I had the honor of sitting down with Fanny Marcoux to record this chat:
Find it here: Spotify • Apple • Podcast • Medium • Substack • YouTube
Also posted on LinkedIn
I reflected on how a simple joke about working from home in 2005 changed my life—eventually resulting in me leading the charge to open Manhattan's first coworking space, New Work City.
At 25, I decided to build a workspace that was missing in NYC: not just an office, but a place where people could connect, collaborate, and feel they belonged. I focused on hosting happy hours, local meetups and small events as the foundation of what would become a thriving community.
My work didn’t stop at one building. I supported the global coworking movement, learning from and contributing to an open network of community builders. Platforms like coworking.org became places where I exchanged ideas with peers across continents.
A few takeaways I highlight:
- Community first: Gather people around shared interests before investing in physical space
- Be inclusive: Invite participation without pressure and highlight the benefits of shared work
- Local actions, global impact: Build a strong local presence, then share your story to inspire others
- Authentic interactions: Focus on culture and connection, not just leases and desks
Give it a listen!