What if the future of work isn’t in glass towers or city coworking chains but in small, rooted hubs where people feel they belong?
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne is joined by Maria do Céu Bastos, founder of NOWHERE Desk - a rural coworking hub in Portugal that’s become a lifeline for freelancers, founders, and her local community.
Together, they explore how rural coworking is redefining connection and belonging not just for those who work there, but for the people who nurture these spacesevery day.
✨ In this conversation:
The emotional and economic value of local hubs
🌿 Discover more about Maria’s work and the rural coworking movement:
💛 Listen now , this is a story about heart, place, and the quiet revolution happening in rural coworking.
Time stamped Shownotes:
00:00 Introduction to the Powering Productivity Podcast
00:48 Meet Maria do Ceu Bastos: A Journey from Translationto Coworking
02:21 Challenges and Realities of Rural Coworking
07:29 Building Community and Overcoming Isolation
13:18 Navigating Bureaucracy and Renovation Hurdles
16:08 Funding and Financial Challenges
18:18 The Vision for Education and Reskilling
23:34 Navigating Emotional Challenges with AI
24:38 Finding Balance in Nature
25:19 Building Resilience Through Hobbies
26:13 The Importance of Community Support
26:54 Managing the Invisible Load
29:40 The Power of Networks and Collaboration
33:37 Sustainable Living and Upcycling
38:08 Rural Regeneration and Education
46:04 Conclusion and Resources
What happens when you take a bold idea - a women-only coworking space and turn it into a thriving hub of creativity, community, and support?
In this episode of Powering Productivity, Suzanne sits down with Stacey Sheppard, founder of Tribe Coworking in Devon. Stacey’s not just running a space she’s redefining what support looks like for freelancers, founders, and change makers.
They talk about:
✅ The realities of running a niche, women-only coworking hub as a solo operator
✅ How balancing business with life (yes, including school holidays) can spark new models of support
✅Why traditional business programmes often miss what’s really needed: emotional scaffolding
✅ And the big question: as AI reshapes traditional jobs, are coworking spaces already carrying the future of entrepreneurship on their shoulders?
One line that really stayed with Suzanne:
👉 “Coworking spaces are the pathway to entrepreneurship. The infrastructure already exists it’s just so underused.” Stacey Sheppard
This conversation is honest, heart-led, and full of fresh perspective. If you’re a micro business leader, a coworking operator, or simply curious about how values-led spaces shape the future of work this one’s for you.
Here's some link and assets mentioned in the podcast:
In this episode discover how Ireland’s national coworking network is transforming local business, innovation and community through people-led workspaces and what it means for your coworking space or micro business.
Suzanne together with Stephen Carolan and Leah Fairman of Connected Hubs explore the real-world impact of coworking on local economies, SME growth, and community resilience, especially in regional and rural areas.
Whether you run a neighbourhood coworking space or lead a micro business, this episode is packed with insights on:
We also talk about the vital role of relationships, shared identity and community champions and why belonging is a competitive advantage in today’s uncertain world.
If you’re building a space or business that’s rooted in people and purpose, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and connected.
🎧 Listen now and discover how Ireland’s coworking movement is shaping the future of local enterprise and thriving communities.
Suzanne chats with Benjamin Carew, Co-founder & Director of Othership, who’s redefining flexible work by integrating workspaces and software to empower freelancers, SMEs, and enterprises to work anywhere, better.
💡 They talked about:
✅ How workspace software is changing the game forcoworking & hybrid businesses
✅What is floworking?
✅ The evolution of flexible work—beyond just remotevs. office
✅ Making workspace solutions more accessiblefor smaller operators
✅Identifying the right software solution for yourbusiness
✅ The impact of AI,dynamic pricing & collaboration tools on the future of work
Find out more about Othership at https://othership.com/
Suzanne talks to Roland Stanley, owner and operator of Dragon Coworking, an independent coworking space in Rochester, England. They chat around the highs and challenges of running a neighbourhood coworking space & why its relationships and not just desks that are at the heart of coworking.
They talk about:
✅ How he went from hotelier to coworking operator (by accident!)
✅ The power of community over just desks & coffee
✅ Opportunities for smaller coworking operators—from partnerships to new spaces
✅ Challenges like market uncertainty & making hotdesking work
✅ Creative revenue streams & what you need to be aware of (hello, virtual offices!)
✅ Why sustainability & mental health support matter in coworking
✅ Making friends with the competition
✅ How small operators can leverage partnerships with councils and landlords
Roland shares some great insights on growing a coworking space the right way—without losing its heart.
