Corporate Spotlight: Christopher Williams

CHRISTOPHER Williams possesses over 20 years’ experience in merchant and investment banking, asset management and stock brokerage. We got the chance to catch up with him and gain some insight on some of his effective working methods, inspirational figures and moments of joy.

Q: Proven has experienced substantial growth, particularly in the last five years. What moments in the company’s ascension make you feel most proud?

A: When we stepped out in January 2010 to solicit investors, Jamaica and the world were coming off of a financial meltdown. The country had just agreed to a debt exchange; a few ponzi schemes were fresh in people’s minds and there was just so much uncertainty. That’s actually how we came up with the name PROVEN because we were intentional about communicating our solid principles as a business. With all those factors, we were still able to get 150 individuals to come on board and support the dream and vision, so I am extremely proud of that. Another moment of great importance was when we listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). It is many a CEO’s dream to experience an opportunity such as that. Also, meeting with the various heads of states in different Caribbean islands such as Cayman, Bermuda, Bahamas and have them welcome and encourage the expansion of our brand has truly been heartwarming.

Q: What are some ways you would like to see businesses in the Caribbean reshape their vision for the future?

A: Firstly, locally we need to shift our outlook to one where Jamaica is viewed as a base of operation instead of a place of operation. When we limit our thinking to the latter, we tend to get boxed in as to the possibilities being only limited to our island. But when you think of Jamaica as being a base of operation, you are more inclined to think globally as it relates to your reach. So I would recommend that everyone replace the term place with base.

Q: Which is the most important business risk you’ve taken, and why?

A: That would definitely be PROVEN in terms of my own personal risk. I gave up a comfortable job so I could delve into a whole new world and pitch an idea to a group of persons who I hoped would see the vision I had. As a company, calculated investments are of utmost importance. As it relates to the risk profile of all our investments, we try to bring it down to the same level. Due to the fact that we’re a growing company, the size of the investment may vary, but we always eliminate the risks in the same calculated manner. Whether it’s taking on a construction project in Jamaica or it’s buying a feed mill in Barbados, we assess the risks and then seek to cauterise them. That puts us in a very comfortable position by the time we draw the cheque.

Q: What are the attributes that have helped you lead your team successfully during the pandemic period?

A: Our mantra during that period was ‘stay woke’, which essentially means to stay (financially) fit, stay nimble and stay aware. The fitness spoke to our cash position and the extent of our leverage. Staying nimble meant being responsive to all the calls we were getting and staying aware meant keeping in touch. For us that was keeping abreast of current affairs, reading a lot and always gathering information which was what allowed us to spot opportunities during that time. Those opportunities included significant real estate acquisitions and three business acquisitions. So PROVEN was in fact growing through the pandemic period based on those principles that we followed.

Q: What are the top three attributes of a successful leader?

A: Optimism, calmness and trust (for one’s team).

It’s critical for a leader to demonstrate a level of ‘brighteyeness’ to their team, which is infectious. If you are excited and always looking forward to the future, that will be transferred to those around you. Many years ago, Dr Aggrey Irons, who I considered to be a coach to me during that period of my life, shared that the best decisions are always made when one is as close to their resting heart rate as possible. You want to balance efficiency and effectiveness while remaining calm because that is the ultimate performance metric. That bit of information is always at the top of my mind. And the third top attribute for me is the ability to listen to and trust your team. There’s a tendency to want to do everything and it’s just not possible. When that is accepted, the focus now shifts to coaching and empowering, so that the team can perform at their best.

Q: Who do you look towards for inspiration and mentorship?

A: I have a trusted group of persons who for many years have been providing guidance and mentorship and I swear by their input because they have shown me so many times that they have my best interest at heart. I have learned the value of such a group and I am very grateful to be able to continuously work with them. My business partner at PROVEN, who is Peter Bunting, has been a key mentor because I have been under his guidance for 25 years. Danny R Williams is also another key contributor to my growth over the years. If you are able to identify a good mentor that you can trust, and with whom you can exercise patience, you can never go wrong. A mentor isn’t there to be a yes person and many times I have had to go left when my intentions were to go right – based on their input. But I do that because the experience I know they possess is so valuable. I will also bounce a lot of our business ideas off my wife and children because while they don’t have as much exposure to the business industry, they have good insight and I find their contribution to be very valuable as well.

LET’S TALK TALENT: HR TIPS FOR CREATING A ‘CALM CULTURE’

A meditative mental workout only takes a few minutes, and can be done anywhere. Encourage team members to utilise pause moments during their work day. Remind them to take walks, exercise deep breathing and sharing light moments with each other.

HR THINK TANK: The Power of Calm

PERSONAL performance metrics vary from person to person. However, being able to stay calm under pressure is arguably one of the most desired attributes necessary for sustainable success in business. It is impossible to victoriously run a marathon without a calm mind and demeanour. While discipline, perseverance and initiative are major keys in moving the needle for any occupational pursuit; the ability to remain calm when things get tough is bar none. It may feel counter intuitive to some, especially since hustle culture is continuously glorified. But how does one stay calm during the tough and challenging moments?

Take a Breath

Seems pretty simple, right? That’s because it is. The next time it feels as if stress is becoming overwhelming, take a deep breath! It can be tough to remember to do this because of how unassuming it appears, but it is quite effective when done correctly.

Write a List

Grab a pen and a piece of paper and practice what is commonly known as mind dumping. Looping thoughts apparently reinforce negativity and so getting them out of your head means your mind can find some ease and accommodate new, solution oriented thoughts.

Get Moving

Another seemingly counter intuitive idea that works wonders! Calmness is not restricted to crossed legged meditative yoga poses. Whether it’s walking, jogging or swimming – releasing those endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your mood.

Practice Gratitude

Sometimes what we need is a little perspective. Getting caught up in a daily rut can have us far removed from our growth and progress. Take some time to reflect on the goals you have achieved in the past and celebrate the accomplishment you are most proud of, both big and small.

Carve out White Space

Time to think is underrated. Sometimes that may just be the missing piece in a puzzle, especially when many moving parts are involved. Feel free to take some quiet time to step aside because this can be a powerful source of calmness and clarity.

Hopefully some of these practical tips can assist with establishing or reclaiming a stronger relationship with what can be rightfully considered a super power. Never lose sight of your centre and you may realise you are so close to unlocking a 2.0 version of yourself.