In my years of working with CEOs during strategic planning, I’ve noticed a surprising resistance among some leaders to the concept of buy-in. To these CEOs, seeking input or engagement from employees feels like a sign of weakness. They believe leadership should be about mandating change and that buy-in dilutes their authority. This resistance, while common, often undermines the very success they aim to achieve through strategic planning.

The CEO’s Perspective on Buy-In
For many CEOs, strategic planning aims to create change—often significant, organization-wide change. They understand that change is difficult and frequently met with resistance, particularly from employees accustomed to the status quo. However, their response is often to mandate change, dismissing the need for employee involvement.

This approach stems from the belief that engaging employees in the planning process equates to surrendering control or being held hostage by their resistance. Confident in their vision, these CEOs view buy-in as an unnecessary hurdle, preferring to impose decisions with a “comply or leave” mentality.

The Case for Buy-In
My counterargument is simple yet profound: decisions are only effective if they are supported by those who must implement them. Dr. Robert Zawacki of the University of Colorado articulates this well in his book Transforming the Mature Information Technology Organisation. He argues:

Effective Decisions = The Right Decision X Commitment to the Decision (ED = RD x CD).

This formula highlights that even the best decisions will fail without the commitment of those responsible for implementing them. Commitment doesn’t arise from compulsion—it comes from understanding and shared ownership.

The Power of Participation
Engaging employees in the planning process fosters a deeper understanding and greater alignment. When employees are involved in crafting the parts of the plan that impact their work, they are more likely to accept and embrace the required changes. It aligns with the adage:

“If they create it, they understand it. If they understand it, they commit to it.”

Participation doesn’t mean ceding control; it means building a coalition of committed individuals who will champion the plan’s execution. Buy-in transforms resistance into ownership, turning a potential liability into an asset.

The Bottom Line
CEOs who dismiss buy-in as a weakness fail to see it as a tool of strategic strength. Leadership is not just about creating the right plan—it’s about ensuring that the plan succeeds. Engaging employees is not a concession; it’s a strategy for building commitment, aligning efforts, and achieving lasting change.

Buy-in isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the multiplier that turns the right decisions into practical actions.

Ronnie Sutherland
Managing Partner – Strategic Solutions Limited. “I am a strategic planning facilitator ready to guide you through your next strategic planning process.”

Khary Robinson Executive Chairman, Mailpac Group Limited has released the following Unaudited Financial Statements for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

Throughout the quarter, Mailpac focused on improving service delivery, and increasing customer conversions.

Despite an increasingly competitive marketplace and external factors threatening efficiencies, our financial performance reflected the impact of our continued focus on long-term growth and sustainability, delivering superb results for the period.

Financial Performance: The Company delivered a strong performance for the first quarter of the financial year, with total revenues of $716.4 million, representing a 94% increase over the J$368.5 million reported for the corresponding period in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by the integration of My Cart Express in reporting. Gross profit for the quarter amounted to $388.7 million, compared to $197.9 million for the same period last year, reflecting improved margins and operational efficiencies. This improvement is attributed to increased operational efficiencies and negotiated cost reductions achieved through economies of scale. The Company recorded net profit of $69.7 million of Q1 2025, an increase from $50.1 million in Q1 2024, representing a 39% year-over-year increase. Strategic Developments and

Financial Position: During the quarter, Mailpac continued to make significant capital investment in technology infrastructure and logistics to support long-term scalability and development of service offerings, Additionally, we continue to benefit from the tax remission under the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market rules, now at 50%, following the completion of the initial 5-year full remission period in December 2024.

As at March 31, 2025, Mailpac Group Limited reported total assets of $2.3 billion, up from $626.3 million as at March 31, 2024. The increase is largely attributed to the rise in intangible assets following the acquisition and increased right-of-use assets.

Shareholders’ equity grew to $806.2 million, compared to $537.9 million in the prior year. Outlook: The Company remains focused on growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and enhanced customer experiences. With an increasingly digital consumer landscape and our expanding footprint, we are confident in delivering continued value to shareholders and stakeholders alike. The Board of Directors and management team would like to express our appreciation to our shareholders, customers, employees and partners for their continued support. We remain committed to delivering value for all out stakeholders and thank you for your unwavering trust in Mailpac.

For More Information CLICK HERE

Unilever Caribbean Ltd (UCL) has recently approved a significant transformation in its distribution strategy by adopting a new route-to-market structure. This move involves outsourcing its distribution, warehousing, and logistics services to third-party partners, marking a pivotal shift aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and focusing on core business competencies.

Rationale Behind the Shift

The decision to outsource logistics functions is driven by multiple strategic considerations:

• Cost Optimization: Outsourcing allows companies to reduce operational costs associated with maintaining in-house logistics infrastructure.

