Meet Jessie Glew from WOTSO

People Behind the Space: WOTSO

Jessie Glew | CEO of WOTSO

At the forefront of Australasia’s flexible workspace revolution, Jessie Glew has played a pivotal role in shaping WOTSO into a thriving network of dynamic, community-driven spaces. As CEO, she’s passionate about creating environments that empower businesses of all sizes—from startups to established enterprises—by offering unparalleled flexibility and fostering meaningful connections.

In this edition of People Behind the Space, we dive into Jessie’s journey, her vision for the future of work, and what sets WOTSO apart in an ever-evolving industry.

WOTSO Takapuna Flexspace

Tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to WOTSO. What excites you most about leading one of Australasia’s largest flexible workspace providers?

I’ve been with WOTSO since its inception, helping shape WOTSO  into what it is today. My background is in real estate operations, and I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that merge property with innovation. What excites me most is the ability to create spaces that genuinely improve how people work. We’re not just providing desks; we're building communities, enabling flexibility, and redefining what the modern workspace looks like. Seeing businesses whether startups or established enterprises thrive in our spaces is incredibly rewarding.

WOTSO Belmont Flexspace

WOTSO operates across both Australia and New Zealand, offering a fresh alternative to traditional office spaces. How does this flexibility benefit businesses, and what sets WOTSO apart?

Flexibility is key in today’s work environment. Traditional long-term leases don’t suit every business, especially in a world where hybrid work is becoming the norm. WOTSO offers businesses the ability to scale up or down by offering no lock-in contracts, and not requiring leasing deposits or bonds. In addition, once you are a member of one WOTSO, you can use any of our locations for free through our passport program. 

What further sets WOTSO apart is our focus on suburban and regional locations, allowing people to work closer to home without sacrificing a professional environment. Plus, we own a significant portion of the real estate in which we operate, which means we take a long-term view of how we build and support our communities.

WOTSO Takapuna Flexspace

Can you describe the types of businesses and professionals that thrive within WOTSO spaces? How does the community aspect influence their success?

We are totally agnostic to member types and have a diverse mix of startups, established businesses, freelancers, tradies, allied health professionals, and even satellite teams for larger corporations. What makes WOTSO unique is that our sites are not just a collection of desks; they are networks of people sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities. Indeed we’ve seen businesses grow through collaboration that started over coffee in our kitchens. The energy of the community fosters innovation and helps people feel connected, which is something you don’t always get in a traditional office.

WOTSO Takapuna Flexspace

What do you love most about working in a dynamic, ever-evolving coworking environment?

No two days are the same. The way people use workspaces is constantly changing, and we’re always adapting. I love seeing how businesses make our spaces their own, whether it’s a creative startup brainstorming in a breakout area or a corporate team hosting a strategy session in one of our meeting rooms. The ability to respond to the needs of our members in real-time, and continuously improve our offering makes working in flex exciting.

WOTSO Belmont Flexspace

If you could invite any three people to work from a WOTSO space for a day, who would they be and why?

• Any remote worker stuck in a long commute – I’d love to show them how much better life can be when you cut out that daily grind and work closer to home in a space that still offers everything you need to be productive.

WOTSO Takapuna Meeting Space

Are there any exciting new locations, initiatives, or collaborations on the horizon for WOTSO in both Australia and New Zealand?

Absolutely. We’re always looking to expand in suburban and regional areas where we see demand for flexible workspace. We’ve also been acquiring and repurposing distressed and vacant real estate, turning underutilised properties into vibrant workspaces. Beyond physical expansion, we’re constantly working on improving the member experience, whether through partnerships, like our collaboration with Two Good Co. for premium, socially responsible soaps, or by enhancing the technology that powers our spaces.

WOTSO Te Tōangaroa

WOTSO spaces are designed to be vibrant and versatile. How do you approach designing spaces that foster both productivity and creativity?

It’s about striking a balance. We do all our designs in-house, and all our spaces have a different look and feel to reflect the local communities they serve. We want our spaces to be inspiring, but they also need to be practical. We also want them to be surrounded by complimentary services such as childcare, cafes, and gyms. 

WOTSO Belmont Flexspace

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with WOTSO, and how has it shaped your perspective on the future of work?

Seeing WOTSO evolve from a concept into a thriving network of spaces has been incredibly rewarding. My biggest takeaway is that work is no longer about a single location. It's about choice. Businesses and individuals want flexibility and to work in places that support their wellbeing and productivity. The future of work is dynamic, and WOTSO is excited to continue to adapt and grow in this space.

VIEW WOTSO TAKAPUNA

VIEW WOTSO BELMONT