Edition 28: Liz Elam

Here at GCUC we are immensely fortunate to cross paths and work with so many amazing people. Through our work, we’ve cultivated a global community of people we think you should know about.

Community of Cultivators is a blog series we created to introduce you to coworking game changers and connectors. Each month, we’ll release new interviews that we hope inform and inspire you.

This week’s interview came from GCUC’s very own Founder, Liz Elam. Liz started in the industry over 10 years ago when she opened the first Link Coworking location in Austin TX. Shortly after that she began GCUC. Over the years Link grew to have 3 locations before being sold in April of 2019. Since its start, GCUC has become the world’s largest coworking conference series, hosting over 33 events internationally. Liz is a badass. Keep reading to see what she had to say.

What in your life are you most proud of of cultivating or creating? Why?

Sorry to be so obvious, but it is GCUC. GCUC has had a profound impact on thousands of people. Business’ have been formed because of GCUC. Partnerships have been created out of GCUC. GCUC has inspired people to change their lives. People get jobs because of GCUC. New ideas are hatched at GCUC. GCUC is where we get to meet our peers in person. I’ve personally made so many friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. We’ve even had a marriage come out of GCUC. I don’t often step back and look at this and I don’t think I could ever really capture it but I know GCUC has changed the world and and countless people for the better and that is what it’s all about.

What podcast would you recommend to others and why?

How I built this. I have learned so much from this podcast and it continually reminds me we’re all human and this entrepreneurship deal is hard for everyone, even the biggest names.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming an entrepreneur?

Don’t listen to the haters. Your family, even some close friends will tell you you’re crazy or shoot down your ideas. That is about their fears. Don’t make comparisons, they steal joy. For the love of God, save some money, don’t pour it all into the business, it’s not noble. Pay yourself. DO NOT sign a personal guarantee, no buts. It’s going to be so so so hard and it will be worth every tear.

What is the best habit you ever started? What habit do you want to start but haven’t yet?

The best habit I ever started was going to AA meetings. My sobriety is the other thing I’m most proud of in my life. It gives me clarity, a design for living and keeps me grounded and humble. The admission price was high but I have no regrets. The habit I wish I would start is writing. I know I have a book in me and I haven’t come up with a good way to get it out but I know it starts with a habit.

If you had to put a quote on your gravestone what would it be?

It’s a long one but I’m not into limiting my gravestone:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.