Running a coworking space right now feels like a juggling act on a tightrope.
Coworking has never been stronger, while the cost of living and building has never been higher.
Some people I know have the money but can't find the people to fix the plumbing or build the building, let alone find members and customers.
One moment, you’re talking to a potential new member; the next, you’re trying to figure out how to afford new furniture without breaking the budget—and still have enough energy left to make it home for dinner.
This week’s newsletter contains first-hand perspectives and personal stories to help you take a breath, refocus, and move forward.
Whether you’re interested in drawing in more creators, freelancers, and remote workers or keeping your existing members engaged and happy, you’ll find practical steps and inspiration here to make your coworking space thrive.
The 'link in the show notes' is the back channel and round-up for everything related to the Coworking Values Podcast that we discuss in the show.
We've had over 200 conversations and share perspectives and personal stories from people doing the everyday work.
- Key Takeaway: Creating spaces that embrace neurodiverse individuals fosters a sense of belonging and enhances collaboration. Guenaelle discusses practical steps to make coworking environments more inclusive.
- Quote: "When we design with empathy, we create spaces where everyone feels they belong."
2. "Boosting Coworking Impact Through Grants" with Jamila Daley
Key Takeaway: Accessing grants can significantly enhance the resources available to coworking spaces, enabling them to serve their communities better.
Jamila shares strategies for identifying and securing funding opportunities.
- Quote: "Grants can be a game-changer for coworking spaces looking to expand their impact."
3. "Building Coworking Communities in Hungary" with Szilvia Filep
- Key Takeaway: Coworking isn't just for urban areas. Szilvia's experience demonstrates how coworking can thrive in rural settings, fostering innovation and community engagement.
- Quote: "Even in the smallest towns, coworking can ignite collaboration and growth."
4. "Mindful Leadership and Building Confidence" with Claire Billings
- Key Takeaway: Claire shares her journey from marketing leader to coach, focusing on helping individuals embrace authenticity and overcome challenges like imposter syndrome. Her approach blends mindfulness with actionable leadership strategies.
- Quote: "When we’re truly present with ourselves, we show up as the best version of who we are—and that’s where growth begins."
🔗 Connecting the Dots: Themes Across Episodes
Recent podcast episodes have highlighted one powerful truth: coworking thrives when it’s built on inclusion and genuine connection.
Guenaelle Watson shared how designing for neurodiversity can create spaces where everyone feels valued and productive.
Szilvia Filep ’s work in Hungary reminds us that coworking isn’t just for big cities—it can transform smaller communities into innovation hubs.
Claire Billings brought it home with her reflections on mindfulness and leadership, showing how confidence and clarity unlock potential.
While Jamila Daley revealed how grants can be a game-changer for coworking spaces looking to grow their reach and impact.
Together, these voices underscore a crucial idea: coworking spaces succeed when they meet people where they are and give them the tools to grow.
Looking back at earlier episodes, like our conversation with Vanessa Sans on building localized coworking communities.
We see a consistent thread: spaces that prioritise people over profit and take an active role in their neighbourhoods aren’t just successful—they’re essential.
By focusing on accessibility, collaboration, and local engagement, coworking spaces can drive social and economic transformation where it is most needed.
Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.
These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.
We hope this resonates with you.
If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.
Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.
Community is the key 🔑
P.S. If you have any questions about anything, DM us on LinkedIn here on Substack
