Episode 20: Create + Transform with Oren Sherman

📍 Recorded Live at OE Studio, Tampa, FL What if human connection isn't just essential to our well-being, but one of the most important drivers of business success? In this special live episode of Create A Place, I welcome back Dr. Tracy Brower, PhD sociologist, Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase and author of Critical Connections: Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life. Recorded in front of a live audience at Oxford Exchange's OE Studio in Tampa, Florida, in partnership with CoreNet Global Tampa Chapter, this conversation picks up nearly two years after Tracy's first appearance on the podcast, when we explored workplace happiness and creating the conditions for people to thrive. This time, we go deeper into the power of human connection and why it matters more than ever. From rising loneliness and declining trust to the growing influence of AI, Tracy shares research and insights on how relationships shape our health, performance, engagement and sense of belonging. We explore what physical presence makes possible, how workplace design can encourage meaningful connections without sacrificing privacy or choice, and why the future of work must remain fundamentally human. In this episode, we explore: - Why connection is essential to both individual and organizational well-being  - How physical proximity elevates mentorship, trust and knowledge sharing - The importance of workplaces that balance connection, privacy, focus and choice - Why community and relationships across generations and life stages matter - Practical ways leaders can foster stronger relationships in hybrid workplaces - How AI is changing the way we work, interact and think — and why creativity, curiosity and connection are worth protecting Our conversation also builds on a roundtable I hosted with Tampa Bay design leaders the evening before, where shared challenges surrounding workplace culture, technology and generational differences reinforced the importance of learning from one another — even across competing organizations. And perhaps that's the biggest takeaway: Creating better workplaces isn't simply about the spaces themselves. It's about the people, relationships and communities those spaces make possible. Connect with Dr Brower :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/ - Steelcase : https://www.steelcase.com/   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐 Workplace : https://commercialdesignservices.com/ 🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

📍 Recorded at Blind Tiger Coffee at Tampa City Center What turns a coffee shop into a place people build relationships? In this episode of Create A Place, I sit down with Roberto Torres, co-founder of Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, to talk about what he and his team are really creating beyond coffee: places with identity, soul and a genuine sense of belonging. Blind Tiger has grown alongside Tampa, but Roberto’s approach has remained deeply local. Each location responds to its neighborhood, its customers and the way people actually use the space, whether they’re meeting a friend, working for an afternoon, gathering with a group or simply taking a moment for themselves. As Roberto puts it, even a great drink can become a small escape, and the spaces around it help shape that experience. Roberto has also been a longtime CREATE+CO client and friend, particularly through his relationship with Angela and our design team. Together, we’ve had the opportunity to help translate the Blind Tiger brand into several physical locations — balancing its recognizable character with the individuality of each place. Roberto shares candidly why trusting the design team has become part of that process and why creating a successful hospitality environment takes many different people interpreting and supporting the same vision. In this episode, we explore: - What Blind Tiger is creating beyond coffee as a lifestyle brand - Why “legendary hospitality” starts with employees  - How neighborhoods, walk-ability, and gathering spaces  - The role of design, music, seating, and flow shaping experience - Why every Blind Tiger should feel connected to the brand  - How local hospitality businesses help create neighborhood identity - The opportunities and responsibility of growing a local brand Coffee may be what brings people through the door, but the places we return to are usually about something more: connection, familiarity and the feeling that there is a place for us there. And as Roberto reminds us, local coffee shops can become the backdrop for everyday life — first dates, church groups, study sessions, meetings and quiet moments alone. That’s when a space becomes part of a community. Connect with Roberto :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertoatorres/ - Blind Tiger Coffee : https://blindtigercoffeeroasters.com/ - Locations : https://blindtigercoffeeroasters.com/pages/locations   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

📍 Recorded at Alter Ego in Tampa When most people think of hospitality, they think of restaurants or hotels. But what if hospitality is really a mindset that belongs in every business, every workplace, and every interaction? On this episode of Create a Place, I sit down with my friend Chon Nguyen, CEO of Nugentek, Co-Founder of FusionPrep, and Partner at Proper House Group. Chon and I have crossed paths for years through Tampa Bay's business and hospitality community. As fellow business leaders, we've shared conversations through organizations like the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and the Automatic Network, so I was excited to finally bring one of those conversations to the podcast. At CREATE+CO, we've long believed that hospitality isn't a building type. It's a mindset. Whether we're designing workplaces, hospitality venues, or multifamily communities, our goal is always the same: creating experiences where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected. That's why I found so much alignment in Chon's perspective. He approaches technology with that same philosophy, using it to remove friction, strengthen relationships, and improve the human experience. In this episode, we explore: - Why hospitality extends far beyond restaurants - Using technology to enhance the human experience - Balancing operational efficiency with empathy - Building systems that scale without losing the human element - Creating cultures rooted in service and intentional leadership - Why people will always be at the center of great experiences 🎙️ If you're looking to build a better business, start by creating a better experience for the people you're serving. Connect with Chon :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chonnguyen/ - Newgentek : https://newgentek.com/ - FusionPrep : https://www.fusionprep.com/ - Proper House : https://www.properhousegroup.com/   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

📍 Recorded at Power Design HQ in St. Petersburg, FL What happens to culture when a company grows from hundreds to thousands of employees? In this episode of Create A Place, I sit down with Trent Morano, Senior Vice President at Power Design, to talk about leadership, growth, and what it really takes to scale without losing the people, values, and culture that made the company successful in the first place. From hiring for attitude over aptitude to building systems that reinforce trust, accountability, and connection, Trent shares how Power Design has intentionally protected a strong people-first culture while continuing to grow across the country. Our conversation also explores leadership accessibility, field and office alignment, and how workplace design can support collaboration, transparency, performance, and belonging at scale. Recorded inside Power Design’s St. Petersburg headquarters [where CREATE+CO has designed multiple spaces across the campus] this episode offers a thoughtful look at how leadership and environment work together to shape culture over time. Trent and I also serve together on the board for the CoreNet Global Tampa Chapter. In this conversation, we get into: • Scaling leadership from 300 to 3,000+ employees • Hiring for long-term potential and cultural fit • Protecting culture during rapid growth • Supporting field and office connection • Leadership accessibility and transparency • Workplace design as a tool for collaboration and performance • Why culture is built through action, not statements on a wall 🎙️ At the heart of it all, culture isn’t just something you talk about...it’s something people feel. Connect with Trent :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttursi31/ - PowerDesign : https://www.powerdesigninc.us/ - Project Photos : https://www.createandcompany.com/powerdesignhq Connect with KY :: 👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

📍 Recorded on site at 311 Park Place Leasing isn’t just about filling space. It’s about shaping how a building performs over time. In this episode of Create A Place, I sit down with Jim Moler, Senior Vice President at JLL. With decades of experience in commercial real estate and a deep understanding of the Tampa Bay market, Jim brings a thoughtful, long-view perspective on what makes buildings not just lease—but perform. Jim and I have worked together for years across multiple projects, with my CREATE+CO team partnering alongside him to reposition amenity spaces at 311 Park Place, reactivate common areas at Urban Centre, and support tenant space planning and spec suites at Gas Worx in Ybor City. Through that collaboration, we’ve seen firsthand how leasing strategy, design, and experience come together to shape the success of a building over time. In this conversation, we unpack: • What thoughtful brokers are really looking for when they walk a building • How tenant mix shapes energy, perception, and long-term value • Why leasing today is as much about curation as it is about transactions • The role of common areas and amenities in influencing decision-making • How experience, not just economics, drives performance • Why the story a building tells matters as much as the numbers behind it If you’re rethinking how buildings are positioned, experienced, and ultimately chosen, this conversation offers a broader perspective on what drives performance today. 🎙️ It’s not just about closing the deal. It’s how you get there—and what happens after. Connect with Jim :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-moler-ccim/ - 311 Park Place : https://www.311parkplace.com/ - Gasworx : https://gasworx.com/   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

📍 Recorded at Hotel Haya, Ybor City In this episode of Create A Place, I sit down with Lauren Campbell, Founder of Archer Group, whose work spans retail leasing, development, and placemaking across Tampa Bay. Lauren is currently leading retail leasing for Gasworx in Ybor City, bringing a perspective shaped by years of studying how people move through space, and how culture is shaped at street level. CREATE+CO is actively engaged in the Gasworx development, designing common areas and spec suites for the office building in partnership with Kettler and JLL. We’ve also had conversations with Lauren’s team around prospective retail and hospitality tenants for Gasworx and beyond. As a firm rooted in Ybor City and invested in its continued evolution, this conversation carries added meaning for us. At its core, this episode is about shaping place, how movement, energy, and human behavior at street level determine whether a development simply exists or truly belongs. In this episode, we unpack: - Why Ybor felt familiar the moment Lauren arrived — and why that matters - What most people miss when they walk the neighborhood - How architecture teaches you to think in space and time - Why leasing is cultural curation, not just deal-making - How tenant mix shapes movement, energy, and daily rhythm - The balance between participation and observation in retail environments - Why “return on experience” outlasts price per square foot - The role of authentic local operators in building trust and momentum - Why the Marketplace is the heart of Gasworx 🎧 This episode is a reminder that when you curate thoughtfully at street level, you don’t just fill buildings — you shape how a neighborhood feels for generations. Connect with Lauren :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencampbellcre/ - Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/commercialre_tampabay/ - Archer Real Estate : https://www.archergroupre.com/ - Gasworx : https://gasworx.com/   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

In this episode of Create A Place, Kristina sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Tessa Jennings, founder of Spatial HQ, to explore why the most successful projects—and the healthiest client experiences—are built on intentionally curated teams. With a background spanning architecture, construction, and owner representation, Tessa brings a rare, holistic perspective to commercial real estate. Together, they unpack how advocacy, trust, and chemistry shape not only the outcome of a space, but the experience of getting there. This conversation goes beyond square footage and schedules, diving into the emotional and psychological side of complex projects—and the responsibility leaders and advisors share in protecting clients from unnecessary stress while guiding them toward confident decisions. At its core, this episode is about tribe: who you surround yourself with, how you build the right team, and why that collective matters more than any single role or title. In this conversation, they unpack: - Why advocacy is critical on complex workplace projects - How the right team brings clarity, confidence, and calm - The difference between vendors and true project partners - What it really means to build a well-designed tribe - Designing the process with as much intention as the space - Trust, psychology, and decision-making during change - Leadership, confidence, and community—especially for women - Why creating a place starts long before move-in day 🎧 This episode is a reminder that when the right people are at the table, everything—from the process to the place—works better. Connect with Tessa :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-jennings-019a2514 - Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tessajennings - Website : https://spatial-hq.com Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

Recorded inside his newly designed Tampa office [by CREATE+CO], this episode features Taylor Ranker—founder of Questmont Virtual Family Office and author of Dead Cats & Wealth Advisors. Kristina and Taylor dive into what it means to create a place that fosters trust, intimacy, and long-term legacy—not just for clients, but for teams and communities. Taylor shares the evolution of Questmont’s boutique family-office model, his unfiltered critique of traditional wealth management, and how thoughtful design (and leadership) play a critical role in client experience. The conversation also explores the power of planning, behavioral investment counseling, and the impact of creating a space that puts people at ease during some of life’s most personal conversations. Inside the episode: – How Questmont brings coordination, creativity, and deep care to ultra-high-net-worth families – The philosophy behind Dead Cats & Wealth Advisors (and yes, the origin of the title) – Why Taylor sees himself as the “maestro,” not the technician—and how that has shaped his leadership – What it means to truly “design for safety” in a business setting – The value of discovery, trust, and restraint in designing his own firm’s space – Why every business—no matter the size—can benefit from intentional design – A transparent conversation on imposter syndrome, legacy, and doing one thing well Connect with Taylor :: - LinkedIn Taylor : https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-ranker-ii-71415814 - Taylor's Book : https://taylorkranker.com - Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/questmontvfo  - Website : https://questmont.com Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com  

📍 Recorded in the custom-designed TBBW office by CREATE+CO Stories Shape Culture. And sometimes, one story can transform an entire company or community. In this episode of Create A Place, Kristina sits down with Bridgette Bello, Publisher of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine, to explore how storytelling shapes leadership, culture, and connection. From co-founding TBBW with a vision of uplifting stories, to curating leaders who embody vulnerability and integrity, Bridgette shares why stories have the power to build trust, pride, and belonging. They jump right into: - Why one “bad apple” can derail an entire culture - The impact of raw storytelling on leadership and community trust - How physical space reflects brand values and tells its own story - Why Tampa Bay’s ecosystem uniquely supports women and small businesses - What it will take to build a unified identity for the region It’s a candid, human-centered conversation about the stories we tell, the spaces we create, and the cultures that emerge from both. Connect with Bridgette :: - LinkedIn Bridgette : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgette-bello-tampabay - LinkedIn TBBW : https://www.linkedin.com/company/tampa-bay-business-wealth-magazine - Instagram Bridgette : https://www.instagram.com/tampabaybello - Instagram TBBW : https://www.instagram.com/tbbwmagazine - Website : https://tbbwmag.com Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com  

📍 Recorded Live at NeoCon/Design Days 2025 What if design wasn’t about fitting in—but about reflecting who we really are? In this episode of Create A Place, Kristina sits down with Oren Sherman—artist, educator and workplace innovator—to explore why the next era of design is rooted in individuality, customization and belonging. They dive into: Why one-size-fits-all workplaces no longer work How small design choices—like color and graphics—can shift how people feel Why listening matters more than assuming what employees need How creativity often comes from stepping away and opening your mind Why manners in design are simply about helping people feel at ease It’s a thoughtful, story-rich conversation about dignity, belonging, and creating places where people feel seen. And Oren gives us a glimpse of what’s next in workplace design through his inventive 3D pattern technology—turning static surfaces into dynamic, immersive experiences. 🎙️ At the heart of it: Oren reminds us that great design has the power to both create and transform. Connect with Oren :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/oren-sherman-llc-0006209/ - Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/orensherman/ - Website : https://www.orensherman.com/ Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinayorkofficial/ 📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com