Three challenges every woman in flex recognises and
why support has never mattered more

Drawing on years at the sharp end of the industry - and now through her work as a coach - Lisa Quait, former flex sector leader and founder of Realwoman.coach, reflects on three challenges she repeatedly sees facing women across the flexible workspace industry.

After years working in the flexible office industry, I know how busy, inspiring and, at times, overwhelming it can be. The pace, the people, the expectations it’s what makes this industry exciting, but it’s also what quietly stretches so many women without anyone realising.

And now, through coaching women across the sector, I’m hearing the same themes again and again. Different roles, different companies, but the same three challenges showing up beneath the surface. If you recognise yourself in any of these, I want you to know you’re not the only one.

1. Visibility vs Voice

When I worked at Business Cube, I experienced what real teamwork looked like. We supported each other, shared ideas, and celebrated wins. It was a place where women were visible and valued. I didn’t realise then just how rare that is in many environments. Because maybe you’ve felt the opposite. That feeling of being the one who gets everything done but still wondering if anyone truly sees it. Holding back ideas in meetings because you’re unsure when to speak. Delivering exceptional work and still questioning whether it was “enough.”

Women often say to me: “I know I’m capable… I just don’t know how to show it without feeling like I’m showing off.”

Visibility isn’t about being louder. It’s about giving yourself permission to take up the space your work already deserves.

2. Confidence Under Pressure

The flex industry moves fast new spaces, new deals, new expectations, all landing at once. On the outside, you look confident and capable. But inside, it might feel very different.

Perhaps you’ve questioned whether you’re doing enough. Perhaps you carry pressure that no one else sees. Perhaps you’ve been “the strong one” for so long that you don’t remember the last time anyone asked how you were coping.

Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t it’s something built in the small moments. Every time you’ve navigated something uncertain. Every time you handled a tough conversation. Every time you kept going when you didn’t feel ready.

That is confidence just not the version we’re taught to recognise.

3. Balance or Burnout

This is the quietest one… and the most common. The late-night messages. The emotional load of supporting clients. The hidden responsibilities outside of work. The guilt when you finally pause long enough to breathe.

Burnout doesn’t happen because you can’t cope. It happens because you’ve been coping for too long without space to rest.

Maybe even simple tasks feel heavier than they should. Maybe you feel pulled in every direction. Maybe you keep telling yourself you’ll slow down when things “settle,” but they never do. 

Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly it’s about awareness. Noticing the signs. Listening to yourself. Giving yourself the same care you give to everyone else.