Gcuc Radio

What really happens inside the room at GCUC?    If you've been, you know the magic isn't just on the stage, it's in the hallway conversations, the shared struggles, and the collective drive to build something bigger than any one operator.   In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our massive 50th event in New York City, and we're doing it with two leaders who experienced it from completely different angles.   First up, we have Sam Rosen, Industry Principal at Yardi. Yardi has become an absolute force in the flex and coworking space, and Sam is at the center of it — helping this industry understand itself like never before through real-time data, the groundbreaking new Coworking Index (launched at GCUC), and tools that are genuinely moving the needle for operators everywhere. If you're not paying attention to what Yardi is building, you need to be.   Alongside Sam is Kane Willmott, co-CEO of IQ Offices. Kane brings that sharp, boots-on-the-ground operator's lens to tell us what's actually working —

What does it take to build world-class coworking outside of a major city center? In this episode, Liz Elam sits down with Adam Walker, CEO and co-founder of Foundry, to find out.   Adam is one of the most exciting operators in the UK coworking scene. Growing up surrounded by pubs and community clubs, he watched the traditional pillars of local community disappear, and decided to build something new in their place. Foundry now operates six premium, purpose-led coworking spaces in regional and suburban UK markets, with another six to seven locations set to launch in 2026.   In this conversation, Adam and Liz cover the origin story of Foundry, the strategy for bringing central London-quality workspace to local high streets, and the creative model of embedding coworking in built-to-rent residential developments. They also dig into the state of investment in the flex space industry, why better data is finally unlocking institutional capital, and why the coworking industry has a unique opportunity — and responsibil

Meet Angel Kwiatkowski, a true original in coworking and the unapologetic force behind Cohere in Fort Collins. For over 15 years, Angel has been quietly and sometimes loudly redefining what community actually means, ditching scale, rejecting sameness, and building a space where connection is not a feature, it is the whole point. From buying her building to designing “unscalable on purpose” communities, Angel proves that smaller, scrappier, and more human might just be the future.   Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and longtime champion of the coworking movement, jumps in for a candid, no-BS conversation that pulls no punches. Together, they go head-to-head on hospitality versus community, unpack the loneliness epidemic, and share hard-won lessons from building spaces that truly matter.   This episode is equal parts philosophy, practicality, and playful debate, covering everything from friendship as a KPI to why alcohol on tap might be the worst perk in coworking.   If you care about community, connection, and the fu

What if the best social club in New York didn’t revolve around alcohol, but around connection? On this episode of the GCUC podcast, we sit down with Justin Gurland, Founder & CEO of The Maze, an alcohol-free members club in New York City that’s redefining how adults gather, connect, and build community. After nearly two decades of sobriety and a career in behavioral health, Justin saw a gap: plenty of places to drink together, but almost nowhere designed for meaningful connection without alcohol at the center. Enter The Maze, a thoughtfully designed social club where professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs can meet, collaborate, and form real relationships in a hospitality-driven environment rooted in wellness and intentional programming. Justin joins GCUC Founder Liz Elam to discuss the growing alcohol-free movement, the loneliness epidemic in big cities, and why rebuilding social networks is one of the most powerful drivers of human well-being. They also dive into the surprising rise of sober-curiou

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of the GCUC Podcast. Meet Katerina Cirilli, Co-CEO of Saltbox, the operations hub redefining how entrepreneurs grow. Saltbox is where coworking, warehousing, and next-level logistics meet, all wrapped in real community. With 12 locations and more than 1,000 brands operating inside its ecosystem, Katerina is helping build the infrastructure that allows founders to scale without getting crushed by operational complexity. Katerina joins Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, for a high-energy conversation about scaling with purpose, leading through culture, and why community remains the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode, they unpack what it truly takes to scale a community across both physical and virtual spaces, and why logistics is ultimately “the business of exception management.” They explore how Saltbox empowers creative founders to stay focused on product and brand while a strong operational engine runs seamlessly in the background, and how AI and automation are reshapi

