Hustle Her

Get ready to be enriched and enlightened as we open up our world to Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, famously known as Power Girl Trina and 2023 Woman of the Year. Within this episode, we unravel her life’s journey through the entertainment industry, her philanthropic endeavors with Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda, and the many trials she has faced on her journey.
 
 Brace yourselves as we uncover the many facets of Patrina’s life. From her work in radio and television, her involvement in various community programmes such as one-on-one matches, Boys to Men and Girl Power, and her robust bond with her sister, Patrina’s story uncovers the essence of resilience and strength. Beyond the limelight, Patrina shares her personal battles with depression, self-esteem, and a traumatic dog attack, giving us a raw and real insight into her life and the importance of seeking help.
 
 As we round off the episode, we delve into her faith journey and how it has guided her through her career, the importance of self-care, and mental health awareness. Patrina gets candid about her life experiences, providing profound insights into her career path, her struggles, and her triumphs. Engage with us on this enlightening journey as we learn from Power Girl Trina’s experience, and the power of resilience and strength in adversity.

Ever wondered what it takes to lead a team of 40 spread across eight different locations? DeVika Bourne, SVP and Head of Underwriting Operations at PartnerRe, pulls back the curtain on her leadership journey in this insightful conversation. As someone who expertly juggles the responsibilities of her career and family, DeVika shares her experiences and wisdom on team management, growth, and development. 

This episode delves into DeVika's professional journey, her unexpected transition into leadership, and her childhood ambition of becoming a lawyer. What sets DeVika apart is her understanding of the unique personalities and cultures of the people she leads. She talks candidly about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, setting boundaries, and navigating the challenges of making time for loved ones. 

We wrap up the discussion by exploring DeVika's motivations for success and how motherhood has fueled her ambitions. She shares the importance of breaking barriers and translating conversations into action when it comes to workplace equity and fairness. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a new perspective on leadership and the key role leaders play in training their team members and setting a standard for success. This is a conversation packed with insights that will inspire and guide you in your leadership journey. Let's get hustling!

Join me for a heart-to-heart chat with Juanae Crockwell, the new executive director of the Women's Resource Center. We peel back the layers of her fascinating journey, from fun personal favorites to intense life challenges. We giggle over her skincare routine and celebrity crush, while also delving into the darker side of her past. A brush with the law, being led astray by an older boyfriend, and the struggle to rebuild her life, Juanae’s candor leaves us with an untamed narrative that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

What happens when we face incompatibility in relationships, and how does one navigate co-parenting after separation? Posing these provocative questions, we journey through the turbulent waters of my personal experiences. From the grief of losing a loved one to the process of rebuilding a life post-trauma, the conversation takes an emotional turn. Together, Juanae and I underline the importance of prioritizing the needs of children and staying true to oneself, even when the circumstances are less than ideal.

As we shift gears, we turn our attention to the Women's Resource Center, discussing its role and influence on our lives. As Juanae, the new executive director, shares her insights, we explore the center's rebranding, her. Drawing on our personal experiences, we reflect on the influence they have on shaping our outlook towards life. This episode promises a blend of laughter, tears, healing, and resilience - a raw glimpse into real lives and the strength it takes to overcome adversity.

Imagine the resilience it takes to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss. This is the story of Dr. Carmen Rabain, an accomplished dentist, entrepreneur, and a woman with an indomitable spirit. In this deeply moving episode, we get a glimpse into Carmen's vibrant life and her journey to success. With an infectious love for food, good conversation, jazz music, and painting, Carmen's multifaceted personality is as inspiring as it is intriguing. She shares her memories of stepping into the entrepreneurial world, her experiences as part of a mixed couple in Bermuda, and her fierce love for her Promethean husband.

The conversation takes a courageous turn as we touch upon the subject of loss and healing. Carmen opens up about her heartbreaking experience of losing her baby at 41 weeks. It's a story of heartbreak, resilience, navigating through emotional turmoil and eventually, finding a way to heal. She talks about how this personal tragedy brought about a profound change in her life and inspired her to start a support group for women, who have faced similar experiences.

