Inside flex: trends, tensions, and what’s next.

Overview

What’s really happening inside the business of coworking and flex?

In this episode of The Flexible Office Economy, Mark Gilbreath sits down with Jamie Russo—CEO of the Global Workspace Association and host of Everything Coworking—for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the flexible office industry.

Jamie brings her sharp perspective on how the category has evolved, what new operators are struggling with, and how landlords are rewriting the rules as they step into the flex game. She also previews what’s ahead at the GWA Annual Conference, where leaders across the flex ecosystem will gather this September.

From the WeWork saga to the indie operator playbook, this is a candid look at the forces shaping the future of coworking—and the real work still ahead.

Episode Highlights

• A sneak peek at the 2024 GWA Conference: themes, speakers, and why it matters
• The biggest challenges new coworking operators are facing today
• How the flex model is maturing—and where it’s still misunderstood
• Jamie’s take on WeWork’s lasting impact (for better and worse)
• What happens when landlords become flex operators
• Advice for anyone launching or scaling a workspace brand

Jamie Russo has seen the flex industry from every angle—as an operator, an advocate, and a connector of leaders. Whether you're running a coworking space, underwriting a flex strategy, or exploring a new partnership model, this episode delivers hard truths, fresh insights, and actionable takeaways.

It’s industry intel with a pulse—and a preview of what’s next for coworking.