STEPHANIE Harrison is assistant VP marketing at Mayberry Investments. We caught up with her to talk about her life, career, and some advice for women entering the field.

AW: What was your first job?

SH: My first job was at the age of 13 years old, handing out fliers at a GraceKennedy road show. My mother was a single parent and she believed that teaching me responsibility at such a young age would mould me to be independent and responsible for my actions. I knew that you had to be disciplined and committed to anything you put your mind to in order to achieve your goals in life.

AW: What would you say is your best career achievement to date?

SH: My greatest accomplishment is this year’s promotion to assistant vice-president of marketing. I began working for Mayberry in a marketing officer role seven years ago and gradually excelled to digital marketing manager, then to senior manager. Now, I lead the department of one of the premier financial institutions in Jamaica. I attribute this success to my dedication, my drive, my knowledge, my positive attitude, and my development approach.

AW: When would you say you have worked the hardest?

SH: One of the most challenging projects I had to work on was in 2019. I had to implement and execute the company’s digital marketing and communications efforts in the Government of Jamaica’s divestment of the largest wind farm in the Caribbean, Wigton Windfarm Limited.

That transaction set many precedences, and I’m truly grateful to have been an integral part of that historical IPO (initial public offering).

AW: What is your go-to thing for motivation?

SH: I love to travel. It facilitates a process of introspection, allowing me to reflect on my own emotional and mental well-being. That’s the time when I finally get the distance away from all the demands of my daily activities and responsibilities. Even the benefit of flying on an airplane without Wi-Fi; finally the chance to disconnect, gives me a chance to open up and free my mind.

I believe that one of the biggest benefits of travelling is the enlightenment and exposure it brings — learning about different cultures, different modes of living, and to expand my mind about the world, trends and humanity.

AW: What is your advice to young women who are looking to pursue a career in your field?

SH: Learn to accept criticism. Don’t stop learning. Be independent and a team player at the same time.

It’s hard at times to hear that your skills are not as polished as you thought. When someone gives you feedback that’s not what you want to hear, leave your emotions out of it and use their feedback as an opportunity to grow and better your skills over time. It’s important to always have a positive attitude at anything that you do; it’s always a growing experience. Similarly, realise that you are going to make mistakes along the way. Make sure to learn from them.

One of the most valuable job skills you can bring to any profession is being able to work independently when needed but also know when you need to collaborate and be part of the team. Teamwork makes the dream work!