Liz Elam on GCUC's 50th Event, Mental Health in Coworking, and the Future of Flex

What happens when the Queen of Coworking returns to share her vision for the industry's future—and announces a mission that could save lives? This week, Jamie and Gio sit down with Liz Elam, founder of GCUC and Link Coworking, for a conversation that spans everything from neurodiversity and AI to hospitality standards and why coworking should be the first industry to offer free mental health services. We talk about: - What makes The Commons' hospitality so extraordinary (and why 90% of coworking spaces fail the walk-in test) - Why GCUC's 50th event in New York will feature coworking-adjacent content, not just operators talking to operators - Liz's mission to make free mental health services standard in every coworking space - The mega trends shaping 2026: AI as invisible concierge, wellness integration, neurodiversity, and the Great Reconnection - Why younger generations take calls on speakerphone (and why we need better acoustics) - How The Commons uses different local designers for each location and why it works - The rise of insiders buying existing coworking brands (Second Home, Kahoots, Bond, The Yard) - Why bringing your team to conferences makes them more likely to stay - How Judah Space became GCUC's New York venue and why the conference business is actually working for coworking operators If you care about the future of coworking, mental health advocacy, or just want to hear from someone who's been shaping this industry for 14 years—this episode is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: - Liza on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam/ Connect with your Hosts: - Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-palavicini-2389a37/ - Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamierusso/ Everything Coworking Featured Resources: - Community Manager University - https://everythingcoworking.com/community-manager-university/ - Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/behind-the-scenes-secrets-organic-opt-in - Coworking Startup School: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/coworking-startup-school-organic-2025 🔔 Hit subscribe now & stay tuned for valuable tips, interactive podcasts, industry trends, and expert interviews on building and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 🔊 Listen to my podcasts 🔊 → https://www.everythingcoworking.com/podcast ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-coworking/id991355914 ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Coworking Education https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiPEyB1WWerqofvHZoNh8DvJ 👉 The Everything Coworking Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiNG_v8lEhiJRnqUmnREmeHN 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Meagan Slavin, COO of 25N Coworking on Management Agreements and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFfSSAxiycs 👉 Shlomo Silber, Founder of Bond Collective, Dishes on His New Venture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtQoj-dkuY 👉 Co-Warehousing Pioneer with Philip Freeman, CEO of Murphy’s Naturals and Founder of The Loading Dock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEsl1I4jIU 👉 How Maryann Baldwin Drives Economic Development in a Town of 1,000 with Her Coworking Space https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGGf4cLy2fA 👉 From Bronx Roots to Coworking Success: Ramon Gonzalez's Journey with Thrive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hAq6FK5OX4 ============================= ✅ About Everything Coworking. Welcome to Everything Coworking! I help you launch and run profitable coworking spaces that fit your business and personal goals. Tune in for tips, advice, and insights on creating a successful coworking space. Learn from my weekly podcast, which features expert interviews and industry updates. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your space, I've got you covered. 🔔 Hit subscribe now, and you won't miss expert tips, industry updates, engaging podcasts, and expert interviews on launching and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= #coworking #office #podcast #community #coworkingspace #vision #flex ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Everything Coworking. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Everything Coworking