In today's Coworking Values Podcast episode, Bernie Mitchell is joined by Szilvia Filip, founder of Coworking Hungary and owner of a coworking space in Vesprém.
Szilvia shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a central figure in Hungary’s coworking scene.
She discusses building a freelance ecosystem, fostering collaboration among coworking spaces, and how the Coworking Hungary Association supports the local movement.
We discuss the balance between coworking and freelancing, the challenges of launching an association, and the power of community initiatives like Open Coworking Week.
Szilvia also gives us an exclusive look at the upcoming European Coworking Day and why it matters for coworking in Hungary.
This episode offers invaluable insights if you’re interested in growing a coworking community or learning how collaboration can lead to success.
Stay tuned for Szilvia’s advice on turning coworking spaces into innovation hubs and how you can contribute to the European coworking movement.
Timeline Summary:
[00:00] – Bernie introduces Szilvia Filip, founder of Coworking Hungary, and discusses her role in the Hungarian coworking scene.
[01:24] – Szilvia shares her first experience in a coworking space and how it inspired her to move from corporate life to community building.
[03:48] – The allure of coworking for freelancers: Szilvia explains what attracted her to coworking and why freelancers find these spaces so valuable.
[05:09] – Slow and steady: Szilvia recounts how she transitioned from her corporate job to freelancing, balancing both for years before leaping.
[08:37] – Building an ecosystem: Szilvia discusses how she created a supportive network for freelancers and coworking space owners across Hungary.
[14:53] – The rise of coworking in Hungary: Insights into the state of coworking in Hungary and how the movement has grown.
[15:28] – Founding the Coworking Hungary Association: Szilvia faced challenges in setting up the association and the value it now brings to members.
[18:43] – Open Coworking Week: Szilvia shares how this national initiative allows freelancers to experience coworking spaces across Hungary and the power of collective promotion.
[21:37] – The community advantage: Szilvia reflects on the importance of community among coworking space owners and the benefits of collaborating on national campaigns.
Detailed Episode Breakdown:
Szilvia’s First Experience with Coworking:
Szilvia vividly recalls stepping into her first coworking space in Budapest over a decade ago.
The space's flexibility, creativity, and freedom instantly appealed to her, marking the start of her coworking journey.
From Corporate Life to Freelance Freedom:
Shifting from corporate marketing to freelancing was a gradual process for Szilvia.
She explains how she juggled both worlds for years, slowly building her freelance career alongside her corporate job.
Creating an Ecosystem for Coworking and Freelancers:
Szilvia talks about how she brought together coworking space owners and freelancers to form a supportive ecosystem.
By creating events and meetups, she helped foster a thriving community that led to the founding of the Coworking Hungary Association.
The Birth of Coworking Hungary Association:
Starting a national association wasn’t easy.
Szilvia shares her hurdles and how she and other coworking space owners worked together to create something that truly serves its members without becoming a burden.
The Power of Collaboration:
One of the main benefits of the Coworking Hungary group is the sense of community.
Szilvia explains how initiatives like Open Coworking Week help small spaces unite and offer more value to freelancers and remote workers nationwide.
Why Community Matters in Coworking:
Collaboration is at the heart of Szilvia's coworking.
She shares how building a community of space owners, and freelancers help people feel less isolated and more motivated to grow their businesses together.
Links & Resources:
FreelancerBlog is building the Hungarian freelancer ecosystem.
Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group
Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day
Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn
Connect with Szilvia on LinkedIn
One more thing
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.
It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.
Building Coworking Communities in Hungary with Szilvia Filip