We’re upstairs the CPJ Market inside the elegant CRU lounge enjoying cocktails and easy convo with Chorvelle Johnson the elegant and vivacious president & CEO of Proven Wealth. She might very well be one of our country’s most powerful women, but this former teacher at Kingston Technical High School is well grounded and focused on a higher calling.

What are you sipping?

I’m having coconut water.

What kind of day are you having?

A typical day for me starts off with in-house meetings with various teams to ensure that we are on track to achieving our goals. These meetings can start as early as 7:30 am. Of course the central focus is our customers, what their needs are and what we can do to ensure that these are met. Visits will also be scheduled to meet with current or prospective customers at their homes or business places. In between all of this I make time to touch base with my immediate family and close friends and use the opportunity to slow down, take a step back and get grounded.

Jeans or LBD?

Both.

Flats or stilettos?

Both, because of my lifestyle.

Who does your hair?

Jus Natural.

Who does your nails?

I have a nail technician whose name is Tammara Brown.

What perfume are you wearing?

Bvlgari.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’d say laid-back.

What are you listening to on your iPod or car stereo?

Oh, I’m listening to some Bob Marley. The best of Bob Marley.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

My perfect date would be to have a gentleman cook for me to set the stage. I’d get one of my movies preferably with Samuel L Jackson or Denzel Washington. I love action-packed movies. Of course, some candle lights and good conversation.

What book is on your bedside table?

My Bible and my recipe book Simply Vegan, The Jamaican Way. There’s also the Harvard Business Review.

Who in business do you most admire?

Locally I have two mentors: Garry Sinclair from LIME Jamaica and Peter Bunting.

Why Garry Sinclair and Peter Bunting?

They teach you how to go about achieving your goals but to have fun doing it and to stay focused. They let you know that whatever in life you want to achieve you can, once you put the work and the energy into it. In addition, they are huge motivators. They teach you how to motivate your team which is important to me.

What’s your business credo?

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. That’s actually my life’s credo, it goes for business as well as personal life.

Peter Bunting, chairman of Proven, said this of you: “Chorvelle is a top-notch team builder who has a tremendous ability to mould teams into customer service champions.” How would you describe your leadership style?

Just that. It’s laid back, focused. I think it’s best to ask my staff to describe it. I would allow my team members to make their own decisions. I am always there to guide them. There is no excuse for no success. It’s all about the team for me. I don’t go up and say ‘I am building Proven’, it’s the team that is building Proven.

You are the author of Simply Vegan, The Jamaican Way. What major change have you observed making this lifestyle change?

I feel lighter; that is just the bottom line.

Can a woman have it all?

For me, my ‘all’ might not necessarily be yours. I don’t know if I can say that I have it all, but what I can say is that I am content and happy in the life I’m living. I’m working with a company that works hard and we play extremely hard. I have a book that is out,that in my lifetime I wouldn’t dream of being an author and it makes a huge difference. I have a partner who understands and accepts me for who I am and when the tough times come along, he is there to encourage me.

Who inspires you?

My parents. More than anybody else, they know me and they’ve always taught me to go for whatever I want and just to keep focused. I have seen how they worked hard in life.

What three tips do you use to live a balanced life?

1. Eat properly, whatever that is, exercise daily.

2. Whichever god you serve, make sure you are in touch daily.

3. Have one hour out of the day for me time. That is very important.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Retired! Travelling the world! And having five more books out!