What it really takes to run a coworking space without running yourself into the ground.
From the outside, running a coworking space can look beautifully simple: open the doors, fill the desks, host a few events and “let community happen”.
But for most independent and local operators, the reality is far heavier and far more human.
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Lucy McInally - a content strategist and writer who works with coworking brands and flexible workspace operators across the UK and Europe, and who also brings the lived perspective of having been a member in several independent and multi-location workspaces.
Together, they open up an honest conversation about what coworking leadership really asks of you behind the scenes emotionally, energetically, and financially.
They unpack the invisible load of holding space for everyone else, the pressure of keeping cashflow and community afloat, the constant marketing juggle, and the quiet loneliness that can appear when you’re “the one” everyone leans on.
And importantly they move beyond the challenges to explore practical, human-centred ways to create more clarity, boundaries, and support so you can keep leading with heart without burning yourself out.
✨ In this conversation, they explore:
• The invisible load operators carry (even when a space looks “full” from the outside)
• Community, boundaries, and caring deeply without absorbing everything
• Cashflow pressure, comparison with big brands & finding sustainable revenue
• Marketing overwhelm and using content, podcasts & AI in a way that fits your energy
• Loneliness in leadership — why alliances, champions & peer spaces matter
• Realistic shifts that help you build a business that works for real life, not fantasy
💬 Quote from the episode:
“There’s so much heart in this industry but that’s exactly why operators need support too.” Lucy McInally
A few moments to listen for:
00:00 — Welcome & episode introduction
01:12 — Lucy’s background & her experience across different coworking spaces
04:20 — The hidden emotional load behind running an independent hub
09:45 — Why community care requires boundaries
14:55 — Cashflow pressure, sustainability & comparison with larger brands
18:30 — The marketing juggle: content, podcasts & AI without overwhelm
22:40 — The loneliness of leadership & the need for peer support
27:10 — Small shifts that help operators protect energy & avoid burnout
31:50 — Final reflections & where to find Lucy’s work
Before you dive in…
Running a coworking space asks more of you than most people will ever realise so if this episode touches something for you, you’re not alone.
What part of coworking leadership feels heaviest for you right now and what would make it feel lighter?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or DMs.
And if you’re craving more clarity, structure or support as you lead your space, I’m here to help, you’ll find ways to connect with me in the show notes.
🔗 Links & Resources
Lucy McInally - Content Strategy & Writing for Coworking
https://www.lucymcinally.com
Lucy's LinkedIn feed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymcinally
The Hub Newry – Powering Productivity Podcast
https://www.thehubnewry.com/podcast/
The Quiet Reset – Free Guide:
7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much
https://www.thehubnewry.com/the-quiet-reset
Connect with Suzanne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannemurdock/
Website: https://www.thehubnewry.com
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 South East of England.
Jo’s story isn’t flashy or polished, it’s real.
She’s worked her way through every layer of the organisation over the last 14+ years: front-of-house, operations, business development, marketing. And because of that, she brings something rare, a grounded understanding of what teams, members, and communities genuinely need to feel supported.
This conversation is especially meaningful for independent hubs, neighbourhood coworking operators, and micro business owners who want to grow in a way that still feels human. Even though Mantle is a larger operator now, the challenges they’ve navigated culture, communication, community balance, energy, wellbeing are the same ones small spaces face every day.
✨ Together, we explore:
How Mantle scaled from 1 to 8 locations while keeping member + staff culture at the centre
The realities of building community across multiple locations
Why team wellbeing is foundational to member experience
The juggling act of operations, hospitality and emotional labour
The role of design, environment and atmosphere in shaping community
How digital tools help without replacing the human touch
What independent operators can learn from a bigger regional player
This episode is ultimately about growth that doesn’t cost your heart and why scaling with care, clarity and culture still matters more than ever.
