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Transforming Vision Statements: Choosing the Right Vision for the Right Time

It’s not that you lack vision yourself—after all, your success is built on envisioning possibilities and pursuing them. But translating that personal energy into an organizational vision that resonates with others is a different challenge altogether. Should you simply rewrite the vision statement, or is there a better way to achieve meaningful impact?

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As a leader, you recognize the importance of inspiring your team with a compelling vision. Yet, you may find that your company’s vision statement, despite its lofty aspirations, fails to inspire meaningful change. How can you craft and communicate a future that genuinely motivates your team to take action?

The Challenge of an Inherited Vision Statement

Imagine you’re a newly promoted CEO. Among the many responsibilities you’ve inherited is a vision statement. While it might look passable on paper, it has yet to inspire you, let alone your team, to embrace new behaviors or think differently.

It’s not that you lack vision yourself—after all, your success is built on envisioning possibilities and pursuing them. But translating that personal energy into an organizational vision that resonates with others is a different challenge altogether. Should you simply rewrite the vision statement, or is there a better way to achieve meaningful impact?

Here’s a fresh approach to this age-old leadership dilemma.

Understanding How Vision Truly Works

A powerful vision fundamentally transforms how we experience the present. Think about the difference between a Friday afternoon in the office and a Sunday afternoon. The former often feels better—not because of the immediate circumstances but because of our anticipation of the weekend. This sense of future anticipation changes how we perceive the present moment.

That’s the kind of shift you want to inspire in your stakeholders. You want them to feel energized by the future you’re describing, just as you are. The hallmark of success is when individuals take initiative, make sacrifices, and go beyond their job descriptions—not because they’re told to, but because they’re inspired to.

But here’s the hard truth: a traditional vision statement alone cannot deliver this kind of transformative impact.

Rethinking Vision: Introducing the Three Levels

Most organizations begin with what can be termed a “Level 1 Vision”: a concise, polished statement, often a few sentences or paragraphs, that attempts to summarize the future. However, these statements are frequently vague, generic, and uninspiring. They might sound nice but leave people either indifferent or skeptical. Some may even feel the statement describes what the organization has already achieved, rendering it irrelevant.

A better approach is to think of the Level 1 Vision as just the “headline” of a more detailed vision framework. Here’s how to expand it.

Building a Level 2 Vision

To create a meaningful vision at this level, gather your leadership team for an offsite retreat and focus on a specific long-term horizon—typically 15 to 30 years in the future. Work together to describe a vivid picture of what success looks like at that time. This Level 2 Vision goes beyond a brief statement; it provides several pages of detail, potentially including visuals, videos, or other media to bring the future to life.

The key here is collaboration. By involving your leadership team, you not only create a shared sense of ownership but also tap into a wider pool of creativity and ambition. A well-crafted Level 2 Vision should reflect the aspirations of your entire C-suite, energizing everyone involved.

However, many organizations stop at this stage. While the Level 2 Vision is more compelling than a simple statement, it often becomes an overwhelming list of aspirations. Without prioritization (and reduction), it risks becoming unrealistic, leading to cynicism rather than inspiration. Some employees may even dismiss it as “the CEO’s wish list.”

To avoid this pitfall, you must take the next step.

Evolving to a Level 3 Vision

The “Level 3 Vision” transforms lofty aspirations into a credible, actionable plan. This involves narrowing down the vision to a focused set of achievable targets supported by a strategic roadmap.

This process requires tough conversations. Your leadership team will need to negotiate priorities, confront trade-offs, and align on a clear path forward. Engaging a skilled facilitator can help ensure these discussions are productive and lead to consensus.

The outcome is a vision that stands apart from your competitors. A Level 3 Vision includes:

– Specific, measurable results: Clearly defined goals with tangible metrics.

– Milestones: Key achievements along the journey to the ultimate vision.

– A strategic pathway: A roadmap showing how to get from the present to the desired future.

– Team alignment: Full buy-in from your leadership team, ensuring commitment to execution.

With this, your vision evolves from an abstract dream into a realistic plan that inspires action.

Communicating Across the Three Levels

Once your Level 3 Vision is established, it’s crucial to communicate it effectively. Each level of vision—Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3—has a role to play depending on your audience and context.

For example, a Level 1 Vision offers a concise, memorable summary. Think of Vision 2030 Jamaica’s tagline: “…the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.” It’s short, evocative, and easy to recall.

