MERRICK MICHAEL PLUMMER Vice-President — Corporate Group Sales Sagicor Group Jamaica

What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

My first trek to Kingston was a school trip to the magnificent Ward Theatre to see the pantomime. I was in awe – downtown Kingston, Parade, was simply amazing; the energy was just different; it pulled you in. Had doughnuts for the first time – one whole box of Prestige doughnuts!

What would be top of mind, were you mayor of Kingston for a day?

Order. Cleanliness. Party.

• Good order – all motorists breaking the road code would be slapped with a huge traffic fine.

• Cleanliness drive – I would organise several volunteer teams to remove garbage and solicit many water trucks to give the city streets a proper wash-down.

•Party – we would celebrate our day’s good order and cleanliness activities with a live reggae party in Trench Town – funded by the traffic fines (of course).

What would be your advice to a first time visitor to Kingston?

Explore. Experience the fun, food and fellowship available in abundance throughout Kingston city. Find an authentic dancehall party and enjoy the characters, dress and music that culminate in amazing vibes. Indulge in the street-side (pan chicken) or five-star restaurant options offering true Jamaican cuisine. Go on a walkabout, engage the people – their warmth will welcome you and their natural humour will crack you up.

You were recently promoted to vice president, Group Sales. How has the transition been?

New challenges stimulate me…soh mi a goh hard! It has been very enlightening so far. Most of our Sagicor clients love us through one relationship/business line: that is banking, investment, life insurance or pension. Now that we are looking through wider lenses, my team and I are excited about sharing the value that exists across Sagicor. We want our clients to love us through multiple relationships. Being a one-burner client does not represent the best financial well-being, so we will ensure our clients become financially happier by having multiple relationships across Sagicor business lines!

Did you choose insurance or did insurance choose you?

I was recruited to lead the greatest sales team, so I guess insurance chose me. I have witnessed difficult situations (illness and death) being made more manageable by our clients, and dreams becoming reality because insurance was in place. This is truly a situation where both the insurance advisor and the client can win, so now I choose to promote the career and benefits of insurance wherever I go.

What keeps you motivated?

My family is my motivation. I try to be the best example to them. I am focused on creating a foundation that will bring more success and happiness for them now and in the years to come.

Were you able to spend a weekend with five members of the insurance industry living or dead, who would they be and why?

Hon R Danny Williams – he is a visionary and an entrepreneur who successfully achieved the balance between delivering profits and caring for the community. He has instilled that in Sagicor’s DNA.

Donovan McCalla – stays true to the principle that your integrity is priceless and should never be compromised.

Meila McKitty Plummer – delivering only what is in her clients’ best interest is her winning strategy.

Walter Grant – winning starts with being different, and I quote: “People buy difference not similarity.”

Selena Chin – rose above challenges to experience the dizzying heights of success but remains true to self and humble.

I am convinced that a weekend with this Fab 5 would guarantee priceless inspiration and lessons for lifelong success!

How do you relax?

Cuddling in my wife’s lap and falling asleep to the caress of her “magic fingers”. Also, being one with nature: whether an early-morning visit to the family farm or a drive up into the Blue Mountains, inhaling the fresh air and being amazed by Jamaica’s natural beauty.

What cologne are you currently splashing?

MontBlanc: Legend Spirit

Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

Treat everyone with respect. Life is not perfect but it is still great. Stay positive!