GCUC Podcast Recap: Meagan Slavin

Mastering Operations and Onboarding with Meagan from 25N Coworking

On this episode of the GCUC Podcast, Liz Elam sits down with Meagan Schoenrock Slavin, COO of 25N Coworking, to unpack one of the biggest challenges coworking operators face: creating a seamless onboarding experience that drives member retention and strengthens community.

From slow and intentional team onboarding to high-touch member experiences across multiple locations, Meagan shares the operational strategies that have helped 25N build a reputation for hospitality and excellence in coworking. She also dives into how the company has successfully evolved to manage coworking spaces for landlords while maintaining its culture and service standards.

The Power of Intentional Onboarding

Meagan explains that 25N takes a deliberately slow approach to onboarding both employees and members. For team members, the first 90 days are crucial. They focus on culture, core values, and building confidence through multiple check-ins at 30 days, 90 days, six months, and one year.

This investment in people pays off. The average community manager stays with 25N for three to four years, and even those who eventually move on leave with a strong sense of leadership and alignment with the brand’s mission.

Member onboarding begins well before a contract is signed. From marketing to the sales process, 25N emphasizes relationships and personal connection. A dedicated remote onboarding team supports all locations, ensuring consistency across every market. New members receive detailed welcome tours, personalized introductions, and full integration into the community through tools like Slack.

Expanding Through Management Agreements

25N has also successfully expanded by managing coworking spaces for landlords under the “Powered by 25N” model. This allows landlords to leverage 25N’s proven operations and hospitality expertise without losing their own brand identity.

Meagan shared that many landlords attempt to operate coworking spaces on their own but quickly realize they need expert help. 25N steps in to either build from the ground up or take over existing spaces, bringing consistency, culture, and operational excellence to each project.

Staying True to Values Amid Growth

Despite growth and diversification, Meagan emphasizes the importance of remaining aligned with the company’s core mission: serving people and fostering community. Each new venture, whether it has the 25N logo on the door or not, fits within their larger vision and culture.

“Remember why you got into this business,” Meagan says. “If you focus on your people and care about your people, it shows. That is what leads to retention and sustainable success.”

Leadership Insights

Meagan also shares valuable advice for operators looking to improve onboarding or explore management agreements:

• Invest in your people and culture from day one.

• Focus on relationships, not just transactions.

• Deliver a consistent, high-touch experience across all locations.

• Stay grounded in your values, even when pursuing new opportunities.

Listen to the Full Conversation

This episode is packed with actionable insights for coworking operators of all sizes. From refining your onboarding process to expanding through management partnerships, Meagan offers a roadmap for building thriving, hospitality-driven coworking spaces.

Tune in wherever you stream your media to hear the full conversation and discover how 25N is setting a new standard for operations, hospitality, and growth in the coworking industry.