The confident Sable-Joy McLaren
SABLE-JOY McLaren is marketing manager for FirstRock Group. This week she talks about her labour of love.
AW: What was your first job?
SM: My journey into the professional world began after I completed my studies at the esteemed University of the West Indies. I embarked on an adventure as a PR [public relations] and marketing specialist at Blueprint Consulting Limited, which has now evolved into the prestigious SNB Creative Group. In this role, I was entrusted with the responsibility of orchestrating the company’s public relations and marketing endeavours. It was an invigorating experience, where I had the privilege of showcasing our services to corporate Jamaica while fostering meaningful relationships with industry leaders and the media. Additionally, I had the opportunity to dabble in event planning and management, adding an extra touch of excitement to my responsibilities.
AW: What would you say is your best career achievement to date?
SM: While it’s challenging to isolate a single pinnacle in my career, I’d like to highlight a recent accomplishment that fills me with immense pride. My team and I successfully accomplished the overhaul of our company’s 2022 annual report. This undertaking was my first foray into the world of annual reports, and it posed a thrilling challenge. We invested weeks of meticulous effort in reimagining its aesthetic, honing every intricate detail, and infusing it with captivating elements. The final result surpassed even our wildest expectations. This endeavour truly became a labour of love, and I am overjoyed by the vibrant life we breathed into it.
AW: When would you say you have worked the hardest?
SM: Reflecting on the times that demanded the utmost from me, I would undoubtedly highlight 2016, when I played a pivotal role in spearheading a monumental expo held at the National Arena. The event welcomed over 3,000 esteemed guests and 200 exhibitors, an undertaking of colossal proportions. The enormity of the task was only magnified by the fact that we had two months to bring it all together. Those two months tested our mettle, with demanding meetings, planning sessions, site visits, and a fair share of sleepless nights. In the end, we triumphed, orchestrating a seamless event that left a lasting impact. This experience endowed me with unwavering confidence in my abilities and is forever etched in my memory.
AW: What is your go-to for inspiration or motivation?
SM: When seeking inspiration and motivation, my refuge lies in a profound biblical verse, “For God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). During moments of overwhelm or when fear threatens to engulf me, this quote serves as a beacon of strength, helping me regain my composure. It serves as a reminder that I possess incredible capabilities and enables me to dismiss the shackles of negative self-talk. Anchored in these words, I find solace, fortitude, and the courage to overcome any challenge.
AW: What advice do you have for young women who are looking to pursue a career in your field?
SM: To all the ambitious young women contemplating a career in my field, I urge you to embrace boldness. Dare to step forward, unafraid to amplify your voice and express your opinions with unwavering conviction. In a world that often underestimates the power of women’s voices, let your ideas reverberate with resonance. Reject the crippling influence of fear and instead cultivate courage, allowing it to fuel your journey. Remember, you are more than capable, and your contributions possess immeasurable worth. So fearlessly embark on your path, leaving a lasting mark on the corporate landscape.
