EVEN as a little girl growing up in Kingston, Brianna Heywood had a natural curiosity for how things worked. Her hands were often busy prying open the backs of toys, eager to uncover the hidden logic inside.

That instinct to question, explore and improve never left her. Today, at just 25, Heywood is building her career at the intersection of business and technology as a solutions delivery specialist at Red Stripe, helping to create smarter, more efficient ways of working across one of Jamaica’s most iconic companies.

But carving out that space has required more than technical skill. Like many young professionals stepping into fast-moving industries, Heywood has had to learn how to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and grow through challenges she had never anticipated.

“Some of my biggest challenges have come when I’ve had to tackle process areas I’d never seen before,” she shared.

One of those moments came during her first attempt at building real-time data analytics dashboards for performance management. “I’d done basic work with Excel sheets, but developing a full Power BI report for performance metrics was a whole new world. It took months to optimise, but the learning was invaluable,” she explained.

The project required her to quickly understand new platforms, business process automation, and the systems driving them. “There were times when I had to do research in real time, learning on the fly and applying concepts as I went,” she recalled. “But I always tried to push further and add value beyond what was expected. Whether that meant using event-driven programming to make automated emails more informative or finding ways to modify files dynamically, I saw every struggle as an opportunity to innovate.”

That willingness to stretch beyond her technical comfort zone has since become one of the defining characteristics of her work. Across the company, Heywood now supports multiple teams through automation and process improvement initiatives designed to simplify operations and improve efficiency.

One of her stand-out collaborations was with the corporate affairs team, where she helped develop a centralised source of performance information to improve tracking, reporting, and decision-making. “This was new for me,” she said. “Most of my projects focused on process automation, not analytics, so I had to learn about key performance indicators and how businesses use them.”

As the project evolved, she realised the challenge was not simply about building dashboards, but about helping teams understand what the information was actually saying.

“Data storytelling is so important. It’s one thing to model and transform the data, but another to communicate what it means. Initially, it was tough to get everyone on the same page about the story the data was telling. With direct feedback and cross-collaboration, I was able to adapt and deliver a Power BI solution that truly informed the team’s strategic decisions.”

Her work has also helped modernise processes that once depended heavily on manual approvals and lengthy communication chains. By introducing automated workflows, teams are now able to move information faster, reduce delays, and spend more time focusing on higher-value work.

“Being an ambassador for automation means showing people that technology can make life easier for everyone,” she explained.

As a young woman in information and communications technology, Heywood is also conscious of the importance of visibility and representation within the industry. “Currently, I sit on a team where I’m the only woman, so I’m constantly aware of that. For me, representation is important; showing other women that this career path is possible and that you can show up confidently every day.”

Her perspective on technology extends far beyond the workplace. Heywood believes Jamaica’s future depends heavily on expanding access to ICT opportunities and exposing more young people to the possibilities within the field.

“Equal access to ICT opportunities is so important for Jamaica’s future,” she said, pointing to the need for more initiatives that bring technology resources into underfunded schools. She also believes adaptability will be critical for the next generation entering the industry, particularly as generative AI rapidly reshapes the technology landscape.

“It’s not only about using new tools. It’s about proving your unique value; being the expert, the creative, the problem-solver no algorithm can replace.”

For Heywood, succeeding in the field requires continuous learning, strong networks, and the confidence to evolve alongside the industry itself. “Certifications matter, but so does building your personal brand and network. The more you connect, the more doors open.”

Her love for Jamaican culture, from reggae music to poetry, also influences how she sees innovation. To her, creativity and technology are deeply connected, both rooted in imagination, expression, and the ability to see possibilities others may overlook.

Looking ahead, Heywood hopes to lead large-scale digital transformation projects while remaining grounded in the purpose that first drew her to technology.

“I’m passionate about helping people, and technology is one of the most powerful ways to do that,” she said.