Unveiling the Soul of Coworking with Iris Kavanaugh
Our co-creator for this episode is Rayon Design, a collaborative online design tool that is as easy to use as Canva or Miro.
Welcome to a heartwarming journey into the essence of coworking, where we transcend beyond desks and Wi-Fi to uncover the profound impact coworking spaces have on community, creativity, and economic development.
In this episode, the inspiring Iris Kavanaugh, who is an experienced
community builder, leadership coach, trainer and facilitator shares her transformative insights on leadership, community building, and the fundamental human need for connection.
Join our conversation to explore how coworking spaces are not just places of work but catalysts for personal growth, community development, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
00:14 - Discover Iris Kavanaugh's journey from NextSpace to becoming a beacon of inspiration for coworking space leaders.
02:02 - Iris illuminates the overlooked role of coworking spaces as pivotal community hubs and economic drivers.
03:50 - We ponder the existential question: Why do we pursue coworking, and how does it fulfil our intrinsic need for togetherness?
05:27 - Iris delves into coworking spaces' biological and emotional benefits, highlighting their ability to heal societal fractures and promote unity.
06:25 - How a space design plays a crucial role in how we interact in our spaces.
07:13 - Challenging the hustle culture, we discuss the importance of nurturing environments over a grind mentality in coworking spaces.
08:44 - Iris shares her insights on co-working as a grassroots economic development engine, emphasizing its local and individual growth potential.
11:49 - Unpacking the secrets to fostering genuine connections and a thriving community within coworking spaces.
13:33 - This is a deep dive into designing psychologically safe spaces that unlock creativity and spark genuine collaboration.
19:13 - The delicate balance between hospitality and community ownership in coworking spaces and how to encourage member engagement without developing entitlement.
21:29 - Iris touches on the profound journey of self-discovery for coworking leaders and how understanding oneself enhances leadership and community building.
Links & Resources:
- NextSpace
- Women Who Cowork
- Coworking Alliance Summit
- Fento Coworking
- Leading Well from Within by Dr. Daniel Friedland
- European Coworking Assembly
- London Coworking Assembly
- Iris on Linkedin
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our shows have an impact.
It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand what coworking is, how it can help their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects and work.
Our co-creator for this episode is Rayon Design - whether you want to move the desks in your space around or build space from scratch, design your project for free here in Rayon today.
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