Celebrating
Lisa Lake’s Leadership
2011 -
2013 -
2012
2014
2012 -
2013
During a chance encounter with Virgin
representatives at a business function, Lisa
Lake learned that Virgin Unite and Virgin
Holidays were eyeing the Caribbean as a
potential site for another Branson Centre of
Entrepreneurship.
Virgin’s vision of helping entrepreneurs launch
or scale successful businesses to fuel economic
growth in the region, would be no easy feat.
The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean (BCoEC) needed a champion to take
the reigns and help build the programme from
the ground up.
Lisa’s background in economic development,
consulting and entrepreneurship, combined
4
with her increasing passion for the project,
culminated in her taking on the role herself.
It was a chance to test her skills, make a
difference and be a part of something great.
What started as a six month contract, soon
turned into a year of designing the not-forprofit’s programme model and leading its
launch. Since BCoEC officially began operations
in 2011, Lisa has been at its helm as CEO.
Lisa looks back at the early days with fondness
and a touch of disbelief. “There really was
no playbook for what to do. In true start-up
fashion, all of this began in my living room. To
see the growth and expansion here in Jamaica,
and now to the BVI, is incredible.”