Powering Productivity

Suzanne Murdock
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The Powering Productivity podcast shares real conversations with micro business leaders, neighbourhood coworking operators, and community builders who are leading with heart. It’s not about glossy success stories, it’s about the juggle, the invisible load, and the small shifts that help us keep moving forward. What you'll hear: 🌿 How to keep energy steady when you’re carrying a lot 💛 Ways to build sustainable, people-first hubs and businesses 🔍 Honest reflections from leaders navigating change ✨ The magic is in combining clarity with strategy - people-first, values-led, and sustainable.

  1. S4 Ep9. Where work meets belonging: The quiet power of rural coworking, with Maria do Ceu Bastos

    4D AGO

    S4 Ep9. Where work meets belonging: The quiet power of rural coworking, with Maria do Ceu Bastos

    What if the future of work isn’t in glass towers or city coworking chains but in small, rooted hubs where people feel they belong? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Maria do Céu Bastos, founder of NOWHERE Desk - a rural coworking hub in Portugal that’s become a lifeline for freelancers, founders, and her local community.  Together, they explore how rural coworking is redefining connection and belonging not just for those who work there, but for the people who nurture these spacesevery day. ✨ In this conversation: Turning isolation into opportunityBuilding community far from the city noiseWhy reconnection with nature, with people, and with purpose is the real future of workThe emotional and economic value of local hubs 🌿 Discover more about Maria’s work and the rural coworking movement: NOWHERE Desk Creative Hubs Network European Coworking Assembly: Rural Coworking 💛 Listen now , this is a story about heart, place, and the quiet revolution happening in rural coworking. Time stamped Shownotes: 00:00 Introduction to the Powering Productivity Podcast 00:48 Meet Maria do Ceu Bastos: A Journey from Translationto Coworking 02:21 Challenges and Realities of Rural Coworking 07:29 Building Community and Overcoming Isolation 13:18 Navigating Bureaucracy and Renovation Hurdles 16:08 Funding and Financial Challenges 18:18 The Vision for Education and Reskilling 23:34 Navigating Emotional Challenges with AI 24:38 Finding Balance in Nature 25:19 Building Resilience Through Hobbies 26:13 The Importance of Community Support 26:54 Managing the Invisible Load 29:40 The Power of Networks and Collaboration 33:37 Sustainable Living and Upcycling 38:08 Rural Regeneration and Education 46:04 Conclusion and Resources

    48 min
  2. S4 Ep8. Coworking, AI & the future of entrepreneurship, with Stacey Sheppard

    SEP 23

    S4 Ep8. Coworking, AI & the future of entrepreneurship, with Stacey Sheppard

    What happens when you take a bold idea - a women-only coworking space and turn it into a thriving hub of creativity, community, and support? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Stacey Sheppard, founder of Tribe Coworking in Devon. Stacey’s not just running a space she’s redefining what support looks like for freelancers, founders, and change makers. They talk about: ✅ The realities of running a niche, women-only coworking hub as a solo operator ✅ How balancing business with life (yes, including school holidays) can spark new models of support ✅Why traditional business programmes often miss what’s really needed: emotional scaffolding ✅ And the big question: as AI reshapes traditional jobs, are coworking spaces already carrying the future of entrepreneurship on their shoulders?   One line that really stayed with Suzanne: 👉 “Coworking spaces are the pathway to entrepreneurship. The infrastructure already exists it’s just so underused.” Stacey Sheppard This conversation is honest, heart-led, and full of fresh perspective. If you’re a micro business leader, a coworking operator, or simply curious about how values-led spaces shape the future of work this one’s for you. Here's some link and assets mentioned in the podcast:  🔗 ⁠Learn more about Tribe Coworking Hub hereLink to Stacey's Athen magazine subscriptionBecause so many of us are quietly carrying a lot right now, I’ve created a free guide 👉 The Quiet Reset – 7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much. S4E8 AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

    43 min
  3. Series 4 Ep7 - Inside Ireland’s coworking movement — with Stephen & Leah from Connected Hubs

    MAY 15

    Series 4 Ep7 - Inside Ireland’s coworking movement — with Stephen & Leah from Connected Hubs

    In this episode discover how Ireland’s national coworking network is transforming local business, innovation and community through people-led workspaces and what it means for your coworking space or micro business. Suzanne together with Stephen Carolan and Leah Fairman of Connected Hubs explore the real-world impact of coworking on local economies, SME growth, and community resilience, especially in regional and rural areas. Whether you run a neighbourhood coworking space or lead a micro business, this episode is packed with insights on: How the Connected Hubs network evolved from a rural broadband project to a national initiative with nearly 400 hubsThe vision for Ireland’s coworking and hub strategy, and what it means for your workspace or businessWhy hub managers are community builders, not just operators and how to support themThe power of human connection in helping a diverse member makeup thrive from solopreneurs to corporate remote teamsHow coworking spaces are helping tackle real challenges like isolation, uncertainty and burnoutThe importance of being a step ahead of your members anticipating their needs before they even askReal examples of how hubs are fostering innovation, collaboration, and local regeneration  We also talk about the vital role of relationships, shared identity and community champions and why belonging is a competitive advantage in today’s uncertain world. If you’re building a space or business that’s rooted in people and purpose, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and connected. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Ireland’s coworking movement is shaping the future of local enterprise and thriving communities.

