Climbing ladders, breaking barriers and shaping futures: Key Insights from our Women in Flex event

On March 6th, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Women in Flex hosted an inspiring event at MYO St. Paul’s, bringing together an incredible group of women leaders from the coworking industry. The event was a powerful opportunity to highlight the achievements, challenges, and journeys of women who have shaped the flexible workspace sector. Here’s a look at some of the key takeaways from this unforgettable gathering. 

Panel 1: Lessons from the Ladder: Women Who’ve Climbed and Conquered 

We kicked off the event with an inspiring panel of trailblazing women working in leadership in the coworking industry gathered to share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned. Moderated by Liz Hamson, Editor of BE News, the discussion featured insights from Helena Hughes (Director, Workthere by Savills), Natasha Morris (Director of Flex Offices and Head of Myo, Landsec), Laura Peacock (Sales Director, Fora), Nicola Jones (Customer Experience General Manager, GPE), and Theresa White (Head of Workspace, CEG). 

Authenticity and Leadership 

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of authenticity in leadership. Natasha Morris emphasised that there is no single leadership style that guarantees success—it’s about embracing what feels natural. “People can tell when you’re play-acting,” she explained. “You have to lead in a way that is true to you.” 

Nicola Jones echoed this sentiment, advocating for leading from the front. “I love getting in the weeds with the team,” she shared. “I’ll jump in and do the work alongside them because I want them to see that I’ve been in their shoes.” 

Laura Peacock highlighted the value of collective growth, stating, “I want everyone to be part of the plan. The more everyone can do, the better.” She stressed that strong communication—both upwards and downwards—is crucial in fostering teamwork and driving success. 

For Helena Hughes, trust is the foundation of leadership. “Whether you’re leading a team, managing clients, or working with stakeholders, transparency and honesty build trust,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged how she has evolved as a leader, learning to pause before reacting and encouraging others to do the same. 

Overcoming Challenges and Doubt 

Leadership comes with its fair share of challenges. Helena Hughes recounted the difficulties of managing tough conversations, such as furlough decisions during the pandemic. “You have to be open, honest, and empathetic,” she advised. “Treat people as you would want to be treated.” 

Nicola Jones shared her experience of returning to work after maternity leave, stepping into a brand-new role while battling imposter syndrome. “I wasn’t mentally prepared for how difficult it would be,” she admitted. “But I pushed through, and over time, I regained confidence.” 

Laura Peacock recalled being thrown into management early in her career and navigating uncharted territory during the pandemic. “Sometimes, you won’t have all the answers—and that’s okay,” she noted. “Lean into what feels natural, communicate openly, and trust in the experience of those around you.” 

Natasha Morris reinforced this idea: “Just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers. I learn from everyone, including the youngest members of my team.” 

Confidence is Overrated 

The discussion also addressed broader industry challenges, particularly around gender equity. Helena Hughes emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives, saying, “It’s not about men versus women. It’s about equality and ensuring different ways of thinking are valued.” 

Nicola Jones advocated for workplace policies that acknowledge the unique experiences of women. “The traditional work environment was designed around men,” she pointed out. “From maternity leave to menopause, we face challenges that deserve consideration and support.” 

Theresa White encouraged women to be adaptable: “Have an agile mind and don’t pigeonhole yourself. Be true to yourself and carve out your own path.” 

Laura Peacock urged women to step outside their comfort zones. “Say yes to everything,” she advised. “Even if it feels uncomfortable—because that’s where the magic happens.” 

Natasha Morris challenged the notion that confidence is a prerequisite for success. “Confidence is overrated,” she said. “You don’t need to feel confident to take action. If you have the humility to start, even if you’re not perfect at first, you’ll improve and grow faster.” 

The conversation concluded with a powerful message: leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about staying authentic, embracing challenges, and continuously learning. 

As one panelist succinctly put it: “Say yes and figure it out later.” 

