GCUC Podcast Recap: Ana Bernardo of Work.life

Science, Sustainability, and the Soul of Coworking: A Conversation with Ana Bernardo of Work.Life

We’ve got another heartfelt episode for you—this time featuring Ana Bernardo, Director of Operations at Work.Life. Ana joins Liz Elam for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead with empathy, embrace sustainability with intention, and show up fully—at work, and in life. Whether you’re navigating leadership, motherhood, or mission-driven work, this episode is full of wisdom you’ll want to carry with you.

From Science to Spaces with Soul

Ana didn’t plan on working in coworking. With a background in stem cell research and science communication, she stumbled into the world of flexible workspaces—but what made her stay was the people. “What kept me here was the sense of belonging and the real impact you can make on people’s lives,” Ana shares. Starting out when Work.Life had only two spaces, she’s now a key leader overseeing 14 across the UK.

Redefining Leadership After Motherhood

One of the most touching parts of this episode is Ana’s reflection on how becoming a mother reshaped the way she leads.

“Motherhood changed how I lead. It taught me patience, presence, and that showing up authentically matters more than perfection.”

Now, Ana starts her day before sunrise, fitting in work, family, and the deep thinking that keeps her grounded as a leader. Her story is a reminder that leadership can—and should—look different at every stage of life.

Sustainability, Shared

Ana also opens up about how Work.Life is taking on sustainability in a way that’s real and accessible. Rather than centralising it under one role or department, they embed it across the team.

“Sustainability isn’t one person’s job—it has to be a shared responsibility.”

Whether it’s carbon tracking, encouraging train travel, or working toward B-Corp status, Ana and her team focus on small but meaningful actions. She acknowledges the challenges—especially the amount of paperwork and verification that comes with B-Corp—but believes the work is worth it if it aligns with your company’s mission.

Brand, Values & Honest Messaging

Ana is also clear-eyed about the fine line between authentic sustainability efforts and greenwashing. Work.Life makes an intentional effort to talk about sustainability in a way that aligns with their actual values and practices. That means being honest about what they’re doing and what they’re not—rather than overpromising. It’s a refreshing take in a world where buzzwords often outweigh action.

Advice to Operators: Start Small and Stay Honest

For anyone looking to build a more values-driven workplace, Ana’s advice is simple:

“Start small. Choose one or two things you care deeply about and focus there. You don’t need to be doing everything at once.”

From there, build momentum—and most importantly, be honest about where you are in the journey.

Ana’s story is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need to be loud to lead powerfully. With empathy, intention, and a strong sense of purpose, you can transform workspaces—and the people in them—for the better.

To listen to this full conversation and find others like it, check out the GCUC Podcast.