In this episode of Flex Uncensored, Jamie and Gio catch up on Gio’s new role with the Global Workspace Association (GWA), upcoming immersive events, and his personal adventures that always tie back to Flex. They dive into the state of the industry, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how they’re both focused on helping operators level up in 2025.

They talked about:

• Gio’s new role at GWA and how it’s shaping the future of flex industry events, including the first international immersive event in Mexico City.

• Why Gio believes San Antonio is the sleeper market to watch and how Texas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are Flex powerhouses in the making.

• The three mistakes you can’t recover from when launching a coworking space (hint: bad real estate deals top the list).

• How Jamie’s Virtual Mail Challenge became a surprise hit—and why it’s a game-changer for existing operators.

• The importance of getting out of your “operator silo” to build relationships, scout competitors, and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re an operator, investor, or flex enthusiast looking to grow smarter in 2025, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a healthy dose of Gio’s signature storytelling.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/

Google Reviews to Revenue Challenge

GWA Immersive

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

How do you reshape an industry steeped in tradition? David Cairns, a commercial real estate veteran turned flex space advocate, shares his journey from the brokerage world to building a life centered on flexibility and purpose. With sharp insights into the CBRE-Industrious deal, the hurdles to flex adoption, and why companies need to "earn the commute," this episode is packed with bold predictions and actionable advice for operators and business leaders alike. Known for his bold takes and LinkedIn presence, David doesn’t hold back in this conversation.

In this episode, we cover:

• The CBRE-Industrious deal: its implications and what it means for the coworking industry.

• Why the shift to flexible workspaces hasn’t grown as fast as anticipated and the barriers in commercial real estate.

• How remote work and changing employee preferences are reshaping office space strategies.

• David’s personal journey to Cadence and how living on an island transformed his perspective on work-life balance.

• Why companies need to rethink their cultural strategies to "earn the commute."

Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into the coworking landscape, employee dynamics, and the balance of life, work, and community.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/

Dave's LinkedIn profile

Kadence website

Kane's LinkedIn profile

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What does the future of coworking and flex spaces look like? According to Will Sandford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, it's all about building connections—between spaces, technologies, and people. In this episode, Will shares exclusive insights into Yardi's recent acquisitions of DeskPass and Hubble HQ and what these moves mean for the industry.

Will also dives into Yardi’s vision of creating a universal marketplace that seamlessly connects operators, landlords, and end users, setting the stage for the next era of coworking.

In this episode, we cover:

• Yardi’s acquisitions of DeskPass and Hubble HQ and the strategic goals behind them.

• Why building a unified technology backbone is crucial for the growth of flex spaces.

• The importance of cross-pollination between coworking operators and corporate real estate.

• Will’s personal journey from real estate investment banking to shaping the future of coworking.

• Predictions for the future of coworking, including increased involvement from traditional office players.

This episode is packed with insider knowledge and actionable takeaways for anyone invested in the coworking and flex industries.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

William on LinkedIn

Yardi website

GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

How does one go from brokering corporate jets to building a thriving co-warehousing business? David Fisher, Managing Director of Fisher Global Development and Founder of Kefi Spaces and Business E Suites, shares his fascinating journey of innovation, persistence, and vision. With a background in aviation and a knack for seeing potential where others don’t, David has created a unique model combining coworking and co-warehousing in Sugar Land, Texas.

Tune in to hear how he’s navigating uncharted territory in the coworking industry, building a business model that supports small and mid-sized businesses, and why sometimes being the first to try something new is worth the challenge.

In this episode, we cover:

• How David transitioned from corporate aviation to real estate development and coworking.
• The unique concept of co-warehousing and its benefits for small businesses.
• Insights on overcoming challenges as an entrepreneur, including securing funding for innovative ideas.
• Why community and collaboration are key to the coworking and co-warehousing model.
• David’s plans for the future, including scaling Kefi Spaces and supporting entrepreneurs through innovative spaces.

This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights for anyone in the coworking or coworking-adjacent industries. Don't miss it!

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

**GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off >> https://na.gcuc.co/

David on LinkedIn

Fisher Global Development website

Kefi Spaces

Business esuites

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we dive deep into the flex workspace world with Michael Kloppenburg of Avison Young. A seasoned expert in the field, Michael brings unparalleled insights from his journey as an operator, broker, and trusted industry advisor. Gio and Michael unpack the challenges, growth, and untapped opportunities in the flex and coworking sector.

We talked about:

• Michael’s transition from coworking member to industry leader and what he learned along the way.

• How to navigate challenging landlord-operator dynamics and craft winning hybrid agreements.

• Why relationships and trust are the currency of success in the real estate world.

• The evolving role of flex spaces in the post-pandemic landscape and how operators can stay ahead.

• Michael’s candid thoughts on teamwork, mentorship, and creating a career rooted in integrity.

Tune in for a thoughtful, honest conversation about where the industry is headed and how to position your flex workspace for long-term success.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Michael's LinkedIn profile

Avison Young's website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

What happens when some of the brightest minds in coworking gather to share insights, tour inspiring spaces, and discuss the future of the industry? You get a jam-packed episode brimming with takeaways from the GWA Immersive event in New York City!

In this episode, we’re diving into highlights from a unique gathering that brought together operators, service providers, and industry newcomers. It’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and hospitality — all the elements that make coworking a dynamic and ever-evolving space.

Here’s what we covered:

• How immersive events foster deeper connections and collaboration within the coworking industry.

• Insights into the intersection of hospitality, design, and functionality in coworking spaces.

• How AI and dynamic pricing are shaping the future of space management and enhancing customer experiences.

• The role of technology and data in driving innovation and smarter business strategies for operators.

• Why small, intimate conferences create the perfect environment for learning, sharing, and building lasting relationships.

Get ready to feel inspired and take away actionable ideas for your coworking space!

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Cid Rhomberg is co-founder and Chief Experience Officer for Brick House Blue, in Dublin, OH. Brickhouse is setting the industry standard for how to run a post-COVID meeting and events business along with coworking.

Cid started Brick House Blue to solve a personal challenge - she wanted a professional, inspiring, hospitality-focused, local spot to host her team offsites for Fortune 500 companies like Cardinal Health and Black & Decker, and eventually her consulting clients. She was sure that Dublin, OH needed one of these…and she was right pre-COVID…and then she was really, really right as the world went hybrid post-COVID.

We talk about:

• Her hospitality mindset
• Her bet on meetings and events and how that’s turning out
• How she and her business partner recently grew their team to focus on growth
• Her coaching business
• Her role on the GWA board

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Cid Rhomberg on LinkedIn

Brick House Blue website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we're joined by Stacey Messier, General Manager at CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) New England. Stacey shares her unique career path—from metal band vocalist to leading one of the most innovative coworking ecosystems in the world—and offers insights into how CIC supports groundbreaking ideas across industries.

Stacey explains CIC’s approach to fostering innovation, her philosophy on team development, and what drives the company’s global expansion into cities like Tokyo, Berlin, and Providence.

What we covered:

• How CIC uses economic partnerships to drive growth and impact innovation ecosystems.

• Stacey’s career pivoted from tech to coworking and what she learned along the way.

• CIC’s unique approach to creating community-driven workspaces across 1M+ square feet.

• Building and nurturing teams: Stacey’s “Build Your Bench” strategy for professional development.

• What being in a band taught Stacey about leadership, creativity, and project management.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Stacey on LinkedIn

CIC website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast