Liz Elam
FOUNDER OF GCUC GLOBALInternationally recognized as a pioneering force in the coworking movement, Liz Elam stands out as a dynamic leader who seamlessly combines collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. A natural entrepreneur, Liz founded Link Coworking in Austin, Texas, in 2010, successfully expanding it to three locations and positioning it as the fourth-largest coworking brand in Austin before its notable sale in 2019—an unprecedented achievement that established her as the first woman globally to exit a coworking brand.
In 2011, Liz further solidified her impact on the industry by founding the Global Coworking Unconference Community (GCUC), now the largest coworking conference globally. Under her visionary leadership, GCUC has evolved into a cross-cultural epicenter for the workspace industry, spanning the U.S., South America, China, Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond.
Embracing the role of a futurist, Liz recently earned a graduate certificate in foresight from the University of Houston. This journey to understand the methodologies behind forecasting the future fuels her passion for inspiring better societal choices.
A highly sought-after consultant and speaker on the future of work and workplace. In 2023 Liz joined forces with Derek Lutz to launch Bottle Rocket Search. Bottle Rocket is the only headhunter that is solely focused on the coworking and flex industry. You can learn more about Liz and coworking as she shares her insights on the GCUC Podcast, released bi-weekly.
Liz Elam fearlessly propels the coworking movement to adopt sound business practices and envision greater possibilities for the impact of individual operators and workspace brands. Her commitment to dismantling the loneliness epidemic through coworking and community-building resonates with both space operators and members alike, establishing her as a driving force in shaping the future of the hospitality workspace.
Stormy McBride
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONSStormy McBride is the driving force behind GCUC's operations, managing our events and initiatives on a global scale. With over a decade in the coworking industry, Stormy brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for creating efficient and dynamic experiences.
Stormy's career started as an intern at Link Coworking, where she quickly rose to General Manager, overseeing multiple locations in Austin, Texas. Her leadership helped Link Coworking thrive until it was eventually acquired by Common Desk, a WeWork company.
At GCUC, Stormy's expertise in operational management and her dedication to creating collaborative and engaging environments ensure that every event runs smoothly. Her keen eye for detail makes her an invaluable asset to the GCUC team, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Stormy holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring new cities. She is most in her element when she is working with teams across the globe to create impactful event experiences that help support the coworking industry.
Emilie Lashmar
GCUC UK Event ProducerAs a founding member of the PLATF9RM team, Emilie led the brand, marketing & creative development since its inception in 2016. She has vast knowledge and understanding of generating and establishing communities and how to nurture them. She has spent the last 7 years immersed in coworking, the future of work and purpose-led business.
As the new Event Producer of GCUC UK, Emilie’s mission is to bring together diverse leaders and decision-makers that are pushing boundaries in the flexible workspace sector. She hopes to continue the evolution of the industry by delivering inspiring content and a space to learn. She loves nothing more than creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive and building collaborative communities.