Meet Eugen Miropolski, Managing Director Europe of WeWork

How do you position yourself in relation to the traditional world of work?

Eugen Miropolski - What we are fighting above all is an outdated mentality. The way we approach work is changing completely. People are now talking about a better balance between private and professional life, because in some ways everyday life is getting out of hand. We can't compartmentalise our lives with work on one side and the private sphere on the other. Both are part of who we are. I think we are the right place at the right time. The world is going through a series of cultural, technological and economic upheavals that have made it possible for a company like WeWork to flourish. In 2014, self-employed workers made up 33 % of the US labour market. By 2020, this number is expected to rise to 40 %. By then, millennials will account for half of the global workforce.

Do you think large companies will be increasingly interested in coworking spaces?

E. M. - WeWork provides a springboard for each of our members to achieve success; not just financial success, but something far beyond that. Large companies realise that being part of an environment where they can be close to other types of professionals can both bring them new business and give them more creativity.

What is your growth model?

E. M. - For our openings, we choose places with large numbers of people who think 'we' rather than 'I'. It's not a question of age, but of mindset. Our community is made up of people who are ambitious, but who have realised that they are part of an increasingly connected world where work and life outside work come together. There is great strength to be gained from working together and we are committed to strengthening the relationships between our members. Financial security is now less important than personal fulfilment. We are only accelerating this trend.