking operators to elevate wellness standards and attract wellness-conscious members. The collaborative process that helped shape the rating, with input from coworking leaders and experts globally. Why the rating is designed to be achievable, scalable, and impactful across varied types of coworking spaces. The significance of wellness ratings in meeting growing demand from enterprises and individual members. Real-world applications of wellness principles, from air quality improvements to ergonomic enhancements, that make coworking spaces more attractive and productive for everyone. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Jessica on LinkedIn Sam on LinkedIn WELL Certification WELL Coworking Rating WELL at Scale Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    54 min

  6. OCT 29

    123. Kane Willmott, CEO of IQ Offices, Shares Insights from London’s Flex Office Scene

    In this episode, Jamie and Gio chat with Kane Willmott, CEO and Co-founder of IQ Offices. Kane takes us on a detailed journey through London’s coworking and flex office landscape. Kane shares his experiences touring some of the most innovative and high-end coworking spaces in the UK, uncovering what North American operators can learn from the London market's approach to design, operations, and community engagement. From ESG initiatives to flexible month-to-month models, he dives into what's setting the London scene apart and what North American operators can anticipate as the flex space industry continues to evolve. In this episode, we talk about: The high design and elevated F&B offerings found in London’s coworking spaces. How UK operators integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements into their spaces to meet rising tenant expectations. London’s flexible, month-to-month membership model and its surprising advantages for both operators and members. The importance of community-driven design and hospitality as a core component of a thriving coworking space. His takeaways on management agreements, UK broker relations, and what this means for North American coworking growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Kane on LinkedIn iQ Offices website Chris Davies on LinkedIn Uncommon’s website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    1h 1m

  7. OCT 22

    122. Annie Draper: Director of Product Strategy, Flex Office at Hines, on Scaling Flexible Workspaces Globally

    In this episode of the Flex Uncensored Podcast, Kurt Patrick and Giovanni Palavicini sit down with Annie Draper, Director of Product Strategy for Flex Office at Hines, to talk about her journey in the flex workspace industry, the exciting projects at Hines, and how the company is scaling flexible workspace solutions on a global level. From her early days at Carr to leading strategy at Hines, Annie offers insights into the future of flex spaces, how landlords can integrate flexible office solutions, and the evolving needs of tenants. Here's what Gio and Annie discussed: Annie’s career journey from Carr to Hines and her deep experience in the flex office industry The launch of the Square Collection at Hines and what makes it unique How Hines is adapting flex space offerings for both small and large tenants in different markets The challenge of balancing spec suites and coworking within the flex office ecosystem Future trends in the flex office space and what’s on the horizon for Hines Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Annie on LinkedIn Hines website Kurt on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    49 min

  8. OCT 9

    121. Building a Multi-Location Business with Ryan Harris, Managing Partner, CEO of Intelligent Office

    In this episode, Giovanni sits down with Ryan Harris, the largest franchisee of Intelligent Office, to explore his journey from biotech to scaling multiple Intelligent Office locations. Ryan shares his unique story of joining the family business and how his background has shaped his approach to running a successful franchise. We dive deep into his growth strategies, working with family, and managing a wide range of client needs. Whether you're curious about scaling a business or learning more about the franchise world, this episode is packed with valuable insights. What you'll learn: ·       Ryan's transition from biotech to Intelligent Office and how he scaled to six locations. ·       The dynamics of working with family and how they each bring different skill sets to the table. ·       Managing diverse client needs in the flexible office industry and providing tailored services. ·       Growth strategies for Intelligent Office, including future plans for expansion. ·       The importance of integrity, perseverance, and resourcefulness in business. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: ·       Ryan on LinkedIn ·       Intelligent Office website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    44 min
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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

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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