Hit play & let’s dive in! 🎧✨
Find out more about Dragon Coworking at https://dragoncoworking.co.uk/
Suzanne talks to Claire Carpenter, a pioneer in coworking and social impact. From creating one of Europe’s first coworking hubs, The Melting Pot, Edinburgh to mapping rural opportunities & engaging in social fabric projects far & wide, Claire’s journey is full of lessons for community leaders and SME owners.
They talk coaching, navigating transitions, and rethinking leadership—whether it’s running a business, fostering collaboration, or embracing new ways of working (like van life!).
Here are some of the highlights:
Claire's experiences as a coworking pioneer & its industry innovations Transitions to remote working ( quite literally, as in working from a van) Coaching for growth & adapting to change Empowering communities & SME leaders through social impact Navigating transitionsFind out more about Claire at https://www.clairecarpentercoaching.com/
Suzanne is joined by Jessica Morgan, Founder of Carnsight Communications.
In this episode Suzanne and Jessica delve into the ever-changing world of public relations, the challenges of evolving workspaces, and the opportunities for small businesses in a shifting media landscape.
Jess offers insights into PR strategies, coworking trends, and the role of culture in flexible workplace environments.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a PR professional, or someone curious about the intersection of work, media, and community, this episode has something for you.
Here's some of the highlights: PR Evolution & Communication Media Landscape Changes PR Strategies for Small Businesses Evolving Workspaces & Culture AI Tools & Practical PR Insights
Find out more about Jessica at https://www.carnsight.com/
and buy her Ebook, Practically Powerful PR at https://www.carnsight.com/our-ebook/
In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Jane Sartin, Executive Director of the Flexible Space Association known to many as Flexsa.
Suzanne and Jane explored the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the flexible workspace industry, highlighting trends like hybrid work, the rise of town-centre workspaces, and the evolving role of AI. They also discussed support for small businesses and the importance of collaboration to navigate industry changes.
Here are some of the highlights -
The role Flexa plays in the industry Hybrid work expansion, diverse offerings & the corporate impact AI's role in the industry, benefits, challenges & the member fulfilment aspects Support for small operators & the collective voice Growth of flex in high streets & small town coworkingFind out more about Flexsa here - https://www.flexsa.co.uk/ Powering Productivity is presented by Suzanne Murdock from The Hub Newry - https://www.thehubnewry.com/
It is produced by Emily Crosby Media
In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Pauline Roussel who, together with her partner Dimitar Inchev are co-founders of Coworkies.
They chat around the challenges and opportunities in the coworking space industry. Pauline shares her journey from banking to becoming a Chief Happiness Officer in Berlin, highlighting her diverse experiences and the unique cultures she's encountered in over 550 coworking spaces across 65 cities.
They chat around -
Find out more about Coworkies at https://blog.coworkies.com/
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Yoshio Tsuda, founder of two very different coworking spaces - 'Morino Office' in rural Fujimi, Japan and the other 'Pile' - a collaborative studio space in the much more urban Yokohama, Japan.
Suzanne & Yoshio chat around:
Learn more about Yoshio here:
https://en.morino-office.com/about
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Bernie Mitchell - CoCreator of the London Coworking Assembly. A seasoned expert who’s been around the coworking scene for about as long as coworking’s been around! A huge advocate, writer, podcaster & coach he’s a champion for us smaller, micro & more regional & neighbourhood flexible workspace operators & communities.
Suzanne & Bernie chat around:
Learn more about Bernie here:
https://berniejmitchell.com/
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Jeannine Van Der Linden, founder and manager, of de Kamer, a network of coworking spaces in the Netherlands.
She’s also Managing Partner of Open Coworking, a global movement dedicated to the values of Collaboration, Openness, Community, Accessibility, and Sustainability, and is Director of Sustainability and Accessibility & Founding Member & Manager for its partner, the European Coworking Assembly.
Before Jeannine came to the Netherlands, she was a practising lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, and is still active in the areas of business litigation, contract review, and litigation.
They talk about:
In this episode Suzanne is joined by Lucy McInally, 'The Inclusive Coworker'; an experienced content writer specifically for businesses within the coworking movement & a big coworking & coliving advocate.
They talk about:
Learn more about Lucy here - https://lucymcinally.com/
Small, local & independent can create magic! In this episode Suzanne is joined by Bernie Mitchell, from the London Coworking Assembly. A seasoned expert who's been around the coworking scene for about as long as coworking's been around! A huge advocate, writer, podcaster & coach he's a champion for us smaller, more local & independent flexible workspace operators & communities.
