135. David Cairns on the Future of Flex: Challenging the Status Quo in Commercial Real Estate

How do you reshape an industry steeped in tradition? David Cairns, a commercial real estate veteran turned flex space advocate, shares his journey from the brokerage world to building a life centered on flexibility and purpose. With sharp insights into the CBRE-Industrious deal, the hurdles to flex adoption, and why companies need to "earn the commute," this episode is packed with bold predictions and actionable advice for operators and business leaders alike. Known for his bold takes and LinkedIn presence, David doesn't hold back in this conversation. In this episode, we cover: The CBRE-Industrious deal: its implications and what it means for the coworking industry. Why the shift to flexible workspaces hasn't grown as fast as anticipated and the barriers in commercial real estate. How remote work and changing employee preferences are reshaping office space strategies. David's personal journey to Cadence and how living on an island transformed his perspective on work-life balance. Why companies need to rethink their cultural strategies to "earn the commute." Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into the coworking landscape, employee dynamics, and the balance of life, work, and community. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Dave's LinkedIn profile Kadence website Kane's LinkedIn profile Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast