Community Over Competition: Episode 5 – Mandi Casey on The Collective Coworking Space

In this episode of Community Connectors, Episode 5, host John Kerber visits Edmond, Oklahoma, to speak with Mandi Casey, owner of The Collective, a women-focused coworking community. What began as a member experience turned into a leadership role when Mandi purchased the space in 2020—just six weeks before the pandemic shut everything down.

From Member to Owner

Mandi first joined The Collective in 2018, drawn by the need for a dedicated space outside of coffee shops. She quickly became a go-to resource for members thanks to her background in marketing and communications. When the original founder stepped away, Mandi stepped up, determined to preserve a space she believed was special.

Thriving Through Challenge

Despite the timing, The Collective didn’t lose a single member during COVID. By moving masterminds and meetups online, Mandi kept women entrepreneurs connected, supported, and accountable. Her coaching skills helped members navigate mental roadblocks and business pivots, proving that community is stronger than circumstance.

Culture of Connection

The Collective operates on a simple ethos: community over competition. Members celebrate each other’s wins—sometimes literally with confetti poppers—and support one another through masterminds, social events, and shared accountability. Protecting that culture, Mandi says, is as important as offering Wi-Fi or desks.

Lessons for 2025

Asked what it takes to run a successful community space today, Mandi points to three things:

• Value over free: Even small paid events drive better attendance and commitment.
• Shared experiences: Whether entrepreneurship, hobbies, or passions, a unifying focus creates belonging.
• Customer journey: Think about the member experience from first email to final goodbye.

Why Watch?

Mandi Casey’s story is a masterclass in resilience, intentional culture, and the power of women supporting women. If you run a coworking space, manage community events, or simply want to understand how connection sustains people through challenge, this episode is full of practical wisdom.

▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube – https://youtu.be/qtsbA6gdwv4
🌐 Learn more about The Collective – https://thecollectiveok.com