It’s the 32nd annual Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Awards banquet, and we spot the delightful third vice-president of the business development non-profit and awards organising committee chair Cathrine Kennedy, amidst the who’s who of the Jamaican business community, coolly monitoring the fruits of her and her team’s hard work as the event fashionably and seamlessly eases into its pre-ceremony cocktail hour. Armed with a refreshing cocktail we escort the Jamaica Observer Food Awards judge and GraceKennedy group chief risk officer, draped in a shimmering Ralph Lauren gown with an equally glitzy BCBG clutch, from the plush red carpet to one of several swathed, bouquet-topped bistro tables to catch up on all things Cathrine.

What are you sipping?

Vodka soda water…I try to keep it simple.

What kind of day are you having?

It’s been pretty busy but I’m happy with how the event has turned out, thanks to the amazing work of the JCC Awards Organising Committee.

What are your beauty essentials?

A facial and a massage once a month. The former is to fight the ravages of our environment and the latter is for my own sanity.

Describe your personal style.

It depends on the occasion, but I try to err on the side of modern classics.

Who does your hair?

Adolph Raynor.

Who does your nails?

Racquel Leslie.

LBD or jeans?

I tend to wear both, but at heart I think I’m an LBD kind of girl.

Flats or stilettos?

I would wear stilettos all the time — were it practical — but I always try to have a chic pair of flats on call in case my feet fail me.

What perfume are you wearing?

Fragonard Belle de Nuit.

What’s playing on your iPod?

A Latin music playlist…I’m feeling nostalgic about my time in Spain.

Does being the fourth-generation “legacy” of the family that bears the name of the company that you represent as CRO come with its own unique commitments?

Not really. My work commitments are directly related to my position. However, I am very aware of the moral responsibility that I have to represent my family well and the values that have been a part of who we are for generations; such as humility, honesty, egalitarianism, hard work and, community development.

You’re a self-proclaimed foodie and an experienced Jamaica Observer Food Awards judge. Outside of the assembly line of delectable Rock-tastic cuisine and the interfacing with the very best of the island’s culinary landscape, what do you enjoy most about the aforementioned platform?

I would have to say the camaraderie with my fellow judges. Everyone brings something different to the table which makes the judging a very well-rounded exercise. Plus, I genuinely like every single person there which makes the whole process a hell of a lot of fun.

What is the next frontier for the business landscape in Jamaica, and how will social media play a role?

The next frontier for Jamaica is international trade. Jamaica and the Caribbean are relatively small markets and we have to become much more focused on readying our products and services to be internationally competitive. Social media specifically, and technology in general, will play a vital role in making the international markets and consumers available to us.

Risk has a bad reputation of encouraging crippling anxiety and being fodder for steer-’em-straight cautionary tales. Does it ever pay to walk on the wild side in the arena of business?

Absolutely! However, that strategy can be very fickle. A risk taker that is successful repeatedly does what he can to manage the risks inherent in the opportunity that he is pursuing. If you ignore and don’t plan for what could make your venture fail, you haven’t done your part in ensuring success.

We have transported you to the cinematic universe of the 1999 cult-classic The Matrix — will it be the blue pill or red pill?

The red pill. I’ve never thought that ignorance was bliss. I find a great deal of satisfaction in facing my challenges and overcoming them.

Who is your inspiration?

My family. I’ve been truly blessed to have wonderful parents and an extended family of amazing individuals who have done so much to build their community.

Where do you go to unwind?

Port Antonio.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

A very good friend who is confident in himself.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

A fantastic meal with just the two of us and great conversation.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I would like to be continuing to do my part to build GraceKennedy and Jamaica with a family, of my own.

Handbag Essentials

* BCBG clutch

* First Global Bank debit card

* Make Up For Ever

Professional Paris

Lip Stain/Gloss Combo

* Samsung Galaxy S4

* Business card

* MAC Cosmetics Foundation