What happens when wellness, work, love, and ambition collide?  In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, founders Espoir Michalek and Connor Michalek pull back the curtain on how they built Gevity, a bold new concept redefining coworking through wellness, recovery, and deeply intentional community. From an “ice bath epiphany” and a chance meeting abroad to launching one of Austin’s most talked-about spaces, Espoir and Connor share their raw founder journey, the power of building a business as partners, and why sustainable ambition, not burnout, is the future of work. Expect insights on recovery-first workplaces, community-driven growth, and what it really takes to protect culture while scaling. The conversation is guided by Liz Elam, host of the GCUC Podcast, who brings her signature curiosity and industry expertise to an episode that blends heart, hustle, and the next evolution of coworking and wellness.  If you’re curious about the future of work, wellness-led spaces, and building something meaningful, this one’

  Antonette Benting doesn’t just build community; she is designing belonging across an entire continent. As the leader behind GCUC Africa and a powerhouse operator in the coworking industry, Antonette has helped shape what community-first workplaces look like in one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in the world. Her work is proof that coworking is not a one-size-fits-all model, it’s a movement deeply influenced by culture, people, and place. From leading coworking teams to scaling member experiences without losing soul, Antonette brings sharp insight, real talk, and a deep belief that community is a strategy, not a buzzword. In this episode, Antonette sits down with Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, for a candid conversation that puts a spotlight on GCUC Africa, regional leadership, and what operators everywhere can learn from the innovation happening across the African coworking ecosystem. Together, they explore leadership, resilience, cultural nuance, and why the future of work belongs to operators who

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Amanda Neanor, founder of NEANOR Projects, brings a behind-the-scenes perspective from the worlds of private membership clubs, luxury hospitality, and coworking. With leadership experience at Soho House, NeueHouse, and Platinum Clubs of the World, Amanda has spent her career designing and operating spaces where community, culture, and commercial success actually align.   Amanda joins host Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, for a candid conversation about the invisible details that separate “nice space” from truly magnetic experience. Together, they unpack what most operators miss, from service culture and onboarding to brand identity, surprise-and-delight moments, and why community is built through intention, not amenities.   They dive into:   Why hospitality thinking is essential to the future of coworking   The first signals that tell you whether a space will be special or forgettable   What coworking operators should steal from private clubs and luxury hotels   How to balance a

Rupert Dean isn’t just rethinking coworking; he’s reengineering how people experience work, culture, and connection. As CEO and Co-Founder of x+why, Rupert operates at the intersection of hospitality, flexible workspace, and purpose-driven business, designing environments that prioritize people, planet, and profit, in that order. With nearly 600,000 square feet of space under management across the UK, he’s building a new blueprint for what offices can be in a post-loneliness, post-remote-only world. In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, GCUC founder and host Liz Elam sits down with Rupert to continue the conversation sparked on stage at Coworking Europe in Berlin. Together, they dig into why offices should be destinations, not obligations, and how hospitality, food & beverage, members’ clubs, and programming are no longer “nice-to-haves,” but core infrastructure for thriving workspaces. Rupert opens up about his unconventional journey from corporate finance law to founding x+why how discovering his “why” r

2026 Is a Reset, Not a Tweak  In this solo, can’t miss episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam breaks down the megatrends shaping the future of coworking and the world of work, and spoiler alert: it’s not about desks anymore. From the end of “hybrid work” debates (finally) to the rise of belonging, hospitality, wellness, AI, and purpose-driven real estate, Liz connects the dots between culture, community, and human need. She dives into why coworking is becoming civic infrastructure, how Gen Z is rewriting the rules, why emotional intelligence is the new competitive advantage, and what it actually means to design spaces that help people feel good, not just look good. This episode is part trend forecast, part reality check, and part rally cry for operators, leaders, and anyone building the future of work. Expect bold takes on: Intentional gathering over daily attendance Community as core infrastructure Hospitality > perks AI that empowers humans Wellness that goes way beyond yoga room Leadership shifts sha

