GCUC Podcast x Brave - Chiko Abengowe, CEO of Perfect Office Solutions

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Chiko Abengowe, CEO of Perfect Office Solutions

What does it really take to build a sustainable flex office business in today’s evolving market? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Chiko Abengowe to unpack how disciplined leasing, operational clarity, and cash-flow-first thinking can still outperform increasingly complex industry models. While much of the flex office sector has shifted toward management agreements, hybrid leases, and profit-sharing structures, Chiko has taken a different path by sticking with a lease-based model, prioritizing private offices, and focusing on simplicity as a core competitive advantage. The result is a scaled portfolio built on fundamentals rather than financial engineering. Together, they explore how operators can grow sustainably without overcomplicating the business and why understanding both landlords and customers is essential to long-term success. They cover: * Why Chiko has stayed committed to a lease-driven growth model while the industry shifts toward hybrid structures * How simplicity in deal structure can become a competitive advantage at scale * What landlords actually care about and how to structure deals that work for both sides * Why private offices continue to drive the majority of demand in flex space portfolios * How Chiko underwrites deals using straightforward, cash-flow-first logic rather than complex modeling * Why is rent collection a more important metric than occupancy * How founder-led authenticity and social media presence can directly drive customer acquisition * What it takes to scale during downturns and why flex space performs differently in market cycles Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, investor, or workplace strategist, this episode offers a grounded look at how real operators build resilient businesses by focusing on fundamentals instead of industry hype. Connect with Chiko Abengowe: www.linkedin.com/in/chiko-abengowe-6124452/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/chiko-abengowe-6124452/] Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/] Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ [https://gcuc.co/] Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ [http://www.braveideas.media/] GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ [https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/] Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos]

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Shay Bolton & Kirill Azovtsev, Savills

What are enterprise occupiers really looking for from flexible workspace? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Shay Bolton and Kirill Azovtsev of Savills to explore how enterprise occupiers are evaluating flexible workspace and what operators and landlords need to understand to win more deals. As flexible workspace becomes a permanent part of corporate real estate strategies, occupiers are looking beyond desks and short-term leases. They're evaluating hospitality, amenities, operational partnerships, and the overall experience a building can provide. Together, Caleb, Shay, and Kirill discuss how enterprise demand is evolving, why landlord-operator partnerships are becoming more important, and what separates successful flex deals from the ones that fall apart. They cover: * How enterprise occupiers are using flexible workspace as part of their long-term portfolio strategy * Why hospitality and customer experience have become competitive advantages for office buildings * How coworking operators can create more value for landlords beyond leasing space * Why management agreements and profit-sharing models are replacing traditional lease structures * The biggest reasons flex deals fall apart and how operators can avoid them * What landlords look for when evaluating coworking partners * How operators should qualify buildings before investing time and capital * Why are larger office buildings increasingly incorporating flexible workspace * Whether "coworking" still defines the industry or if it's time for a new language Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, broker, or workplace strategist, this episode offers an inside look at how occupiers are making workplace decisions and what it takes to build successful partnerships in today's commercial real estate market. Connect with Shay Bolton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bolton-873a566b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bolton-873a566b/] Connect with Kirill Azovtsev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillazovtsev/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillazovtsev/] Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/] Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ [https://gcuc.co/] Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ [http://www.braveideas.media/] GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ [https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/] Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos]

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Phil Kirschner, Founder of PK Consulting

What if the biggest problem with today's office isn't where we work but how we've designed work itself? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Phil Kirschner, workplace strategist, founder of PK Consulting, and author of the Work/Life newsletter, to explore why the future of work demands a completely new way of thinking about the office. As organizations become more agile and teams gain greater autonomy, traditional office models are struggling to keep up. Phil argues that tomorrow's workplaces won't be defined by fixed desks or long-term leases.  They'll be built around flexibility, shared infrastructure, and experiences that help people do their best work. Together, Caleb and Phil unpack what this shift means for landlords, occupiers, coworking operators, and anyone shaping the future of the built environment. They cover: * Why today's offices are still designed for a world that no longer exists * What "octopus organizations" can teach us about the future of work * The concept of "full stack flex" and why buildings need to become more adaptable * How shared infrastructure creates better workplaces and stronger communities * Why team autonomy is reshaping workplace strategy * The role data and AI will play in helping people move through workspaces more intelligently * Why landlords and occupiers need to collaborate instead of operating in silos * How coworking principles can influence the future of corporate real estate Whether you're a coworking operator, landlord, workplace strategist, or corporate real estate leader, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how flexibility, hospitality, and human-centered design will shape the next generation of work. Connect with Phil Kirschner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkirschner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkirschner/] Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/] Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ [https://gcuc.co/] Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ [http://www.braveideas.media/] GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ [https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/] Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos]