“What stayed at the heart of Mantle through growth is simple: look after your people, and everything else follows.” Jo Hart
Highlights:
Jo’s journey from PA to leading across multiple business functions
How Mantle kept its family-feel culture even as the team grew from 8 to 48
Culture, communication and why empowerment matters more than processes
Navigating challenges: COVID, new centre openings, political + economic uncertainty
Balancing diverse communities across different types of locations
The power of thoughtful workspace design in belonging and productivity
Using digital tools to support (not replace) human connection
Supporting centre teams who juggle HR, operations, community, emotions
The importance of celebrating wins and looking back at how far you’ve come
What regional coworking operators can learn from each other
Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome to Powering Productivity
00:54 — Introducing Jo Hart & Mantle Space
02:06 — Jo’s journey into coworking
04:26 — From 1 centre to 8: what has changed (and what hasn’t)
05:33 — Culture, values & how Mantle “scaled with heart”
10:58 — Operational challenges & opportunities in regional coworking
13:57 — Navigating COVID, furlough, and rebuilding with care
15:55 — Member mix: corporates, SMEs, remote workers & entrepreneurs
18:20 — Why design + environment matter more than ever
22:27 — Digital tools and keeping the human touch
25:18 — Team wellbeing, boundaries & emotional load
28:19 — Collaboration, connection & the future of regional coworking
31:12 — Where to find Jo and more about Mantle Space
Resources:
Mantle Space → https://www.mantle.co.uk
Powering Productivity Podcast Homepage → https://www.thehubnewry.com/podcast
Suzanne’s Coaching & Support for Micro / Coworking Operators → https://www.thehubnewry.com/coaching-mentoring/
What does it really take to build a thriving neighbourhood coworking space as an introverted founder especially when you’re juggling cashflow, confidence, and community in equal measure?
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Melissa Richards, founder of Buick Mackane, a vibrant creative coworking, meeting and event space in the heart of Newbury.
The conversation is honest, warm, and deeply relatable for anyone running a small hub or micro business especially those balancing people-first values with real-life energy and capacity.
✨ Quote from the episode:
“I never really felt I belonged anywhere until I created the space I needed myself — and then I realised others needed it too.”
Together, we explore the quiet strength behind independent operators, the courage it takes to show up consistently, and the beauty that unfolds when community forms in the smallest everyday moments.
Some of the highlights:
Creating a coworking space as an introverted founder
Balancing confidence, cashflow and community connection
Navigating COVID, reopening and keeping the doors open
Why design, atmosphere and energy shape your member mix
Freelancing as a bridge to financial stability
How private offices change the sustainability model
The emotional load of holding space for others
Why “belonging” is built through small, consistent acts
Managing energy, boundaries and burnout as a solo operator
The value of members who become your extended team
Baby-step confidence, comparison traps, and showing up in your own way
Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome to Powering Productivity
00:48 — Meet Melissa: From freelance insights to founding Buick Mackane
02:45 — The search for a workspace that felt right
03:50 — Building community from scratch
04:58 — Launching during COVID & navigating the second lockdown
06:42 — Freelancing as a financial safety net
07:30 — How design shaped Buick’s community
09:25 — The power of quirky, creative, non-corporate space
10:00 — Cashflow realities & the turning point towards private offices
12:20 — Why private offices bring sustainability + freedom
14:10 — Events, energy and the “ideal” building setup
15:57 — Balancing freelancers, local SMEs & remote corporate teams
17:10 — Encouraging shy members to connect
18:30 — The hidden emotional labour of community building
20:00 — Collaboration, events and members sparking new ideas
21:50 — Introverted founders: leadership, energy & boundaries
23:40 — Recharging after hosting: managing energy well
25:00 — Letting members support you too
26:58 — Who holds the space for the operator?
27:57 — Delegation, extended teams & knowing when to accept help
29:10 — Comparison traps & showing up despite self-doubt
30:53 — Baby steps, consistency and what really builds confidence
32:45 — Listening deeply to what your members actually need
34:38 — Reading between the lines & navigating quiet feedback
35:10 — Unexpected, magical moments of community
36:30 — Where to find Melissa and Buick Mackane online
Links & Resources:
Buick Mackane Coworking (Newbury, UK)
The Quiet Reset – Free Guide:
7 Signs You’re Quietly Carrying Too Much
If you’re a micro business owner or neighbourhood coworking operator who often feels like you’re carrying too much I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone.
There is quiet strength in the work you do, and community grows from the small, consistent actions that never make the headlines but change lives every day.
What if the future of work isn’t in glass towers or city coworking chains but in small, rooted hubs where people feel they belong?
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Maria do Céu Bastos, founder of NOWHERE Desk - a rural coworking hub in Portugal that’s become a lifeline for freelancers, founders, and her local community.
Together, they explore how rural coworking is redefining connection and belonging not just for those who work there, but for the people who nurture these spacesevery day.
✨ In this conversation:
The emotional and economic value of local hubs
🌿 Discover more about Maria’s work and the rural coworking movement:
💛 Listen now , this is a story about heart, place, and the quiet revolution happening in rural coworking.
