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From Vision To Reality: My Journey To Becoming An Entrepreneur

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A picture is worth a thousand words, that’s why I am a believer in a Vision Board as a valuable tool to creatively capture a visual image of your goals. Last year, I was motivated to be intentional by creating a vision board with all my plans for 2018, chief of which was my goal of becoming an entrepreneur.

May 2019 has been eight months since I took that bold leap of faith and left my corporate job to embark on a journey that would offer me new opportunities for personal and professional growth in keep with the goals on my vision board. During these eight months, I have been laying the foundation for my own company, paving the way for me to focus on what I have always loved… Public Relations, Communications, Event Management, Editing and Writing. In addition to launching my own business, I also celebrate the achievement of other goals on my vision board.

I started publishing my monthly blog – Make Life Count, to encourage persons to live every day consciously and intentionally in fulfilling their purpose and goals. I also launched Islanders Book Club, which is a network for Caribbean professionals living in Barbados. The Club is a forum for knowledge-sharing and a vehicle to achieve personal and professional development through reading.

Since I started on this journey, I have met some remarkable influencers, who were open and willing to share lessons from their entrepreneurial journey (the pitfalls, the failures and the successes). I have benefited and grown from their insights and experiences as well as the practical guidance that they have shared by way of one-on-one consultations, personal business coaching sessions or online webinars. I salute those who have helped to empower and teach me valuable lessons as a beginner on this entrepreneurial journey: @Daphne Valcin, Business Coach, @Jacqueline Walker-Johnson, Founder/Chief Editor, TheBeyondWoman Magazine, @Naomi Garrick, The PR Chick, @Rowena Morais, HR and Career Development Specialist and others.

There are also successful leaders and thinkers such as Paul Brunson, Richard Branson, John C. Maxwell, Jack Canfield, Michael Hyatt, Simon Sinek, Arianna Huffington, Gary Vaynerchuk and many others who I follow on social media and who are, in their own way, my entrepreneurial role models and mentors. Along this, sometimes very unpredictable journey, they have motivated me in many positive ways, and will, no doubt, continue to influence me as I grow and build my business. I am also able to stay the course with the invaluable support of my inner circle – my family and close friends – who are my biggest cheerleaders and who give wind to my sail.

My entrepreneurial journey has only just begun and there is much more ground for me to cover and many more lessons to learn. Every day has been a process of unlearning and learning. I have had to challenge myself each day to release fear, self-doubt and anxiety and to trust God and the process. I have had to challenge myself to remain positive and to persevere even in the face of difficulties and uncertainties.

I have also learnt that there are some ‘invisible’ barriers to succeeding in business – things that remain unspoken. As I continue to navigate my way through what I see as a ‘maze’ to successful entrepreneurship, I reflect on the distance I have covered and the invaluable lessons I have learnt along this journey.

1. ‘INVISIBLE’ BARRIERS TO SUCCESS IN BUSINESS

There is a perception that owning your own business is easier than working for someone else or that it is always rewarding. Nothing could be further from the truth. You have to work harder and longer hours to build and sustain your own business. Nothing prepares you for some of the “invisible” barriers to success in business.

Having your own business demands that you assume responsibility for every area and every function of your business and of course you bear all the associated costs and risks. This does not mean that you have to do everything, but it means that you have to assume ultimate responsibility for every area, even if that function is delegated to someone else. You must have a clear plan for your business, stay ‘on top of the game’ and be aware of what goes on not just internally within the business, but in the external environment as well. It requires you not just to be a “jack of all trades” but literally to be a “master”.

The underlying culture and unwritten rules of engagement within which your business operates is also a key determinant of success. Failure to appreciate and understand these rules can result in the failure of your business.

Do not rely on friendships or family connections for patronage of your business. Build your client or customer base on a foundation of solid performance, on real exchange of value rather than expectations and promises. Your competence, gifts and talents will make a way for you and attract the right clients and
business opportunities.

