Sunbeam Chats

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Al Kieron Wright  (CII, CEE) is a Blockchain Consultant and Cryptocurrency Professional, who has a wide-ranging knowledge of Bitcoin and other Open Blockchains.  Al, also known as Alluminati is the Co-Founder & CEO of Crypto Caribbean Education & Consultancy Ltd.  Al, also serves on the board of the FinTech Association of Trinidad and Tobago and is a member of the CBTT Payment Systems Council.

He is an advocate for Crypto Currency Education and is diligently working  in this space for its increased awareness and adoption.  Al is also the Host of his Podcast - The Crypto & Cognac Podcast.

In this illuminating conversation, Al shares about his professional journey in Business and Finance and how he entered the world of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.  He demystifies the operations in the space and gives invaluable advice on how one can enter the Crypto World.  We discuss the following: 

• What is Blockchain and its various tokens like Crypto, Bitcoins, Stablecoins and NFTs etc. 
• Legislation in some Caribbean Countries.  Also the work being done by some Governments. 
• How the Market works with trading Tokens and Currency.  
• On ramping and Off ramping of your Crypto. 
• Where to Trade on various types of Exchanges.  
• Getting started and the sensible way to begin, being mindful of the pitfalls and risks one much look out for operating in the space. 
• Some misconceptions about Crypto 
• Where persons can get more information about Blockchain and much more. 

This was truly an enlightening and knowledgeable conversation. It is clear that the financial world and the trading of currency is evolving. As seen in places like   Asia, Europe and the US etc.  It is for this reason that Al declares that  the "Adoption is Inevitable" .


Bio
Al Kieron Wright is an experienced Business Development Specialist with a
demonstrated history of success in the Insurance Industry. He is skilled in General Insurance, Business Planning, Risk Management, Risk Transfer, Customer Service, Strategic Planning, and Business Development. Additionally, he is a strong service professional completing ACII from The Chartered Insurance Institute.

Al's transition to Crypto and Blockchain began in 2016, which led him to earn credentials from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business and The Blockchain Council.

Crypto Caribbean Education & Consultancy Ltd  offers blockchain consultancy and advocacy, supporting the adoption among institutional entities, while contributing to the development of regulatory frameworks for the cryptocurrency sector in the region. 

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Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr is an award-winning Storyteller, Theatre Director, Performer and Cultural Researcher. She is the Artistic Director of the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) and the Former Artistic Programme Manager for the UWI St. Augustine, DCFA Arts-in- Action. 

Her creative work is anchored in using the Caribbean, specifically Trinbagonian Folk narratives and traditional Folklore for the purposes of Education and Entertainment.

In this in-depth conversation the dynamic and supremely talented Creative and Educator Rayshawn, sheds light on the various aspects and distinction between  Arts, Culture, Theatre Arts, Performing Arts,  Folklore and more.

The Origins - We talk about her first performance and how it was the first sign of her calling.  Which blossomed into her love for storytelling and all forms of the arts. She talks about her love for Storytelling and we delve into the impact of a story, as the central part of any creative expression. In fact she says - we were born to share and carry stories. 

Travel Influences Art - Rayshawn shares about her travels and how it impacts and perhaps refines her practice as a Creative. We also discuss how folklore is unique to each country, but has similarities and direct influences from the Motherland. As she describes in witnessing a piece called "Masking Traditions"  from a performance in Ghana. 

TPACA & Making Magic - We talk about TPAC and the work that this Company is doing in Tobago and how they have reignited the space with imaginative productions. Also about the things, people and spaces that inspire her and what it takes to make Magic in a production. 

AI & Arts - How does AI impact, help or hinder the Arts? We delve into Tech in the Arts. Rayshawn shares how technology can aid the Creative process, to refine, redevelop and service the work in the space, once understood.  She admonishes though that it requires human interface and it can never replace the gift of Creativity. We agree that we should  - Not Fear It but Find Out About It.

The Future - What's next for Rayshawn? There are things on the horizon which she speaks to, but her story is constantly evolving and we will all see and experience her Magic as she continues to tell untold stories. 


Bio

Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr holds a double Major Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts & Festival Studies (with first class honors ) from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Trinidad, and a Practitioners Certificate in Drama & Theatre in Education.

She is currently, both an MPhil candidate in Cultural Studies, and a part-time
lecturer at the DCFA where she marries her passion for cultural
intelligence, Drama-in-Education, and performance for social development.

She is passionate about community arts, outreach, traditional arts, and training which is  a testimony through her having designed and completed numerous community and corporate outreach projects.  She has successfully mobilized and managed original, sustainable community-based initiatives in more than 50 communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

She has also had her Performing Arts work featured in CARIFESTAs, other regional festivals and has copped top titles in National Festivals.

This UWI Valedictorian and multi titleholder at the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition in T&T, has built her success on one principle - We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, therefore, is not an act, but

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Karen and Kathy Norman are the Co-Founders and Co-Creative Directors of  K2K Alliance & Partners. It is a Contemporary Mas & Fashion Brand, the ethos of which is  "Where Fashion Meets Mas" With A Purpose. This award-winning iconic Brand’s signature style is about – The Look, The Fashion and The Mas.

