One would be dangerously mistaken to judge Shelly-Ann Curran solely by her diminutive stature. Short, yes; but, a tall order of grit, passion and forthrightness. The former corporate executive-turned-integrated marketing and communications consultant and talent manager is in work mode — attired in a floral print kimono, high-waisted jeans and tank top — at a party last Wednesday for her client, 2015 Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall winner Devin Di Dakta, hosted by the popular tonic wine company at the Big Yard recording studio. Curran is ready to gab with us on her roles as boss, mother, and sometimes ‘hothead’.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

Hennessy and cranberry juice.

Which five words encapsulate the essence of you?

Unpredictable, animated, provocative, persevering and mother.

You’re a take-no-prisoners kind of boss lady. Does your vulnerable side ever present itself in your management style?

I love people and I am most vulnerable when it comes to family and my artistes wanting to support theirs.

You manage artistes with a dancehall-and-reggae-flavoured sound. But which artiste or genre would we be taken aback to discover you’re a huge fan of?

I was introduced to Neil Diamond by my dad Owen Brown. I grew up listening to and appreciating his music. September Morning, Hot August Night, Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, those were songs I came to adore. I’ve travelled the world to see Diamond in concert four times and I light up each time!

There’s now an outcry from women, and men, coming forward with sexual assault claims in the North American media and entertainment industries. What’s your view on the state of affairs regarding sexual assault within your profession here?

Sexual assault is unfortunately not just a problem in our music but in our culture. We definitely need to have more open discussion in schools with our boys and girls to help them to understand right and wrong. Regrettably, our culture and our music create blurred lines about right and wrong when it comes to sex.

As a mother what are your finest and worst character traits?

I love very hard and I want the best for my kids and anyone around me. That often also makes me over-anxious and they would label me a ‘hothead’ on account of this, as I am always pushing for persons to do their best.

What’s the best film you’ve seen this year?

I am a CNN junkie. I can’t think of a better film than the reality TV that is the news these days!

The ideal man would…

…go to every corner of my spiritual and thought process and fully understand who I represent. There is a very deep side of me that no one has taken the time to explore. He would bring me breakfast in bed and always support me, no matter what.

In an act of betrayal, is it better to completely sever ties or forgive and mend the relationship?

It depends on the act, but forgiveness is always an option for me.

I am most content when…

…I’m at home in bed surrounded by my kids.

Where does Shelly-Ann’s forecasted life path find her in 2027?

My kids will be happy and my company, John John Music, will be a powerhouse in the local music industry, providing a well-needed platform for local artistes to break through on the international scene through successful musical collaboration. And I’ll definitely be married!