In this exclusive interview, Gemma Krysko, the visionary entrepreneur behind the global PR agency We Are Indigo and the groundbreaking tech platform Queens of Tomorrow, shares her inspiring journey from the world of destination PR to tech entrepreneurship. As a female leader navigating traditionally male-dominated sectors, Krysko opens up about the challenges she’s overcome, the unique blend of personal empowerment and professional networking her platform offers, and her mission to reshape the future of business for women. With insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women in business, this interview promises a compelling look into what it takes to thrive and empower others in today’s fast-changing world.

You’ve built a successful PR and communications agency, We Are Indigo, and now you’re venturing into tech entrepreneurship with the launch of Queens of Tomorrow. Can you share how your experience in destination PR and hospitality has influenced your approach to building this new platform for women in business?

“Queens of Tomorrow emerged during a moment of deep reflection and gratitude after both my business and my husband survived COVID-19. For the first time, I truly appreciated my own resilience, the belief I had in myself, and the mindset that got me through such challenging times. This platform was born from that mindset. While I didn’t actively choose the inspiration, it came to me organically, and I embraced it fully. A true lightbulb moment. My experience in hospitality and PR has taught me the power of relationships and networks, which has directly influenced how Queens of Tomorrow focuses on connecting and empowering women globally.”

Queens of Tomorrow blends self-affirmation with networking—a unique combination. Why do you believe this intersection of personal empowerment and professional connection is crucial for women in business today? How do you see it impacting the future of female entrepreneurship?

“Our Affirmation feature is designed to empower women by aligning positive self-talk with key life moments. By integrating this into the networking experience, we provide targeted encouragement when it’s needed most—whether it’s before a presentation or during a challenging negotiation. This combination helps women build confidence, resilience, and a strong professional network.

“We’ve built the platform on scientific principles that show how positive self-talk can rewire the brain for success. By offering tools for both personal and professional growth, Queens of Tomorrow helps women transform their vision into reality while fostering a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Drawing from my own experience, I know how crucial a positive mindset is in building a successful career, and I’ve embedded this philosophy into the platform.”

Transitioning from PR to tech is no small feat. What challenges did you face when developing a tech-driven platform like Queens of Tomorrow, and how did you navigate those unfamiliar waters as an entrepreneur?

“Transitioning to tech was definitely a learning curve. One of the major challenges was understanding the technical aspects of developing a platform. To address this, I sought out collaboration with experts, like Rory Kermack from Harding and Scott, who helped translate my vision into a working product. Rory is an absolute genius. 

“Another steep learning curve was in the areas of finance and investment. While We Are Indigo was a bootstrap startup, Queens of Tomorrow required a different approach in terms of funding and scaling. I’ve learned more about business in the past couple of years than I have throughout my entire career. Trusting my instincts and staying focused on the end goal—empowering women—helped me navigate these unfamiliar waters.”

The business world, especially in sectors like PR and tech, has traditionally been male-dominated. What unique challenges have you faced as a female entrepreneur, and how have you managed to overcome them to lead two successful ventures?

“One of the most significant challenges has been being underestimated or having my ideas dismissed due to my gender. It’s particularly frustrating considering that only 1% of women receive tech funding—a statistic that needs to change.

“Resilience has been essential in overcoming these challenges. I’ve built a strong support network of men and women who believe in my vision, and I rely on them for mentorship and advice. Advocating for myself and trusting my leadership instincts has been key. I’ve also made it a priority to create environments where women feel heard and empowered, both at We Are Indigo and Queens of Tomorrow. These experiences have made me a stronger leader and more determined to create opportunities for women in business.”

What role do you see Queens of Tomorrow playing in shaping the future of business networking for women? How do you envision this platform evolving over the next five years, particularly in supporting female leaders in sectors that are currently underrepresented?

“Queens of Tomorrow is set to play a pivotal role in redefining business networking for women by providing a dedicated space for female leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow. Over the next five years, I envision the platform evolving into a comprehensive ecosystem that offers both virtual and in-person networking events, along with programs tailored to women in underrepresented sectors.

“We’ll focus on expanding our outreach, offering leadership development, securing funding opportunities, and partnering with organisations committed to gender equity. Our goal is to empower women to break barriers and drive innovation across industries, supported by tools that encourage self-belief and help overcome negative thought patterns.”

You have built a global community of women through Queens of Tomorrow. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs who are looking to expand their network globally, especially in industries where they might feel isolated or underrepresented?

“To expand globally, female entrepreneurs need to be both strategic and proactive. Here’s my advice:

• Leverage Digital Platforms: Connect with peers, mentors, and leaders using global platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific communities like Queens of Tomorrow.
• Be Intentional About Networking: Focus on building meaningful relationships, not just a large network. Seek out individuals and communities that align with your goals.
• Embrace Collaboration Over Competition: Partner with other women to amplify your impact through joint ventures or shared projects.
• Be Visible: Share your story and expertise through social media or professional forums. Visibility builds credibility and attracts opportunities.
• Attend International Events: Both virtual and in-person events are great for expanding your network and staying on top of global trends.

“By taking these steps and staying connected to global communities, women can build a powerful network even in industries where they might feel isolated.”

As a successful entrepreneur, what do you believe are the most important leadership qualities for women who aspire to lead in industries like PR, hospitality, and tech? How do these qualities differ, if at all, from those required of male leaders?

“For women in leadership, emotional intelligence, adaptability, resilience, self-belief, and strong communication skills are key. Women often bring a unique approach to leadership, particularly through emotional intelligence and collaborative management styles. They tend to foster inclusivity and empathy, which can create more open and innovative work environments. While leadership qualities required of both men and women can overlap, women often face additional challenges that require them to develop resilience and strong self-advocacy skills.”

Given your experience in both traditional industries like hospitality and emerging ones like tech, what major trends do you foresee shaping the future of these sectors? How should businesses in these areas be preparing for the changes ahead?

“Automation and AI are rapidly shaping both hospitality and tech. In hospitality, we see AI-driven services like chatbots and personalised guest experiences becoming the norm. In tech, AI is transforming everything from operations to customer experience.

“Businesses in both sectors need to prepare by investing in technology and upskilling their teams. However, in hospitality, the human touch will remain crucial. At Queens of Tomorrow, we plan to incorporate in-person events because real-life interactions create lasting connections.”

What are the biggest opportunities you see right now for women who want to break into leadership roles, either in PR or tech? How can platforms like Queens of Tomorrow help women seize these opportunities?

“There are significant opportunities for women, particularly in companies with strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The rise of remote work and digital platforms has also opened up leadership roles for women globally. Queens of Tomorrow will support women by providing access to mentorship, ongoing education, and a network of like-minded professionals. The platform is designed to help women build confidence and leverage opportunities in both PR and tech.”

Looking ahead, what are your future plans for Queens of Tomorrow? Do you have any upcoming features or new functionality that you’re excited about, and how do you see the platform evolving as you continue to develop the technology?

“Right now, our focus is on refining the app and ensuring a seamless experience for our community. Once that’s in place, we plan to host global events for our members. After a successful launch at Soho House, we’re planning events in Manchester and New York next. This is just the beginning—our goal is to build a platform that empowers women through both technology and real-world connections.”