Networking, Flexibility, and Well-being: The Recipe for the Perfect Workspace

We had the pleasure of speaking with Javier Zuluaga, an experienced IT professional and the operator of a thriving coworking space. Javier shared insights into his daily work, the journey of building Espacio Kernel, and his perspectives on the latest trends shaping the future of work.

BI: Hi Javier, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. You’re an IT expert and also manage a coworking space—an intriguing combination. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

JZ: Hi, and thank you for having me! My name is Javier Zuluaga Wilches, and I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. When I was 11, my family moved to Milan, Italy, where I spent most of my teenage years. At 17, I relocated to Vienna, a city I still find fascinating. It was there that I discovered my passion for computer science and IT. What started as a hobby soon became my profession, leading me to specialize in warehouse logistics. Seventeen years ago, I moved to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and it’s been my home ever since.

Your main profession is as an IT expert in the logistics sector. Can you explain what your role involves?

Over the past 24 years, I’ve expanded my expertise in various roles and fields. I began as a backend and frontend developer, working with different object-oriented programming languages. I also focused on designing product architectures, programming with relational databases, and developing online platforms. Over time, I took on leadership roles, managing development teams and product departments. I’ve also worked in project management, product design, and consulting companies on process optimization.

Since 2019, alongside your IT work, you’ve been running a coworking space in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. How did that idea come about?

When I first moved to Tenerife, I worked from home for several years. But eventually, I felt the need to leave my home office and interact with other professionals face-to-face. Separating my work and personal life became essential, and I wanted to find a space where I could connect with like-minded people and strike a balance between my career and personal well-being.
That’s what inspired me to create “Espacio Kernel,” a coworking space designed to bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups—both local and international. It’s a place to share ideas, collaborate, and foster innovation in a flexible environment. When I was working remotely, I often missed the direct interactions with other professionals. During business trips, I visited coworking spaces in major cities, and I loved the experience of sharing a workspace and learning from others. That’s what motivated me to create something similar here in Tenerife.

Tell us more about your coworking space. What can people expect when they walk in?

We’re located in a prime, central spot in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, surrounded by banks, shopping centers, and close to the main bus station. We started with 170 square meters but have now grown to over 1,500 square meters spread across five floors. Espacio Kernel offers a range of options: flexible memberships, dedicated private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, communal spaces, phone booths, and quiet zones. We’ve also added a rooftop terrace and a games room to help our clients relax and spark creativity.

That sounds amazing! Who typically uses your coworking spaces?

Our clients include freelancers, small business owners, micro-enterprises, remote workers, digital nomads, and even large national and international companies such as Canon, Holidu, Siemens, Indra, Grupo MasMovil, Quicksilver, Burton, Roxy, Hotelston, Ciascom, NTTData, and many more.
Espacio Kernel is more than just a workspace; it’s a community where innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility come together. We’ve built a space where people can share time, expertise, leisure moments, and a vibrant mix of cultures. It’s a place that goes beyond just work—it’s about building connections and fostering creativity.

Who would you recommend coworking spaces to? What kind of professionals could benefit from them?

I think coworking spaces are ideal for a variety of professionals, especially those seeking flexibility, inspiration, and opportunities to network.
Freelancers and self-employed individuals can benefit greatly, as it provides a professional work environment without the commitment of a traditional office. They can use the facilities and avoid the distractions of working from home.
For startups and small businesses, coworking offers an excellent solution. They can scale up or down as needed, save on infrastructure costs, and connect with professionals from diverse fields, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Remote workers from larger companies also find coworking spaces valuable. Many seek dynamic environments to escape the isolation of working from home, meet new people, and gain fresh perspectives.
Consultants and project-based professionals can also take advantage of the flexibility coworking offers. They can rent a space as needed, whether it’s for client meetings or to focus on specific projects.
In short, coworking is perfect for anyone who values flexibility, networking opportunities, and a modern, well-equipped workspace.

What makes Tenerife particularly attractive to your clients?

One thing I forgot to mention earlier is the importance of employee well-being, which Tenerife delivers in abundance. Many companies and workers are looking for spaces that support a healthy work-life balance. Here on the island, coworking offers the chance to work in an appealing, healthy environment, which positively impacts mood and motivation. Tenerife has perfect conditions for this: excellent weather year-round, diverse cultural and natural landscapes, and a strategic location between Europe, America, and Africa.

You also host events at your coworking space. What kinds of activities do you organize?

We organize a wide variety of events that reflect the diversity of our community. These include financial workshops, tech meetups on topics like AI and blockchain, art exhibitions, book launches, and events focused on marketing and social media.
We’ve also helped create several networking communities and support social initiatives such as clothing swaps, toy drives, and beach clean-ups to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility.

Running a coworking space on top of your IT career sounds like a lot of work. Is it worth it?

The potential of coworking spaces has grown tremendously in recent years, driven by shifts in work trends and the changing needs of professionals and businesses. From my experience, more and more people are seeking adaptable spaces where they can adjust their workspace and schedules to fit their projects without the commitments of a traditional office. In today’s increasingly flexible economy, coworking offers modern resources without the need for large investments.
There’s also a rising demand for collaborative spaces that foster connections between companies from different sectors. Coworking environments create opportunities for experts who might never have crossed paths to collaborate and innovate. It’s an ecosystem for sharing ideas, where you can learn from others and gain exposure to innovative practices.
Lastly, sustainability is becoming a major focus. More people are prioritizing eco-friendly workspaces, whether through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, or waste reduction. At Espacio Kernel, we’re committed to implementing sustainable practices in every aspect, from design to resource management.
In summary, flexibility, collaboration, well-being, and sustainability are shaping the future of coworking. I believe demand for these spaces will only continue to grow in the coming years.

You meet so many people and interesting companies. Some industries seem to be thriving, while others might be struggling. What trends are you noticing?

While I meet a lot of people and businesses, I can’t claim to know everything about every industry. Among the companies that use our coworking space, I’ve noticed that the IT sector continues to thrive. New specializations keep emerging. Recently, we’ve had developers focusing on e-commerce integrations, blockchain programmers, and AI startups working here. These fields didn’t even exist 5 or 10 years ago. Given Tenerife’s unique landscape, we also see growth in industries like film production, tourism, and construction.

Final question: Would you consider yourself a good networker? And if so, what advice would you give to someone looking to improve their networking skills?

I’m passionate about fostering collaboration—whether it’s in business, technology, or social initiatives. I love creating synergies and bringing people together. At Espacio Kernel, we’ve been able to help launch numerous projects, products, and networking communities. My top advice for anyone looking to network: Join a coworking space!

Our conversation with Javier Zuluaga highlights how passion, innovation, and professionalism can come together seamlessly. His dedication to building a creative and collaborative community makes Espacio Kernel a best-practice example for modern workspaces. Javier emphasizes the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and well-being—values that will undoubtedly continue to shape the coworking industry in the future.

This interview was conducted in October 2024.