Your internal radar and mindset can also be barriers to success in business. It is said that the only limits to accomplishing anything are the limits on your own thinking. If you have limiting self-beliefs and a negative mindset then you undermine your ability to grow and succeed in business.

2. THE PROCESS OF UNLEARNING AND LEARNING

Armed with years of experience in Management and extensive experience in the field of Public Relations and Communications, I felt that the transition to becoming an entrepreneur would be relatively smooth. With unbridled optimism, I undertook research on the steps to becoming an entrepreneur and success strategies for start-ups. I sought guidance from businesspersons within my network, who all encouraged me to take the leap but cautioned me that going into business would be demanding, require hard work and commitment. They advised that it was rewarding as you get to chart your own course and do what you love to do while earning.

Despite all the guidance and planning, nothing really prepares you for the reality of unlearning what you thought you knew about start-ups and owning your own business.

Staying ahead of the curve is critical to achieving business success. You need to be open to a process of continuous learning (personal and professional development). This is how you will be stay on the cutting edge of business strategies, market trends and competitor activities and learn how to build brand awareness and brand value in the marketplace. There is also a wealth of knowledge to be gained from the experience of those with a proven record of success. Seek to find influencers and successful entrepreneurs as mentors or advisors from whom you can learn key business success strategies and techniques.

It is also important to learn the art of being intentional and consistent in order to succeed in business and being open to growing and evolving. Unlearn old habits like procrastination; – putting off until tomorrow what you can do today. It is really the thief of time. Avoiding the trap of disorganization and creating a consistent and efficient system for handling workflows. Overcoming the expectation gap; – Get real! Like the 80/20 Pareto rule, business success is 80% perspiration and 20% inspiration. It is not just about having a clear statement of your vision but actually doing what it takes to make it a reality.

3. BE PATIENT AND TRUST THE PROCESS

There is a process of building before we begin to achieve success. This is a necessary and foundational process on the journey to achieving our goals. A farmer before he can reap a harvest, must first prepare the land, plants seeds and fertilize and water the seeds during the process of growth.

During the process, there will be days that you feel like giving up because you don’t see evidence of progress. There will be days that your 100% efforts fail to generate the results you anticipated. There will be days that once lucrative opportunities yield zero results and your close network may not translate to clients or business prospects. Recognize that every experience, even failure, along the journey has a valuable lesson wrapped up it.

The key I have learnt is to trust the process, be patient during the process and remain open to learning and growing from every experience. When you stay the course, “…in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6 vs 9).

4. RELEASE FEAR, SELF-DOUBT AND ANXIETY AND TRUST GOD

For many persons who have started a business, the journey has its share of anxiety and fears. The struggles are real, but you have to challenge yourself each day to release fear, worry, anxiety and self-doubt. When the doubts and questions arise always remember why you started in the first place. Never stop believing in yourself and your vision. Believe in your abilities and capacity to be achieve your goals and visions. Above all, recognise that it is a journey of faith that requires you to trust God every step of the way. It is said that when you leap, you build wings on your way down as you won’t have it all figured out. Along the journey you will build tenacity, courage, resilience, and an inner strength to push you beyond the fears and doubts and to keep you forging ahead

5. PERSEVERE IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULTIES & UNCERTAINTIES

The road to building a business has its highs and its lows. You will experience challenges, frustrations and uncertainties. You will experience disappointment, defeat and sometimes rejection, but do not stay at the place of defeat and do not allow it to erode your passion and self-confidence. Persevere and keep your focus on our goals. Never discount the small wins or progress that are made and always pause to celebrate the positives along the journey. Build a supportive network and find a coach or mentor who will also help to keep you accountable, focused and motivated to pursue your goals.

Although it is easier said than done, remain inspired by the possibilities of what you can achieve and what tomorrow has to offer. Jack Ma, Chinese business magnate, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, a family of successful Internet-based businesses, states, “Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.”