As we venture deeper into Carmen's journey, we uncover the delicate balance she has discovered in her life. Despite the pain of her loss, Carmen has found a way to celebrate life, to cherish the moments she shares with her children, and to honor the memory of the child she lost. She discusses the importance of speaking about such losses and the role her husband played in her healing process. While the story is undoubtedly heart-wrenching, it's Carmen's strength and her determination to find joy and purpose that leaves us truly inspired. So, join us, as we share the tale of a woman who turned her deepest sorrow into a beacon of support for others. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

What happens when a woman, at the top of her game professionally, decides to ditch moisturizer even in the most humid climate on earth? Kirsten Beasley, head of office for WTW Bermuda, shares the intriguing answer to this, along with the story of her unusual skincare routine. Tune in and explore a candid conversation that meanders through Kirsten's love language, how she spent her first big paycheck, and even her celebrity crushes. 

Join us as Kirsten provides an unflinching look at the struggles with diversity within the insurance and reinsurance space in Bermuda and how she is challenging the status quo. Juggling demanding careers and raising two sons with her partner, Ben, isn't easy, but Kirsten shares her strategies for achieving balance. She also talks about how her upbringing has shaped her parenting style, and the wisdom she received from her father that helped shape her own journey.

In a powerful finale, Kirsten speaks about We Speak, an organization she co-founded to empower women by helping them overcome their fear of public speaking. Over the past two years, We Speak has created lasting connections between participants and even assisted someone in securing a job in the insurance industry. Kirsten's passion for helping others and her commitment to fostering diversity are an inspiration. Tune in now and get ready to be enlightened, inspired, and perhaps, even moved.

Meet Amy Ponnampalam, CEO of Athora Life Re Ltd a powerhouse in the world of insurance. Our conversation is a heart-pounding, deep-dive into her intriguing path from being a hotel waitress to leading a major company, stretching the limits of what's considered the 'traditional' career trajectory. We chat about her early days, an unexpected switch to actuarial science, her favorite color, and even her childhood celebrity crush. Amy's story is a testament to the audacity of veering off the well-trodden path, and it's as exciting as it sounds!

Amy's leadership journey doesn't stop at her impressive list of titles. She's a firm believer in creating high-performance cultures and shifting the archaic perceptions of CEO roles. Our conversation weaves through stories of managing diverse teams, embracing introspection, and her mother's influence in setting the bar high. Amy also candidly explores the depths of 'imposter syndrome', a common phenomenon that affects even the most accomplished professionals. We discuss the importance of identifying it, the power of supportive communities, and why sometimes, all you need is a good listener.

But we're not just talking business. We're pushing boundaries, challenging societal norms, and asking the big questions. How does family culture shape our choices? What pressures do we feel to make an impact? And how can we combat the stigma around choosing not to have children? Amy's personal experiences and insightful reflections provide new perspectives on these topics. So, buckle up for this rollercoaster ride of a conversation – it's not your everyday chitchat. Tune in, get inspired, and let's redefine success together.

Have you ever wondered how a top executive in the insurance industry finds balance between a demanding career, family life, and personal passions? Prepare to have your curiosity satisfied as Suzanne Williams, Director of Policy, Regulation, Corporate Secretary and Data Privacy Officer for the Association of Insurers and Reinsurers in Bermuda, peels back the curtain to reveal the secrets to her success. Discover how she juggles multiple responsibilities with ease, how her love for ballet shaped her work ethic, and why focusing on a few key activities during high school can cultivate commitment and drive.

We continue our journey with Suzanne as she reveals how she navigated her career transitions, found purpose in her work, and bridged the gap between the global regulatory environment and the local Bermuda context. She shares her thoughts on the importance of Bermudians holding key positions within international business settings and how to overcome professional challenges. Listen as she shares her strategies on turning uncomfortable networking situations into opportunities for creating meaningful connections. 

