The Hidden Pressures of Running a Coworking Space
From the outside, running a coworking space can look deceptively simple. Open the doors, fill the desks, and let the community take care of itself. But anyone who has ever run an independent or neighbourhood coworking space knows that behind every thriving workspace is an operator quietly carrying an enormous and often invisib
Scaling With Heart: Mantle’s Growth to 8 Sites While Staying People-First, with Jo Hart
What does it really take to scale a coworking business without losing the soul of what made it special in the first place? In this episode of Powering Productivity, I’m joined by Jo Hart, who has been at the heart of Mantle Space’s growth from a single serviced-office centre to eight thriving locations across the […
When Productivity Advice Meets Real Life – A Conversation with Bernie Mitchell on the Coworking Values Podcast
If you’ve ever felt smothered by productivity advice that doesn’t quite match the realities of running a coworking hub or micro business, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. In this guest episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, I sit down with Bernie Mitchell – long-time champion of the European coworkin
Building a sustainable business that fits real life – lessons from The Hub Newry
When I started The Hub, I didn’t have a big team, endless hours, or family down the road to lean on when things got lonely or overwhelming. I’d moved from South London to Northern Ireland as a new parent, in a new place, without family nearby or reliable childcare. My husband was originally from here, […]
Finding freedom in frameworks: Why structure isn’t the enemy of flow
If you run a small business or lead a coworking space, you already know that structure & systems can be a double-edged word. You crave it the rhythm, the calm, the sense of knowing where things fit but it can really go against the whole human led feel of your business. Yet for all its […]
The Heart of Work: What Rural Hubs Teach Us About Community & Resilience, with Maria do Ceu Bastos
What if the future of work is being quietly shaped in small, rural coworking hubs, places built around belonging, creativity, and care? In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne speaks with Maria do Céu Bastos, founder of NOWHERE Desk in Portugal – a rural hub that’s become a home for freelancers, founders, an
How neighbourhood coworking hubs can turn challenges into growth opportunities
Neighbourhood coworking hubs are more than just office spaces. They’re community anchors where micro businesses, freelancers and small teams find connection, focus and the support they need to grow. But right now, many local hub operators are feeling the weight of juggling occupancy, visibility and the emotional labour of ho
Structure that supports: Smart systems for small workspaces & communities
Smart systems for coworking & micro business leaders – structure that supports growth and confidence. What comes to mind when you hear the word structure? If you’re anything like me and most micro business or coworking space leaders, I know it’s probably not a feeling of ease. Maybe it’s more like: More
Why embracing uncertainty is key to sustainable small business leadership
For years, I believed I was resistant to risk. But in truth, embracing uncertainty has become one of my greatest strengths. Moving from London to Ireland not knowing anyone apart from my husband, starting a coworking business in 2012 when the model was almost unknown locally, and steering through Brexit, the absence of governm
The new social infrastructure: Why coworking spaces matter more than ever
In a world that feels increasingly polarised politically, economically, and socially the question many are asking is: how do we begin to rebuild the social fabric that holds our communities together? The answer might be closer than we think. At the recent Royal Society Of Arts Annual Patron’s Lecture the spotlight was very m
S4 Ep.6 “Flexible work is about people” with Benjamin Carew – and how tech can smooth the journey
📢 “Flexible working isn’t just about location – it’s about people. You don’t leave home for a desk, you leave to collaborate, connect & be part of a community.” – Benjamin Carew, Co-founder of Othership 🎙️ What does true flexible working look like? It’s more than hybrid schedules – it’s
S3 Ep1. Leadership in the evergreen hybrid workplace, with Carol Conway
Suzanne talks to leadership expert Carol Conway of www.freelancecatalyst.com Carol’s a lifelong Behavioural Scientist with a passion in human dynamics and a deep belief in people. She has worked with CEOs, management teams and Boards of numerous organisations, much of this being in the voluntary and community sector and on g
So what’s the latest best practice in the flex & hybrid office environment?
‘Real life flex’ – Can you reimagine to what extent flexibility and choice could impact your life? What about working in a culture that truly aligns with your values, surrounded by people that get you and who want to hear your ideas? I’ve been working in the flex workspace industry for over 10 years. Li
Ep.12 – How to amplify your energy, with Ilona Brannen
Suzanne talks to Ilona Brannen – a consultant who works with fast growing tech companies as well as individuals around energy, leadership, storytelling and brand imaging. Ilona uses her knowledge and expertise to successfully bring companies into the digital world focusing on people (leadership and training), pr
Nicola McGuinness of Lean In Newry on realising our potential
Nicola McGuinness, Founder and Chairperson of Lean In Newry – supporting women to excel and find their potential. Expertise: Founder & Regional Leader of the Lean In Newry network. As a Lean In Regional Leader, Nicola supports a large network of women dedicated to achieving their potential through an inclusive, diver