If after taking this journey, you honestly assess that being an entrepreneur is not what you want to do, know that “…regardless of failure or success, the experience is a form of success itself” to quote Jack Ma.

6. INVEST IN OTHERS

The experiences and lessons we learn along the journey are never solely for our own benefit. They become seeds for us to invest in others, to help influence or encourage someone who has started their journey towards achieving their entrepreneurial goals. As I wrote in my previous article, THE POWER OF YOUR “SOCIAL IMPRINT” – THE NIPSEY HUSSLE MODEL, if all we aspire to do as entrepreneurs is to make millions or build an enterprise for ourselves, then we will fail as our real value is what we do for others, how much we help to improve the lives of others or how much we invest in others along their journey to achieving their goals.

Write your own story but write it so that it becomes a road map to guide or assist new entrepreneurs.
The journey continues . . .

Misha Lobban Clarke a Public Relations/Communications Specialist, Editing Consultant and Writer with over 20 years’ experience. She is the head of ML Consulting Services, which provides public relations, corporate communication, media relations, event management and content writing services to assist entrepreneurs and corporate entities effectively communicate and promote their brand within their industry and the global marketplace.
As an editing consultant, Misha offers her expertise to assist aspiring authors maximize their talent and achieve their dream of writing, publishing and marketing their books to audiences globally. For more visit me on LinkedIn or follow my blog at https://mlcblog.org/

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Who is Angelique Parisot-Potter, Massy Holdings’ Former General Counsel and Executive Vice-President of Business Integrity?

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Early Career and Rise in Massy Holdings
Angelique Parisot-Potter served as the Executive Vice-President of Business Integrity and Group General Counsel at Massy Holdings Ltd. Before joining Massy, she had an extensive career in law and corporate governance, holding significant roles that positioned her as a key player in the corporate legal landscape.

Whistleblower Revelations and Impact
Parisot-Potter’s tenure at Massy took a dramatic turn in December 2023 when she made allegations about questionable practices within the company’s executive training programs. At Massy’s 100th annual general meeting, she revealed that the leadership programs involved bizarre rituals, including communicating with the dead and self-healing with “white light energy,” which she claimed were a misuse of foreign exchange and resources. Her whistleblower revelations were detailed in a 13-page document submitted to the company, leading to significant media coverage and internal turmoil at Massy​​.

Resignation and Aftermath
Following her public disclosure, Parisot-Potter was placed on administrative leave. Massy Holdings initiated a disciplinary investigation, asserting that she had disclosed confidential matters. Despite the company’s denial of her claims, Parisot-Potter resigned from her position on December 27, 2023, just nine days after going public with her allegations. Her resignation came amidst a period of significant scrutiny and internal review within Massy Holdings​.

The Resignation of Gervase Warner
The fallout from Parisot-Potter’s revelations had far-reaching consequences, including the resignation of Massy’s President and CEO, Gervase Warner. Warner, who had been with Massy since 2009, announced his retirement on February 8, 2024. While his early departure was officially attributed to personal reasons, it closely followed the controversy sparked by Parisot-Potter’s claims. Warner’s leadership was notable for significant profitability and growth, with the company seeing a compound annual growth rate of 15% over the last five years of his tenure. He was succeeded by David Alfonso, a long-time executive within the company​​.

Conclusion
Angelique Parisot-Potter’s career at Massy Holdings was marked by her commitment to corporate integrity and governance. Her whistleblower actions underscore the complexities and challenges of corporate governance and the personal and professional risks involved in exposing potential misconduct. As Massy Holdings continues to navigate the aftermath of these events, Parisot-Potter’s role in bringing these issues to light remains a significant chapter in the company’s history.

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A Legacy of Leadership: Dr. Marlene Street Forrest and the Future of the Jamaica Stock Exchange

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“As the JSE looks to the future, it will be crucial to find a leader who can match, if not exceed, Dr. Street Forrest’s impressive legacy.”