• Focus on Core Competencies: By delegating logistics to specialized providers, companies like UCL can concentrate on areas such as customer acquisition, experience, and retention, which are critical for revenue growth.

• Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability: Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing market demands, providing greater flexibility in operations.

These factors collectively contribute to a more agile and responsive supply chain, better equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the market.

Regional Trends in Logistics Outsourcing

UCL’s strategic move reflects a broader trend among Caribbean manufacturers and distributors. Companies like Nestlé Jamaica have similarly outsourced their logistics operations to focus on core business areas. This regional shift is influenced by the desire to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and leverage the expertise of specialized logistics providers

Jamaica’s strategic location and ongoing investments in logistics infrastructure further support this trend. The country’s Logistics Hub Initiative aims to position Jamaica as a global logistics hub, enhancing its appeal to companies seeking efficient distribution channels.

Global Perspective on Logistics Outsourcing

Globally, the logistics outsourcing market is experiencing significant growth. The market is projected to reach USD 2,153.7 billion by 2035, driven by factors such as globalization, e-commerce expansion, and the need for advanced supply chain solutions. Companies are increasingly turning to 3PLs to access cutting-edge technologies, improve service levels, and achieve cost efficiencies.

Outsourcing logistics functions allows businesses to benefit from the specialized capabilities of 3PLs, including real-time tracking, inventory management, and advanced analytics. This strategic approach enables companies to respond more effectively to market changes and customer expectations.

Conclusion

Unilever Caribbean’s adoption of an outsourced logistics model signifies a strategic alignment with both regional and global trends aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and focusing on core business functions. By leveraging the expertise of third-party logistics providers, UCL positions itself to better navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain landscape, ultimately aiming to deliver greater value to its customers and stakeholders.

Kevin G. Richards Chief Executive Officer Of Kingston Properties Limited (KPREIT) Has Released The Following Unaudited Financial Statements For The First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

The Group delivered a robust performance for the first quarter of the year with solid growth in core operating revenues and net income. This positive performance reflects the strategic expansion of our investment property portfolio and effective property management, which have both contributed to higher rental rates and increased property values. We expanded our footprint in the United Kingdom (UK) market while constantly evaluating the existing portfolio for optimization opportunities. We have deployed cash resources into high yielding investment assets which is now driving improved operating results and we have officially commenced construction of our first greenfield warehouse project at Rosseau Road. Additionally, the Group’s successful efforts to re-let vacant spaces resulted in a 92% occupancy rate during the reporting period, being an 11% improvement on occupancy at the start of the year. We continue to benefit from a resilient tenant base which operates across a variety of industries including financial, warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, and government services.

INCOME STATEMENT

Group rental income was $1.38 million for the three months ending March 31, 2025, which represents a 24% increase over the same prior year period. The addition of 2530 Aztec West Business Park in the UK and Duke Street buildings in Jamaica, along with improved rental rates on some properties across the portfolio, are the primary factors impacting the year over year growth in rental income. Group operating expenses for 1Q2025, which includes administrative and property management expenses, increased to $583,539 compared to $389,089 in 2024. This increase is attributable to higher staff costs, increased professional fees associated with the expansion of the UK portfolio, as well as broker fees and the legal cost of letting vacant spaces in Jamaica and Cayman Islands.

Results of operating activities before other income of $799,769 for 1Q2025, reflects an 11% improvement over the $722,901 during the same prior year quarter. Additionally, having reclassified an asset for disposal, we recognised a fair value gain of $371,908 during the period, resulting in Group operating profits of $1.3 million for 1Q2025, which is slightly ahead of the same prior year period.

Net Finance Cost (NFC) amounted to $392,597 compared to $332,551 in 1Q2024 due to the growth in our debt portfolio, which funded the increase in assets under management. The Group continues to secure financing on favourable terms to take advantage of prime investment opportunities which improves our operating performance.

After adjusting for a reduction in deferred taxes liabilities, Profit after tax in 1Q2025 amounted to $1,001,437 million versus $946,357 for the first quarter of 2024, representing an increase of 6% YoY.

Funds from operations (FFO) for the first three months of the year moved to $519,851 compared to $336,081 for the same period in 2024, yielding growth in a key liquidity performance indicator, of approximately 55% YOY.

GROUP BALANCE SHEET

Following the 2H2024 acquisitions of the Duke Street properties and 2530 Aztec West along with improvements in the fair value of our assets at the end of FY2024, the Group acquired a second office building in Dorking Business Park, UK on March 31, 2025. Consequently, the value of investment assets grew by 26% YoY to $85.63 million versus the $67.99 million as of the corresponding date in 2024. Additionally, total assets under management grew by 24% to $88.38 million compared to $71.55 million last year. Cash holdings declined from $2.45 million in prior year to $1.35 million resulting from the deployment of cash into; the acquisition of income generating properties; upgrading existing assets and; mobilizing a greenfield development. During the first quarter of 2025, the Group commenced construction of the Rousseau Road warehouse complex, while we reclassified another property to asset held for sale, as the Group continues to optimise the portfolio for maximum returns and to access growth opportunities.