A Level 2 Vision, on the other hand, provides more depth. Vision 2030 Jamaica expands on its tagline with four National Goals and 15 Outcomes, offering stakeholders a richer understanding of the country’s aspirations.

Finally, a Level 3 Vision delivers the detailed roadmap necessary to ensure credibility and guide execution.

By mastering these three levels, you can tailor your communication to inspire stakeholders while maintaining clarity and focus. Avoid the mistake of using the wrong level for the audience or situation, which can lead to confusion or disengagement.

Conclusion

Transforming vision statements into actionable, inspiring frameworks requires more than polished language. By embracing a three-level approach, you can align your team, inspire stakeholders, and chart a credible path to the future. Choose the right level of vision for the right moment, and you’ll not only communicate your aspirations—you’ll make them a reality.

Intrigued? Interested in more? Visit the JumpLeap Long-Term Strategy Podcast and Newsletter.

Francis Wade
Jump Long-Term Newsletter and Podcast
http://blog.fwconsulting.com, http://fwconsulting.com

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GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment

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GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment
Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness right) speaks with designer, Vintage Chic, Shanna Campbell about her handmade pieces, during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

 

GOV’T Remains Committed to Facilitating an Enabling Investment Environment
Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness left), samples a coffee carrot ginger brew from Beyond 5 Beverages given to him Managing Director of the company, Damain Drummond right) during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

 

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has committed to ensuring that the policies and initiatives of the Government remain aligned with entrepreneurs, thereby creating an enabling environment that fosters investment. “To our manufacturers and exporters… your effort represents the heart of our economic progress, your resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial courage has carried Brand Jamaica to every corner of the globe.

“As Prime Minister, I commit to ensuring our policies and initiatives remain aligned with your ambitions, creating an enabling environment that fosters investment, innovation and global competitiveness. Together we will strengthen our local economy and solidify Jamaica’s position on the international stage,” Dr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.

Dr. Holness said Expo Jamaica is a vivid showcase of Jamaica’s boundless potential, “so as we advance global partnerships and create impactful local results, let us reaffirm our collective determination to build a prosperous, productive Jamaica that leaves no one behind”.

“Expo Jamaica exemplifies how far Jamaica has come. Over 250 exhibitors showcasing more than 5000 products and services alongside 884 registered local and international buyers from 25 countries. This clearly reflects Jamaica’s growing global influence and appeal,” he said.

He added that the event has grown tremendously, now standing as the largest trade exhibition in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness said Jamaica today boasts its strongest economy since independence.

“Whether you measure Jamaica’s economic performance and stability by the unemployment rate, the inflation rate, the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio or Net International Reserves (NIR), by every critical metric, our economy undeniable demonstrates economic stability and resilience,” he said.

He added that growth is another central pillar to economic stability and resilience.

“For Jamaica to realise its fullest potential, our growth rate must accelerate from one to two percent towards a more ambitious target of four to five per cent. Central to achieving this are initiatives which this Government has launched, and we call them ASPIRE, that is our comprehensive growth strategy,” he said.

ASPIRE stands for: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth); Safety and Security; People (Human Capital Development); Infrastructure Development; Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business); Economic Diversification/New Industries.

He further added that inclusivity and equity are paramount to the Government’s growth agenda.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill said the administration continues to position Jamaica as an investment destination for financial services, logistics, skilled labour, high value services and premium products.

“This expo is Jamaica’s open invitation to the world… The Andrew Holness administration has made it our mission to make Jamaica a very attractive place in this region in which to do business. Our macroeconomic numbers tell a clear story,” he said

Other speakers at the function included President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Shullette Cox, and Chairman, Expo Jamaica, Aswad Morgan.

This year’s event is being held from Thursday (April 3) to Sunday (April 6) at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.

The four-day tradeshow, under the theme ‘Global Partnership, Local Impact: Advancing Jamaica’s Reach’, is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Limited (JMEA) and JAMPRO.

By: CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS

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Government Engages with US Trade Representative on New Tariff Regime

“There are opportunities that must be had. There are prospects to be uncovered, and so I urge my manufacturers, my businesspeople, before you start to look at the negative, also look for the opportunities. Don’t just sit down and complain about all the things that’s going on and all the things that’s going bad, expecting that Government is going to solve all the problems for you. Be the entrepreneur; be the one who is the risk-taker, and be the one who is looking for the opportunity,” Dr. Holness said.

