Dr Sophia Gordon stands out even in a crowd of industry movers and shakers. Always impeccably groomed, this evening is no exception. She’s chic in the season’s hot colour: winter white — it’s an elegant LWD by Calvin Klein — and her camel-coloured Louis Vuitton clutch is the perfect finish. We invite her to share cocktails with us.

What are you drinking?

I am drinking Moët-Chandon, responsibly.

What kind of evening are you having?

I am having a pleasant, relaxing evening with colleagues and associates.

What was Sophia Gordon like as a child?

As a child I was fun, engaging and super-hungry to learn new things. I was also keen on doing things at a high standard.

And today, as an adult?

As an adult, I am more or less an extension of that focused, adaptable “people-centric” profile I had as a child. With maturity and experience, these traits are supported by humility and well-developed emotional intelligence.

You play an integral role in defining J Wray & Nephew Limited — A Gruppo Campari Company — as one of Kingston’s respected brands. How do you see this transforming the landscape?

Our company is about “great brands and great people”. I play an integral role in bringing all our teams together to support this mission. As the HR director, each day I partner with my leadership team, functional teams and the wider staff complement to devise the best solutions to live daily our company mantra of “great brands and great people”. As we continue to leverage the partnership between brands and people, this will transform the landscape internally and externally.

You have just completed your doctoral thesis while working full-time in a super-demanding job. What tips can you share for those who are often challenged by the very notion of work and study?

To work and study is a challenge but definitely doable. I completed my doctoral degree June of this year and, yes it was a challenging five-year journey that has taught me a lot.

The starting point to achieving success with studying and working simultaneously is that you absolutely have to be self-motivated with a fierce sense of tenacity. Also, it is much easier to study an area that you like, can use while working and an area that is aligned to your passion, career path or business projects you will undertake.

Another tip is that you have to be organised and very good at time management — know how to switch off from work zone to study zone and plan times to read and research (eg at nights and weekends). Last, but not least, you should prepare your family and friends for the “less time spent” syndrome that will happen during this phase. With supportive family and friends the journey is smoother. It was possible for me because I had a strong support system.

‘Women are in key positions in corporate Jamaica but seldom have the real power’ are words often bandied around. What are your thoughts on this?

This is a well-debated topic with no one answer and has some cultural flair to it. On the surface this statement may seem true but it may be viewed differently based on how you perceive “real power” or leadership in general. For me, “real power” comes from the ability to lead through influencing others. Real power is not about the title of the key position one holds, but rather how one can influence others to achieve desired outcomes — that is powerful. I believe many women in corporate Jamaica who are in key positions are able to do this, even if they are not seen or they are not at the front of the line.

How does Dr Sophia Gordon unwind?

I jog to unwind — I am most relaxed after a 30-minute run. I also like to unwind listening to music (eg Michael McDonald, Beres Hammond) and lyming with my friends.

Who does your hair?

My hair is done by freelance hairdresser Kingsley Davis.

And your nails?

Marsha at Curlers salon.

How would you describe your style?

My style is clean lines, comfortable and classic.

Are you more comfortable in jeans or an LBD?

I am very comfortable in both jeans and an LBD. I, however, love to wear high heels and so I would choose an LBD over jeans.

What are your handbag essentials?

I do not wear a lot of make-up but I always wear lip gloss or lip stain. My handbag always has Eve Pearl lipstick (Amaretto) or MAC lipgloss. My other essentials are my cellphone and business card holder.

Who’s your go-to designer and why?

I like classic structured dresses and clutches. My go-to designer for structured dresses is Calvin Klein (I am actually wearing Calvin Klein now). For clutch handbags, I like Louis Vuitton as the pieces tend to be versatile and timeless.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

(Laughing) Perfection is elusive. I prefer to use the term “ideal”. My idea of an “ideal” man is someone who has similar values to mine: witty, puts family first, respects himself and others and is able to make me laugh.

Describe the perfect date.

My perfect date is outdoors, without loud fanfare and allows for authentic interaction.

What will Dr Sophia Gordon be doing 10 years from now?

Ten years from now I see myself adding significant value in the fields of organisational leadership and human resources at both the corporate and academic levels.

Finally, what’s your philosophy?

I tend to be pragmatic and adaptable. My survival philosophy is that every situation can be leveraged for value. The key is to identify the “learnings” or opportunity. Put another way — if in a situation I am given only limes, I look for the value I can get from them and move forward with action: I may make lemonade or use them for astringent. The key, for me, is value creation.