When Elizabeth Vega OBE talks about her journey, it is not a story of shortcuts. It is one of resilience, integrity, and having the courage to bet on yourself even when the odds look uncertain.
Elizabeth founded Informed Solutions in 1992, at a time when women in tech were rare. Three decades later she leads a global digital transformation business that continues to grow in stature and resilience. Her approach to leadership has shaped not only her company, but also public policy and the lives of the people who work with her.
Listening First
Elizabeth’s early years took her from Uruguay to Canada, Spain and Australia. Constantly moving taught her one of her greatest leadership lessons: stop, listen and understand.
“You only ever carry one constant with you and that is yourself,” she explained. “If you can use new environments to understand who you are at your core and what you bring, it becomes a powerful foundation for leadership.”
Betting on Yourself
Not every decision was easy. During the 2008 financial crisis, two major clients breached contracts, putting Informed Solutions at risk. With banks unwilling to lend, Elizabeth made a decision that many would avoid: she sold her home to keep the business alive.
“It was the biggest personal decision I’ve made,” she said. “But I never regretted it. I believed in my team, I believed in the business, and I believed in where we were going.”
That resilience is what she calls the essence of entrepreneurship: knowing when to hold steady and back yourself.
Leadership Without Combat
Elizabeth is known for her calm, almost stoic presence. While many today are told to fight their way into rooms, her approach is different.
“I don’t need to be combative,” she explained. “I try to express my views respectfully and build a body of experience that speaks for itself. If you’re not welcome at one table, there are others where your skills will be valued.”
Her philosophy is clear: do not waste energy forcing yourself into spaces that do not see your value. Invest in the rooms that do.
Stoicism in Practice
A practising stoic, Elizabeth shared the principles that have guided her through difficult times:
- Focus on what you can change, make peace with what you cannot.
- Do not make decisions in FOG: fear, obligation or guilt.
- Master your emotions so others cannot provoke you.
- Use silence wisely, because sometimes it speaks louder than words.
These lessons, she believes, are not just for leaders but for anyone navigating an uncertain world.
Redefining Success
Despite the pressures of building a global firm, Elizabeth has shown that profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive. Informed Solutions has been recognised as one of the top 1% of employers worldwide, with a culture built on respect, inclusion and trust.
She is equally passionate about sustainability, describing it as “part of your DNA if you want to leave a positive legacy.” Her work spans life sciences, safety, environment and community impact, reflecting a holistic view of what business should achieve.
Recognition Matters
In 2023, Elizabeth won the Novi Businesswoman of the Year award. For her, the recognition meant more than a trophy.
“As a leader you often have your head down, working hard, making sure clients are happy and your people are supported. You rarely stop to ask if anyone notices. Winning a Novi Award was not just about being seen—it was about giving back, showing others what is possible, and reminding yourself that you are making a difference.”
Why Her Story Matters
Elizabeth Vega’s journey is a reminder that true leadership is not about loud voices or easy wins. It is about resilience, integrity, and the courage to make hard decisions. It is about choosing authenticity over noise and betting on yourself when it counts.
At Novi, we celebrate leaders like Elizabeth because their stories are proof that success and purpose can go hand in hand—and that one woman’s courage can light the way for many others.
Listen to the full conversation on Pivot with Griselda for more lessons in leadership from Elizabeth Vega OBE.
