At GCUC UK, we are shaping the future of work with bold ideas and meaningful action. As a leading force in the coworking and flexible workspace industry, we bring together the brightest minds, foster innovation, and create opportunities for real change.
This International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to recognise and celebrate our founder, Liz Elam, who was recently named as one of office rental agency FreeOfficeFinder’s 10 Most Inspirational Women in Flexspace for 2025.
The article highlights women who have played a key role in shaping how the sector operates and continues to evolve. It recognises individuals leading change across the industry whose work has helped influence how flexible workspaces operate today.
Liz has been a trailblazer since day one, so it’s no surprise to us to see her included on the list. This recognition reflects her ongoing contribution to flexible workspace and her role in encouraging collaboration and shared learning.
Nick Riesel, Managing Director of FreeOfficeFinder, shared his perspective on why Liz was included:
“From our experience working with flexible workspace operators across the UK, Liz Elam stands out for her ability to bring people together, challenge conventional thinking, and create spaces for open industry dialogue that have helped raise standards and pushed the coworking movement forward.”
Liz’s leadership in the flexible workspace sector is defined by her ability to connect people around the issues and opportunities shaping the industry. She played a central role in the development of the coworking movement long before it became mainstream, going on to create the largest coworking conference series in the world.
GCUC has since become a global platform for connection, encouraging broader conversations within the coworking and flexible workspace community. This has brought together more than 40,000 people across 43+ conferences, connecting operators, landlords, and workspace leaders through shared real-world experience.
Built around community and open exchange, GCUC is where conversations spark action. Led by an all-female team, it’s committed to a more inclusive, forward-thinking flexible workspace sector and leadership that isn’t afraid to challenge the norm.
The flexible workspace industry has evolved alongside changing work patterns and business needs. While demand has varied across markets, flexspace has remained central to office strategy, valued for its adaptability, scalability, and ability to foster connection.
Today, there is a stronger focus on experience, service quality, and long-term value. This shift has encouraged deeper collaboration across the sector, with operators and leaders sharing insight into what sustainable growth looks like in a more mature market.
Against this backdrop, Liz’s leadership continues to resonate. The conversations she has helped create through GCUC reflect the industry’s progression, supporting operators as they address real-world challenges. Shared experience, connection, and adaptability are playing an increasingly important role in shaping how workspaces support the businesses and individuals that use them.
Liz is named alongside a group of industry leaders who are making a significant impact across the flexible workspace sector. The list also acknowledges leaders such as Gabriela Hersham of Huckletree, Alexandra Livesey of Clockwise, and Niki Fuchs of OSiT, each contributing to the industry through their leadership and approach.
Together, these leaders are pushing boundaries and driving innovation, community-led growth, and thoughtful leadership across the sector. Their collective influence continues to shape how flexible workspaces evolve, challenging conventional thinking and encouraging more progressive approaches to workspace design, culture, and leadership.