Koral Ibrahim isn’t just talking about community; he’s rebuilding what it means from the ground up. As the founder of The Ready House, a creative consultancy and community helping brands forge real connections from the inside out, Koral sits at the intersection of brand, culture, and belonging. He’s a strategist, keynote speaker, published author, and one of the most articulate voices pushing the industry to rethink how humans and places shape one another. In this episode, GCUC founder and host Liz Elam continues the electrifying conversation that started on stage at GCUC UK, one of the most talked-about moments of the conference. Together, they go deeper into why Koral hates the word “community,” what truly separates a customer from a community member, and why brands must shift from being something people buy to something people join. Koral pulls back the curtain on his journey from agency life to building The Ready House, how becoming a new father reshaped his mornings and perspective, and why the coworking

GCUC Podcast – Chris Moeller, Founder of Orion Growth & Pathway Communities Chris Moeller isn’t just rethinking housing; he’s rebuilding the American dream from the ground up. As an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and the visionary behind Orion Growth and Pathway Communities, Chris is leading a movement toward stable living, regenerative design, and community resilience. With a background that spans geology, communication science, office development, and disaster recovery, Chris brings data, heart, and systems-level thinking to some of society’s most urgent challenges. In this episode, GCUC founder and podcast host Liz Elam sits down with Chris for a deep and energizing conversation about the future of living, working, and community. Together, they unpack why “affordable housing” needs a total rethink, how whole-body design is reshaping the built environment for neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike, and why tiny giants, the small acts done consistently, are the key to rebuilding after crisis. Chri

GCUC Podcast – Jonny Rosenblatt, Co-Founder & CEO of Spacemade Jonny Rosenblatt, Co-Founder and CEO of Spacemade, is redefining how landlords think about flexible work. With a decade-long track record of shaping the UK’s coworking scene from pioneering the creative workspace movement with Headspace Group to scaling Spacemade into one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators, Jonny is proof that connection and community are the real currency in real estate. In this episode, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and host of the podcast, sits down with Jonny to explore how Spacemade is partnering with building owners to create hyper-local, community-first coworking brands. From health tech hubs to fashion-forward studios, each space reflects the neighborhood it serves, because, as Jonny puts it, “real estate without people at the center just doesn’t work.” Together, they unpack the evolution of coworking, why “connection over capitalism” might just be the next megatrend, and how AI, sustainability, and genuine hospitality

Journalist and researcher Georgia Norton joins GCUC CEO Liz Elam to explore how Playhood Family Club, Research & Consulting is reshaping the way we live, work, and care. From neighborhood coworking with childcare to global research on co-located spaces, Georgia reveals how families and founders are reimagining the modern workplace, blending productivity, parenthood, and community in powerful new ways. Together, she and Liz dig into what this means for equity, inclusion, and the next generation who see collaboration as the norm, not the exception.  It’s not just about where we work, it’s about how we live, connect, and create thriving communities.  Connect with Georgia Norton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-norton/  Learn more about Playhood:  https://www.playhood.club/ Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Watch the GCUC Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast Buy GCUC North America tickets: https://na.gcuc.co/buy-tickets/

Will Sanford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, is at the forefront of unlocking the next evolution of flexible work. His unique approach combines human connection with innovative technology, a strategy that has proven successful in his role. This episode offers a rare glimpse into his daily life, from the chaos and joy of new fatherhood to his laser-focused work on how operators can leverage technology to future-proof their spaces. In this episode, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and podcast host, sits down with Will to explore how Yardi is integrating AI, automation, and data into the fabric of flexible work. From practical AI tools operators should be using right now, to Yardi’s forthcoming Virtuoso agent builder, Will shares why the future of coworking tech isn’t flashy, it’s pragmatic, and most importantly, member-first. This approach makes the audience feel prioritized and essential in the evolution of coworking technology. Suppose you’re an operator, manager, or future-of-work enthusiast. In that case, this co

