Meet the Board: Blaize Randell on Purposeful Work and Meaningful Connection

Before she was shaping coworking communities, Blaize Randell was helping people find homes in a more traditional sense. Working in real estate, she focused on connecting people with spaces that matched their dreams. But something deeper was calling.

“What really lit me up wasn’t the properties,” Blaize says. “It was the human experience inside them.” That realization reshaped her entire career path, pointing her toward work where the emotional impact of space took centre stage.

The first time she walked into a coworking space, everything clicked. “It was real estate, but alive,” she says. “There was energy, collaboration, creativity... and a feeling that everyone was growing together.”

Today, Blaize wears two hats: Operations and Community Manager at Fractal Workspace, and Director of Community and Engagement at FLOC. Whether she’s planning programming, refining member experiences, or shaping strategy, her approach is consistent. It's grounded in empathy and designed with intention.

“What excites me most is creating micro-moments that make someone’s day,” she says. “A handwritten note. A warm welcome. Remembering how someone takes their coffee. Those little things matter.”

Designing Spaces That Make People Feel

Blaize’s work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: the value of a space doesn’t come from its size, but from how it makes people feel.

“That insight guides everything I do,” she says. “Whether I’m running an event or chatting with a member in the kitchen, I try to lead with empathy and intention.”

She sees the future of coworking moving toward more immersive, purpose-driven experiences. “I imagine retreat-style workspaces where people can reconnect with their purpose, their team, and themselves,” she says. “Think wellness, nature, deep work, and community all in one place.”

One of her boldest ideas? Work retreats for individuals and teams that combine strategic planning with personal development. Picture a few days of yoga, hikes, workshops, and reflection. “It’s about making space for both focus and rest,” she says. “That combination will become essential to how we work and connect moving forward.”

Blaize also believes the emotional experience of members deserves more attention. “People often focus on amenities, but the real magic comes from moments of care that create belonging. Emotional intelligence and intentional hospitality should be central to how we design.”

She draws inspiration from surprising places, like festival culture. “Festivals are crafted with so much thought and emotion. They’re not just events, they’re experiences. That same energy can shift how people feel about coming into work.”

Why FLOC Matters

As Director of Community & Engagement at FLOC, Blaize is helping build something bigger than just a professional network.

“FLOC isn’t just a coworking group. It’s a movement,” she says. “It’s people-first and focused on the future. We’re creating a platform where connection, creativity, and purpose are central.”

Her vision is to set a new standard for coworking, one rooted in emotional intelligence and intentional leadership. “I want FLOC to inspire leaders to build spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do their best work.”

And she hopes her own path helps light the way for others, especially those just starting out in their coworking careers.

“Lead with heart,” she says. “Model passion and balance. Create space for bold ideas. Be generous with your encouragement. The next generation is watching more than we realize. For me, that’s personal. I want my daughters to see what it looks like to build a career that feels aligned and fulfilling.”