Episode Summary
What if everything you thought you knew about work was wrong?
In this episode, Bernie sits down with Denise Brouder, the instigator of The Science of Flexibility report—a project shaking up how we think about coworking, enterprise, and the spaces in between.
Denise shares the story of this groundbreaking work, created in collaboration with Ashley Proctor and Sam Rosen and designed to bridge the gap between corporate giants and independent coworking spaces.
Denise challenges the assumptions that hold us back, arguing that real change starts with rethinking how and where we work.
From building a common language to exploring how coworking can break down barriers for marginalised groups, this episode dives into the questions most of us are too afraid to ask about the future of work.
Whether you’re a coworking space owner, a corporate leader, or just someone tired of staring at your kitchen table pretending it’s an office, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of flexible workspaces and why they matter now more than ever.
Don’t just take our word for it—dive in and see how Denise’s insights can reshape your perspective on work, community, and connection.
But the Science of Flexibility isn't just a report.
It's the gateway to meaningful conversations with practical application that rises above the endless noise of:
“Should we go back to the office?”
“What is the future of work?”
“Will the robots take our jobs?”
Emily and I will bring you more podcasts with Denise, Ashley, and Sam over the next few months to help you consider how this work can help you.
If you’re a fan of classic sports analogies, The Science of Flexibility is like Wayne Gretzky’s iconic approach: skating to where the puck is going, not where it’s been.
Timeline Highlights
[0:39] – Denise on helping people think differently about work and life.
[1:54] – How The Science of Flexibility report came together with Ashley and Sam.
[3:38] – What makes coworking spaces feel different from corporate offices?
[6:05] – Teaching knowledge workers about third spaces and flexible strategies.
[10:10] – How coworking education begins with understanding your value.
[14:07] – The role of flexibility in supporting marginalised groups.
[20:50] – Denise’s take on how variety in work environments drives innovation.
[25:23] – Are we losing our edge in the conversation about the future of work?
[29:48] – Change happens on the fringe: what coworking can teach us.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Rethinking Work: Why Thinking Differently Matters
Denise Brouder shares her core belief: to work differently, we must think differently.
This philosophy drives her collaboration on The Science of Flexibility report, which aims to challenge assumptions about work and create a shared language between coworking and enterprise communities.
Coworking vs. Cubicle Farms: Finding the “Third Place”
Denise explains how coworking spaces stand apart from corporate offices.
She highlights the warmth, community, and creativity of independent spaces compared to the sterile feel of traditional office setups, offering practical strategies for coworking spaces to differentiate themselves.
Flexibility and Marginalised Groups: Unlocking New Opportunities
From reducing barriers for working parents to creating equitable career paths, Denise illustrates how flexible work can empower marginalised groups.
She contrasts the potential of flexibility with the harm caused when it’s taken away, making a strong case for coworking as a cornerstone of future work strategies.
Educating the Market: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Bernie and Denise discuss the importance of educating coworking space owners and potential users about the value of coworking.
Denise emphasises the need for coworking spaces to articulate their unique benefits, aligning with workers’ intrinsic motivations to leave their home offices.
Change on the Fringe: Innovating the Future of Work
Denise reminds us that innovation starts at the edges of conversations.
She highlights how smaller, independent coworking spaces often lead the way in redefining how we work, with larger organisations only catching up later.
Download your own The Science of Flexibility report.
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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