Episode Summary:
What’s the point of coworking if no one feels like they belong?
In this episode, Bernie strips away the fluff with Chauntelle from Town Square Islington to talk about what matters: creating coworking spaces that don’t just look good on Instagram but bring people together.
Chauntelle doesn’t hold back—sharing her guerrilla marketing plans (dog-walking meetups, anyone?), honest struggles with no-shows at free events, and how to make a space feel like it’s for everyone, not just the usual suspects.
They cover practical stuff, like blending personal passions (gardening!) into your coworking projects and explaining why being visible in your community matters more than ever.
This isn’t a “how-to”—it’s a wake-up call for anyone trying to make coworking more human, accessible, and connected.
Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink how you show up for your community.
Timeline Highlights
[00:05] – Emily introduces Third Place Works and their tailored coworking cohorts.
[00:27] – Bernie and Chauntelle discuss her role at Townsquare Islington and her passion for gardening.
[02:24] – December struggles: Why coworking events face challenges during the festive season.
[03:25] – Adapting to post-pandemic event habits and returning to in-person gatherings.
[06:23] – Collaborating with local partners to create accessible events for nearby residents.
[10:02] – Breaking stereotypes: How coworking spaces can become more welcoming and diverse.
[15:36] – The power of creative ideas like dog-walking meetups to foster local connections.
[19:13] – Bringing gardening into coworking: How tactile activities build community bonds.
[24:08] – January planning: Tips for coworking event success in the new year.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Rethinking Event Planning: Timing, Outreach, and Accessibility
Chauntelle reflects on the unpredictable nature of event planning, especially during transitional times like December.
She shares her strategies for balancing free and paid events while staying mindful of local challenges like transportation and budget constraints.
Making Coworking Spaces Feel Welcoming
Bernie and Chauntelle talk about how coworking spaces often unintentionally exclude people who don’t see themselves represented inside.
They discuss ideas like bursary programs and affordable workspace initiatives to help bridge the gap and invite more diverse users through the door.
Grassroots Outreach: Stepping Outside Comfort Zones
One of the big themes is the importance of getting out into the local community—literally.
Chauntelle plans a dog-walking meetup in the area, which would be a fun way to connect with remote workers and freelancers.
Bernie adds a humorous touch with his story about meeting more people walking a friend’s dog than through any other activity.
Blending Passions with Professional Roles
Chauntelle shares how she merges her gardening business, Barefoot Planter, with her role at Town Square Islington.
From quick planting workshops to long-term collaborations with local parks, she’s proof that personal interests can meaningfully enhance coworking spaces.
January Events: Setting the Right Pace
Planning events in the new year requires a thoughtful approach, and Chauntelle emphasizes giving people time to get back into the swing of things.
Her advice: start small, stay flexible, and focus on activities that bring people together in low-pressure ways.
Links & Resources
One more thing
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 🔑
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