Branch Manager, Sagicor Life Montego Bay

What awards did you collect at the Sagicor 45th Annual Corporate Awards? How did it feel to be recognised?

Our branch collected three: the Conservation, Policy Delivery and President’s Trophy Awards. They are really branch-driven and are representative of the hard work put in by the industrious team of the Montego Bay branch. It means the team did well and I am totally satisfied with the outcome of their performance for 2014.

How long has your tenure been in the insurance industry?

Twenty-four years. I have worked with Life of Jamaica and Sagicor Group Jamaica for 13 years.

What attracted you to the industry in the first instance?

The ability to serve and provide good service. There’s that great sense of satisfaction when you’re able to be there for your clients when they need it most.

What has kept you at Sagicor for more than a decade?

It’s the quality of life — the work life, the quality of products that our company provides for the insurance market, and the growth opportunities.

Enlighten us about the personal and professional lessons learnt as a manager.

You cannot take yourself too seriously and you have to understand the uniqueness of each individual, and know that everyone plays a signficant role in the overall success of the operation.

What do you consider your best and worst character traits?

I give people an opportunity to succeed. I can be patient and in the same breath, I can be intolerant when it comes on to mediocrity. I don’t settle for nonsense.

What is your beverage of choice?

A glass of scotch.

What’s the most memorable meal you’ve enjoyed in Montego Bay?

The signature curried goat at The Pelican Grill.

What would you do if you were the mayor of Montego Bay?

I would certainly try to improve the quality of the town and have it better structured and organised so that things can have a freer flow through the town.

What is your favourite spot to unwind in Montego Bay?

Typically I head to the outskirts of MoBay but when I’m in the city, I go to Blue Beat.

What cologne are you splashing?

Right now, it’s Givenchy Gentleman.

Share the title of the last book you read.

The One Thing by Gary W Keller and Jay Papasan.

What singer or album are you currently jamming to?

I must confess I’m a Buju Banton fan. Old-school Buju.

Shareyour favourite places in your travel black book.

I love the crispness of the air in Oslo, Norway; I like the Nordic states in Sweden — Gothenburg and Stockholm — they are quaint and relaxed but very sophisticated; and I like Denmark because the people are unique.

Manhattan is my favourite city, though.

What was your last major retail splurge?

I just changed my phone. I got the Galaxy Note 4.

What is your philosophy?

Even the most difficult can be achieved. It’s the impossible that takes a little longer.