Building a Society, Not Just a Workspace: Community Innovation with Kyle Steele
What if your coworking space was the heartbeat of your community?
Episode Summary
Kyle Steele, co-owner of The Conduit in Orlando, explains why true coworking isn't about renting desks—redefining how communities connect, support, and thrive together.
The Conduit isn't just a workspace; it's a vibrant hub where coworking meets art, social advocacy, and local culture, creating genuine impact in the neighbourhood.
Kyle reveals how a casual Tuesday gathering in a coffee shop unintentionally sparked a movement, transforming freelancers into allies and acquaintances into lifelong friends.
Discover how their bold, invite-only approach nurtures real trust and community bonds, turning members into dedicated supporters who grieve when they leave.
Kyle openly shares his mission of helping people boldly embrace their stories, emphasising why openness and vulnerability aren't just nice ideas—they’re essential ingredients for meaningful community.
This episode will challenge you to rethink coworking as a deeply human and genuinely transformative force.
Timeline Highlights
[00:43] The Conduit is a community society, not just coworking.
[03:55] How The Conduit accidentally became a coworking space.
[06:28] Choosing authenticity over competition with larger coworking brands.
[08:11] Kyle’s mission is to empower people through their personal stories.
[11:55] Building an interdisciplinary society with intentional diversity.
[18:22] Why vulnerability strengthens coworking communities.
[21:05] Invite-only membership and how it protects community culture.
[24:22] Practical advice for onboarding new community members intentionally.
[28:31] Measuring success beyond occupancy rates through feedback and advocacy.
[31:31] Practical guidance for coworking spaces aiming for social impact.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
From Coffee Shops to Community Impact
Kyle narrates how an informal coffee shop gathering evolved into The Conduit, proving that authentic community building can organically create sustainable businesses.
Authenticity Beats Amenities
Discover why The Conduit chose genuine relationships and local impact over expensive amenities, positioning itself uniquely against large coworking chains.
Why Vulnerability Works
Kyle explains why openly embracing weaknesses strengthens coworking communities, enabling deeper connections and collaboration among members.
Protecting Community Culture
Learn why The Conduit adopted an invite-only model from the start and how it maintains its community-driven values and culture.
Measuring Real Impact
Kyle shares practical methods for assessing community success, going beyond financial metrics to capture real-life impact through feedback and advocacy efforts.
Links & Resources
- The Conduit Website
- Kyle Steele Personal Website
- Dare to be Open, Uncomfortable, and Vulnerable
- Unreasonable Connection – Lu.ma
- Coworking Values Podcast LinkedIn
- Register for European Coworking Day
- 8k+ LinkedIn Coworking Group
- Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
- Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn
One More Thing
Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.
Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability—values that shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.
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Community is the key 🔑
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