They chat about:
Suzanne welcomes back William Redpath, Director of Manabu Learning & Chapter Lead with Grow Remote Ireland. They dive into:
Suzanne welcomes back William Redpath, Director of Manabu Learning & Chapter Lead with Grow Remote Ireland. They explore & chat about:
Suzanne talks to Andrea Splendori, founder of Social Fabric and accomplished life and career coach. They chat about how creating the environment where individuals can thrive at work, through coaching & mentoring at both a team & individual levels. Here are some of the topics discussed: - Andrea's move from Italy to Ireland
- Building community and a healthy ecosystem
- How coaching works & what it embodies
- The benefits of coaching for teams & individuals in today's workplace
- Different forms of coaching and mentoring
- The challenges and barriers to coaching in the current climate Andrea Splendori is a coach with a particular interest in corporate wellbeing and a primary focus on team building, and group coaching. Having relocated to Ireland from Italy, Andrea previously managed a worldwide team of software engineers in the localization business. And since then his passion for conversations has led him to work in radio, create and host his own podcast, as well as live chat shows in theatres and panel hosting. Find out more about Andrea and Social Fabric - https://www.socialfabric.ie/ This episode was presented by Suzanne Murdock of The Hub Newry. It was produced by Emily Crosby Media
Suzanne talks to William Redpath, Director of Manabu Learning & Chapter Lead with Grow Remote Ireland.
They chat around the rapid evolution & benefits that hybrid & remote working can bring to employers, employees & communities as well as the effects of changing flexible workplace industry as a whole.
Here are some of the topics discussed:
William’s expertise is very much around learning & development and he comes at this from very creative angles, realising potential, unique skills & cultures that already exist and moving away from just focusing on 'plugging the gaps'. He uses an assets & strengths-based philosophy through digital games & simulations, quoting “We all have enormous potential it’s just about realising it.”
He’s also spent time in telecommunications, he’s a qualified community youth worker and facilitates learning and development through coaching & mentoring.
Find out more about William and Manabu - https://www.manabulearning.com/
Find out more about Grow Remote on their website - growremote.ie
This episode was presented by Suzanne Murdock of The Hub Newry. It was produced by Emily Crosby Media
Suzanne talks to Joanne Mangan, Employer's Lead with Grow Remote.
We look at the solutions that hybrid & remote working can bring to employers, employees & communities as well as the flexible workplace industry as a whole.
Originally founded in 2018, the ethos of Grow Remote is about enabling people to live and work wherever best suits them and for communities across Ireland to become more sustainable and connected, both socially and economically.
As Employer's Lead, Joanne engages with employers at every stage of their remote working journey. She manages the partnerships with Ireland's leading remote first organisations, and helps employers who wants to make that transition to remote or hybrid work. She's a regular media contributor on this topic, and is passionate about the potential it can bring as a driver of equality, diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining Grow Remote, she worked for a number of multinational technology companies, managing distribution teams, and enabling channel partners.
They talk about:
Find out more about Grow Remote on their website - growremote.ie
This episode was presented by Suzanne Murdock of The Hub Newry. It was produced by Emily Crosby Media
Suzanne talks to Alison Matthews founder of the award winning Virtuali
Alison is a whizz at helping entrepreneurs automate processes around running course / events (online / face to face) to be a virtual set of hands, eyes & ears. She understands the complexities of running a business, juggling all the hats and getting swamped IN the business rather than having the time to work ON it and the things you love.
She is a recent co-author of ‘The Virtual Assistant Starter E-Guide’ & won ‘2020 VA of the Year, Northern Ireland’ in the VA Awards.
Her passions are wild swimming, community projects, connecting people & dachshunds!
Alison is a master at all things productivity and everything she does comes with energy and amazing drive!
They talk about:
· How the world of virtual assistant has evolved over the last few years
· Key challenges that audiences are facing in the workplace right now
· Most successful virtual solutions for business owners out there in the remote & hybrid world of work
· How networking has changed
· Tips for helping the business owner to delegate areas of their business
· Why is she focusing in on the automation of process & running courses & events online?
· Top tips for those business owners & remote workers out there to help them get organised and reach optimal potential
Here's some links to Alison's virtual resources:
The Virtual Assistant Starter E-Guide Kindle Edition
To the free resource ‘Outsourcing Time Sucking Tasks Checklist Template’
Free resources on Alison's Virtuali website
This episode was presented by Suzanne Murdock of The Hub Newry. It was produced by Emily Crosby Media