Time stamped Shownotes:
00:00 Introduction to the Powering Productivity Podcast
00:48 Meet Maria do Ceu Bastos: A Journey from Translationto Coworking
02:21 Challenges and Realities of Rural Coworking
07:29 Building Community and Overcoming Isolation
13:18 Navigating Bureaucracy and Renovation Hurdles
16:08 Funding and Financial Challenges
18:18 The Vision for Education and Reskilling
23:34 Navigating Emotional Challenges with AI
24:38 Finding Balance in Nature
25:19 Building Resilience Through Hobbies
26:13 The Importance of Community Support
26:54 Managing the Invisible Load
29:40 The Power of Networks and Collaboration
33:37 Sustainable Living and Upcycling
38:08 Rural Regeneration and Education
46:04 Conclusion and Resources
What happens when you take a bold idea - a women-only coworking space and turn it into a thriving hub of creativity, community, and support?
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Stacey Sheppard, founder of Tribe Coworking in Devon. Stacey’s not just running a space she’s redefining what support looks like for freelancers, founders, and change makers.
They talk about:
✅ The realities of running a niche, women-only coworking hub as a solo operator
✅ How balancing business with life (yes, including school holidays) can spark new models of support
✅Why traditional business programmes often miss what’s really needed: emotional scaffolding
✅ And the big question: as AI reshapes traditional jobs, are coworking spaces already carrying the future of entrepreneurship on their shoulders?
One line that really stayed with Suzanne:
👉 “Coworking spaces are the pathway to entrepreneurship. The infrastructure already exists it’s just so underused.” Stacey Sheppard
This conversation is honest, heart-led, and full of fresh perspective. If you’re a micro business leader, a coworking operator, or simply curious about how values-led spaces shape the future of work this one’s for you.
Here's some link and assets mentioned in the podcast:
In this episode discover how Ireland’s national coworking network is transforming local business, innovation and community through people-led workspaces and what it means for your coworking space or micro business.
Suzanne together with Stephen Carolan and Leah Fairman of Connected Hubs explore the real-world impact of coworking on local economies, SME growth, and community resilience, especially in regional and rural areas.
Whether you run a neighbourhood coworking space or lead a micro business, this episode is packed with insights on:
We also talk about the vital role of relationships, shared identity and community champions and why belonging is a competitive advantage in today’s uncertain world.
If you’re building a space or business that’s rooted in people and purpose, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and connected.
🎧 Listen now and discover how Ireland’s coworking movement is shaping the future of local enterprise and thriving communities.
Suzanne chats with Benjamin Carew, Co-founder & Director of Othership, who’s redefining flexible work by integrating workspaces and software to empower freelancers, SMEs, and enterprises to work anywhere, better.
💡 They talked about:
✅ How workspace software is changing the game forcoworking & hybrid businesses
✅What is floworking?
✅ The evolution of flexible work—beyond just remotevs. office
✅ Making workspace solutions more accessiblefor smaller operators
✅Identifying the right software solution for yourbusiness
✅ The impact of AI,dynamic pricing & collaboration tools on the future of work
Find out more about Othership at https://othership.com/
Suzanne talks to Roland Stanley, owner and operator of Dragon Coworking, an independent coworking space in Rochester, England. They chat around the highs and challenges of running a neighbourhood coworking space & why its relationships and not just desks that are at the heart of coworking.
They talk about:
✅ How he went from hotelier to coworking operator (by accident!)
✅ The power of community over just desks & coffee
✅ Opportunities for smaller coworking operators—from partnerships to new spaces
✅ Challenges like market uncertainty & making hotdesking work
✅ Creative revenue streams & what you need to be aware of (hello, virtual offices!)
✅ Why sustainability & mental health support matter in coworking
✅ Making friends with the competition
✅ How small operators can leverage partnerships with councils and landlords
Roland shares some great insights on growing a coworking space the right way—without losing its heart.
Hit play & let’s dive in! 🎧✨
Find out more about Dragon Coworking at https://dragoncoworking.co.uk/
Suzanne talks to Claire Carpenter, a pioneer in coworking and social impact. From creating one of Europe’s first coworking hubs, The Melting Pot, Edinburgh to mapping rural opportunities & engaging in social fabric projects far & wide, Claire’s journey is full of lessons for community leaders and SME owners.
They talk coaching, navigating transitions, and rethinking leadership—whether it’s running a business, fostering collaboration, or embracing new ways of working (like van life!).
Here are some of the highlights:
Claire's experiences as a coworking pioneer & its industry innovations Transitions to remote working ( quite literally, as in working from a van) Coaching for growth & adapting to change Empowering communities & SME leaders through social impact Navigating transitionsFind out more about Claire at https://www.clairecarpentercoaching.com/
Suzanne is joined by Jessica Morgan, Founder of Carnsight Communications.
In this episode Suzanne and Jessica delve into the ever-changing world of public relations, the challenges of evolving workspaces, and the opportunities for small businesses in a shifting media landscape.