Finally, we delve into the deep end with Suzanne as she shares her thoughts on overcoming self-doubt, workplace discrimination, and the importance of sponsorship in career advancement. Hear her compelling story about her first professional correspondence and the valuable advice she received from her father that helped shape her career approach. We wrap up with an exploration of the balancing act of parenthood and career, and discuss how to find happiness in your career and create a positive legacy. Tune in for this exclusive insight into a world where business acumen, personal growth, and family life intersect.

Are you ready to be inspired? Join me for a conversation with the remarkable Shira Jatto, the marketing and communications director for One Communications, as we take an unflinching look at her life. From the mundane (her love for gummies and Bruce Willis) to the meaningful (her successful career in the ruthless telecommunications industry and the personal struggles of balancing work and family life), our discussion is as varied as it is compelling. 

Together, we navigate the complex and emotional terrain of IVF and pregnancy loss, discussing the heartbreaking realities and the unexpected stigmas. Our conversation isn't just a personal story; it's a narrative that reaches out to every woman who has experienced, or is experiencing, similar situations. We share, we empathize, we learn. And in doing so, we hope to make the journey a little less lonely for others. 

Shira’s story isn't just about the ups and downs; it's about transformation, risk-taking, and redefinition of success. We journey from her rebellious childhood to her becoming a diligent leader, a loving mother, and a successful woman who believes in being remembered as a good person. This conversation is sure to leave you moved, motivated, and a little more enlightened about life's many shades. Don't miss out on this episode - it's filled with life lessons, heartfelt stories, and inspiring moments.

Ever thought of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship? Lorene Phillips, Founder and CEO of Clarendon Wallace  , did just that. She shares her inspiring journey from being a waitress, breaking into the insurance industry, to establishing her own company, Clarendon Wallace . Right off the bat, Lorene reveals the struggles and victories she faced, how she found her footing in an unfamiliar territory, and the role her insurance qualifications played in progressing her career. Get ready to be moved as Lorene reflects on her corporate life and the changes she made to navigate through the industry.

Lorene doesn't shy away from discussing the more complex aspects of her journey as well. She shares her experiences with oppression in her profession, her ambitions for Bermudians to attain influential positions, and her unwavering belief in investing in the younger generation. Lorene's story is deeply entwined with the lessons she learned from independent women within her family, shaping her perspective on balancing a career and motherhood. Tune in to hear how she evolved her life, maintaining her identity while adjusting to different situations.

The final act of our conversation with Lorene focuses on her bold move into entrepreneurship. Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship during a global pandemic, Lorene shares how she utilized technology to stay connected with clients. She also discusses the importance of mastering her craft, her family's support, and how her entrepreneurial journey has influenced her young adult sons. If you're a budding entrepreneur or an established professional looking for some inspiration, this episode with Lorene Phillips is a must-listen!

Get ready to meet McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, a dynamic Bermudian who's making waves at the University of Bristol and Hong Kong. From her passion for wiener dogs to her unique backstage requests, McKenzie isn't your average student. She'll share her love for pink, her latest vacation to Paris, her experience at a Beyonce concert, and why she would choose Earl Grey tea in a celebrity green room.

Delving into her foray into politics, McKenzie reveals how she represented Bermuda at the UK House of Commons. Find out how her involvement in Bermuda's Youth Parliament shifted her perspective on the importance of civic engagement and ignited her political ambitions. We'll also explore the steps she's taking to reach her goals, including her exchange program at the University of Hong Kong and the pivotal role her support system plays in her journey.

In our conversation, McKenzie gets real about her mother's sacrifices that shaped her path, her fear of public speaking, and the importance of a global mindset. We discuss her future aspirations, her definition of success, and how her experience in Bermuda's Youth Parliament shaped her political ambitions. Wrapping things up, Trust us, this chat with Mackenzie is a rollercoaster of insights and experiences you won't want to miss!