Introduction
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, who has led the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) for nearly two decades, is set to retire, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and resilience. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, setting a high bar for her successor.

Accomplishments and Achievements
Dr. Street Forrest’s tenure at the JSE has been transformative. Under her leadership, the JSE has seen a notable increase in market activity, listings, and the introduction of new financial instruments.

She spearheaded the launch of corporate secretarial services to assist smaller companies in maintaining compliance and accurate reporting, which is crucial for their growth and sustainability​​.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Dr. Street Forrest received several prestigious awards, including the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) in 2016 and the Afroglobal Excellence Award for Global Impact from Canada the same year​.

Her efforts have not only enhanced the visibility and credibility of the JSE but have also contributed significantly to Jamaica’s economic resilience and development.

Overcoming Challenges
Leading the JSE in a male-dominated industry came with its challenges. Dr. Street Forrest often had to navigate skepticism and bias, proving her competence through relentless hard work and strategic vision.

The global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges, yet she successfully steered the JSE through these turbulent times by promoting market stability and investor confidence​.

Her focus on digital transformation and enhancing regulatory compliance helped the JSE remain a pivotal player in Jamaica’s economic strategy. She emphasized the importance of high-quality, timely financial information and investor education, which are critical for maintaining market integrity and attracting capital​​.

The Road Ahead: What Her Successor Needs
As the search for Dr. Street Forrest’s successor begins, the JSE requires a leader who can build on her legacy of innovation and resilience. Key characteristics for the next managing director include:

Visionary Leadership: The ability to foresee and adapt to market trends and technological advancements.
Strong Regulatory Knowledge: Ensuring compliance and fostering investor trust through transparent practices.
Commitment to Digital Transformation: Embracing new technologies to enhance market operations and accessibility.
Economic Insight: Understanding market dynamics and economic policies to drive growth and stability.
Collaboration Skills: Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and listed companies.

Benchmarking against global stock exchange leaders, the new head of the JSE should embody a blend of strategic foresight, regulatory acumen, and innovative thinking. Leaders like Adena Friedman of Nasdaq and David Schwimmer of the London Stock Exchange exemplify these traits, balancing market growth with robust governance.

Conclusion
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest’s leadership at the JSE has set a high standard, marked by significant achievements and resilience in the face of challenges. Her successor will need to bring a mix of visionary leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to digital transformation to continue driving the JSE’s growth and success. As the JSE looks to the future, it will be crucial to find a leader who can match, if not exceed, Dr. Street Forrest’s impressive legacy.

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Who Is Roxane De Freitas?

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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Roxane De Freitas has a distinguished career marked by her leadership and strategic roles in major companies. She has served as a pivotal figure in the Caribbean business community, with extensive experience across various sectors. Her early career saw her rising through the ranks in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, which laid the foundation for her expertise in corporate leadership.

Professional Accomplishments
Roxane De Freitas is well-known for her significant contributions to Scotiabank and Massy Stores. She recently retired from the Board of Directors of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago, where she played a critical role in steering the bank’s strategies and operations. In her tenure, De Freitas contributed to the bank’s growth and its robust community initiatives through the Scotiabank Foundation, emphasizing the well-being of women and youth in Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to her banking career, De Freitas has been instrumental at Massy Stores. As CEO of Massy Stores Trinidad, she oversaw the expansion of the chain, including the implementation of innovative self-checkout services, which have been lauded for enhancing customer convenience and operational efficiency. Her leadership during the rollout of these services across multiple locations demonstrates her commitment to modernizing retail operations and improving customer experience.

Roxane De Freitas also has a robust background in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, having held several key positions at Unilever Caribbean Limited. Her roles included Country Manager for Unilever Jamaica and General Manager for Unilever Caribbean, where she oversaw operations in multiple territories across the Caribbean. Her leadership has been marked by strategic initiatives that drove growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved market share.