Magda Al-Nugaidi, Managing Director at Uncommon, starts her day rowing on a misty river before sunrise, a practice that keeps her grounded and energized to rethink the workspace from the ground up. She’s turning offices into spaces where people feel inspired, supported, and truly connected. The future of work isn’t just desks and square footage, its design, wellbeing, and community. In this episode, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and podcast host, explores how Uncommon blends thoughtful design, hospitality, and sustainability to create environments employees actually want to be in. Magda shares why flexibility, wellbeing, and community are non-negotiables, how spaces can support neurodiversity, and why hospitality is at the heart of every modern workspace. If you’re a workspace operator, designer, or leader in flexible work, this episode is packed with actionable insights for creating spaces that go beyond function and deliver human-centered experiences.

The flexible workspace industry is exploding, but here’s the hard truth: most operators are flying blind. Enter Jonathan Bevan (CEO of Techspace) and Elliot Gold (Co-Founder of Work.Life). They’re on a mission to change the game with the Workspace Intelligence Network, WIN, an operator-led alliance built to weaponize data for growth. In this episode, Liz Elam pulls back the curtain on how WIN is giving operators the insights they need to out-compete, make smarter bets and build stronger businesses. Jonathan and Elliot explain why collaboration beats competition, what metrics actually move the needle and how operators who plug in now will get the edge. If you’re an owner, operator, investor or landlord, this is your wake-up call. The next wave of winners in flex space will be the ones who master the numbers.

Bonus Europe Podcast, Introed by Liz Elam-  Podcast Description Guests: Jean-Yves Hauer Founder at SocialWorkplaces/ Coworking Europe & Zoe Ellis-Moore CEO & Founder of Spaces to Places  Liz introduces this special crossover episode spotlighting a new global initiative in which she  teams up with Jean-Yves Hauer of Coworking Europe. Jean Yves is sitting down with Zoe Ellis-Moore, founder of Spaces to Places, to explore her groundbreaking report "From Hype to Operational Real Estate" and uncover the real growth trends driving the flex office sector. From the explosive rise of managed offices to the shift toward service-driven, hospitality-inspired workspaces, this conversation challenges old stereotypes and looks at how collaboration between major players is redefining the future of the workplace. Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers data-driven insights, fresh perspectives, and a glimpse into the power of industry-wide a

From building one of Canada’s top coworking brands to crushing triathlons, Kane Wilmot knows what it takes to push limits and lead with resilience. In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam chats with the co-founder and CEO of IQ Offices about scaling a premium flexible workspace brand, navigating new market challenges, and why endurance training has made him a stronger leader. Kane shares insights from opening new locations, recruiting top talent with Bottle Rocket, and staying ahead of industry trends—all while balancing the demands of running a company with a passion for triathlons. Packed with leadership lessons, health hacks, and coworking strategy, this episode is a must-listen for operators looking to grow and lead with strength. Show Notes & Important Links Kane Willmott – LinkedIn CEO & Co-Founder, iQ Offices LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+11LinkedIn+11LinkedIn+11LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-willmott Liz Elam – LinkedIn Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket

How do you create a coworking experience that not only attracts members but keeps them happy and engaged long-term? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz sits down with Megan from 25N Coworking to reveal the secret sauce behind their legendary onboarding and hospitality strategy. Megan shares how 25N sets the tone for community from the very first touchpoint, delivering a high-touch experience across multiple locations while maintaining consistency and culture. They also dive into 25N’s evolution into managing coworking spaces for landlords, what it takes to successfully run these partnerships, and the leadership principles that guide their growth. From actionable tips on improving member retention to insights on scaling without losing your brand identity, this episode is packed with strategies you can put into practice.  Show Notes Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-slavin Connect with Liz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam Learn more about 25N Coworkin