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From Vision To Reality: My Journey To Becoming An Entrepreneur

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6 years ago

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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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Businessuite Women

Who is Marlene J. Street Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Group?

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1 month ago

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November 16, 2024

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Transforming the JSE into a Global Benchmark
Dr. Marlene J. Street Forrest, CD, JP, has been a transformative figure at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), serving as its Managing Director for nearly 20 years. She is credited with steering the Exchange into a modern era characterized by transparency, technological innovation, and diversified offerings. Under her leadership, the JSE has seen major milestones, including the demutualization of the organization and the establishment of the Junior Market and the US Dollar Denominated Market. These initiatives have significantly increased capital accessibility for businesses and bolstered the Exchange’s regional and global profile​

A Career Defined by Leadership and Vision
Dr. Street Forrest’s journey in financial services and leadership spans multiple sectors, both in Jamaica and internationally. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and an MBA from Barry University in Florida. Her academic grounding paved the way for a career marked by strategic vision and operational excellence. Recognized as a Certified Business Consultant, she has brought expertise in enterprise risk management, cybersecurity, and governance to her work at the JSE​

Celebrated Achievements and Global Recognition
Her contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Order of Distinction (Commander Rank) in 2016 and the Afroglobal Excellence Award for Global Impact the same year. She has also been recognized as a Business Leader of the Decade and honored with an honorary Doctorate in Public Policy by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in 2021. Her authored works, such as On Leadership: Discipline, Discretion, and Daring, offer insights into her philosophy and strategies for effective leadership​.

Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Dr. Street Forrest overcame significant challenges through a combination of resilience, strategic networking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her success reflects her ability to lead with integrity while navigating the complexities of the financial sector.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for the JSE
With Dr. Street Forrest set to retire, her successor will need to embody characteristics of innovation, foresight, and adaptability to sustain and surpass her achievements. The incoming leader will face the challenge of continuing digital transformation, expanding market reach, and maintaining the JSE’s reputation as a global benchmark in financial services.

The legacy of Dr. Marlene J. Street Forrest will undoubtedly serve as a guiding beacon for the next era of leadership at the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

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Businessuite Women

Who Is Hon. Fayval Williams, Jamaica’s New Minister of Finance and Public Service?

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1 month ago

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November 16, 2024

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Trailblazing Leadership
Hon. Fayval Williams recently made history as Jamaica’s first female Minister of Finance and Public Service, appointed on November 1, 2024, following Dr. Nigel Clarke’s transition to his new role as Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s governmental landscape, reflecting a strong commitment to gender representation at the highest levels of public service leadership. Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted this move as part of a broader strategy to shift towards aggressive economic growth policies​

A Career Marked by Excellence
Before her groundbreaking role as Finance Minister, Williams served as Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Youth, and Information, where she tackled critical reforms in education policy and skills development. She has also held positions in the private sector, including as a Senior Vice President at Cable & Wireless Jamaica and as Chief Financial Officer at Air Jamaica. Her extensive financial expertise, underscored by a strong academic background—including an MBA from The Wharton School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University—has prepared her for the intricacies of managing public finances​

Vision for Jamaica’s Future
As Finance Minister, Williams is expected to focus on accelerating Jamaica’s economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline, a hallmark of her predecessor’s tenure. She inherits a robust financial portfolio, but her challenge lies in building on Jamaica’s economic stability to drive transformative development initiatives. With a senior advisor in financial strategy, Alok Jain, supporting her, Williams is positioned to engage with private sector stakeholders to create impactful partnerships​

Looking Ahead
Williams’s leadership underscores her ability to break barriers, adapt to complex challenges, and inspire through innovation. As she embarks on this historic journey, her tenure promises to reshape Jamaica’s fiscal policies and growth trajectory, setting a new benchmark for inclusive leadership in the region.

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Business Leaders Express Confidence in New Minister of Finance and the Public Service

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2 months ago

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October 31, 2024

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Business leaders in Jamaica are expressing confidence in the ability of newly appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, to manage Jamaica’s macroeconomic affairs.

Stakeholders from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) Alliance concur that Minister Williams has the requisite qualifications and experience to build on the sound economic management platform laid by her predecessor, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.

PSOJ President, Metry Seaga, pointed out that, “whilst she has big shoes to fill, Minister Williams has the credentials and the experience to do a fine job”.

“We encourage her to maintain the policies that have brought us to a solid fiscal place internationally. We also encourage her to look forward to developing growth in the economy,” he added.

Mr. Seaga maintained that growth must be paramount in the new Minister’s plan, pointing out that, “we have done the hard work as a country; it is time now for the people to reap those benefits”.

JCC Chief Executive Officer, Larry Watson, is also of the view that, “Minister Williams is well qualified for the post”, adding that “we have full confidence that she will do well.

“She follows on the heels of Jamaica’s most successful Minister of Finance and the Public Service, so she has big shoes to fill. Her success will, in part, be measured on the extent to which Jamaica can achieve substantial and sustained economic growth. We wish her all the best in her new role,” Mr. Watson stated.

Meanwhile, the MSME Alliance pointed out that a majority of its members, “view the appointment in a favourable light”.

The Alliance further stated that 83.3 per cent of its membership believes that there was no better option for appointment by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, than Mrs. Williams.

Meanwhile, the JMEA, in a release, also expressed confidence, “in Minister Williams’ leadership and commitment to advancing Jamaica’s economic landscape”.

The Association added that it, “looks forward to working together to foster a more competitive and resilient business environment”.

“The JMEA looks forward to continued engagement with the Ministry and the private sector, in pursuit of Jamaica’s macroeconomic stability. We believe strongly in the need to address red tape and bureaucracy that hinder private-sector growth and development,” the organisation further stated.

The entity indicated that it would continue to lobby for the promulgation of laws that will simplify the process for doing business in Jamaica.

“We urge the timely implementation of regulations under the Pioneer Industry Act and the Large-scale Industry Act, part of the OMNIBUS Incentive Act that has been pending since 2014, to create an environment that encourages investment and growth,” the JMEA release outlined.

Mrs. Williams was appointed Minister of Finance and the Public Service on Wednesday (October 30) by Prime Minister Holness, who made the announcement during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Mrs. Williams holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with concentration in Finance from the Wharton Business School and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in Economics from Harvard University in the United States.

Mrs. Williams, who is Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Eastern, is the first female to be appointed Portfolio Minister in the Finance Ministry.

By: Andrew Laidley JIS

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Businessuite News24

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

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5 months ago

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July 13, 2024

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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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6 months ago

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June 25, 2024

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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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