WeWork Asia’s Dylan Burke on Leadership, Growth, and the Future of Flexible Work — In an exclusive interview with BCC Global Media’s Winston Saehoon Kim, Dylan Burke, Vice President and General Manager of WeWork Asia, shared how the company is regaining momentum under new leadership and a renewed “Built for Business” strategy.
Overseeing operations across Australia, Southeast Asia, and Korea, Burke emphasized intrinsic leadership, cultural empowerment, and a strong focus on localization — hiring the right people and fostering long-term retention. With WeWork’s global revenue reaching US $3.3–3.7 billion in 2024, the firm continues to diversify beyond large corporates toward SMEs and startups, positioning Asia Pacific as one of its fastest-growing and most resilient regions.
- Interview: Dylan Burke, Vice President & General Manager, WeWork Asia
- Interviewer: Winston Saehoon Kim, Managing Director, BCC Global Media
BCC Global Media: Dylan, it’s a pleasure to have you here. I’m Winston Saehoon Kim, Managing Director of BCC Global Media. When did you arrive from Singapore?
Dylan: Thanks for having me! I flew in yesterday morning. I was supposed to arrive the night before, but my flight was delayed.
BCC Global Media: Ah, I see. Glad you made it. Over the past six or seven years, WeWork has experienced remarkable highs and some serious challenges. Now, under new leadership, the company seems to be on the right track and regaining momentum. But before we get into that, could you tell us a bit about your background?
Dylan: Sure. I’m originally from South Africa — probably among the first generation of South Africans of British descent. I spent my early years there and absolutely loved it. I then moved to London for fifteen years, where I worked in marketing in the Real Estate sector. After joining WeWork in 2019, I was then given the opportunity to relocate to Singapore with my job in 2021.
At one point, I aspired to become CMO of a global real estate firm. But when I began my MBA about six years ago, I realized that wasn’t really my path. That program gave me the opportunity to rethink my career direction.
BCC Global Media: So you did an EMBA with IESE, right?
Dylan: Yes, IESE Europe — based out of London, though we also spent time across campuses in Paris, Berlin, and Asia.
BCC Global Media: Did that include time in Asia?
Dylan: Yes, IESE Europe based out of London, though we also spent time across campuses in Paris, Berlin, San Francisco, New York and Asia. I spent two weeks in Shanghai at CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) . It was eye-opening; and really sparked my interest in Asia. After that trip, I knew I wanted to move here.
BCC Global Media: That’s impressive. WeWork today operates across many markets beyond Korea. Which territories fall under your management?
Dylan: I am General Manager of the Asia-Pacific region where I oversee three main territories: Australia, Southeast Asia, and Korea. In total it’s 12 cities, with varying time zones! It’s good fun.
BCC Global Media: So, aside from China and India, virtually all of Asia is under your region.
Dylan: Exactly. It’s both incredibly rewarding, fun and also challenging. Every market is different, culturally and geographically, so I have to wear many hats, but I absolutely love it.
BCC Global Media: Your international experience — from South Africa to London to Asia — must help you manage such diversity.
Dylan: Absolutely. My main motivation for pursuing an MBA was personal growth, learning how to think and operate globally. I’ve been fortunate enough to move around with jobs, which has exposed me to new ideas and cultures. It’s been fantastic.
BCC Global Media: And that openness aligns perfectly with WeWork’s culture. Every location I’ve visited feels people-centric, efficient, and supported by strong technology. Back in 2018–2019, WeWork’s valuation hit US$47 billion — a staggering number — before the company faced major challenges. Now, under new leadership, WeWork is positioning itself as “Built for Business.” Could you elaborate on this new direction?
Dylan: Of course. John Santora, our CEO, brings nearly five decades of commercial real estate experience with his previous leadership role at Cushman & Wakefield. His deep expertise and credibility in the real estate industry is invaluable to have at WeWork.
BCC Global Media: That kind of flat organization must be empowering. WeWork has long been known for its collaborative, innovative culture. How does that philosophy manifest under your leadership?
Dylan: I believe in intrinsic leadership, motivating and inspiring people rather than relying on hierarchy. This is something we do very well at WeWork. Locally, I’ve set up a small leadership group that’s aligned on our mission, and empowered to drive decisions forward to meet goals. Having ownership in your role gets the best out of you!
BCC Global Media: Excellent. My last question: WeWork is known for its localization strategy. How many cities do you currently operate in, and what makes your approach unique?
Dylan: Across Asia Pacific, we operate in about twelve cities and fifty eight locations. Our localization starts with people. We’re laser-focused on hiring the right people, not only for the role but to match the culture of the business. Retention is high because people love their teams and the environment. In a handful of markets, the average tenure is eight to nine years, which is remarkable for our industry.
BCC Global Media: That’s impressive. Clearly, WeWork’s culture and leadership are driving growth again.
Dylan: It all comes down to the team. My role is to give them clarity on our goals as a business, as a region. I work with my team to set achievable goals, and equip them with the right tools to succeed. It’s all about celebrating our wins together!
BCC Global Media: That’s a great message — WeWork is not just for big companies but for anyone seeking flexibility and community. Congratulations to you and your team in South Korea and across Asia. Thank you for your time, Dylan.
Dylan: Thank you, BCC Global Media. It’s been a pleasure.
Editorial Note (2025 Context):
WeWork reported around US $3.3 – 3.7 billion in global revenue in 2024, marking a modest ~10 % year-over-year increase from 2023. The company continues to restructure and stabilize under new leadership, with Asia Pacific remaining one of its strongest growth regions.