Something Extra | Friday

Oscar Wilde once said, “The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.” We asked women to share the best piece of advice they’ve received from other women. The result – adages that served to guide the respondents on the journey of womanhood.

Nadene Alexander, baker:

“Two pieces of advice given to me by my grandmother are: One, there are no failures in life, only lessons. So, no matter what you’re doing, just do it to the very best of your ability. Everything happens for a reason; and two, no matter what you do, stay true to yourself, for only you can make yourself happy.”

Katherine P. C. Francis, senior vice-president, legal, regulatory and compliance, Supreme Ventures Group:

“Well, I really received two; one from my mother: as a woman, you set the standard – excellence – and whenever you reach the top, always remember to send the elevator back down and help another woman. Women have a vital role to play in any industry that they decide to pursue, and part of that is to maintain a standard of excellence. We owe it to ourselves to do our best and blaze a trail wherever we go. We have just as much potential for success, even if we find ourselves in less-than-favourable environments and situations – our tenacity is the true strength of a woman, especially us Jamaican women. And when we persevere and win, it is our duty to seek to help other women who are on the same path, to guide them with the wisdom we have acquired through our experiences. For me, personal success makes an even bigger impact if it can create a path for others to follow and actualise their own success.”

Donna Hurmal, senior account manager, C&W Business Jamaica:

“The best advice that I received was to always find the balance between my professional and personal lives. Both areas significantly impact growth and development, but one should never be sacrificed for the benefit of the other. If you are like me, then you do everything with passion. This means that finding a balance sometimes becomes a struggle. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that things can change in an instant. Therefore, we need to take care of our body, mind and spirit, and that means finding balance daily.”