Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT) president Judy Joseph Mc Sween says "the creation of successful and responsible leaders is a process that finds root during the formative years of life." She made this comment during a luncheon to mark International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8. She addressed a gathering, including female Chiefs of Mission resident in Trinidad and Tobago. It was held in conjunction with title sponsor RBC Royal Bank. They were gathered to witness "Conversations with the Chiefs of Mission" that centred around its 2012 theme-Connecting Girls: Inspiring Futures. The Trinidad and Tobago Art Society displayed its collection at the IWD luncheon. The sold -out audience included 400 female executives and entrepreneurs, and included almost 100 students. Mc Sween also spoke about the diversity of professional, geographical and age of the attendees, and the excellent networking opportunity the forum provided. She advised them to be keep an open mind to the "nuggets" of wisdom the Chiefs of Mission shared. AFETT highlighted the lives of the Chiefs of Mission-from playground to diplomatic corridors.
Stay true to values
Harriett Thornhill, regional president personal banking, Caribbean Banking RBC, shared personal elements from her journey to success, which included her early childhood in Barbados and growing up in the United Kingdom and Canada. She stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with strong and positive role models. "From the Parliament to the boardroom, the once much-talked-about glass ceiling is continuously shattered as women demonstrate they will not be barred from achieving their dreams because of their gender," Thornhill said.
Coping with life issues
A panel discussion was moderated by Prof Rhoda Reddock. High Commissioner for Canada Karen Mc Donald, Venezuelan Ambassador Maria Eugenia Casado Marcano, US Ambassador Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, and European Union Charge d' Affaires Daniela Tamacere engaged the attention of the attendees with a refreshingly, disarming blend of humility, candour and humour. Also in attendance were Netherlands Ambassador Lucita Moeniralam; South African High Commissioner Maureen Modiselle; Suriname Charges D'Affaires Marcia Refernm; and UNDP Representative, Dr Marcia De Castro. Issues as work life balance, coping with transitions to a new country and new culture, life choices, dealing with mistakes, overcoming personal and professional obstacles were dug out of the proverbial closet and discussed. A common thread from these working class citizens was desire to make a difference not only in their individual lives, but in the lives of the people they encountered.
Nuggets of Wisdom
• Ordinary people can do extraordinary things
• When I make a decision from within, that I know is right, never view it as a sacrifice or with regret
• Do not let the job manage me, rather I should manage the job
• Don't be afraid to seize an opportunity
• Never underestimate the power of a simple "Thank You"
• Life is a journey. Don't expect to reach to the top overnight
• Having short, medium and long term goals and living each day towards accomplishing these goals is a sure way to be successful during and at the end of life's journey