Four Caribbean leaders share their top insights

Originally published on June 16, 2017 on Virgin.com by  Jack Preston.

Have a watch to see what happened when Virgin Atlantic’s Andre Bello was joined on stage by Lisandra Rickards (Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean, CEO), Dr. Eudiene Barriteau (Principal at the University of West Indies), Dr. Juliet Skinner (Head of The Barbados Fertility Clinic) and Gervase Warner, Group CEO at Massy Holdings Ltd at the recent Business is an Adventure event in Barbados.

The quartet were on hand to discuss the challenges and opportunities of modern leadership, each with their own unique experiences to share. Below are some of the key takeaways from the talk. Why not have a watch and let us know below what really resonated with you.

Decide on the culture you want to create – Lisandra Rickards

“When you first become a manager you face an instant problem – on your first day in the job you may not feel any different, but everyone will be looking at your differently. They will expect an instant change,” notes Lisandra.”You will have to quickly decide on what sort of culture you want to grow and encourage in your team as they will want to hear it.”

Leadership is all about surrender – Dr. Eudiene Barriteau

“Being a leader requires a lot of surrender, it’s something which many people don’t realise,” explains Dr. Barriteau. “You need to surrender your ego and your own priorities when you become a leader. You are ultimately responsible for all of the good and all of the bad that comes out of your team, so encourage more of the good and get out of the way to allow it to happen.”

Be a force for good – Gervase Warner

“For some time the Massy Group of companies have been trying to ensure that business is a positive force for good, that’s starts with the people at the top – the leaders. It’s not just good for the customers and the staff, but society as a whole. Business can be an example of great leadership – showing people they way we want our countries to be led.”