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is actively engaging with the United States (US) Trade Representative and other relevant authorities “to seek urgent clarification” on the new US tariff regime.

Speaking at the opening of EXPO Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, on April 3, he said the United States Government recently announced a 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports from all countries, set to take effect on April 5, 2025, which introduces a significant shift in global trade policy, “one that could impact Jamaica’s market access to our largest trading partner”.

Dr. Holness informed that Jamaica, like other CARICOM nations, has traded with the US under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), which provides non-reciprocal duty-free access for a wide range of products to the US market.

“Today, nearly 90 per cent of Jamaican exports to the United States enter under these preferential terms; however, the new US tariff regime, rooted in a broader policy of reciprocal trade balancing, has raised serious concerns about the future of these preferential arrangements,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the Government has not yet received formal notification on the precise implementation procedures, including whether these new tariffs will override existing CBI provisions.

“We are also conducting a detailed technical assessment, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, to fully understand the scope of these tariffs and their implications for Jamaica’s trade and industrial policy,” he said.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), in discussion with Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager, J.Wray and Nephew, Samara South, while touring the company’s exhibition booth at the opening of EXPO Jamaica 2025, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, on April 3. Observing is Executive Director, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Limited (JMEA), Kamesha Turner-Blake.

He pointed out that the developments do not reflect any erosion in the long-standing and strong bilateral relationship between Jamaica and the United States; rather, it reflects a broader recalibration of US trade policy that is global in scope.

“Still, we will use every available diplomatic channel, including working with our CARICOM brothers and sisters and utilising the Office of Trade Negotiations, to seek to preserve the position our exporters have secured over decades of deepening trade ties with the United States,” Dr. Holness said.

He noted that preliminary analysis indicates that some of the country’s top exports may fall under exempted product categories “and we are working to confirm and where possible, to expand these exemptions”.

“Again, I must emphasise that clarity is still needed on several matters. Furthermore, there may also be opportunities to be found and we must, therefore, be proactive and prospective,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the Government will continue to advocate for manufacturers and exporters to ensure their interests are protected in any new global trade architecture.

“So, to our manufacturers and exporters, we understand the uncertainty this announcement has created and we are with you every step of the way. You are not only integral to our economic strategy, you are national champions of our resilience and ingenuity,” Dr. Holness said.

Meanwhile, he said the Administration will continue working to ensure the country secures its economic independence, even as it remains alert and responsive to evolving global trade dynamics that affect manufacturers and exporters.

“Yes, it is uncertain times, but we have done the necessary work. We have built the relationships; we have placed ourselves in strategic positions to be heard and to be heard from and to be consulted. When these changes are going to happen, we know that they could have long-term impact; we started planning long ago,” the Prime Minister said.

“You have a Government that is thinking very carefully, very strategically. I play chess, not draughts… . Maybe a decade ago, the word disruptive would have been an inherently bad thing. In today’s world, you require disruption of systems for there to be innovation and new opportunities. So, whilst we see the downside of the disruptive global order that we have now, we are not going to sit by and wait,” he added.

The Prime Minister urged manufacturers and exporters to explore new opportunities, noting that the Government will work with them.

“There are opportunities that must be had. There are prospects to be uncovered, and so I urge my manufacturers, my businesspeople, before you start to look at the negative, also look for the opportunities. Don’t just sit down and complain about all the things that’s going on and all the things that’s going bad, expecting that Government is going to solve all the problems for you. Be the entrepreneur; be the one who is the risk-taker, and be the one who is looking for the opportunity,” Dr. Holness said.

By: Chris Patterson, JIS

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Corporate Movements

Corporate Movements – April 2025

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Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Krista-Gaye Fisher as the CEO of Supreme Ventures Services Limited effective April 1, 2025.

The Board of First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited took the decision on Friday, March 28, 2025, to appoint Mr. Jason Julien as the new Group Chief Executive Officer to replace Ms. Karen Darbasie upon her retirement. Mr. Julien possesses an MBA (Distinction) from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot – Watt University and a BSc Management Studies (Honours) from The University of the West Indies. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst with the CFA Institute. He also possesses a Certificate of Financial Advisors with the Institute of Business and Finance. He has twenty-five years of banking and finance experience in leading local and regional financial service entities, along with varied board.

