From WeWork to Mindspace: A Journey in Shaping Coworking Spaces
In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace sits down with Mark Goldfinger, General Manager and Head of North America at Mindspace. Mark shares his incredible journey from working with WeWork to leading Mindspace’s operations in the US. Discover how Mindspace is creating high-end, flexible workspaces tailored to the needs of various companies, and the unique approach they take to stand out in a competitive market. Mark also discusses the evolution of coworking spaces post-COVID, the importance of location and amenities, and offers advice for aspiring professionals in commercial real estate.
From the Beginning
Mark’s journey into commercial real estate began in high school with a passion for advertising and sales, but it was his time at WeWork that proved foundational. After earning an MBA in international business and a stint at Deutsche Bank, Mark craved a more people-focused career—leading him to become one of WeWork’s first 300 employees in 2015. From opening markets in London and Austin to leading expansion throughout Europe and Greater China, Mark helped scale the brand globally.
But like many, his trajectory shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. After building a successful e-commerce aggregator to $175 million in revenue, Mark found himself drawn back to flexible workspaces. That led him to Mindspace where a strong executive team and culture inspired him to take on the U.S. market.
What Makes Mindspace Unique? Hospitality at Its Core
Unlike traditional coworking brands, Mindspace blends high-end design with startup agility. With over 50 global locations and just 200 full-time employees, the company offers a truly personalized experience. Every space is carefully tailored, not just to brand standards, but to reflect the neighborhood it serves.
Mark emphasizes that Mindspace isn’t just a place to work—it’s a community. Whether you’re a five-person startup in Williamsburg or a Fortune 500 company in downtown San Francisco, the brand’s mission is to offer flexibility, hospitality, and scalability.
A Post-COVID Office Revolution: The Role of Flex Space
Mark shared compelling insight on the state of office real estate: “It’s not about coming back five days a week. It’s about giving employees a reason to come back at all.”
In a post-COVID world where agility is paramount, Mindspace’s model fits perfectly. Traditional leases are being replaced with hybrid agreements and revenue-sharing structures, with landlords becoming true partners. From startups to large enterprises, members are no longer looking for square footage alone. They want amenities, community, and an inspiring place to collaborate.
Growth Strategy and Market Selection
So how does Mindspace choose where to grow? It starts with a simple premise: potential for multiple locations in a market. From there, they assess vacancy trends, transit accessibility, surrounding amenities, and building infrastructure. Each location must align with Mindspace’s commitment to hospitality, wellness, and aesthetic excellence.
In the U.S., current locations include core competitive markets, and the roadmap is focused on intelligent, opportunity-driven expansion. From Boston to Miami, the goal is clear: make the U.S. Mindspace’s largest and most dynamic market.
Flexible Expectations: What Tenants Want Now
Today’s tenants—what Mindspace calls “members”—are looking for more than just desks. They want scalable offices, event space, phone booths, and common areas that mirror the needs of a hybrid workforce. Off-site events and company retreats are becoming increasingly popular, and Mindspace is adapting by incorporating true event spaces into new builds.
Leadership, Mentorship & Extreme Ownership
Beyond business strategy, Mark offered profound insights into leadership and career development. His advice to young professionals? “Trust your gut. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. And own your outcomes.”
Mark credits his growth to mentors who showed him that leadership is not about authority—it’s about accountability. As he put it, “When the team does well, they did well. When the team fails, you failed.”
He’s currently reading Extreme Ownership, a leadership book by Navy SEALs that’s influenced his approach to decision-making, humility, and teamwork.
Closing Thoughts & Special Offer
Mark ended the conversation with optimism: “The flexible office sector is just getting started. WeWork might’ve lit the fire, but there’s so much more ahead.”
To listeners of The Matthews Podcast, Mindspace is offering 20% off for the first six months of membership with the code 2025.
For those interested in learning more or touring a space, Mark can be reached directly at [email protected].
