As the world sets its sights on futuristic pursuits like space tourism, some pressing issues here on Earth still remain unresolved. One such issue is the gender pay gap. At the current pace, experts predict it could take nearly a century to close it. Why is this still a challenge? A major reason is the persistent societal mindset. A recent survey showed that 77% of men believe their partners should give up their careers for the sake of the family.

This belief is not only held by men. Many women also feel a moral obligation to put family ahead of their professional lives. Such thinking often stems from deep-rooted cultural conditioning and social expectations. As a result, gender-based stereotypes continue to affect women’s careers, limiting their potential in the workforce.

When women do pursue their careers, starting a family is often seen as a step back. Pregnancy is sometimes misinterpreted as a sign of slowing down professionally. This creates confusion at work. Colleagues are unsure whether to include expectant mothers in meetings, how to communicate during medical leaves, or who will manage their responsibilities during maternity leave. These uncertainties affect not only women but also their teams.

One woman who experienced these issues firsthand decided to take action and bring solutions to life.

Introducing Elizabeth Cowper

Elizabeth Cowper is the founder of Ludo and a trailblazer in workplace wellbeing and inclusion. As both a mother and a seasoned HR leader, she knows what it means to balance professional ambition with parenting. She proudly embraces both parts of her identity: the professional woman and the dedicated mother.

In her former role as Vice President of HR and Global Head of Wellbeing, Elizabeth gained valuable insights into the experiences of both employers and employees. She has witnessed smooth transitions for mothers returning to work as well as instances where companies failed to support them. In her words, if the process is managed well from both sides, returning to work after maternity leave can be a much more positive and effective experience. She firmly believes that working mothers deserve strong support systems and practical resources during these transitions.

This belief inspired her to create Ludo, a company committed to helping organizations retain and uplift female talent through inclusion and education.

What Ludo Offers

Ludo is a technology-based solution designed to promote inclusion within workplaces. The platform operates as a B2B SaaS model and features expert content aimed at improving employee wellbeing. What makes Ludo truly unique is its dedicated learning center for HR professionals and team leaders. This hub offers insights and training on how to foster inclusive behaviors and build a supportive workplace culture.

Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments for all, while placing a strong focus on supporting women, who are still significantly underrepresented and underpaid in many industries. Through education and thoughtful engagement, Ludo helps organizations bridge this gap and drive lasting change.

Elizabeth’s Journey and Mission

With over 25 years of experience in human resources, Elizabeth has built a meaningful career while raising three children – two daughters and a son. She has always worked full-time and managed both roles with dedication.

Her final corporate position brought together three key areas: human resources, wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion. This combination helped her identify her deeper purpose – to build workplace cultures where everyone feels empowered and accepted. She was once described as a “culture adjuster” for her ability to shape positive organizational change.

Elizabeth believes that when employees are free to be their true selves, they are more engaged, productive, and satisfied at work. She aims to create spaces where people feel they belong, and where companies thrive because of it.

Achievements and Recognition

Elizabeth’s work has received widespread recognition. She was named one of HR’s Most Influential leaders for five consecutive years. In 2022, she was also honored as one of the “10 Most Futuristic Business Women Pioneering Innovation.” Ludo has earned awards such as “Inclusion Initiative of the Year” by Prestige Awards, “Rising Stars in Corporate Wellbeing” from the Greater London Enterprise Awards, and “Best Enterprising Business” at the SME Awards in London.

Elizabeth Cowper continues to lead the movement for inclusive and supportive workplaces. Through Ludo, she is not only helping women succeed but also encouraging companies to build cultures where everyone can grow.