In this in-depth sublime conversation Karen and Kathy, talk about the inspiration and personal journey which led to the creation of the K2K brands.  They talk about the power of Art which they say,  "is meant to create a reaction". This can be either positive or negative.

We delve into the creative process for the release of new collections and the synergies between each of their three (3) brands, which make for the signature K2K look and aesthetic.

The Creative genius and force of Karen, Kathy and their partners, is also seen in the otherworldly theatrical and dramatic productions each year, at their launch events in the Carnival Band launch season in Trinidad & Tobago.  Which is a precursor for the release of their new Collection, for the Carnival period on the island. 

This niche and iconic brand has a loyal fanbase of masqueraders who often "find" themselves in their personal selections, for their time of revelry and release during T&T's Carnival.

This conversation is poignant and transcends the ideology of doing things the normal way. K2K is on a path to find purpose, the expressions of which we get glimpses of on the Runway and on the Road. Have a listen to this conversation, it will surely move you to go deeper and to look again within yourself and the world with new lens.


K2K Alliance & Partners
K2K Mas marries Tradition with Innovation and Contemporary Art. In 2019, the firm made history in Trinidad and Tobago by being the first women-led, medium-sized company to win the Overall Band Of The Year title, with its Collection, Through Stained Glass Windows. 

Since then, the Band has won many more awards and numerous accolades. Notably their brand story has been published in international press like Essence Magazine and New York Times. 

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Bliss Collective is a collection of Bath & Body products, Founded by Maxie Navarro. It features skincare products made from natural ingredients, that are simple and sustainably sourced.  Produced in the island of Tobago, it represents  the Caribbean lifestyle and beautiful blues and greens of island life in Tobago, which is the home of Maxie. 

In this conversation, Maxie talks about how she started making products as a hobby, which were initially well received by family and friends. She was then inspired to start a business using natural herbs at first, then later pivoted to using sea moss harvested by the farmers from the waters of Charlotteville. 

She speaks about the research she did on the Blue Economy and how she entered a competition and won a local Government Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and IDB Grant. Which enabled her to do more research, to enhance the product offering. Making it one of the certified seas moss skincare lines for use in the Country. 

We also talking about the importance of packaging. Bliss represents the beautiful blues and greens of the waters of Tobago, the message is truly in the bottle. Have a listen to this episode which is sure to inspire you. 

Maxie's story is one of using the natural resources of her home country, doing the research, getting help (funding), understanding her market and so much more.  To produce products which soothes the skin and brings the ultimate Bliss. 

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Adriana Heredia Sanchez, is the Co-Founder & CEO of Beyond Roots, a private Cuban brand that showcases Afro Cuban Culture and Identity on the island. They create authentic cultural experiences between travelers and the Afro-Caribbean heritage on the island of Cuba.

In this in depth conversation Adriana, shares the story of Beyond Roots; the origins, the mission and how it is impacting and changing the lives of everyone who partakes of the experiences.  She discusses the significance of the name Beyond Roots, which is rooted in their identify, but is always growing and spreading its branches upwards to embrace new things as they evolve.

The transition from being an Economist teaching at the University in Cuba, to becoming an entrepreneur was not her original career goals. However recognizing what was happening, she answered the call to pursue this path.

Adriana, talks about her passion for helping her people, by creating work opportunities within the community and how Beyond Roots has evolved into Beyond Roots the Hair Salon. Which is a haven for women to appreciate their natural hair, get the products that work for their hair type and to learn to embrace themselves for who they are.

She shares about Center of the Roots, her latest venture launching soon, which will become the space for Beyond Roots - The Meeting place, the place of empowerment.

It will house the salon,  shop and communal space. From there Adriana will go back to her roots as an Educator,  to host workshops and other capacity building initiatives.  Center of the Roots,  is the evolution of Beyond Roots. It will be the center to showcase even more of their Afro Cuban arts,  culture and identity.

This is a deeply rooted conversation in self expression, self love and the evolution of a brand transmitting messages from the land of Cuba to the world. I invite you to listen.


Beyond Roots Cuba offers a diverse range of experiences like music, dance, culinary traditions, religious practices and lifestyle immersion; in an educational, fun and unforgettable travel experience.  It is listed by Airbnb, as one of the premier travel experiences in Latin America in 2018.  It is a space where they celebrate their legacy, identity and roots.

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Sandra Florvella a native of Haiti, is the Founder & CEO of Haitian-
Businesses.com, Business Forum Haiti and Co-Founder of Haitea. These
companies are dedicated to the growth of the Haitian Community in the
Caribbean and abroad. Haitian-Business.com is the Premier Platform for Haitian Businesses. It is a bridge to Connect, Promote and Support the community.


In this episode, the visionary Founder Sandra Florvella, shares her story.  From the inception, her desire was to provide an opportunity for her people to find work, by collating a list of businesses. This has now evolved into the platform and online space Haitian-Businesses.com. Which is a resource for the community to support each other and build together.

