GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

GCUC Podcast- Prithwiraj Choudhury, Professor at London School of Economics and Political Science

Raj Choudhury, Professor at London School of Economics and Political Science joins Liz Elam to reveal what “work from anywhere” really means, and why it matters now.
Dr. Raj Choudhury, a Professor at London School of Economics and Political Science and widely recognized expert on the future of work, draws on over a decade of research and global case studies, including companies like Airbnb and Spotify. In this episode, he and Liz Elam explore how location-independent models are reshaping talent strategy, productivity, and real estate, and why return-to-office mandates may be accelerating attrition, particularly among women.
The conversation also explores how coworking spaces can attract and serve distributed teams, highlighting the unique role community managers play in fostering real connection. Raj discusses the growing relevance of digital twins in shaping the future of work design, along with strategies for managing distributed and asynchronous teams. He and Liz delve into building inclusive, global cultures through Employer of Record models, the broader societal benefits of decentralizing work opportunities, and the evolving landscape of hybrid work, examining which models are proving most effective today.
Raj also reflects on his experience at the GCUC conference, shares advice for coworking operators, and talks about the shifting momentum of flexible work worldwide.
 Show Notes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prithwiraj-choudhury-5566314 Selected Publications: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=327154&click=publications Book – The World Is Your Office: https://www.amazon.com/dp/026204891X
#GCUCPodcast #FutureOfWork #WorkFromAnywhere #RajChoudhury #CoworkingCommunity #RemoteWork #HybridWork #DigitalTwins #GCUC2025

GCUC Podcast- Juda Srour, CEO & Co-founder, Jay Suites

Liz Elam sits down with Juda Srour, the CEO and Co-founder of Jay Suites and Jay Conference, for a candid conversation about what it takes to grow a coworking and event space brand in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets. Juda began his journey in the industry at just nineteen years old, launching his first location and building Jay Suites from the ground up. Today, the company spans twelve coworking spaces, six event venues, and multiple rooftops throughout New York City.
In this episode, Juda shares the hard-earned lessons he’s learned along the way. He opens up about how Jay Suites weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and managed to expand while many others were closing their doors. He explains how owning the buildings fundamentally changed their business model, streamlining operations and enhancing the tenant experience. Juda also dives into what makes Jay Suites stand out in a crowded market—from custom build-outs and contemporary design to prioritizing long-term relationships with clients.
Looking ahead, he shares his thoughts on emerging market trends, the evolving demand for flexible space, and Jay Suites’ first expansion beyond New York City. The episode also features a special announcement: GCUC 2026 will take place at Jay Conference Bryant Park.
A builder of spaces, systems, and community, Juda offers invaluable insight into scaling a space business with vision, adaptability, and a focus on long-term success.
If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a review and subscribe to stay ahead of what’s next in coworking and the future of work.
Show Notes:
Connect with Juda on Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juda-srour-b674168/ 
Explore Jay Suites: https://www.jaysuites.com/

GCUC Podcast - Ana Bernardo, Head of Operations at Work.Life

Ana Bernardo, Head of Operations at Work.Life, joins GCUC founder and host, Liz Elam for a conversation that’s thoughtful, energizing, and real. From her beginnings in science to leading teams in the coworking industry, Ana’s story is rooted in curiosity, growth, and leading with care. Liz and Ana dive into her passion for sustainability and talk about how to implement and encourage your members to be part of the solution.
Ana discusses how her background in science, personal development, and commitment to sustainability influence her leadership style and community building.
The conversation covers:
Ana's surprising transition from science to the coworking industry.
How becoming a mother influenced her leadership approach.
Work.Life's integration of purpose-driven values into their operations.
The importance of making sustainability a shared responsibility.
Strategies for maintaining the human connection in all aspects of work.
Ana emphasizes that even small, deliberate efforts can create significant change in the flexible workspace sector. This episode is relevant for co-working operators, purpose-driven leaders, and anyone seeking to infuse more meaning into their work.
 
#GCUCPodcast #GCUCCommunity #Coworking #FutureOfWork #Sustainability #London #GCUCUK
 
Show Notes:Work.Life Sustainability Report
Work.Life WebsiteAna Bernardo LinkedIn Profile 

GCUC Podcast - Laura Kozelouzek, Founder of Quest Workspaces

Join Liz Elam of GCUC and Laura Kozelouzek of Quest Workspaces in this engaging podcast episode! They dive into Laura's recovery from a helisking incident, morning routines, and the evolving post-COVID business landscape.
 
