Something Extra | Tuesday

With experience comes wisdom. The women we spoke to had so much to impart, from their advice to the next generation, to the importance of sending the elevator back down when you reach to the top. This is your Tuesday dose of Something Extra.

What is your advice for the next generation of women leaders?

Cathy Allen, chief actuary, Sagicor Group Jamaica:

“Whatever your chosen career path, the key is to provide value and do so consistently. Attaining success doesn’t happen overnight, and everyone’s path is different. In this regard, it is patience and focused determination that will see you through. Always do what you know in your heart is right, even though that won’t always be an easy choice.”

How are you helping to empower other women?

Marcia Forbes, executive chairperson and co-founder, Phase 3 Productions:

“Through identifying, mentoring and sponsoring young women, especially university students and entrepreneurs, and creating networking opportunities for them. [Through this] I am able to help them to open up and achieve their potential. Over the years, I’ve mentored several women (and men, as well) in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Sometimes my efforts are almost hidden; however, I find it very fulfilling. One friend describes my ability to empower women as driven by my ‘fearless and confident articulation of any position held’ and sees this as ‘an inspiration for women to do the same and be confident in themselves’. She describes me as a ‘role model of success’ and regards this as a ‘huge empowerment tool’.”

How are you helping to empower other women?

Marjorie Seeberan, a retired banker and director, First Rock:

“As an octogenarian, I often recount to others my life’s long personal and professional journey. You have to pour love into whatever you do to have love reflected back to you. If you love your job, your field of study, your relationships, (then) life’s challenges may become for you just meaningful preparation for your personal summit.”

What cause is dear to your heart?

Myrtis Boothe, founder and director, Medical Disposables and Supplies Limited:

“I entered the profession of nursing because of a deep desire to care for others, to ease their discomfort and dull their pain. Maybe this was born out of witnessing my mother always being in a position where she needed help, and the fact that I have always played the role of caring for others, including my now-deceased younger brother. Even while I transitioned to the business side of things, that has never left me, especially because it still involves a strong element of helping patient-customers or caregivers. I love helping people in a very personal way by detangling any confusion they may have regarding a health crisis, and if I am unable to help directly, simply pointing them in the right direction. The relief that is often visible in their disposition is the reason I have and will always be a nurse, first. I also love any cause attached to the seaside town of Old Harbour Bay, where I was born and raised.