Meet the Board: Anne Olsen on Strategic Growth and the Future of Coworking
Before she ever set foot in a coworking space, Anne Olsen was already building communities—just in a different scene. Her career began at SLUG Magazine (Salt Lake Underground), where she jumped into everything from sales and marketing to organizing skateboard competitions and launching beer festivals. It was fast, hands-on, and exactly the kind of experience that prepared her for coworking.
“What drew me in was the energy,” Anne says. “Coworking is the perfect intersection of my passion for community and my love for creating well-designed, intentional spaces.”
Today, Anne is the Director of Coworking at The Domain Companies, leading operations and growth for The Shop Workspace in New Orleans, Salt Lake City, and soon, Brooklyn. Her work touches everything from refining sales strategies to shaping brand expansion, all with a deep focus on member experience.
“What excites me most is that no two days are the same. There’s always an opportunity to innovate—whether that’s designing a better onboarding experience or thinking about how we grow into new markets.”
Anne brings a big-picture mindset to her work—one shaped by early lessons in ownership. “At first, I focused on making things run smoothly. But real impact comes from thinking like an owner—considering long-term sustainability, profitability, and community impact.”
Reimagining the Role of Coworking
Anne sees a future where coworking is deeply integrated into urban planning and real estate. “It’s no longer just about flexible workspace,” she explains. “It’s about creating hubs for economic development and community.”
She’s especially interested in opportunities beyond urban cores—like in suburban, secondary, and even rural markets—and how coworking can evolve to serve niche industries like wellness, content creation, and the arts.
Anne’s boldest idea for the future? An AI-powered concierge that blends technology and hospitality. “It could automate everything from check-ins to IT support, and even recommend events or connections based on member interests. The key is pairing automation with a strong human touch.”
Her vision for coworking is also shaped by industries outside of it. “I look to boutique hospitality and fitness brands that turn memberships into lifestyle experiences. If coworking can build that kind of loyalty, it changes the game.”
Why FLOC Matters
As Director of Memberships & Growth at FLOC, Anne is excited to create a space for operators to connect, share, and grow—together.
“Too often, we’re figuring things out in isolation. FLOC brings people together who live and breathe this industry, and gives us a place to learn from each other.”
She hopes FLOC creates a culture of transparency and shared learning—one that helps operators build stronger member communities and more sustainable businesses.
And her advice for seasoned professionals? “Make space for fresh perspectives. The next generation of operators is full of smart, thoughtful leaders—we should be learning from them, too.”
