129. From Metal Bands to Building Innovation Ecosystem: CIC’s Stacey Messier’s Unique Leadership Journey
In this episode of Flex Uncensored, we're joined by Stacey Messier, General Manager at CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) New England. Stacey shares her unique career path—from metal band vocalist to leading one of the most innovative coworking ecosystems in the world—and offers insights into how CIC supports groundbreaking ideas across industries.
Stacey explains CIC’s approach to fostering innovation, her philosophy on team development, and what drives the company’s global expansion into cities like Tokyo, Berlin, and Providence.
What we covered:
How CIC uses economic partnerships to drive growth and impact innovation ecosystems.
Stacey’s career pivoted from tech to coworking and what she learned along the way.
CIC’s unique approach to creating community-driven workspaces across 1M+ square feet.
Building and nurturing teams: Stacey’s “Build Your Bench” strategy for professional development.
What being in a band taught Stacey about leadership, creativity, and project management.
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Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast
Giovanni Palavacini and Jamie Russo have partnered to ask industry leaders the questions that are on your mind.
Giovanni Palavacini is a Real Estate Strategist focused on helping operators, landlords, and investors to make wise coworking/flexible office decisions using a combination of science and art.
Jamie Russo was a coworking space owner/operator for 8 years, Executive Director of the GWA, the industry association, for 5 years, and has spent the last few years helping operators start and run profitable coworking businesses.
- No. of episodes: 157
- Latest episode: 2025-07-15
- Business Entrepreneurship
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