The Hybrid Workspace Strategy for Startup Founders to Solve Office Challenges with Jules Robertson

Welcome to The Engine - Founders Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Jules Robertson, Co-founder of Tally Workspace, a platform helping startups and scale-ups find flexible office spaces. Jules shares how COVID sparked the idea, how she and her co-founder bootstrapped early on, and why speaking to thousands of businesses shaped their growth. She also talks about balancing work with motherhood, building a strong team, and how modern offices are progressing to attract talent.

Jules isn’t just a founder; she’s someone who listens, adapts, and solves real problems. From spotting gaps during COVID to helping startups find better office spaces, her journey shows smart thinking and care. By mixing tech, data, and human touch, she’s making workspaces work better for growing teams. She spent years in startups, learning fast and thinking ahead. After starting Tally Workspace, she used her skills to fix how teams find office space. Tally makes it easy to book desks, meeting rooms, or full offices. By mixing tech with real help, Jules built a service that grows with every business.

Key Takeaways:
1. Jules’ path from startup idea to Co-Founder of Tally Workspace.
2. How COVID sparked a new way to think about office space.
3. Why team needs’ shape how and where we work?
4. The role of tech and people in finding the right workspace.
5. Building a business while balancing new motherhood.

Additional Insights:
1. How Tally helps teams find spaces that truly fit.
2. Jules’ journey from banking to startup founder.
3. Why speaking to customers shaped early success.
4. The value of good spaces, real help, and moving fast.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Just get out there and do it.” - Jules Robertson
“Your office should feel better than home.” - Jules Robertson
“If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” - Jules Robertson

Join Jules as she shares how Tally Workspace blends tech, data, and human help to make finding the right office easier, smarter, and better for growing teams.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[00:55] - Introduction to Jules Robertson & What Tally Workspace Does
[02:49] - Office Pain Points & Flexibility
[05:12] - Tech, Data & Human Touch Combo
[06:58] - How COVID Sparked the Idea
[08:37] - Talking to Startups & Early Wins
[10:54] - Workspace Trends & Quality Shift
[13:25] - Dogs, Gyms & What Teams Want
[14:50] - Office Design for Productivity
[19:26] - Jules’ Career Path & MBA Impact
[28:31] - Founding Journey & Balancing Jobs
[33:18] - Sales, AI & Human Connection at Tally Workspace
[37:48] - Why Office Search Needs Support
[43:25] - Jules’ Advice & Final Thoughts

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HER COMPANY:
Jules Robertson:   / julestallyworkspace  
Tally Workspace:   / tally-workspace  

Website:
Tally Workspace: https://www.tallyworkspace.com/

FOLLOW THE HOST:
LinkedIn:   / donnalowen  
Company LinkedIn:   / the-engine-growth  
Website: https://www.theengine.uk/
Email: [email protected]