Total loans payable at the end of the reporting period amounted to $34.24 million, in comparison to $21.90 million in 2024. The increased loan balance, which is primarily collateralized bank financing, was deployed for the expansion of our operating asset base and property improvements. Our current loan portfolio is denominated both in United States and Jamaica dollars from our financial partners in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Despite the increase in total loans payable, the Group is relatively underleveraged, with total loans payable being 39% of total assets and debt to equity of 65%. We continue to maintain conservative debt ratios as part of our risk management strategy with options to refinance our debts when the market becomes more favourable.

Total Equity increased by 8% year on year, moving from $$48.82 million in 2024 to $52.81 million in 2025. The increase in equity was driven by improvements in our property values at the end of financial year 2024 and higher net profits generated in first quarter of 2025, resulting in a book value per share of US$0.0597 (J$9.46) compared to US$0.0552 (J$8.54) in 2024.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

Our strategy to seek out risk-adjusted, value-add assets continues to bear fruit as demonstrated by our compounded annual growth rate of net profits and book value per share over the last six years of 6.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Our acquisition of Building 4, Dorking Business Park at the end of the quarter will continue to boost the Group’s performance this year with increased rental revenue and the potential benefit of currency diversification. Geographic flexibility will remain a core focus of our strategy, and we will actively explore commercial property opportunities in locations that satisfy our core strategic imperatives of stable democracies, strong property law rules, freely convertible currencies and competitive yields. Although the US Fed, at its last meeting, held interest rates steady, the Bank of England reduced interest rates, and we believe this is a positive sign for UK real estate.

Our first solo greenfield project in Jamaica located on Rousseau Road in Kingston, continues in earnest and we expect the 14 mini-warehouse units to be ready for leasing in January 2026. We will also continue our strategy of monetizing mature assets in our portfolio and deploying the proceeds from those transactions into acquiring larger, higher-yielding assets with diverse tenant bases to strengthen the Group’s resilience and grow core earnings.

In tandem with our operational initiatives, we remain deeply committed to community engagement and sustainability. More of our properties are being equipped with energy-efficient and waste-reduction systems as we work toward achieving fully green operations across our portfolio.

For More Information CLICK HERE

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, has underscored the pivotal role middle managers play in driving Jamaica’s economic progress.

“As Minister, I see every day how important strong leadership is to sustaining the progress we’ve made in stabilising our economy, attracting investment and opening new opportunities for our people,” Mrs. Williams said.

She declared that middle managers are “the energy that gets things done” as they move their companies along, exhibiting true leadership that shapes the transformation of teams and influences the drive towards national development.

“[True leadership] is the consistent demonstration of values, authenticity and strategic focus that leaves behind a real legacy… one not written in résumés but in lives changed, organisations built, and futures secured. I know that you know that titles may grant authority, but only influence grounded in service, discipline and integrity builds the trust that moves countries like Jamaica ahead,” Mrs. Williams said.

She was addressing stakeholders on day one of the Make Your Mark Consultants (MYMC) two-day Middle Managers’ Leadership Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday (April 29).

Mrs. Williams noted that strategic and decisive leadership is especially critical in navigating current global uncertainties.

“In today’s increasingly dynamic global trade environment, Jamaica’s agility or ability to move swiftly, decisively and strategically is essential for national success; and at the execution level, it is you, it is our middle managers who drive that success.

You’re the ones ensuring that vision becomes reality, solving problems, coaching teams, delivering results and adapting to change with confidence and clarity,” she contended.

The Minister further pointed out, “In a Jamaica that is growing steadily stronger with sound leadership, prudent economic management, historic low unemployment rates, a transparent inflation-targeting regime, real investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, it is clear that, as a country, we are on the right path.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams lauded MYMC for organising what she described as the premier management conference in Jamaica, noting that the event is critical as Jamaica navigates an increasingly complex global economy.

She noted that this year’s conference theme – ‘A Legacy of Change, Transformation and Execution’ – is apt for the occasion.

“It reminds us that leadership is not about titles, offices, or positions. It’s about action [and] the courage to move when others hesitate. It’s about vision… the ability to see beyond today’s challenges and into tomorrow’s possibilities. Most importantly, it’s about influence – the ability to inspire people to believe in a cause greater than themselves, to push past limits to build institutions that will stand the test of time,” the Minister emphasised.

Mrs. Williams encouraged the participating middle managers to take advantage of the conference by actively engaging in the discussions, learning from the experts, sharpening their skills and strengthening their networks so they can be better and stronger leaders, driving Jamaica’s continued growth and transformation.

By: Donique Weston, JIS