Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast Podcast By Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini cover art

Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast

By: Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini
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Join us as we connect with the movers and shakers of the coworking and flexible office industry. We're hosting conversations with operators, brokers, asset owners, and industry insiders to tackle the big questions everyone's thinking about. Listen in for deep dives, expert insights, and the latest happenings in the world of coworking.2023 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 155. Marathons, Mentors, and Mindspace: Mark Goldfinger’s Playbook for Impact
    Jul 8 2025

    If you think all coworking leaders have the same backstory… this episode will change your mind.

    Mark Goldfinger, GM and Head of North America for Mindspace, joins us for a deep (and often hilarious) dive into his journey. From running global expansion at WeWork to building boutique, hospitality-forward spaces at Mindspace.

    We talk about what he learned from the early days of coworking (and Adam Neumann), why operators should take events seriously, and how to scale without losing the heart of the business.

    Plus, Mark opens up about the personal moments that shaped his leadership style, and yes, there’s a Taylor Swift karaoke moment in here too. 🎤

    Here’s what we cover:

    • Mark’s journey from international expansion lead at WeWork to scaling Mindspace in the U.S.

    • The magic of Mindspace’s “host” events business model, and why events are core to modern coworking

    • His six-year ride at WeWork and the powerful, human moments that defined it

    • Mindspace’s U.S. growth strategy, and what he looks for before signing on a new location

    • The unexpected connection between marathon training and scaling a coworking brand

    This episode is part ops, part origin story, and full-on inspiration for anyone building a flex space with heart.

    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

    Mark on LinkedIn

    Mindspace website

    Connect with your Hosts:

    Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

    Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

    Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

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    51 mins
  • 154. Inside Bamboo: Amanda Lewan’s Strategy for Growth, Community, and Creative Real Estate Deals
    Jul 1 2025

    In this episode, Amanda shares how she co-founded Bamboo and scaled it into a multi-location flex space operator managing over 200,000 sq ft—all while staying true to her indie roots and mission-driven values.

    We cover:

    • The early Bamboo story: humble beginnings, tough calls, and a few desks from Craigslist

    • The decision to grow beyond Detroit and what scaling has meant for the team

    • Bamboo’s strategy for operating AND managing third-party spaces (and why it works)

    • A deep dive into their 115,000 sq ft conversion of a former school

    • Amanda’s thoughts on public-private partnerships and building local ecosystems


    This episode is packed with practical takeaways for indie operators and inspiring insights for anyone navigating the long game in flex. Amanda doesn’t just talk the talk—she’s walked every inch of this path.

    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

    • Amanda on LinkedIn

    • Bamboo Website

    • Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn

    Connect with your Hosts:

    Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

    Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

    Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • 153. Coworking at Scale: 50,000 Square Feet of Events, Offices, and Human Magic
    Jun 18 2025

    If your goal is to create a coworking space that’s profitable, purposeful, and packed with community-driven energy, this episode is required listening.

    Gina Schreck didn’t just open a coworking space—she built a village. What started as a 10,000-square-foot coworking concept born from her marketing agency has grown into a 50,000-square-foot hybrid of workspace, event center, and community hub. In this conversation, Gina shares how she and her team doubled down during the pandemic, leaned into events when others pulled back, and built a culture that continues to thrive—even when she’s not in the building.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • How Gina expanded from 10K to 50K square feet (and why she nearly walked away from it)

    • What makes her podcast studio actually get used (and how it supports her community)

    • The role of events in sustaining revenue and attracting foot traffic—even weddings and church services

    • How her space became a true community center, with a waitlist for offices and thriving nonprofit partnerships

    • Why DIY coworking isn’t for divas—and how she leans into a high-touch, high-hospitality model

    This one is packed with personality, insights, and the kind of energy that’s hard to bottle—and harder to scale. But somehow, Gina’s done both.

    Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

    Gina on LinkedIn

    The Village Workspace website

    Connect with your Hosts:

    Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

    Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

    Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

    Show more Show less
    57 mins
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