Home: USA. Birthplace: Trinidad. Profession: Attorney/CEO. Organization: LA&CCA. Title: President & CEO. Significant other: My son. Alma mater: University of Western Ontario, University of Exeter, School of Law, University of Connecticut, School of Law, Oxford University. Languages spoken: Native English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Current project: Founded LA&CCA to elevate the capabilities of corporate counsel, champion legal reforms, and advance business interests across Latin America and the Caribbean. This organization can create socio-economic impact on the region with the right partners and collaboration. Recent recognition: I was deeply humbled recently when informing stakeholders of my upcoming departure to hear their appreciation about my impact on the Caribbean & Latin American region over the last five years. Recent professional development: Working with IADB, World Bank and Jamaica Government on developing capabilities in the public sector in Latin America & the Caribbean. Latest contribution to others: Working on creating socio-economic impact for the Latin American & Caribbean legal community. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving from law to management. Hobbies: Gourmet cooking, tennis, reading, traveling, spending time at the beach and listening to music. Recent travel or adventure: Italy. Last book read: The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle; Indistractable, by Nir Eyal.
Personality profile: Humble, funny, witty, empathetic, authentic, loving, thoughtful. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Resilient and Indefatigable. Moral compass: “To whom much is given much is expected.” And, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyalty, supportiveness, trust, a sense of humor and authenticity. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One built on trust, mutual support and transparency. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with loved ones and gourmet cooking. What natural talent have you neglected? Tennis. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Professional chefs and philanthropy. What is at the top of your bucket list? Helping orphanages. How do you relieve stress? Spending time at the beach or working out at the gym. What is your go-to workout? Weight training, rowing, kick boxing, Zumba. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Lack of crowds, the beach or nature.
What was your first paying job? Sales. What was your favorite college course? Philosophy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Monopoly. What book have you repeatedly read? To Kill a Mockingbird. I love the lesson Atticus tries to teach Scout that you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view; until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Serendipity. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? “Be the change you want to see in the world” and pictures of my son. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mother Theresa. What’s the best advice you received growing up? From my mother: treat everyone well, regardless of how they treat you. What’s the best advice you received in your career? From a very good friend: when you are struggling, focus on being of service to others and everything else will fall into place. What company or organization do you most admire? Doctors without borders, UNICEF and Nestle for their creating shared value work. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The financial crisis of 2008 - 2009.
What change would you like to see in the world?
The end of poverty and equal opportunity for all.
What mega-trend most excites you? Gig economy. What mega-trend most concerns you? Resource scarcity.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A prosecutor. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At the beach with everyone I loved, great food and music. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day my son was born. What period in your life would you do differently if you could? None. My challenges, successes and failures have all contributed to the person I am today.
Personal mission: To create a positive impact and be of service in any way that I can.