Highlights include:
The influence of morning routines and mindset on leadership.
The transformation of workspace design: macro to micro trends.
A new take on WeWork, profitability, and staying true to your vision.
How Laura and her team approach artificial intelligence.
The lasting significance of hospitality, freedom, and human connection.
This episode offers valuable inspiration and practical advice for coworking professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create successful workspaces. Get ready for meaningful content and as always with Laura, some laughs!#GCUCPodcast #FutureOfWork #FlexibleWorkspaces #Coworking #WorkspaceWellness #WomenInLeadership #Podcast #Businesspodcast
Show Notes:Laura Kozelouzek’s LinkedIn Profile
Quest Workspaces website

GCUC Podcast - Jonathan O'Byrne, Founder of Collective Works

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 industry from all sides—and he’s not afraid to call out what’s broken.
Together, they dive into:
Why traditional commercial real estate is outdated, inefficient, and ready for reinvention
How small operators are the true innovation engines in the coworking industry
The irreplaceable power of hospitality, and why your front desk matters more than your marketing
The role of AI, sustainability, and creative design in future-proofing the workplace
What “next-space” means—and why we should all be thinking beyond coworking
Jonathan also shares his reflections on leadership, burnout, and the importance of documenting what we’ve learned so future generations can build better. You’ll laugh, you’ll rethink your lease strategy, and you’ll probably want to read his book immediately.
👉 Tune in now and get ready for a refreshing, unapologetic take on the future of work.
#GCUC #GCUCPodcast #CommunityDriven #HumanCentricWork #WorkplaceInnovation #SpaceAsAService
 
Show notes: 
Jonathan O’Byrne’s LinkedIn Profile 
Jonathan O’Byrne’s website 
Link to “After Coworking”

AI Generated Teaser for the GCUC Podcast

I did the unthinkable... I forgot to record. So I used AI to clone my voice and make y'all a little teaser. Enjoy! 

GCUC Podcast - Emilie Lashmar, Event Producer of GCUC UK

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.
 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
How coworking spaces can future-proof themselves through authentic hospitality and intentional design.
Why peer-to-peer problem-solving and roundtables are the new secret sauce for unforgettable coworking events.
The inside scoop on GCUC Manchester (June 11–12) and GCUC London (June 8–9) — and how these events will redefine connection, learning, and trendsetting in 2025.
How GCUC curates diverse speakers and partners with brands that elevate the coworking experience.
Real talk about industry challenges like burnout—and how GCUC UK is tackling them head-on.
If you’re ready for an honest, human, and inspiring conversation that will leave you rethinking leadership, events, and the coworking movement—you’ll want to listen to this one.
✨ GCUC events are coming up fast! Join us in the UK and experience the future of work firsthand. Learn more at na.gcuc.co and uk.gcuc.co!
#GCUCPodcast #GCUCCommunity #CoworkingWithHeart #FutureOfWork #GCUCUK #WorkBetterTogether

GCUC Podcast – Giles Fuchs CEO and Niki Fuchs Managing Director, Office Space in Town

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 open up about:
How hospitality and coworking intersect—and why it matters
What the hotel world taught them about creating emotionally resonant experiences
Why trust between family founders is their secret weapon
And the surprising reason they traded London’s cityscape for a windswept island off the Devon coast
 “Hospitality is the invisible layer. It’s not just what you offer—it’s how you make people feel.” – Giles Fuchs
If you're passionate about designing spaces people actually want to be in—whether for work, rest, or inspiration—this conversation is for you.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
And if you enjoy the episode, subscribe to the GCUC Podcast and leave a review. It helps us continue bringing you inspiring, insightful conversations with the leaders shaping the future of work.
 
#GCUCPodcast #CoworkingSpaces #HospitalityInCoworking #OfficeSpaceInTown #BurghIslandHotel #WorkspaceDesign #FlexSpace #FutureOfWorkShow Notes:Giles Fuchs LinkedIn ProfileNiki Fuchs LinkedIn ProfileOffice Space in Town (OSiT)