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Lifestyle

Cocktails with Lisandra Rickards

Entrepreneur Development Consultant, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship - Caribbea

Sunday, March 03, 2013



What are you sipping?

I'm drinking Appleton V/X and Ginger Ale with freshly squeezed lime. I like to keep my cocktails simple and refreshing, I'm not a fan of the sweet stuff.

What kind of day are you having?

A full one! It started with a Google Hangout call with the team at the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship about our upcoming e-zine, writing a new post for my blog and finishing up the second to last chapter of my book. I also have three strategy consulting clients, so I dedicate time each day to working on their projects as well. Finally, I'm on the planning committee of the Kingston Book Festival and had to finalise my interview with our keynote speaker Christopher John Farley for our advertising supplement in the Jamaica Observer.

Jeans or LBD?

I love dresses and rarely wear jeans, so LBD all the way.

Flats or stilettos?

I used to be a stilettos girl, but these days I wear flats a lot more.

Who does your hair?

Either Vonessa's or Shanette.

Who does your nails?

Diva Salon in Sovereign Centre.

What perfume are you wearing?

D&G No 2 - L'Imperatrice.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic. Clean lines and simple silhouettes, with a pop of colour.

During your first year at Harvard Business School you were featured in the CNBC documentary The Money Chase: Inside Harvard Business School. Describe the experience...

It was amazing. The crew came to Jamaica to film, and followed me around a bit during my first four months at HBS. I ended up being featured for the first 15 minutes of the video. The documentary aired on CNBC and MSNBC, and was on rotation on Jetblue and American Airlines at its peak. Since it aired in 2008, I've received so many messages asking for more of my story, that I decided to write a book about my experience from growing up in Jamaica to what has happened after Harvard.

You are currently in the process of writing your memoir and are a part of the planning committee for the upcoming Kingston Book Festival. As a transitioning corporate executive, what has the reception been from persons in the corporate world?

My background and skills have been honed for a corporate career, so to give that up to pursue a more creative path was very difficult internally. I don't think I could have done it without the advice of my mentors in the corporate world, who have been exceptionally encouraging. They told me to just go for it.

After I made the decision, I came across a part-time role at the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in Montego Bay that was a great combination of my business background and my need for creativity. I help train our creative, entrepreneurial talent in Jamaica to excel in a competitive world. The part-time role also gives me free time to write my book, consult, and work on my own venture.

I also wanted to get more involved in the writing scene here in Jamaica, and approached Kellie Magnus to offer some help with the Kingston Book Festival. The festival starts today (March 3) and is full of amazing speakers and events, so please come out and support.

How long have you been a writer?

I have wanted to be a writer since prep school, but in 6th form at Campion College, I decided that I should acquire skills that would help grow our economy instead. I switched out of Literature and into Economics and Math during the first term of 6th form. It's only been in the past three or four years that the urge to write has become so powerful that I could no longer ignore it. Since then I have launched my own blog, co-founded an online magazine that had 30 contributors, and almost finished writing a 200-page book.

Are you a romantic comedy or action adventure type of gal?

I love to go to the cinema to watch big-budget action adventure movies, but when I'm at home, I'm more of a romantic comedy gal.

What bad habit would you most like to put in your rear view mirror?

I fall asleep way too early — like 9:00 pm early. My friends are always complaining.

Who inspires you?

Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. She is a woman who does it all - wife, mother, and billionaire Silicon Valley executive.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

Someone I can trust who is generous with his time and affection.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

A fancy dinner with roses, wine, and great conversation.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Happily married. A best-selling author and founder of a successful publishing company. I'll also still be working with the entrepreneurs at the Branson Centre, giving back to this country by helping to grow our entrepreneurial class.



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