GCUC Podcast

Philip Vanhoutte – Founder at Ozadi in Belgium • Episode 3

Everything changed, 15 years ago when Philip’s big picture view went from technology fueled to human driven. The founder at Ozadi, Philip Vanhoutte, talks about how his childhood journey in a full force quality customer service upbringing helped foster his altruism and enthusiasm about the potential of human beings. We explore how he got involved with WELL, what spaces actually need for us to work, and the big picture flip. With no funding to hire consultants, Philip talks about his journey to excellence in soundscaping, designing an acoustic temple, and how the Leesman Index is implemented to improve workspace.
#WorkplaceTrends #GCUCpodcast #PhilipVanhoutte #Design #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #coworking #community

Kay Sargent - Senior Principal & Director of WorkPlace at HOK in DC • Episode 2

Explore the number one lifestyle risk that impacts work, how to design around it and how to pay closer attention to it. Join Liz Elam and award winning, Kay Sargent, Senior Principal & Director of WorkPlace at HOK as they talk about design for the neurodiverse, the neurotypical, how most of us are grossly unaware of our sensitivities and how that affects our work. With no fear of speaking her mind, Kay talks about sensory intelligence, our industries gap in nomenclature and the ecosystem of work.
#WorkplaceTrends #GCUCpodcast #KaySargent #Design #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #coworking #community

Larissa Murphy - Co-Founder at Contrast in Singapore • Episode 1

Liz Elam and Larissa Murphy, Co-Founder at Contrast talk about how she turned the design approach upside down to achieve high density coworking without a bunch of straight boring corridors - think origami. Together they talk about the importance of challenging design in new and innovative ways to create an experience and moving away from oppressive work environments. As a guest lecturer in psychology, Larissa explores how to design to promote mental health and the ergonomics behind it all.
#WorkplaceTrends #GCUCpodcast #LarissaMurphy #Design #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #coworking #community

Jenny Poon - Founder and CEO at CO+HOOTS

Liz Elam and Jenny Poon, founder and CEO at CO+HOOTS talk about where it all began, where it is now, and where Jenny is going next. We explore how Jenny’s parents continue to fuel her love for creating equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems with their own inspiring story of perseverance and persistence. We talk about the importance of lowering the risk of entrepreneurship and small businesses, especially for people of color, using the government as a connector, and scaling on a city level. You don’t want to miss this.
#gcucpodcast #JennyPoon #CO+HOOTS #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #poc #coworking #community

Jean-Yves Huwart - Founder at Social Workplaces and the Coworking Europe Conference

Liz Elam and Jean-Yves Huwart, founder at Social Workplaces and the Coworking Europe Conference talk about how they met and how Jean-Yves began. We explore the survival of coworking during the pandemic and how to keep high quality connection through each lock down wave. We talk about future offerings, high coworking demand and how we are going to handle the “coworking bonanza”. You’re going to love it!
#gcucpodcast #JeanYves #SocialWorkplaces #CoworkingEurope #entrepreneur #coworking #community

Nick Clark - Founder and CEO at Common Desk: A Texas built, boutique coworking brand

Liz Elam and Nick Clark, founder and CEO at Common Desk talk about how they met and how Nick eventually bought Liz’s coworking brand. We explore tactics Nick is using to raise morale and check in on all of the Common Desk team during the pandemic. We talk about expansion, deals, and how GCUC was a major player in Common Desk’s early years. You’re gonna enjoy it!
#gcucpodcast #NickClark #CommonDesk #entrepreneur #coworking #community

Claire Carpenter - Founder and CEO at The Melting Pot: Scotland’s Center for Social Innovation

In this episode, Liz Elam interviews Claire Carpenter, founder and CEO at The Melting Pot – Scotland’s Centre for Social Innovation. We explore the motivations guiding the genius behind the first coworking space in Scotland, the accelerating trajectory of coworking and the human ecology driving it all. Claire discusses the highs and lows that are plaguing us all, taking care of oneself and keeping the balance to persevere. Enjoy the conversation!
#gcucpodcast #ClaireCarpenter #TheMeltingPot #CoworkingAccelerator #entrepreneur #coworking #community

Reeves Wiedeman, author of Billion Dollar Loser - The Rise & Spectacular Fall of WeWork

In this episode, Liz Elam interviews Reeves Wiedeman, contributing editor at New York Magazine and author of Billion Dollar Loser. We got a first look at the inside story of the rise and fall of WeWork and CEO, Adam Neumann. Whether positive or negative, it is undeniable that WeWork changed the world and facilitated a massive shift in coworking culture. What do you think?
Don’t forget to order Billion Dollar Loser – out on October 20!
#gcucpodcast #ReevesWiedeman #entrepreneur #coworking #community #business

Neal Gemassmer of Yardi Systems

In this episode Liz Elam interviews Neal Gemassmer, Vice President International at Yardi Systems. We talk about how COVID is impacting Yardi and their employees. We discuss why Yardi is strategically focusing on Coworking and the Flexible workspace industry. We also learned about Yardi's impressive commitment to giving back. Give it a listen!

Communication & Connection During Racial Unrest

We facilitated a conversation (on zoom) about communication during racial unrest with three accomplished and notable black leaders who specialize in Diversity and Inclusion.
Valerie Williams formerly led Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Airbnb and Stripe and is now the Managing Partner and Founder of her own practice the Converge Firm.
Rory Verrett served as head of talent acquisition of talent at the NFL and is now a managing partner at Protege Search
Ebbie Parsons- After working at Fortune 500 companies including Intel, Medtronic and American Express, Ebbie is now the managing partner at Yardstick Management.