Creating Community with Jessica Maine
Being submerged in community offers Jessica fulfillment.
We are kind of biased, but we think Good Coworking is a great place to work. Proof is the staying power of our people and we are thrilled to share that our Community Director, Jessica Maine, just celebrated her third anniversary, and is a finalist for the Global Workspace Association’s 2022 Community Manager Award, which will be awarded at their annual conference in September! Jessica is the glue that holds our team together and she has set up much of the business infrastructure that keeps us organized and efficient. She is a trusted ally of our community members and a mentor of many. The following is a short interview we recently had with Jessica, to get her perspective on working at Good Coworking, entrepreneurship, and life in general!
How did you learn about coworking and what do you think is the power of coworking for business owners?
I learned about coworking when I walked through the doors of Good Coworking. From that moment, I knew I had to be apart of this space. I was invited to the to collaborate on a project with one of the Good Coworking team members. I literally fell in love with the energy of the space, people and community. I believe, coworking connects diverse organizations and individuals, giving them the chance to collaborate, share resources and knowledge, and develop systemic solutions to the issues/problems they are trying to address. This isn't always afforded in a standalone office and/or corporate setting. Coworking (the Good Coworking way) also allows for people to heal from the trauma often experienced from the day-to-day traditional office model. It can often feel restrictive and oppressive; that takes a toll on morale and a plethora of other things. Coworking, when done well, supports the reversal of that oppression.
What is your favorite thing about the Good Coworking community?
My favorite thing about the Good Coworking community is the diversity and connection. In today's society, the community offers me a fulfillment I didn't realize I needed. As a nurturer by nature, impacting and witnessing the evolution and growth of our members fuels me and speaks to my "why" as a Community Director. I truly love our members, they make my heart smile.
What excites you about the future of work and social entrepreneurship?
What makes me most excited is unhealthy norms in the workplace are being challenged in a way that now makes room for people to be humans, instead of just employees. I love at Good Coworking, we genuinely desire to transform how people experience their work day and business as a whole by creating and cultivating a holistically safe and inclusive space that supports their success. Let's be real, people thrive differently when they are engulfed in an environment that is conducive to their well-being and I think this should be a norm, not the anomaly.
Photo Credit: Bethany Jones