Panel 2: Breaking In: How to Build a Successful Career in Flex 

Our second panel of the evening “Breaking In: How to Build a Successful Career in Flex” focused on the challenges and opportunities women face when entering and progressing in the flexible workspace sector. Moderated by Mary Nolan, Director of Marketing, technologywithin, the discussion featured insights from Faith Robins, Associate Director – Head of Occupier Advisory, UK, Workthere by Savills, Michaela Wrede, Head of Marketing, Argyll, Tali Meyerowitz, Senior Customer Success Manager, The Office Group and Alex Young, MD, Projects   

The tools for success 

Moderator Mary Nolan led the conversation with thought-provoking questions, starting with what had helped each panelist reach their current level of success. Alex Young emphasised the importance of building meaningful relationships with everyone—from team members to landlords and even the person who makes your coffee. “You never know when those relationships will come back to benefit you,” she shared, reinforcing the idea that success in Flex is about more than just impressing senior leaders; it’s about fostering connections across all levels. 

Tali Meyerowitz credited her success to self-awareness, understanding where her skills and passions lie, and staying true to her personal values. By aligning her career with her strengths and non-negotiables, she found a fulfilling path that allowed her to thrive. Similarly, Michaela Wrede highlighted the importance of continuous learning, emphasising that staying informed and expanding knowledge through networking and training is crucial in the ever-evolving coworking industry. 

The Role of Mentors 

Mentorship played a key role in the career journeys of the panellists. Faith Robins shared how a colleague inspired her to transition from traditional leasing to Flex, and he encouraged attendees to proactively seek mentorship, whether through formal arrangements or informal learning from those around them. “Having a mentor to guide you, someone who can advocate for you when you’re not in the room is important” she shared. 

Tali introduced the concept of “mini mentors,” explaining that mentorship doesn’t have to come from a single person; small lessons from various individuals can be just as impactful. 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 

Imposter syndrome is a challenge many professionals face, and the panellists shared their strategies for overcoming self-doubt. Michaela Wrede opened up about a journaling technique her coach taught her, where she identifies negative thoughts, questions their validity, and then reframes them with positive affirmations. “I still struggle with it,” she admitted, reflecting on her own experience. “When I was asked to speak on this panel, I thought, ‘Why me? There are so many others who deserve to be here more.’ I even wondered, ‘Why would this amazing group of women want to listen to what I have to say?’” 

Alex Young focuses on the reward of completing a challenging task, while Tali Meyerowitz relies on facts to counter self-doubt, questioning whether there’s any real evidence to justify feelings of inadequacy. She challenges her negative thoughts by asking, “What evidence do I have to support the feeling that I shouldn’t be here, or that I don’t deserve this promotion, or that I don’t belong in front of this room full of men?” If she can’t find any real evidence, she chooses to dismiss the doubt and revisits it after 24 hours to see if she still feels the same way. 

Avoiding Burnout in the Fast-Paced Flex Industry 

The conversation also addressed the importance of work-life balance, especially in the always-on, fast-paced coworking world. Michaela Wrede shared how she carves out time for herself each morning by avoiding work messages before her commute. “That small act helps me feel like my day isn’t all about work,” she explained. “It’s crucial for maintaining balance and allows me to show up as the best version of myself.” 

Tali Meyerowitz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that prioritising personal time—even in busy periods—ultimately enhances professional effectiveness. “We need to make work-life balance realistic,” she said. “When you’re busier, it’s even more essential to prioritise personal time, like that gym class.” 

Alex Young shared how she learned to recognise when her work environment was negatively affecting her well-being. She stressed the importance of making necessary adjustments to regain balance and protect mental health. 

Skills for Success in Flex 

Adaptability, relationship-building, and problem-solving emerged as key skills for standing out in the Flex industry. Tali Meyerowitz noted that the rapid changes in market dynamics, technology, and customer expectations require professionals to stay adaptable and proactive. Faith Robins highlighted the value of networking, advising attendees to save every contact they make—connections can prove invaluable down the line. “I always go back to this advice an old boss gave me: ‘Save every number that calls you.’ You never know when it could come in handy,” she shared. 

Final Advice for Those Starting Out 

To wrap up, each panellist shared one piece of advice they wished they had received earlier in their careers: 

• Alex Young: “It’s never too late to start building your personal brand. Be clear on what you stand for and align your actions accordingly.” 

• Michaela Wrede: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—it doesn’t make you weak.” 

• Tali Meyerowitz: “Don’t ask, don’t get. The worst someone can say is no, and then you’re exactly where you started.” 

• Faith Robins: “Talk to everyone, stay connected, and nurture your network.” 

The discussion was a powerful reminder that success in Flex—and any industry—relies on building relationships, seeking mentorship, developing confidence, and taking care of oneself. The insights shared by these inspiring women provided a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to break into and thrive in the coworking sector.