Mishka Samuels-Francis: More than a woman

WHAT was once a goal on her vision board has finally been realised. Mishka Samuels-Francis, who kick-started her banking career as a teller 20 years ago, is the head of a bank branch.

The recently appointed senior branch manager, who has long progressed from the teller wicket, now sits at the helm of First Global Bank’s (FGB) flagship branch in New Kingston. The FGB location, part of the GraceKennedy Financial Group, is the bank’s largest location within its network.

To top off this impressive personal triumph, the career dynamo also juggles the roles of mother to her sons, aged four and two, and a devoted wife.

“I always envisioned myself in a position of leadership as a branch manager. Each position that I’ve had has set me up to be in the role that I am in now,” a beaming Samuels-Francis stated. “Having a family and an awesome career was always a dream of mine and it makes me very grateful to have achieved this.”

Her decades-long banking career began in 2004 when she worked as a teller at another financial institution.

Inspired by her then branch manager, Samuels-Francis has set her sights on becoming a branch manager from day one and has relentlessly been chasing her dream ever since. The young professional worked diligently and completed her first and second degrees while working full-time.

“I was always driven to succeed, having come from very humble beginnings. At a very early age I realised that education would be my ticket to elevating my family and acquiring wealth. Therefore, I worked very hard through school. My mother was primarily the breadwinner, as my father’s illness did not allow him to work on a permanent basis. I knew very early that I needed to help myself to help her. This has always been the source of my inner motivation,” she told All Woman.

This drive eventually saw her working through various positions and ultimately being promoted to manager in the treasury department at another financial institution — what she describes as the transformational moment within her career.

Since this shift, the perpetual goal chaser has garnered experience in corporate and personal banking, transitioning into the roles of relationship manager in business banking, corporate credit solutions manager, and senior corporate banking manager within the banking industry. These experiences, she believes, have thoroughly prepared her to excel in her current position and positively influence the lives of her clients and team members.

“Leading this team means so much to me and I have learnt so much. I find fulfilment knowing that this role allows me to impact a person’s life when I help to make their dreams become a reality. This role has also challenged me to lead across generations [millennials vs Gen-Z] and adjust my style of leadership based on the personality or temperament of my team members,” she said.

She described her promotion as a “humbling blessing” that is extremely meaningful to her.

“I have very big dreams, and I know this role is preparing me for great things. I am in the career that was the focus of my studies and to be able to share and apply both practical and theory with my team and colleagues makes me very delighted and satisfied,” she said.

Asked how she copes with being a mom, wife and career woman, she said, “coping is not easy, and I do not think we young professionals share enough about how challenging it is to balance being a working mother and wife. I tell myself that I am doing it all for my boys who are the love and light of my life, my greatest accomplishment! Being a mom, I find that I have to juggle a lot and ensure that I focus on my kids.”

She added: “I have found that having excellent support, and a loving and understanding partner are essentials for professionals with young children. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, and closest confidant. While it is not always easy, we communicate openly and support each other’s dreams and aspirations.“

The career mom revealed that she makes a concerted effort to get home at a reasonable hour most evenings, so she is able to “run around the complex” with her boys and just enjoy the outdoors with them. On the weekends, she exercises her penchant for adventure and opts for the occasional impromptu trips to the coast or sometimes, even a more local visit to Devon House will suffice.

For Samuels-Francis, making a conscious effort to nurture her spiritual, physical and mental well-being is important. This helps her to find a balance between the personal and the professional.

“Spending quality time with my friends and family is a priority, and I find solace in frequent visits to the beach. Additionally, daily prayer is an integral part of my routine,” she stated.

“Work-life balance is very important to me, with my family always taking precedence. Recognising the importance of recharging, I find that stepping away briefly renews my focus and energy upon returning. Whether it’s relaxing at the beach, unwinding by a pool, or embarking on a scenic drive to discover new parts of Jamaica, I enjoy these moments of rejuvenation.”

Though her path was not linear, Samuels-Francis is happy to have reached the goal.

With this achievement checked off her vision board, the indomitable go-getter has no intention to rest on her laurels. Instead, she plans to make an indelible mark, while visualising herself holding various other high-ranking posts within the financial industry.