In the latest episode of the This Week In Coworking podcast, Hector Kolonas sat down with Greg Miley, a veteran in the coworking industry whose career has touched almost every corner of the field.
From his strategic career moves to insights on industry trends and the role of brokers, Greg shared invaluable perspectives that every coworking enthusiast, operator, and industry professional should consider.
The Journey Through Coworking
Greg Miley, who recently took on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Clockwise Offices, has a career path that many would find both unique and inspirational. His journey through notable companies such as Flexioffices, Instant, WeWork, Kitt, Desana, and now Clockwise, showcases a non-linear yet opportunity-led progression fueled by a desire to grow and provide value.
“I think how it’s evolved is, although at least I’ve thought about the new roles, is the company interesting? Is the role interesting? Would I add relative value to the role? And the thing that I think has led me in good stead is, will I be more valuable out the other side of the opportunity for having taken it?” – Greg Miley
Industry Evolution and Opportunities
Greg reflects on the enormous growth in the coworking industry since 2013. He notes that this expansion has created more career opportunities and roles, allowing industry professionals to evolve and grow in ways that were previously unimaginable.
“The amount that the industry has grown has created more opportunity, therefore more roles and more paths.” – Greg Miley
Interestingly, Greg highlights the international differences he observed between the US and Europe, as well as the emerging global trends in coworking.
The Role of Brokers in Coworking
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the role of brokers in the coworking industry. Greg acknowledges the critical role brokers play but also points out the current misalignment of incentives, which can sometimes lead to friction.
“The incentives for offering flexible workspace commissions are aligned to the right behaviors. They’re absolutely not.” – Greg Miley
Despite these challenges, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding across different sectors within the industry.
Why Clockwise?
When asked why he chose to join Clockwise, Greg explained that the opportunity allowed him to utilize his diverse skill set in a familiar yet evolving environment. Clockwise’s alignment with Castle Forge and its ambitious growth plans make it an attractive venture for him.
“It’s a product I can really get behind. The intention’s fantastic. The delivery is great. And the ambition’s there, right?” – Greg Miley
Looking Ahead
As Greg and Clockwise prepare for future growth, he reinforces the idea of providing value to members and clients through continuous improvement and adaptation.
“Hopefully you’ll see some really good, decisive action about continuing to better ourselves and our offering to serve who we set out to serve.” – Greg Miley
Greg Miley’s conversation with Hector Kolonas offers a deep dive into the coworking industry’s past, present, and future. With his strategic insights and reflections, Greg provides a roadmap for those navigating this dynamic sector.
For more profound insights, listen to the full podcast episode, and if you’re looking to connect with Greg directly, you can find him on LinkedIn.