Tropical Battery Company Limited (“TROPICAL”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jody Gager-Rose, Independent Director, to the Company’s Compensation Committee, effective 20th March 2025. Mrs. Gager-Rose brings a strong track record in accounting, financial reporting, and corporate governance, which will further strengthen the Compensation Committee’s oversight of executive remuneration and talent management. This appointment enables the Compensation Committee to meet the corporate governance requirements of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Main Market. As TROPICAL advances its planned migration from the Junior Market to the Main Market, the Company is committed to aligning with the highest standards of board independence, transparency, and accountability. The Board of Directors welcomes Mrs. Gager-Rose to her new role and looks forward to her contributions in ensuring that the Company’s compensation framework supports its long-term strategic objectives and sustainable value creation for shareholders.

JMMB Group Limited wishes to advise that Mr. Johann Heaven will be appointed to the Board of Directors of JMMB Group Limited, effective April 4, 2025.  Mr. Heaven is a co-founder of PROVEN Group Limited and is currently the Group CEO of PROVEN Management Limited, the management company of the PROVEN Group. He brings to the JMMB Group over 25 years of experience in finance, planning, and investment functions.  He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder, holds the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, and has a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of London. The JMMB family welcomes Mr. Heaven and looks forward to his contribution to the further success of the JMMB Group.

Jamaica Money Market Brokers Limited is pleased to announce that Mr. Christopher Walker has been appointed to the role of CEO for Jamaica Money Market Brokers Limited effective April 1, 2025. Mr. Walker previously held the role of CEO, JMMB Fund Managers Limited & Group Fund Operations Oversight Officer. Mr. Walker has over twenty-eight (28) years of experience in the financial sector. His qualifications include a BSc in Management and Economics from the University of the West Indies, a Canadian Investment Manager Designation from the Canadian Securities Institute and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool.  The JMMB team looks forward to his continued valuable contribution. Ms Keisha Forbes continues as Country Chief Executive Officer – Jamaica.

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GCT Exemption Threshold for MSMEs Increased to JA$15 Million

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The Government of Jamaica has announced an increase in the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption threshold from $10 million to $15 million for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, in opening the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 11, said the change is aimed at supporting the growth and development of small businesses.

Mrs. Williams said the latest figures from the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) show that there are an estimated 422,000 registered small businesses in Jamaica, generating 80 per cent of the jobs in the Jamaican economy.

“This means 1,136,240 persons in our workforce are employed by MSMEs,” the Finance Minister noted.

In addition, the Minister said the Government has allocated $2 billion to support MSMEs.

“[The sum of] $2 billion is in the Budget for the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to allow them to continue to facilitate sustainable growth of start-ups and MSMEs, and to continue to support women-led initiatives, entrepreneurship training, including digital skills bootcamp,” she outlined.

The DBJ is a public body in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation that channels financing to MSMEs, as well as large projects, to facilitate economic growth and development.

“It will continue to pursue innovative means of mobilising funding and leveraging private-sector investment and expertise through its venture capital programme, as well as public-private partnerships and privatisation transactions,” Mrs. Williams said.

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JA$2 Billion in Support to Jamaican MSMES

“Small business owners have said to me that opening a bank account for their business is difficult. They feel there’s no difference between the requirements for them as MSMEs, as opposed to a very large institution,” she noted.

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The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has been allocated $2 billion in the 2025/26 Estimates of Expenditure to support funding to the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure while delivering the opening presentation in the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 11).

“It (the DBJ) will continue to pursue innovative means of mobilising funding and leveraging private-sector investment and expertise through its venture capital programme, as well as public-private partnerships and privatisation transactions,” she informed.

Mrs. Williams noted the Government’s commitment to the MSME sector, which includes an estimated 422,000 registered small businesses, generating 80 per cent of the jobs in the economy.

Approximately 1,136,240 persons are employed by MSMEs.

The Minister acknowledged that there are several issues facing the sector, including lack of equitable access to financing, high interest rates and cumbersome requirements for opening bank accounts.

“Small business owners have said to me that opening a bank account for their business is difficult. They feel there’s no difference between the requirements for them as MSMEs, as opposed to a very large institution,” she noted.

She pledged to work with Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, to reduce the requirements for the entities to open bank accounts.

The Finance Minister noted, further, that Government will be increasing the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption for small businesses from $10 million to $15 million.

By: Donique Weston JIS

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