GCUC Podcast - Coworking, Hospitality & The Future of Work

GCUC Podcast - Jonathan Bevan, CEO of Techspace & Elliot Gold, Founder of Work.Life

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.
👉 Want even more insider knowledge? Join us in person at GCUC London. It’s where the sharpest minds in coworking and flex space come together to share strategies, forge partnerships and set the direction of the industry. Tickets are live now — grab yours before they sell out.
🎧 Listen now. And tell us in the comments: what’s the one data point you wish you had to run your workspace better?
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://gcuc.co/gcuc-podcast-jonathan-bevan-elliot-gold\
🌐 Learn more about Workspace Intelligence Network (WIN): https://www.winflex.org | LinkedIn🔗 Connect with Jonathan Bevan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbevan/🔗 Connect with Elliot Gold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldelliot/🌐 Learn more about Techspace: https://www.techspace.co
🌐 Learn more about Work.Life:https://work.life/
🔗 Connect with Liz Elam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam
https://gcuc.co/
https://uk.gcuc.co/tickets/
 

GCUC Podcast - Thom Wernke, Co- Founder of StartDock

In this episode of The GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Thom Wernke, co-founder of StartDock, for a deep dive into the evolution of coworking, the power of community, and the realities of scaling without losing your magic.
From his early days launching an IT company in university to running six stunning, canal-side coworking spaces in the Netherlands, Thom shares how an unexpected pivot turned into a thriving hospitality-driven brand. He reveals why StartDock’s success is rooted in community connections, how he funds growth creatively, and the surprising role collaboration with “competitors” plays in strengthening the industry.
This episode dives into the evolving world of coworking with candid insights on balancing hospitality and operations, creating quiet rooms and neurodiverse-friendly spaces, and the art of scaling community without losing its personal touch. You’ll also hear about funding strategies—from private loans to investor partnerships—and discover future trends shaping Europe, from landlord management agreements to the rise of diverse customer “flavors.” Whether you’re an operator, member, or simply fascinated by the future of work, this conversation is packed with inspiration, insights, and maybe a little canal-side envy.
Whether you’re an operator, a coworking member, or just obsessed with the future of work, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe a little jealous of those Dutch canal views
Show Notes & Important Links
Thom Wernke Co-Founder, StartDock
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomwernke/
https://startdock.nl/en/
 
Liz Elam 
Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam
https://gcuc.co/
na.gcuc.co
uk.gcuc.co

BONUS! GCUC Community Podcast • GCUC x Coworking Europe

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 alignment
Show Notes & Important Link
Jean-Yves Hauer
Founder at SocialWorkplaces https://socialworkplaces.com/
Coworking Europe https://coworkingeurope.net/team/jean-yves-huwart/
Zoe Ellis-Moore 
CEO & Founder at Spaces to Places https://spacestoplaces.co.uk/resources/reports/london/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-ellis-moore-flexspaceconsultant/
 
Liz Elam
Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search
gcuc.co 
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/
 
 

GCUC - Podcast - Kane Willmott, CEO & Co-Founder at iQ Offices

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 Search LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+1LinkedIn+9LinkedIn+9LinkedIn+9 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam
iQ Offices – Official Website Learn more about their Toronto HQ and Canada-wide workspace network LinkedIn+12LinkedIn+12LinkedIn+12 https://iqoffices.com 

GCUC Podcast- Meagan Slavin, Chief Operating Officer at 25N Coworking

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 Coworking: https://25ncoworking.com 
 

GCUC Podcast- Rebekah Murphy, Chief Revenue Officer / Chief Experience Officer at Hub Australia

If you know Liz & GCUC then you know our obsession with the book Unreasonable Hospitality. We consider it the bible of our industry and evidence that Coworking should be in the hospitality industry. When we heard from our friend Brad Krauskopf that a top member of his team was attending the Unreasonable Hospitality summit, we knew we had to get her take on the experience.
Rebekah (Bex)  Murphy, Chief Revenue and Experience Officer at Hub Australia and Liz Elam are unpacking the game-changing mindset of Unreasonable Hospitality. Inspired by lessons from a summit dedicated to creating world-class experiences, Bex shares how hospitality done intentionally and personally isn’t just nice to have. It’s the only long-term competitive edge in an industry where products can be copied, but feelings can't be.
From “Hub Lux Moments” and surprise coffee tabs to onboarding strategies that collect member preferences from day one, this podcast conversation explores the little details that make a big difference. Bex dives into how Hub Australia is building a culture where excellence is the baseline, and hospitality is everyone’s job no matter their title. Expect actionable ideas, a few laughs, and a fresh perspective on the future of coworking, community, and human connection.
Show Notes:Connect with Rebekah Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahmurphy1
Learn more about Hub Australia: https://www.hubaustralia.com
Host – Liz Elam, Founder of GCUC: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/ 
  Unreasonable Hospitality :https://a.co/d/icM08pu
#GCUCPodcast #CoworkingCulture #HubAustralia #WorkplaceExperience #ExperienceMatters #CommunityBuilding #CoworkingLeaders #RebekahMurphy #FutureOfWork #MemberExperience #HospitalityInBusiness

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/