Tuesday, November 29, was memorable for 10 Jamaica College students, all members of the highly-acclaimed robotics club, who participated in a working luncheon which was hosted by Ian Levy, deputy chairman of Supreme Ventures, and four members of the company’s executive. The boys made full use of the three-hour face-to-face, which began with Levy explaining how fortunate they were to be at the school. “The fact that you attend JC,” he said, “puts you ahead of everyone else. Why? Because we were taught that we were leaders, we were lectured more than we were taught so we always believed that we were going to be somebody.” Levy continued, “Going to school then and now is much different, but there are still a lot of opportunities particularly available for Jamaica College students. I want to encourage you to stay in Jamaica, and think of this island as your future.”

The luncheon, handled by Patsy Lyn Caterers, was another successful sitting of the Jamaica Observer’s Applaud It! which, due to overwhelming demand, is now a two-week-long initiative that provides a unique opportunity for Jamaica’s corporate pathfinders to meet the next generation exactly where they are and guide them through social and dining skills.

And this Supreme Ventures did, over a hearty bowl of corn chowder. The future leaders gained insight into the early days of the company. “We started something no one thought about,” said Levy. “We were not first. Indeed, the Jamaica Lottery Company was around, but had a limited amount of outlets; so what we did was flood the island with outlets.” The moral of the story — “to become visionaries and to think differently. “Not because something is not being done, doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Levy stressed.

This was further underscored over the entrée — Chinese stir-fried rice, Chinese roast chicken, sweet and sour fish and crispy roast pork— by Lance Thomas, VP of Finance, who used the example of the blue and red strategy to illustrate the concept :”The blue strategy represents unchartered waters, where you think outside of the box and there are little to no competitors in the game. The red strategy, however, are the industries where there’s a lot of fighting going on for everyone to get to the top.”

Brando Hayden, VP of Strategy, highlighted the island’s potential. “We have a really huge brand coupled with a tremendous amount of talent which continues to be exported across the world. The key is really working hard at what you do and trying to be your best. Think big! Don’t limit yourself or be confined to borders. Everything is at your fingertips; your smartphone offers you access to markets anywhere in the world.”

During dessert — the moistest of carrot cakes — Jason Hall, VP of Marketing, left the boys with homework. “Goal setting is the single most important thing. Do a regret analysis of where you don’t want to be. You have to learn to be disciplined and committed to your vision. Life is full of challenges, and no matter how badly off you think you are, there’s always someone better and worse off than you.”

Even after a hearty three-course meal heaped with inspiration; the young men craved more and sought out the executives for one-on-one advice.

Mission accomplished!