As we showed in our last blog article, flexibility is more than just a buzzword – it is a survival strategy for companies. In an environment that is constantly changing, the ability to adapt quickly becomes a decisive success factor. But what does flexibility actually mean in everyday business life?
“Flexibility is essential because it allows you to adapt quickly, make fast decisions, and stay resilient in the face of challenges.”
Ghassen Benhadjsalah, serial entrepreneur
To find out, we spoke to someone who knows first-hand: Ghassen Benhadjsalah, serial entrepreneur and long-time member of Westhive Zurich Hardturm. He has been using our flexible office spaces for over six years, during which time he has founded several companies and built up teams. In this interview, he explains how flexibility has shaped his decisions, why he has relied on an adaptable working environment, especially during challenging phases – and what tips he has for other founders.
To start off, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as a serial entrepreneur?
I’m a serial tech entrepreneur with a strong academic background in AI and actuarial science. Over the years, I’ve launched several ventures, mostly at the intersection of Fintech and AI. I’m a passionate builder and resilient founder, combining deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen.
How do you define flexibility in a business context, and why do you think it matters for entrepreneurs?
To me, flexibility in a business context means not being bound by constraints – whether related to infrastructure, processes, or structure – that could limit your growth or speed of execution. As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly navigating uncertainty and shifting market dynamics. Flexibility is essential because it allows you to adapt quickly, make fast decisions, and stay resilient in the face of challenges.
You’ve been a member of our coworking space for over six years now. How has our flexible office offering supported you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
In the startup world, team size is one of the most unpredictable variables. You might suddenly scale up, or pivot, or downsize temporarily – and your workspace needs to keep up with that pace. One of the biggest reasons I chose a coworking space was to avoid being locked into long-term commitments that didn’t reflect our business reality. Westhive stood out not only for its flexibility but also because it was at a similar early stage when I joined. Being able to speak directly with the founders and shape our office setup together created a sense of partnership that was incredibly valuable.
“The ability to simply call the Westhive team and brainstorm the most effective office layout for that moment was priceless.”
Ghassen Benhadjsalah, serial entrepreneur
Can you share a specific moment where the flexibility of our workspace solution made a real difference for you or your team?
Absolutely – during Covid. At that point, our team grew rapidly. It wasn’t clear how long we’d need in-office space or what the setup should look like. The ability to simply call the Westhive team and brainstorm the most effective office layout for that moment was priceless. That level of responsiveness and founder-friendly thinking made a real difference when we needed it most.
Finally, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs when it comes to choosing the right work environment?
Your workspace should energize and support you – not drain your time, money, or focus. It’s not just about having a desk and Wi-Fi; it’s about creating an environment that fuels productivity, fosters creativity, and reduces friction. Especially in a startup, where the pressure and pace are high, your workspace should be a long-term asset, not a liability. Think of it as an investment in your team’s well-being and your company’s agility.
Curious to find out how flexibility can also help your business?
Then take a look at our flexible office offers and discover our 7 locations in Zurich, Basel, Zug & Geneva – or simply drop by and feel the difference for yourself. We look forward to meeting you!