“Accidental” Entrepreneurs: An inspiring panel discussion with 4 female leaders

To celebrate International Women’s Month, we brought together 4 powerhouse women to discuss their career paths and squiggly entry to the world of entrepreneurship.

Meet our panel
Karen, Managing Director of Digital Boost
Karen Licurse is the Managing Director of Digital Boost, a community of expert volunteers who help start-ups and small businesses to grow. She is an experienced marketer, business strategist, and learning professional who is passionate about helping people learn and grow. Prior to joining Digital Boost, Karen spent nine years on the executive leadership team of Brand Learning, now part of Accenture. She has also been a strategy consultant and held marketing roles at Merrill Lynch. JPMorgan Chase, and Random House

Lisa, Head of Legal and founder of Live Well With Lisa
9 years ago Lisa made a shift from working long hours in an international law firm to being an in-house lawyer at a major bank which also enabled her to pursue interests alongside her legal career. A passionate advocate for the importance of wellbeing and self development, Lisa has since trained as a fitness instructor, yoga teacher and coach. She also Co-Chairs NatWest’s Gender Network and promotes the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Lisa is proof the path to success doesn’t have to be linear and that it’s possible to be a professional, create a portfolio career and develop a unique skill set in the process.

Gemma, Founder of Gutsy Health
Gemma Stuart, founder of Gutsy Health has created a postbiotic product that helps people with digestive health issues after her own experience with IBS and not feeling listened to. Gut Wealth is a first of its kind category-defining digestive health supplement to help manage bloating, inflammation and bowel regularity..
Gemma is a solopreneur who prides herself on being tenacious at putting customers first, being resourceful at getting things done, and, bringing a bit of humour to the confusing topic of gut health.
She is trying a new mantra: you can do anything but you don’t have to do every thing.

Angela, Chair of the Digital Boost Board
Angela has over 20 years of experience in the financial services, sustainability, and emerging technologies sectors. She currently serves as the Chair of Digital Boost’s Board, an AI-powered technology company, where she works closely with the team to drive organisational growth and impact for SMEs globally. With expertise in investments, data, and technology, Angela also serves as a Panel Member for the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Consumer Panel, advising and challenging the FCA on policy development that impacts consumers of financial services products, with a particular focus on asset management, investments, SMEs, and fintech.

With a track record of advising technology-driven growth companies across sectors on sustainability and the ethical deployment of emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, Angela serves as an expert advisor to the European Commission’s €10 billion programme for developing and scaling Europe’s deep tech ecosystem through the European Innovation Council. Angela’s other roles include Global Policy Expert for the United Nations Development Programme, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Learning Fund, Local Authority Governor of St. Michael’s CofE Highgate School, Member of Founders4Schools Charity, and Founding Member of Chief and Chapter Zero Director Forum in the UK.

Angela spent most of her career in the financial services sector, where she worked with many esteemed companies, including credit rating agencies such as Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, as well as asset management groups like BNP Paribas and Schroders. She has experience in pensions, consumer investments, data, technology, and AI.
Angela has completed an Executive MBA from London Business School and the FT Non-Executive Postgraduate Diploma. She also holds several certifications in Sustainability, AI, Human-Centered Design, and Investments. She is a Cambridge Judge Rising Women in Leadership scholar and has received multiple awards, including the Women of Excellence Award from the Women Economic Forum and an Achievement Award from Moody’s, recognising her for outstanding contributions to strategy, product innovation, and leadership