GCUC Podcast Recap: Will Sandford

William Sanford, Director of Coworking at Yardi, is helping operators unlock the next evolution of flexible work by pairing human connection with innovative technology. His mornings start with the chaos and joy of new fatherhood, Garmin stats, toddler headbutts at sunrise, and the constant quest for balance. But when he turns to work, his focus sharpens on how operators can harness technology to streamline operations, delight members, and future-proof their spaces.

In this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam, founder of GCUC, sits down with Will to explore how Yardi is integrating AI, automation, and data into the fabric of flexible work. From practical AI tools operators should be using right now, to Yardi’s forthcoming Virtuoso agent builder, Will shares why the future of coworking tech isn’t flashy, it’s pragmatic, member-first, and human-powered.

The New Language of Work

Will is refreshingly candid about the learning curve of AI:

“This has been the biggest shift I’ve had as a professional. I need to learn a new language, otherwise I’m going to be left behind.”

He now reaches for ChatGPT before Google, tries note-taking apps like Granola, and taps tools like Shortcut for financial analysis. But his advice to operators? Don’t chase the shiny stuff. Focus on tools that deliver tangible outcomes.

“The question is: do they actually achieve outcomes, or do they just do something flashy?”

Making Coworking Smarter and Simpler

For Will, AI’s power in coworking comes down to three things:

1. Operational efficiency: streamlining lease management, bookings, and support.

2. Member experience: personalization, seamless self-service, and intuitive problem-solving.

3. Sales & Leasing: Instant access to real-time availability and 24/7 booking.

Liz summed it up beautifully:

“Hospitality lends itself to simplicity. If it becomes too complex, it’s usually no longer hospitable.”

The future of coworking technology, they agree, is invisible, quietly powering operations so that hospitality and human connection take center stage.

What’s Coming from Yardi

While Yardi has been relatively quiet in the coworking AI space, that’s about to change. Their upcoming Virtuoso Conductor will enable operators to build custom AI agents to handle workflows such as bookings, billing, and renewals, allowing teams to focus on community engagement.

“We want to give operators the ability to build their own custom agents… It’s about making teams of two feel like teams of five.”

Why It Matters

The coworking industry is uniquely positioned to lead in rethinking real estate and the future of work. As Liz noted:

“I feel like we’re all at the same level set right now. It’s new for everybody.”

That means operators have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how technology supports, rather than overshadows, the human-centered magic of coworking.

Experience it firsthand: Catch Will live at GCUC North America in New York City this April, where Yardi will be a key partner in shaping the future of coworking.

🎧 Listen now: GCUC Podcast – Will Sanford
🔗 Connect with Will Sanford: LinkedIn
🌐 Learn more about Yardi: yardi.com
🔗 Connect with Liz Elam: LinkedIn
🎟️ Buy GCUC North America tickets: Tickets here