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Flip Howard, CEO of Lucid Private Offices

What makes someone choose your workspace—and more importantly, stay? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Flip Howard, CEO of Lucid Private Offices, to explore why brand, experience, and intentional design have become some of the biggest differentiators in flexible workspace. After spending years operating traditional executive suites, Flip transformed his company into a premium private office brand by focusing on one question: What kind of workspace do people actually want to spend their time in? Together, Caleb and Flip discuss how Lucid found its niche between traditional executive suites and modern coworking, why premium doesn't have to mean expensive, and how thoughtful design, hospitality, and operational discipline create lasting value for both members and operators. They cover: * Why brand matters more than ever in flexible workspace * How Lucid repositioned itself from a traditional executive suite operator to a premium private office brand * The balance between coworking energy and private office profitability * Why consistency across every location strengthens a brand * How design influences customer acquisition and community drives retention * Lease arbitrage vs. management agreements and why Lucid continues to bet on leases * What landlords are really looking for in today's coworking operators * Why the fundamentals of revenue, occupancy, and profitability still matter * How Lucid is approaching growth while staying true to its brand Whether you're building a coworking space, operating private offices, or scaling a flexible workspace brand, this episode offers practical insights into creating spaces people remember and businesses that stand the test of time. Connect with Flip Howard: www.linkedin.com/in/flip-howard/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/flip-howard/] Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/] Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ [https://gcuc.co/] Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ [http://www.braveideas.media/] GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ [https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/] Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos]

GCUC Podcast x Brave - Justin Halpern & Christine Wyckoff, Cushman & Wakefield

How do coworking operators actually win deals with today's landlords? In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, recorded live at GCUC 50 in New York City in partnership with Brave Ideas, host Caleb Parker sits down with Justin Halpern and Christine Wyckoff of Cushman & Wakefield to unpack how enterprise demand is reshaping the flexible workspace industry and what operators need to do to stay competitive. As enterprise occupiers increasingly integrate flex into their real estate portfolios, the conversation has shifted beyond finding space. Today, operators must demonstrate value, understand landlord priorities, and position themselves as long-term partners rather than tenants. Justin and Christine share what they're seeing firsthand in the market, from the rise of hybrid lease structures and management agreements to the growing importance of speed, hospitality, and data-driven decision-making. They cover: * How enterprise occupiers are using flexible workspace today * Why speed to market has become one of flex's greatest competitive advantages * What landlords are really looking for when choosing an operator * How hybrid leases and management agreements are changing the industry * Why operators should pitch landlords like investors—not just negotiate leases * The biggest mistakes operators make when pursuing expansion * Whether niche operators or national brands have the advantage in today's market * Why strong data, a clear value proposition, and intentional growth strategies matter more than ever Whether you're growing a coworking brand, negotiating with landlords, or trying to better understand where enterprise flex is headed, this episode offers practical insights from two professionals at the center of today's commercial real estate transactions. Connect with Justin Halpern: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-halpern-338ba0a/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-halpern-338ba0a/] Connect with Christine Wyckoff: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-wyckoff-9779193/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-wyckoff-9779193/] Connect with Caleb Parker: www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/calebparker/] Learn more about GCUC: gcuc.co/ [https://gcuc.co/] Learn more about Brave Ideas: www.braveideas.media/ [http://www.braveideas.media/] GCUC Events: gcuc.co/coworking-events/ [https://gcuc.co/coworking-events/] Watch more episodes of the GCUC Podcast: www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@GCUCPodcast/videos]