Refounding coworking: from shared desks to “pushing spaces” with Fernando Mendes (Cowork Lisboa)

The true magic of coworking is the power of working alone, together. In this episode, Marc Navarro sits down with Fernando Mendes, a pioneer of the coworking movement in Portugal and co-founder of Cowork Lisboa. Fernando shares the unfiltered story of pioneering Portugal's flexible workspace scene since 2010 and why he believes the current trend of "mainstreamization" is a threat to the movement’s original magic. Key topics & timestamps: 2:18 The origins of Cowork in Lisbon (2009–2010) 2:34 Lessons in speed: "If you want to do something, do it fast" 3:10 The role of partnership and honest design feedback 5:04 Identifying the coworking "vibe" when no one in Portugal was watching 7:17 Evolution from designer to "community gardener" 8:31 The importance of first members: The story of Antonio and Isabelle 11:47 The magic of "working alone, together" 12:15 The domestication and professionalization of coworking spaces 14:55 Why coworking thrives during times of uncertainty 16:03 The debate on niche coworking vs. diverse communities 19:12 Coworking as the "Third Place" (neither home nor office) 20:51 The end of Cowork: Rent hikes and closing right before the pandemic 25:33 Being "seduced" back: Launching a new space with Miguel and Paul 27:46 The Incubatriz concept: A "pushing space" that isn't an incubator 29:07 Lessons from failure: Why coworking spaces are not replicable Guest: Fernando E. de Pina Mendes, co-founder of Cowork Lisboa Host: Marc Navarro Produced by: Spacebring