GCUC Podcast

What comes after coworking? A smarter, fairer, more human way to build our cities—and Jonathan O’Byrne is here to tell us how.

Get ready for a deep dive on this week’s GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam, GCUC Founder sits down with coworking pioneer and author Jonathan O’Byrne to unpack the big ideas behind his new book After Coworking. From the early days of Collective Works to leading 1,000 staff across Asia for IWG, Jonathan has seen the in...

The best conversations aren’t polished—they’re real, raw, and exactly what we need. That’s the energy Emilie Lashmar brings to this powerful episode with Liz Elam, recorded amid unpacked boxes, barking dogs, and refreshing honesty.

Emilie, Event Producer of GCUC UK, opens up about leading through transition, the evolving future of coworking, and why human connection—not perfection—is the real currency of successful communities.

 He...

On this episode of the GCUC Podcast, host, Liz Elam is joined by siblings Giles and Niki Fuchs—the visionary minds behind Office Space in Town (OSiT) and the iconic Burgh Island Hotel.

From transforming historic buildings into thriving coworking hubs to running one of the UK’s most beloved heritage hotels, their story is one of bold decisions, emotional design, and a shared vision for the future of workspaces.

In this episode, they...

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Liz Simon, Chief Operating Officer at Industrious, to discuss how the company is scaling with intention, staying true to its hospitality-driven brand, and redefining what coworking can be. Liz Simon shares valuable insights on enterprise client trends, CBRE’s influence on growth, and how partnerships like the one with Delta Airlines are shaping the future of flexible work...

Imagine everyone buzzing about the groundbreaking deals, the career-launching connections, and the game-changing partnerships forged at the coworking event of the year. Now, imagine you weren't there. Liz Elam, GCUC founder, and Stormy McBride, her powerhouse director, are pulling back the curtain on why Boston and the iconic New Balance track are the epic setting for this year's GCUC. They're revealing the must-see moments, the in...

GCUC founder Liz Elam sits down with Nir Kelner, CEO of Brain Embassy, to delve into the future of coworking. Nir shares how Brain Embassy is reimagining workspaces by blending hospitality with innovation, offering unique experiences like exclusive outdoor retreats and expanding into global markets. He also highlights the resilience of Israel’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tune in for a thought provoking conversation on how coworking...

Ben Wright, Head of Global Partnerships at The Instant Group, joins Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, for an enlightening conversation about the evolving coworking landscape. Ben reveals the driving forces behind Instant Group’s global expansion, how technology is shaping the future of workspaces, and the importance of fostering authentic partnerships in today’s competitive market.

From adapting to industry shifts to building meaningful r...

What sets you apart? In this inspiring episode, Liz Elam (GCUC Founder) chats with the incomparable Cat Johnson,(Cat Johnson Co, Founder), coworking community builder, writer, and coach. Cat shares her journey into thought leadership and how she’s helping others uncover their “unfair advantage.”

From authentic storytelling to finding balance between creativity and structure, Cat offers wisdom and practical tips for anyone looking t...

This one contains a GCUC exclusive announcement… Join us for a powerful conversation with Drake Rankin, CEO of Green Hive Spaces, as he shares his journey from a college dropout to launching a coworking franchise!  Drake chats with Liz Elam (GCUC founder) about the transformative power of thoughtful space design and how it fosters authentic human connections and sparks spontaneous networking. He discusses his unwavering passion f...

With 47 locations across the globe, Mindspace has redefined coworking on a massive scale. Join Yotam Alroy, co-founder of Mindspace, on the GCUC Podcast as he shares the journey of transforming a basic concept in Tel Aviv into a world-renowned hub of innovation and hospitality.

Discover the secrets behind Mindspace’s boutique hotel inspired workspaces, their ability to foster genuine community connections, and how they navigate cul...

In this dynamic year-end episode, Liz Elam dives into the Megatrends shaping the coworking industry in 2025. From the dramatic WeWork developments to the pivotal shift toward hospitality, Liz offers a fast-paced, insightful overview of where the industry is headed.

Explore the rise of hyper-focused spaces, the transformative power of AI, and the evolving real estate landscape. Learn how branding, mental health, and sustainability a...

This week, Liz Elam sits down with Tony Aleksandrov, the dynamic founder of WorkBetter, Bulgaria’s leading coworking provider. Tony shares his inspiring journey from working in Germany with Mindspace to returning home and building a coworking powerhouse from the ground up.

Listen as Tony discusses WorkBetter’s rapid growth, how they achieved 100% occupancy with zero turnover, and why focusing on hospitality over marketing has been ...

In this inspiring episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam speaks with Ryan Simonetti, CEO and co-founder of Convene, about the evolution of coworking and the role of hospitality in creating memorable experiences. Ryan reflects on 15 years of building Convene and shares lessons learned from navigating the pandemic's challenges, the importance of values-based hiring, and his commitment to setting new standards in service and design. Th...

In this engaging episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam talks with David Edmunds, founder of Salt Mine, a pioneering coworking space in Utah. David shares the story behind Salt Mine's growth, including how it transformed from a former bowling alley into a community hub for the tech industry. They discuss the importance of hospitality, creating connections in coworking spaces, and how partnerships with local organizations like Silico...

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, we chat with Nyambura Gichohi, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Ikigai, a coworking brand that prioritizes wellness and sustainability in Kenya. Nyambura shares the inspiring journey of how she and her sister combined their backgrounds in real estate and conservation to build Ikigai into one of the most unique coworking spaces in the world. With lush, natural settings and a focus on community, ...

In this episode, we dive deep with Keke Patissier, an expert in community building for coworking, real estate, and the hospitality industries. Keke shares her passion for fostering collaboration and connection but also discusses a critical issue for operators—revenue leakage. Learn how to optimize your operations and prevent financial pitfalls that can hinder your growth in this personal and engaging podcast.

Tune in as we cover:

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In this exciting episode of the GCUC podcast, Liz Elam interviews Alexandra Livesey, COO of Clockwise, who shares her vision for the future of flexible workspaces. Clockwise is leading the charge in creating smart, adaptable spaces that meet the needs of modern businesses across Europe. Alexandra offers an insider’s perspective on how coworking spaces are evolving, the growing demand for flexibility in the workplace, and key trends...