Blaize Randell's journey to becoming a community manager at Fractal Workspace in Kingston, Ontario, is a testament to her diverse professional background and her passion for people.
Recently nominated for the Community Manager of the Year Award from the Global Workspace Association, Randell’s story is inspiring and her dedication to her role shines through every aspect of her work. In a warm and candid interview led by Michelle Stiegler from Premier Workspaces, Randell shares her experiences, challenges, and the unique community she helps cultivate at Fractal Workspace. The finalist will be announced at the GWA FlexForward 2024 conference in Phoenix.
From hairstyling to real estate: Randell’s diverse background
Randell’s path to community management was anything but straightforward. After studying public relations in college, she spent eight years as a hairstylist, even managing a salon and specializing in bridal hair. Despite her success, she realized that her passion lay elsewhere. "Hair just became not as much of my passion as I thought it was," Randell explains. She began helping others open businesses, drawing on her operational expertise. Eventually, she transitioned into real estate, joining her family's team and gaining valuable experience.
However, the demands of real estate began to take a toll on her family life, leading Randell to seek a new direction. She discovered Fractal Workspace through a friend and hosted a successful maker’s market event there during the pandemic. The event's success caught the attention of the workspace owner, who pursued Randell’s employment for two months. "Finally, after a bunch of conversations with my family and my husband, I was like, I think I should try it," Randell recalls.
Embracing the role of community manager
Randell’s role as a community manager involves wearing many hats. "I always say, like, I would love to put a GoPro on my head and work a week and just have a little TikTok reel of what I do in a day," she jokes. From event planning and IT troubleshooting to cleaning up spills and managing accounts, Randell’s days are far from monotonous. Her entrepreneurial spirit and operational acumen have been instrumental in the growth and success of Fractal Workspace.
Randell’s ability to connect with people is at the heart of her role. She values the opportunity to meet individuals from various professions and facilitate meaningful connections. "It's so incredible to be an accountant and be able to talk to somebody about social media and that be their skill set," she says. The diverse community at Fractal Workspace fosters collaboration and support, creating a vibrant environment where professionals can thrive.
Navigating challenges and solving problems
One of Randell’s proudest achievements as a community manager is overhauling Fractal Workspace’s IT infrastructure. Recognizing the need for higher security and better management, she led the transition to a new internet management system and implemented various technological upgrades. The process was not without its challenges, but Randell’s determination and problem-solving skills saw her through. "I started not knowing what a port was and now I can problem-solve pretty much any IT issue that comes my way," she says.
Her ability to adapt and learn quickly has been crucial in addressing the myriad challenges that arise in her role. Whether it’s finding creative solutions for event logistics or managing unexpected technical issues, Randell’s proactive approach ensures that Fractal Workspace runs smoothly.
Cultivating a supportive and engaging community
At the core of Randell’s work is her dedication to building a strong, supportive community. She describes how Fractal Workspace fosters a sense of belonging among its members, from hosting regular events to creating spaces for informal interactions. "We host like a weekly happy hour where we play games... We host barbecues, brunches, workshops, throw a Christmas party, and throw a Halloween party," she shares. These events not only provide opportunities for networking and learning but also create a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Randell takes pride in the micro-communities that form within Fractal Workspace. For example, a group of men meets every morning for coffee, creating a daily ritual that strengthens their bonds. "They almost build their own little micro-communities within it, which I think is super unique and super cool," she observes. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support is a hallmark of the workspace, making it more than just a place to work.
The challenges of finding the right fit
As Fractal Workspace continues to grow, one of Randell’s ongoing challenges is finding the right people to join the team. She emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who share the community’s values and are willing to put in the effort required to maintain the supportive environment. "Finding people who have the entrepreneurial spirit that are willing to work, especially if he's, like, that's probably the worst answer ever," she admits, highlighting the difficulty of finding candidates who are a perfect fit.
Despite these challenges, Randell remains committed to ensuring that every member of the community feels valued and supported. Her approachability and attentiveness to members’ needs have made her an indispensable part of Fractal Workspace.
Looking ahead: The future of community management
As Randell reflects on her journey and the future of community management, she expresses gratitude for the connections she has made through the Global Workspace Association. Attending conferences and meeting other professionals in the co-working industry has been invaluable for her professional growth. "Connecting with other people in the industry has been my favorite part of this whole thing," she says.
For Randell, the role of a community manager is about more than just managing a workspace. It’s about creating a welcoming and dynamic environment where individuals can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Her dedication to her community and her ability to navigate the diverse challenges of her role make her a standout candidate for Community Manager of the Year.
In closing, Michelle Stiegler acknowledges Randell’s contributions and the positive impact she has had on Fractal Workspace. "You're part of the reason why people show up, so you have to take some credit," Stiegler affirms. As Randell continues to build and nurture her community, her passion and commitment serve as an inspiration to others in the co-working industry.
For Coworks, sponsoring the Community Manager Awards for the third year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the coworking movement.
As a company dedicated to providing space management software solutions, we recognize the invaluable role these folks play in shaping successful community spaces. Read about last year’s nominees.
