Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon also took to the stage with commendations and her favourite excerpt from the book. “In December Gail told me she had her book coming out. I did not know what the book was about, but it didn’t matter, I was going to come. It is important that we show up for each other as women, and that’s what we do in the International Women’s Forum,” said Morris Dixon. She read ‘When ‘Personality’ Became My Superpower, a paragraph from Chapter 4: Building Your Own Brand. In it Abrahams recounts completing a leadership strength assessment during an executive programme. She says while she expected to see words like ‘strategy’ and ‘execution’, she was greeted with the word ‘personality’. It reframed what she had been taught over the years. Her warmth and presence was not a distraction, but an asset. When probed about how the excerpt resonated with her, Morris Dixon said she enterred the political realm expecting to be behind the scenes. And when she was asked to be information minister — a role that required her being in the spotlight — she expressed concern that her friendly, non-confrontational personality may not be the right fit for the role. She was however reassured by the prime minister that she could be herself. “That was one of those moments that remind you that in everything you do, be true to you. Because I couldn’t do it comfortably were I trying to somebody else,” she shared.

The audience also heard from Danrak Productions CEO Stacy-Ann Smith, who identified with Abrahams’ struggles with confidence, as detailed in Chapter 4: Building Your Brand.

As the evening drew to a close, Abrahams thanked her family — her mum for being strength personified, her sister for her constant and steady support and her husband who has stood beside her in every chapter. She reflected on what she hopes readers will take from her memoir: “Here is my ask. If something in these words felt familiar, if something stirred, if something felt seen — do not let it end here. Carry it with you… Remember, you do not have to fracture yourself to belong… you do not have to earn your seat by losing yourself. You are allowed to lead whole. Heels grounded, hustle sharpened, and heart protected.”

Photographer: Karl Mclarty

Johnny Live Production Limited co-directors Christopher Daley (second right) snapped an ussie with his wife Sophia Smith Daley (right), UTech Alumni Association Vice-President Andrea C Whyte (left), and obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Michael Abrahams Karl Mclarty

Host Sancia Thompson (left) engaged in a one-on-one with Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information for Jamaica Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon. Karl Mclarty

Publishing consultant Latoya West-Blackwood (right) also shared the couch with host Sancia Thompson. Karl Mclarty

Author Gail Abrahams (right) cosied up to her girls, Barita Investments Vice-President, Premium Wealth and Corporate Solutions Sancia Thompson (left) who doubled as host of the event, and Danrak Productions CEO Stacy-Ann Smith. Karl Mclarty

AI consultant and educator Nadeen Matthews Blair was engrossed in a chapter from Heels, Hustle, Heart. Karl Mclarty

Media practitioner Dr Terri-Karrelle Johnson (left) and the Abraham’s family caregiver Annette McIntosh Karl Mclarty

Home of Jamaica principal Suzette Dawkins (left) and Barita Investments Senior Manager Business Development Keri-Ann Newman were also on the guest list. Karl Mclarty

Author Gail Abrahams (centre) planted a kiss on mum Daphne Sommerville’s cheek as her sister Donette Sommerville-Mills looked on. Karl Mclarty

Gail Abrahams (left) caught up with Citibank Jamaica CEO Eva Lewis and Barita Investments Vice-President Sales and Services Dave Dixon. Karl Mclarty

Communications consultant Fae Ellington (centre) was flanked by Flow Vice-President and General Manager Stephen Price and his wife, Deloitte director Imani Duncan-Price.Karl Mclarty

Cornerstone Chief Investment Officer Jason Chambers and Global Triangle Advisors Managing Director Mariame McIntosh Robinson Karl Mclarty

Jamaica Bankers’ Association CEO Barbara Hume was first in line at Gail Abrahams’ post-book launch signing. Karl Mclarty