Recent Appointments
On June 6, 2024, Roxane De Freitas was appointed to the Boards of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited and The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited. This new role signifies her continued influence in the Caribbean banking sector, where her strategic insights and extensive experience are expected to drive further growth and innovation for Scotiabank in Jamaica.

Industry Impact and Legacy
De Freitas’s impact on the Caribbean business landscape is profound. Her strategic vision and leadership have not only driven financial performance but also fostered community development and corporate responsibility. At Massy Stores, her efforts in promoting sustainable practices and efficient retail technologies have set new benchmarks for the industry.

A Role Model for Future Leaders
Roxane De Freitas’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and strategic thinking in achieving corporate success. Her career path serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders, particularly women in business, demonstrating that perseverance and innovation can break barriers and lead to significant achievements in diverse sectors.

As she takes on her new responsibilities with Scotiabank in Jamaica, the business community will undoubtedly be watching her next moves, anticipating further contributions to the growth and development of the Caribbean’s financial and retail sectors.

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Overcoming Funding Challenges: Strategies for Jamaican Entrepreneurs

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Raising capital is a critical yet challenging aspect of entrepreneurship, and Jamaican founders are no exception to this global struggle. Despite the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas prevalent on the island, securing the necessary funds to grow and scale early-stage companies remains a formidable obstacle. This article explores the factors influencing investor hesitations, strategies to mitigate these challenges, and practical steps Jamaican entrepreneurs can take to enhance their funding prospects.

Factors Impacting Investor Hesitations
Investors, regardless of geographic location, exhibit common hesitations that can stymie funding efforts. Some of these factors include:

Perceived Market Risk: Investors often see emerging markets, including Jamaica, as high-risk due to economic instability, regulatory uncertainty, and less mature financial ecosystems.

Lack of Proven Track Record: Early-stage companies frequently lack a history of success, making it difficult for investors to gauge their potential for return on investment.

Insufficient Business Models: A lack of clear, scalable, and sustainable business models can deter investment. Investors seek companies with clear pathways to profitability.

Limited Access to Networks: Entrepreneurs often lack access to networks that can connect them with potential investors, advisors, and partners.

Inadequate Financial Management: Poor financial planning and management can signal to investors that a company is not ready to handle significant capital.

Scalability Concerns: Investors need assurance that a business can scale efficiently and effectively beyond its local market.

Strategies to Overcome Funding Challenges
Both investors and entrepreneurs have developed strategies to bridge the funding gap:

For Investors:
Establishing Local Partnerships: Investors often mitigate risks by partnering with local firms that have a deeper understanding of the market.

Providing Mentorship and Resources: Beyond capital, some investors offer mentorship and access to resources, helping startups build robust business models and financial strategies.

Stage-Gated Investments: By investing in stages based on achieving specific milestones, investors can reduce their exposure to risk.

For Entrepreneurs:
Building Strong Networks: Engaging with local and international entrepreneurial networks can open doors to potential investors and partners.

Seeking Alternative Funding Sources: Crowdfunding, grants, and competitions can provide initial capital and validate business ideas.

Demonstrating Market Traction: Showing proof of concept, initial sales, and customer feedback can help convince investors of the business’s potential.

Case Studies
Case Study 1: XXXRock Juice
XXXRock Juice, a Jamaican startup producing organic beverages, faced significant challenges in raising funds. By participating in international pitch competitions and leveraging social media to showcase their product’s popularity, they secured seed funding from an angel investor network. This investment enabled them to scale production and expand their market presence.

Case Study 2: XXXTech Solutions
XXXTech Solutions, a tech startup focusing on innovative software solutions for local businesses, struggled to gain investor confidence due to their early-stage status. By partnering with a local accelerator program, they received mentorship and access to a network of investors. Their refined business model and pilot projects helped secure a substantial venture capital investment.

Top 10 Ways Jamaican Founders Can Better Position Themselves.

