Episode Summary
Are you running a coworking space, working with clients, or just struggling to set boundaries that stick?
In this episode, Bernie and Chris Marr dig into the all-too-familiar traps of people-pleasing, blurred boundaries, and managing client or member relationships with clarity and confidence.
Chris, known as The Authoritative Coach, shares practical strategies for setting conditions for success in client relationships and coworking communities.
This episode is packed with insights for freelancers, community managers, and coworking professionals.
It covers everything from avoiding scope creep to understanding your value.
If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin by clients or overwhelmed by managing a coworking space, this episode will help you take back control—and do your best work.
Timeline Highlights
[0:00] – Emily and Bernie introduce Third Place Works and the Coworking Community Builder Cohort.
[0:38] – Chris Marr introduces himself and explains why people-pleasing is at the heart of his work.
[2:04] – Bernie highlights how coworking professionals and freelancers navigate blurred boundaries.
[3:32] – Chris on setting the conditions for success: clear boundaries in client and member relationships.
[5:01] – Avoiding scope creep: Why setting expectations upfront protects your time and energy.
[10:48] – Shifting from order taker to trusted expert: Reframing client relationships.
[14:38] – The Vanguard Principle: Thinking upstream to avoid problems before they arise.
[19:13] – Awkward conversations upfront: Why they save time, money, and stress later.
[22:20] – Respect starts with self-respect: How people-pleasing affects relationships and results.
[24:44] – Difficult conversations strengthen relationships: Why they matter in coworking and client work.
[27:38] – Bernie and Chris connect coworking leadership to guiding clients and communities effectively.
[31:07] – Chris shares his People Pleasers Path to Authority assessment and training programme.
Is people-pleasing preventing you from leading with authority and driving real client results?
Take 5 minutes to take a quiz and get Chris Marr’s free personalised report and uncover the gaps in your work: Take the quiz here.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
The Problem with People-Pleasing
Chris explains how people-pleasing derails client work, coworking leadership, and personal growth.
It’s not just about saying “yes” too often—it’s about failing to set the right expectations for success.
Boundaries Aren’t Barriers—They’re Pathways to Success
Instead of considering boundaries as walls, Chris reframes them as the foundation for successful relationships.
Boundaries protect both parties time and energy, whether they’re setting member expectations in a coworking space or defining project terms with clients.
Scope Creep: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Chris shares how to spot and stop scope creep before it starts.
By addressing potential changes upfront, coworking managers and freelancers can avoid the dreaded “pile-on” effect that leads to burnout.
Respect Starts with Self-Respect
Your respect for clients or members will never exceed your respect for yourself.
Chris explains how building self-assurance and confidence is crucial for maintaining authority in your relationships.
Why Difficult Conversations Matter
Difficult conversations aren’t threats to relationships but opportunities to build trust.
Chris highlights how proactive, honest discussions can prevent problems and deepen connections in coworking spaces and client work.
Links & Resources
Connect with Chris Marr on Instagram (@TheAuthoritativeCoach)
🎙️The Power of Peer Mentorship and Accountability with Chris Marr
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
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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