IN the rich and vibrant history of Jamaica, the name Burnett Birthright Coke resonates deeply, particularly for the residents of South East St Elizabeth. As the late speaker of the House and Member of Parliament in the 1950s, BB Coke was a cornerstone of political leadership and public service. His commitment to the people of Jamaica laid a timeless foundation, which continues to influence today’s leaders, including his granddaughter, Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd.

BB Coke’s political career was marked by his dedication to his constituents and national progress. A visionary leader, he was a founding facilitator of the farm work programme in the 1940s, creating job opportunities for Jamaicans in Canada and the United States, strengthening both the economy and diaspora ties. He also played a pivotal role in selecting Jamaica’s flag and national anthem, ensuring they symbolised the country’s pride and unity. Respected across party lines, BB Coke was known for his inclusive, fair leadership, bridging political divides and serving all Jamaicans with integrity, a legacy reflected in his granddaughter.

Growing up in a family of eight, Coke-Lloyd developed a deep appreciation for teamwork, perseverance, and shared success. Rather than seeing her siblings as competitors, they became her first team — encouraging each other to strive for excellence and overcome challenges together. From an early age, she witnessed the realities of the working world, which reinforced her innate sense of responsibility — not only to her family but also to those around her.

This upbringing she tries to pass on to her three children as they navigate their world to leave their own legacy and find meaningful success. The values of unity, hard work, and collective growth that shaped her early years remain at the core of her leadership philosophy today, driving her dedication to empowering individuals and organisations alike.

As the managing director of Make Your Mark Group (MYMG), Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd has dedicated her career to organisational and people development, aligning her professional pursuits with the ethos of service she champions. MYMG provides world-class organizational, leadership, and people development services for both the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and internationally. Under her leadership, MYMG has become known for delivering transformative interventions that help organisations and individuals increase productivity, profits, and self-management while executing world-class events.

“When a difficult situation arises, solutions are needed,” she said. And that’s what she hopes to provide through her company solutions. Through her company, she hopes to help businesses improve in efficiency and productivity.

Coke-Lloyd’s literary contributions are a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Her book, Self-Discovery: Your Purpose Unveiled, serves as a powerful guide for individuals seeking to uncover their true purpose and live a life aligned with their deepest values. Building on this, The A-Z of Leading a Professional Life offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of career development and effective leadership. Additionally, The Middle Managers Leadership Development Guidebook underscores her dedication to empowering middle managers, providing a comprehensive framework for leadership excellence and organisational success. Through these transformative works, Coke-Lloyd inspires readers to embrace change, pursue growth, and lead with vision, integrity, and purpose.

Coke-Lloyd’s leadership journey also includes a decade-long tenure as the chief executive officer of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF), where she elevated the organisation into an influential voice on industrial relations and business practices, both regionally and internationally. Her work at JEF was instrumental in fostering the competitiveness of Jamaican businesses, particularly in export markets, and she became a trusted mediator on employer-employee relations. She also served as the first female elected to represent the Caribbean on the governing body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and was the first woman and Jamaican to serve on the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters of the Organization of American States.

Beyond her leadership roles, Coke-Lloyd has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment, launching the Youth Employment Network in 2005, which has become a vital tool for youth employment in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Additionally, she founded the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica, facilitating networking and collaboration among young, youth-owned businesses, helping them become more efficient and competitive.

Her expertise and commitment to developing Jamaica’s future leaders are evident through her involvement in various national and international boards and committees. Coke-Lloyd has served on boards such as the National Housing Trust, Jamaica Productivity Centre, and the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, among others. She is currently a member of several prestigious boards, including Sagicor Group Jamaica, Sagicor Life Jamaica, EBD Ltd, Transformed Life Church, and Process Technology & Solutions Ltd. She also serves on committees related to human resources, governance, and corporate ethics, including the Sagicor Human Resource & Compensation Committee, Sagicor Audit Committee, and Sagicor Corporate Governance Committee.

Her leadership and contributions extend beyond Jamaica’s borders. Coke-Lloyd has represented Jamaica at international conferences and forums, including the United Nations, the Economic and Social Council of the Organization of American States, and the International Labour Conference in Geneva. She has been a powerful advocate for entrepreneurship, migration, sustainable development, and social policies that promote economic growth and inclusivity. She has also served on international boards such as the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation and the ILO, further solidifying her global impact.

Coke-Lloyd’s academic qualifications, which include a doctorate in transformational leadership and a master’s in transformational leadership from Bakke Graduate University, as well as various certifications in behavioural coaching and mediation, have further solidified her reputation as one of Jamaica’s foremost leadership consultants. She is also a graduate of UTech, Jamaica, and the International Training Centre of the ILO in Turin, Italy. As an adjunct professor at the Pan African Leadership Institute, she continues to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of leaders.

In recognition of her exceptional service and leadership Coke-Lloyd has received numerous prestigious awards.

As part of her ongoing commitment to leadership development, she continues to spearhead the Middle Manager’s Leadership Conference, now celebrating its 15th year. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform for middle managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs from across Jamaica and the Caribbean to engage in holistic, interactive, and transformative learning experiences. The conference has played a pivotal role in empowering managers to enhance their leadership skills, foster organizational growth, and drive productivity improvements.

Coke-Lloyd’s work, both within her organisation and on national and international platforms, has earned her numerous accolades and recognition. Her leadership philosophy emphasises perseverance, transformation, and the power of service.

“No time is ever wrong. It is what you do with it,” said Coke-Lloyd.

Her philanthropic efforts are equally impressive, with involvement in organisations such as The Optimist Club, Women’s Leadership Initiative, and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica. She holds the position of charter president of the Optimist Club of Barbican Pines and is also a member of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica Human Capital Development Committee.

“Purpose is not profit. It is profit and development because a company cannot exist in a dysfunctional environment,” she said.

She has also served on various committees, and her efforts in bridging business and social divides have solidified her reputation as a formidable visionary, negotiator, and international figure.

In continuing her family’s commitment to uplifting communities, Coke-Lloyd remains an emblem of the power of dedication, demonstrating that the principles of service live on vibrantly through her impactful work.

“Challenge the possible to create the impossible,” she often says, embodying the mantra that drives her personal and professional endeavours. As she champions necessary changes within Jamaica’s workforce, education, and public service sectors, she continues to inspire new generations committed to creating a better Jamaica for all.