  1. Develop a Clear and Scalable Business Model: Ensure your business plan demonstrates a clear path to scalability and profitability.
  2. Showcase Market Traction: Gather data on initial sales, customer feedback, and market demand to present a compelling case to investors.
  3. Enhance Financial Planning and Management: Maintain detailed and accurate financial records, and present realistic financial projections.
  4. Leverage Local and International Networks: Join entrepreneurial networks and attend industry events to build connections with potential investors.
  5. Participate in Accelerator and Incubator Programs: These programs offer valuable resources, mentorship, and exposure to investors.
  6. Utilize Alternative Funding Sources: Explore crowdfunding platforms, apply for grants, and enter startup competitions to gain initial capital and visibility.
  7. Focus on Strong Marketing and Branding: Develop a strong brand identity and marketing strategy to attract both customers and investors.
  8. Seek Mentorship and Advice: Engage with experienced entrepreneurs and advisors to refine your business strategy and pitch.
  9. Present a Strong Team: Highlight the strengths and expertise of your team, demonstrating that you have the skills necessary to succeed.
  10. Prepare a Compelling Pitch: Craft a clear, concise, and persuasive pitch that addresses potential investors’ concerns and showcases your business’s potential.

Conclusion
While raising funds remains a significant challenge for Jamaican entrepreneurs, understanding investor hesitations and adopting strategic measures can greatly improve their chances of success. By developing robust business models, showcasing market traction, and leveraging networks and alternative funding sources, Jamaican founders can better position themselves to secure the investment needed to grow and scale their companies. The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with obstacles, but with the right strategies and perseverance, these challenges can be overcome.

 

BlackSlate Holdings Group Limited

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Who is Leesa Kow? Managing Director, JN Bank and Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB)

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Leesa Kow is a distinguished leader in the financial sector, serving as the Managing Director of JN Bank and the Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB). Her career is marked by strategic vision and a commitment to digital transformation and financial inclusion.

Early Career and Professional Background
Leesa Kow joined JN Bank in 2003 as Senior Manager for Remittances. Her leadership capabilities quickly propelled her through various senior roles, including Executive of Marketing, Sales, and Promotion in 2006, and General Manager of JN Money Services Limited (JNMS) in 2008. At JNMS, Kow oversaw significant expansion, growing the company’s reach from 200 branches and agents to over 8,000 across three continents within three years, cementing JN Money as the largest remittance brand from the Caribbean​​.

Leadership at JN Bank
Kow’s ascent to the role of Managing Director in July 2022 followed her tenure as Deputy Managing Director from November 2017. As Deputy Managing Director, she was instrumental in implementing JN Bank’s digitalisation initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. Her strategic focus on technology and innovation has been pivotal in transforming JN Bank into a more agile and customer-centric institution​​.

Contributions to the Financial Industry
Beyond her work at JN Bank, Kow has significantly impacted the broader financial services sector. Her tenure as president of the Jamaica Money Remitters Association from 2012 to 2017 showcased her leadership in advocating for the remittance industry. In October 2022, she was elected Chair of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), where she continues to influence regional banking policies and practices​.

Educational Background
Leesa Kow’s academic credentials are impressive, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies and Accounting (First Class Honours) and a Master of Science degree in International Business (Distinction) from The University of the West Indies. These qualifications underscore her strong foundation in business leadership and strategic management​​.

Impact and Vision
Under Kow’s leadership, JN Bank has made significant strides in digital transformation, positioning itself as a forward-thinking financial institution. Her vision for the future includes continued emphasis on innovation, customer service excellence, and financial inclusion. Kow’s influence extends across the Caribbean, as she leverages her roles to advocate for advancements in the banking sector and to support regional economic development.

Leesa Kow’s journey from senior manager to managing director of JN Bank exemplifies her dedication, strategic foresight, and impactful leadership. Her contributions to the financial sector and her role in shaping regional banking policies make her a notable figure in Caribbean banking, inspiring the next generation of female leaders in finance.

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