In the coworking world, a Community Manager is that magical element, ensuring that the space runs smoothly and members feel at home.
Jen Michalik, Community Manager of Office Evolution Ann Arbor, has been nominated for Community Manager of the Year from the Global Workspace Association (GWA). The finalist will be announced at the GWA FlexForward 2024 conference in Phoenix.
In this interview, Michelle Stiegler from Premier Workspaces, who serves on the GWA advisory board, chats with Michalik about her role, experiences, and the vibrant community she helps foster.
The journey to community manager
Stiegler began the conversation by asking about Michalik's background before becoming a Community Manager. Michalik's path was unique, with a strong foundation in design and project management.
"I actually have experience in design and project management. So, I was at a tile store and a granite fabricator. Prior to this, as a fabricator, I took on a lot more of the project management and client relations type roles," Michelik shared.
Her transition into the coworking industry was serendipitous. "I learned about the community manager role through one of our members. My husband was actually working for one of the members and heard they were looking for a manager. So, I ended up reaching out to the owners and having a few conversations with them," she explained.
What was the allure of the flexible office industry?
Stiegler then inquired about what drew Michalik to the world of coworking. Michelik's enthusiasm was evident as she described the unique nature of the industry.
"I think it was just such a unique industry. It was the first I had really heard about it when my husband started working for somebody who was in it. I just thought it was such a cool idea that it fit so many needs," Michalik said. "The members we have are so varied in so many different professions. It's a very unique field."
Every Community Manager has stories that highlight the unpredictability of the job. When asked about the most random thing she had to do, Michalik recalled an unforgettable incident.
"I had someone leave their teeth in a cup on my floor," she revealed. "It was a member's guest, but yeah, that's the weirdest one. The rest of it is all just unique things. We've had people come in their gear ready for a game, and we all put on fun outfits for Michigan games."
Defining the ideal community manager
Stiegler asked Michalik to describe the qualities of an ideal Community Manager. Michelik emphasized the importance of friendliness and adaptability.
"Somebody who is very friendly and wants to make the best of every situation for the members," she said. "Creating an environment where each person feels welcome and gets what they need out of it is critical. Organizational skills are important, but the community portion is the critical part."
When explaining her role to those unfamiliar with coworking, Michalik opts for clarity.
"I say that I work at a flexible office space, which encompasses more than coworking. I work with private offices, coworking, and conference room space," she elaborated. This approach helps avoid pigeonholing the concept and opens up conversations for further explanation.
Problem-solving prowess
Fixing issues before they even arise is a significant part of Michelik's role, and she takes pride in her ability to juggle multiple needs simultaneously.
"I think it's probably the Tetris I play with our available spaces," she said. "We have conference rooms and meeting rooms, and on a regular basis, someone comes in with an emergency. Being able to accommodate all the needs and make sure everyone gets what they need out of the situation is something I'm proud of."
Creating a sense of community is at the heart of Michalik's work. She shared how the physical layout of their space facilitates natural interactions.
"Our private offices are around the perimeter, and our kitchen and coffee area are in the center, next to our coworking space. This middle ground area allows for natural community building as people grab coffee or use the printer," Michalik described.
One of the key events she hosts is a weekly happy hour, which started during the pandemic. "It's just kind of a members and their friends’ event. It started with people standing at opposite ends of the island, sharing something good that happened that week or looking forward to the next week. It's grown into a regular gathering where everyone can chat and hang out after the workweek," she said.
The support from GWA
As a relatively new member of the GWA community, Michalik has found the resources and support beneficial. "I started getting the emails around the time of an 'Ask Me Anything' session. Those sorts of things have been very useful, having someone at a higher level speaking for all of us," she said.
The interview wrapped up with Stiegler asking if there was anything else Michalik wanted to add. Michalik reiterated her appreciation for the support and community she has found both within her workspace and through GWA.
Reflecting on her journey and experiences, Michalik's dedication to her role and the community she nurtures is evident. Her story is a testament to the impact a passionate and resourceful Community Manager can have on a coworking space, making it not just a place to work, but a vibrant and supportive community.
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.