    41 min
  4. S4 Ep6 Flexible work is about people – the right tech makes it smoother, with Benjamin Carew

    MAR 14

    S4 Ep6 Flexible work is about people – the right tech makes it smoother, with Benjamin Carew

    Suzanne chats with Benjamin Carew, Co-founder & Director of Othership, who’s redefining flexible work by integrating workspaces and software to empower freelancers, SMEs, and enterprises to work anywhere, better.   💡 They talked about: ✅ How workspace software is changing the game forcoworking & hybrid businesses ✅What is floworking? ✅ The evolution of flexible work—beyond just remotevs. office ✅ Making workspace solutions more accessiblefor smaller operators ✅Identifying the right software solution for yourbusiness ✅ The impact of AI,dynamic pricing & collaboration tools on the future of work Find out more about Othership at https://othership.com/

    33 min
  5. S4 Ep4 The heart of neighbourhood coworking & community, with Roland Stanley

    MAR 3

    S4 Ep4 The heart of neighbourhood coworking & community, with Roland Stanley

    Suzanne talks to Roland Stanley, owner and operator of Dragon Coworking, an independent coworking space in Rochester, England. They chat around the highs and challenges of running a neighbourhood coworking space & why its relationships and not just desks that are at the heart of coworking. They talk about: ✅ How he went from hotelier to coworking operator (by accident!) ✅ The power of community over just desks & coffee ✅ Opportunities for smaller coworking operators—from partnerships to new spaces ✅ Challenges like market uncertainty & making hotdesking work ✅ Creative revenue streams & what you need to be aware of (hello, virtual offices!) ✅ Why sustainability & mental health support matter in coworking ✅ Making friends with the competition ✅ How small operators can leverage partnerships with councils and landlords Roland shares some great insights on growing a coworking space the right way—without losing its heart. Hit play & let’s dive in! 🎧✨ Find out more about Dragon Coworking at https://dragoncoworking.co.uk/

    28 min
  6. S4 Ep.3 Evolving opportunities & transitions: coaching, coworking & community at the heart of SME leadership, with Claire Carpenter

    JAN 28

    S4 Ep.3 Evolving opportunities & transitions: coaching, coworking & community at the heart of SME leadership, with Claire Carpenter

    Suzanne talks to Claire Carpenter, a pioneer in coworking and social impact. From creating one of Europe’s first coworking hubs, The Melting Pot, Edinburgh to mapping rural opportunities & engaging in social fabric projects far & wide, Claire’s journey is full of lessons for community leaders and SME owners. They talk coaching, navigating transitions, and rethinking leadership—whether it’s running a business, fostering collaboration, or embracing new ways of working (like van life!). Here are some of the highlights: Claire's experiences as a coworking pioneer & its industry innovations Transitions to remote working ( quite literally, as in working from a van) Coaching for growth & adapting to change Empowering communities & SME leaders through social impact Navigating transitions Find out more about Claire at https://www.clairecarpentercoaching.com/

    33 min
  7. S4. Ep2 PR Strategies for small biz success: coworking, messaging & growth, with Jessica Morgan

    JAN 27

    S4. Ep2 PR Strategies for small biz success: coworking, messaging & growth, with Jessica Morgan

    Suzanne is joined by Jessica Morgan, Founder of Carnsight Communications. In this episode Suzanne and Jessica delve into the ever-changing world of public relations, the challenges of evolving workspaces, and the opportunities for small businesses in a shifting media landscape. Jess offers insights into PR strategies, coworking trends, and the role of culture in flexible workplace environments. Whether you’re a small business owner, a PR professional, or someone curious about the intersection of work, media, and community, this episode has something for you. Here's some of the highlights: PR Evolution & Communication Media Landscape Changes PR Strategies for Small Businesses Evolving Workspaces & Culture AI Tools & Practical PR Insights Find out more about Jessica at https://www.carnsight.com/ and buy her Ebook, Practically Powerful PR at https://www.carnsight.com/our-ebook/

    41 min
  8. S4 Ep.1 Flexing the future; growth, challenges & innovation in regional workspaces, with Jane Sartin

    JAN 17

    S4 Ep.1 Flexing the future; growth, challenges & innovation in regional workspaces, with Jane Sartin

    In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Jane Sartin, Executive Director of the Flexible Space Association known to many as Flexsa. Suzanne and Jane explored the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the flexible workspace industry, highlighting trends like hybrid work, the rise of town-centre workspaces, and the evolving role of AI. They also discussed support for small businesses and the importance of collaboration to navigate industry changes. Here are some of the highlights - The role Flexa plays in the industry Hybrid work expansion, diverse offerings & the corporate impact AI's role in the industry, benefits, challenges & the member fulfilment aspects Support for small operators & the collective voice Growth of flex in high streets & small town coworking Find out more about Flexsa here - https://www.flexsa.co.uk/ Powering Productivity is presented by Suzanne Murdock from The Hub Newry - https://www.thehubnewry.com/ It is produced by Emily Crosby Media

    30 min
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About

The Powering Productivity podcast shares real conversations with micro business leaders, neighbourhood coworking operators, and community builders who are leading with heart. It’s not about glossy success stories, it’s about the juggle, the invisible load, and the small shifts that help us keep moving forward. What you'll hear: 🌿 How to keep energy steady when you’re carrying a lot 💛 Ways to build sustainable, people-first hubs and businesses 🔍 Honest reflections from leaders navigating change ✨ The magic is in combining clarity with strategy - people-first, values-led, and sustainable.

Information

  • Creator
    Suzanne Murdock
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Suzanne Murdock
  • Show Website
    Powering Productivity