We spot the vivacious banker Avril Leonce catching up with business associates and friends last Tuesday evening at the Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in New Kingston. She is, too, in the mood for a chat.

What finds you at the Rotary Club of New Kingston’s social this evening?

I was invited by the club as we share a common goal, that of impacting our surrounding community of New Kingston through special projects.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

I enjoy a good Scotch whiskey and preferably on the rocks.

You’re a bank manager in the New Kingston business district. How would you describe your customers?

Our customers are generally highly sophisticated and knowledgeable and demand excellent service.

Banking customers are generally peeved with the assorted fees they have to pay to utilise financial services. How does Scotiabank treat such issues?

Banking fees are not unique to Scotiabank, and there is a high cost attached to providing financial services, contrary to public opinion. We therefore compensate by providing and creating value for customers through offerings from our full suite of products, superior service, and ultra convenience.

What spurred your interest to work within the financial industry?

I saw the financial industry as one which could provide tremendous opportunity for growth, personal development and mobility within and outside of the region.

What have been some of your most rewarding moments as a bank manager?

Sometimes we underestimate our ability to influence and make a difference, and seeing how little gestures to help that we generally take for granted can create such a huge, positive impact on people is a really good feeling. Also, meeting and exceeding objectives despite numerous challenges is very rewarding!

What have been your most trying times for you, personally and professionally?

Personally, 2013 was a year I would love to forget, having to deal with the sudden passing of my mom after finding out she was sick just a couple months before. It really forced me to look at life differently and showed me how priorities can change in the blink of an eye.

Professionally, I have been blessed to have a great career and working relationships; however, the last year proved to be most challenging in terms of influencing behavioural changes in a dynamic environment, in trying to achieve a common level of commitment and focus on what adds value at the end of the day. Sometimes it’s not what you do but instead how you do it that counts. Change requires doing things differently.

What perfume are you spraying?

Mont Blanc Legend.

Who does your hair?

I do, mostly! Can you tell? (Lol.) However, I do visit Roxanne’s when I want a great colour and haircut and Salon Innovation for the occasional texturising.

Who does your nails?

Suzie… and I couldn’t even tell you her last name. She does house visits and is ultra reliable. I just send her a WhatsApp message and there she is at my doorstep.

What’s playing on your iPod or car stereo?

I alternate between soca, hip hop and R&B.

What are your must-have travel essentials?

My iPhone and iPad, sweater, running shoes, a pair of flip-flops, jeans, earrings, shorts, my meds, and of course my Scotia Visa Advantage credit card and debit card. Never leave home without them.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

There are quite a few:

Believe in yourself and take nothing for granted. Be thankful for what you have, and make the most of every opportunity. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Never try to change people. One of my mantras though, is the serenity prayer: God grant me the ability to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

The perfect date is spending quality time with someone who makes you feel like the rest of the world doesn’t exist when they are with you. And there’s no other place you would rather be at that point in time. That said, the perfect date could be either doing something fun and adventurous or just relaxing indoors or outdoors. I appreciate simplicity.

And your take on the perfect man?

Hmm…there’s no such thing as the perfect man. But I do believe that you can create perfection in imperfection. However, I do appreciate a good sense of humour and someone who is fun to be around. There has to be great chemistry, and they must have an appreciation for keeping fit and living a healthy lifestyle. Someone who makes me feel special, loved and appreciated and with whom I am able to let my hair down at all times.

Who is your professional idol?

I would have to say Barack Obama, as he has really given the word “believe” a whole new meaning, in never falling short in his belief in his capabilities, drive and determination to become the president of the United States against such odds.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Professionally, I see myself working either in a regional, more strategic role or out of the region, yet still within the financial industry. Personally, having a love for travel, I would have hoped to have conquered at least six of the nine wonders of the world by then.

Handbag Essentials

MAC lipgloss

Business card holder

Italian-bought leather purse

iPhone 5

BlackBerry

Eclipse Spearmint

Car keys