In this episode, we interview Claire Carpenter, a pioneering figure in the European coworking movement and a passionate advocate for community and adventure.
Broadcasting from Kent, Claire shares her journey from founding one of the first coworking spaces in 2007 to her current life as a coach, traveller, and climber.
Claire discusses the evolution of coworking, the importance of creating comfortable and engaging conference experiences, and the significance of hospitality in fostering community.
This episode contains valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories from Claire’s travels and professional experiences.
Timeline Summary
00:27 – Introduction to Claire Carpenter from Kent, the Garden of England.
00:36 – Claire’s background and current passions as a coach and adventurer.
01:06 – The early days of coworking and the founding of Claire’s space in 2007.
02:06 – Claire’s recent travels, including a visit to Morocco.
02:22 – Attending Coworking Spain and GCUC (Global Coworking Unconference Conference) in Manchester.
03:06 – The importance of accommodating different learning styles at conferences.
04:47—Hospitality and community are core values of coworking conferences, and this session will focus on the exceptional food at Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester.
07:22 – The growth and diversification of the coworking industry.
10:10 – Understanding placemaking and its role in coworking.
17:35 – Conferences are vital for connecting with peers and sharing knowledge.
21:38 – Welcoming new entrants into the coworking community and supporting their growth.
23:58 – Claire’s coaching philosophy and how she helps change-makers achieve their goals.
26:42 – The story behind Claire’s van, Dignity, and her love for designing spaces.
Key Topics
1. Learning Styles and Conference Experiences:
Claire emphasises the importance of addressing various learning styles to make attendees comfortable. She shares how Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester were successful because they catered to different learning preferences and maintained a human-sized conference setting.
2. Hospitality and Community at Conferences:
Highlighting the role of hospitality, Claire mentions how the food at Coworking Spain and GCUC Manchester exceeded expectations, enhancing the overall experience. Bernie and Claire discuss how good food and thoughtful event planning can significantly impact attendees’ perceptions and satisfaction.
3. The Evolution and Growth of Coworking:
Claire reflects on the coworking movement’s journey from its early days to becoming a diverse and established industry. She discusses the ongoing growth and diversification, noting the increasing number of place-makers and the importance of community building within coworking spaces.
4. Placemaking and Creating Destinations:
Claire explains the concept of placemaking, which goes beyond creating a physical space to establishing a destination within a broader ecosystem. She emphasises the importance of connecting with local businesses and support systems to enhance the coworking community.
5. The Importance of Connection at Conferences:
Conferences serve as a platform for coworking professionals to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Claire and Bernie discuss the value of arriving at conferences already feeling connected and the efforts made by the London Coworking Assembly to foster such connections.
6. Welcoming New Entrants and Continuous Learning:
Claire highlights the importance of welcoming new members into the coworking community and supporting their development. She stresses the value of continuous learning and the role of experienced members in mentoring newcomers.
Links & Resources
Follow Claire’s adventures on Instagram
Listen to “Dignity” by Deacon Blue: YouTube Music
Coworking Spain
GCUC Manchester
London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp
Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn
Virtual Headquarters – join the independent virtual office network for your coworking business.
One More Thing
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
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It also helps people in the wider general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.