Flex Space Dialogues

Outgrowing the Old Office: How Xplora Found a Better Way to Scale Their Team - Interview with Kristinna Kristensen, Country Manager DACH at Xplora

Summary In this conversation, Christoph Fahle speaks with Kristinna Kristensen, the General Manager of Xplora, about her experiences with coworking spaces and the growth of Xplora, a company that creates smartwatches for children. Kristinna shares insights on the transition from a traditional office to a coworking environment, the benefits and challenges of this shift, and how it aligns with the company's growth strategy. They discuss the importance of creating an attractive office environment to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as the cost considerations associated with coworking versus traditional office spaces. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Explorer and Kristinna's Role 02:25 The Vision Behind Explorer's Smartwatch for Kids 04:35 Growth and Expansion of Explorer 06:39 Transitioning to a Co-Working Space 09:38 Adapting to Co-Working Culture 12:32 The Overall Experience in Co-Working 13:57 Comparing Old and New Office Locations 15:23 Global Strategy and Co-Working Setup 17:09 Scaling Strategy for Future Growth 19:56 Productivity and Culture in Different Office Environments 22:43 Overcoming Prejudices About Co-Working 25:55 Meeting Room Challenges in Co-Working 27:34 Creating an Attractive Office Environment 28:57 Cost Considerations in Co-Working Spaces 31:20 Advice for Fast-Growing Companies 34:06 Final Thoughts on Co-Working and Office Spaces

Navigating Workplace Management with Sanne Koemeester, Global Workplace Manager at dott

summary In this conversation, Christoph Fahle interviews Sanne Koemeester, the Global Workplace Manager at Dott, a micro-mobility company. They discuss Sanne's journey from being a community manager in coworking spaces to her current role overseeing workplace management at Dott. The conversation covers the challenges of managing office spaces, the importance of community and facilities, collaboration with coworking spaces, and the future of workplace management in a post-pandemic world. Sanne shares insights on the balance between remote work and in-office presence, the significance of local knowledge, and advice for aspiring workplace managers. takeaways * Sanne Koemeester transitioned from community management to workplace management. * Dott operates in multiple cities with a focus on flexibility. * A workplace manager must balance facilities and community engagement. * Collaboration with coworking spaces is essential for workplace managers. * Merging companies presents unique challenges in office management. * Finding the right office space is crucial for team morale and productivity. * Local knowledge is vital for effective workplace management. * The future of work may involve more flexible office arrangements. * Aspiring workplace managers should gain knowledge in facilities management. * Coworking spaces offer flexibility that can benefit growing companies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sanne Koemeester and DOT 02:11 Sanne's Journey from Community Manager to Global Workplace Manager 06:49 The Role of a Workplace Manager: Daily Responsibilities and Challenges 11:28 Balancing Facilities and Community Engagement in the Workplace 12:52 Collaboration with Co-Working Spaces: Best Practices and Lessons Learned 15:08 Navigating Office Moves and Mergers: Challenges and Solutions 18:38 Current Office Environment and Team Satisfaction 20:46 Communication with Co-Working Managers and Internal Office Management 22:12 When to Hire an Internal Office Manager: Insights and Considerations 23:55 Navigating Office Dynamics 28:08 Future of Workspaces 35:48 Transitioning Roles in Workplace Management 40:07 Insights from Co-Working Experiences 44:46 Embracing Flexibility in Office Solutions