Jess offers insights into PR strategies, coworking trends, and the role of culture in flexible workplace environments.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a PR professional, or someone curious about the intersection of work, media, and community, this episode has something for you.
Here's some of the highlights: PR Evolution & Communication Media Landscape Changes PR Strategies for Small Businesses Evolving Workspaces & Culture AI Tools & Practical PR Insights
Find out more about Jessica at https://www.carnsight.com/
and buy her Ebook, Practically Powerful PR at https://www.carnsight.com/our-ebook/
In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Jane Sartin, Executive Director of the Flexible Space Association known to many as Flexsa.
Suzanne and Jane explored the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the flexible workspace industry, highlighting trends like hybrid work, the rise of town-centre workspaces, and the evolving role of AI. They also discussed support for small businesses and the importance of collaboration to navigate industry changes.
Here are some of the highlights -
The role Flexa plays in the industry Hybrid work expansion, diverse offerings & the corporate impact AI's role in the industry, benefits, challenges & the member fulfilment aspects Support for small operators & the collective voice Growth of flex in high streets & small town coworkingFind out more about Flexsa here - https://www.flexsa.co.uk/ Powering Productivity is presented by Suzanne Murdock from The Hub Newry - https://www.thehubnewry.com/
It is produced by Emily Crosby Media
In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Pauline Roussel who, together with her partner Dimitar Inchev are co-founders of Coworkies.
They chat around the challenges and opportunities in the coworking space industry. Pauline shares her journey from banking to becoming a Chief Happiness Officer in Berlin, highlighting her diverse experiences and the unique cultures she's encountered in over 550 coworking spaces across 65 cities.
They chat around -
Find out more about Coworkies at https://blog.coworkies.com/
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Yoshio Tsuda, founder of two very different coworking spaces - 'Morino Office' in rural Fujimi, Japan and the other 'Pile' - a collaborative studio space in the much more urban Yokohama, Japan.
Suzanne & Yoshio chat around:
Learn more about Yoshio here:
https://en.morino-office.com/about
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Bernie Mitchell - CoCreator of the London Coworking Assembly. A seasoned expert who’s been around the coworking scene for about as long as coworking’s been around! A huge advocate, writer, podcaster & coach he’s a champion for us smaller, micro & more regional & neighbourhood flexible workspace operators & communities.
Suzanne & Bernie chat around:
Learn more about Bernie here:
https://berniejmitchell.com/
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Jeannine Van Der Linden, founder and manager, of de Kamer, a network of coworking spaces in the Netherlands.
She’s also Managing Partner of Open Coworking, a global movement dedicated to the values of Collaboration, Openness, Community, Accessibility, and Sustainability, and is Director of Sustainability and Accessibility & Founding Member & Manager for its partner, the European Coworking Assembly.
Before Jeannine came to the Netherlands, she was a practising lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, and is still active in the areas of business litigation, contract review, and litigation.
They talk about:
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Lucy McInally, 'The Inclusive Coworker'; an experienced content writer specifically for businesses within the coworking movement & a big coworking & coliving advocate.
They talk about:
Learn more about Lucy here - https://lucymcinally.com/
Small, local & independent can create magic! In this episode Suzanne is joined by Bernie Mitchell, from the London Coworking Assembly. A seasoned expert who's been around the coworking scene for about as long as coworking's been around! A huge advocate, writer, podcaster & coach he's a champion for us smaller, more local & independent flexible workspace operators & communities.
They chat about:
Suzanne welcomes back William Redpath, Director of Manabu Learning & Chapter Lead with Grow Remote Ireland. They dive into:
Suzanne welcomes back William Redpath, Director of Manabu Learning & Chapter Lead with Grow Remote Ireland. They explore & chat about:
Suzanne talks to Andrea Splendori, founder of Social Fabric and accomplished life and career coach. They chat about how creating the environment where individuals can thrive at work, through coaching & mentoring at both a team & individual levels. Here are some of the topics discussed: - Andrea's move from Italy to Ireland
- Building community and a healthy ecosystem
- How coaching works & what it embodies
- The benefits of coaching for teams & individuals in today's workplace
- Different forms of coaching and mentoring
- The challenges and barriers to coaching in the current climate Andrea Splendori is a coach with a particular interest in corporate wellbeing and a primary focus on team building, and group coaching. Having relocated to Ireland from Italy, Andrea previously managed a worldwide team of software engineers in the localization business. And since then his passion for conversations has led him to work in radio, create and host his own podcast, as well as live chat shows in theatres and panel hosting. Find out more about Andrea and Social Fabric - https://www.socialfabric.ie/ This episode was presented by Suzanne Murdock of The Hub Newry. It was produced by Emily Crosby Media