As the Co-Founder of Haitea, Sandra, also talks about the origins of Haitea, a Black-owned, all natural brand of artisanal teas and herbs, sourced directly from the women farmers on Haiti.  The building of this brand has been a labour of love with her Co-Founder and daughter Sanna Pierre.

She shares how this business is also supporting and building the community of Haitians back in her homeland and also bringing "PositiviTea" and Light to her customers across the globe. This inspiring story is heartfelt and delightful and full of positive vibrations.

Haitian-Businesses.com

With over 85,000 subscribers across the platform, this movement has attracted the attention of not just the Haitian community, but it has gained the support of icons and well known friends of Haiti; the likes of Donna Karan and Rohan Marley son of the great Bob Marley.

Over the years, it has also served the community, with highly effective networking events in New York, Miami and Atlanta, for entrepreneurs and professionals of the community.

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Lisa Feveck  is a former Engineer, Dietitian and Holistic Coach. She is the Founder & CEO of Natural Beauty Ltd, which specializes in holistic solutions that support women through all stages of menopause. Especially for those who choose not to or cannot use traditional medications.

As a practitioner currently navigating her own menopausal journey, Lisa is on a mission to empower women dealing with the profound physical, mental and emotional changes that accompany this life stage.

Menopause is a natural progression for every women in her life cycle. It can however be quite challenging, and most times misunderstood and debilitating for women to live comfortably. In this very important conversation, Lisa gives us invaluable insight  about this natural life stage every woman must endure.

Lisa shares that there are over 100 symptoms woman can experience and also how to identify the difference between perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. 

Menopause can be described as a "inner storm".  Lisa therefore talks about how our hormones and estrogen affect us. Plus the mental, physical and psychological effects that can wreak havoc in our lives, and how these can be managed. 

Is it possible for women to "treat" the symptoms to live a healthy, happy and comfortable life?  Yes there is, however it requires lifestyle changes and in some cases treatment.  This is a conversation that every woman should hear,  it can change life. 



Natural Beauty Resource Links  

Guide to Better Sleep during Menopause:  https://subscribepage.io/bettersleep

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-feveck/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/menomorphosisdietitian

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/menomorphosis_dietitian

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@menomorphosis_dietitian

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Stephen Felix is the Founder & CEO of Medial Health, a Former Vice President at Goldman Sachs and a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (US).  A native of Saint Lucia he has created Medial Health which is  revolutionizing healthcare across the region.

Stephen's mission with Medial Health, is to make healthcare more efficient, by making it accessible, secure, and safer for every Saint Lucian, and the people of the Caribbean.

From Saint Lucia to Silicone Valley. In this conversation, Stephen shares his story and speaks about that moment when he won a Draper House Startup Pitch Competition among (34) other Founders in the US, which was a defining moment for his career and entrepreneurial journey.  He also talks about the process to design a Healthcare Solution at pace with the right team, technology and intentions. Listen to this inspiring story as Stephen transforms healthcare from Paper to Pixels. 

Medial Health
Medial Health's  innovative EHR solutions, streamlines workflows, and improves patient care,  by shifting from traditional paper records to an advanced digital platform. This will enable healthcare providers in the Caribbean to deliver faster, more accurate efficient care. 

Learn more

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In the latest episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am talking with Kandyss Trancoso the Founder of The FinRoute and Caricomply.  She is also a Director on the board of iGovTT and Chairman of the ICT Steering Committee; where she shares her expertise in Tech Policy and IT Governance.

She also holds the position of Chief Business Intelligence Officer at Heft IQ in Kansas City. Where she administers her experience in product and business development, analytics and AI & Cybersecurity in supply chain.  Kandyss' journey is one of innovation, leadership, and strategic vision in technology and business. 

In this intriguing conversation we chat about her journey and how she has become the stella leader, entrepreneur,  innovator and Director. Kandyss shares tips on how we can lean into innovation, how we need not be fearful of Cybersecurity & AI, but should learn and embrace the Tech, even as it changes rapidly.

Her view is that Tech "makes life easier" It helps us find solutions, in fact when intergraded into our culture, underpinned with empathy everyone can benefit. She encourages us in her words to "Use  AI to our advantage, it will save time"  She also says that "now is a great opportunity for us to use Tech  to get ahead, it is a gift".  Kandyss, unpacks a lot more about this topic and others, and about living life in this tech driven time. So have a listen your mind will be expanded.

Bio   

Kandyss Trancoso's, background in International Business Management at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, has empowered her to mentor numerous Caribbean entrepreneurs. In 2015, with Royalink Ltd, she pioneered the first Tech Incubator for students, launching 15 tech startups that address community challenges in Trinidad & Tobago.

With over 15 years of experience leading impactful ventures, especially in Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion, she stands out as a beacon of entrepreneurial resilience, and is positioned at the forefront of Financial Technology in the Caribbean and US. 

Currently, Kandyss has expanded her impact with the creation of CARICOMPLY, demonstrating her commitment to technological innovation and compliance in the Caribbean. 

This platform is a manifestation of her vision to simplify regulatory processes, thus boosting business efficiency, transparency, and the ease of doing business in the region. Her career is a testament not just to her achievements but to her foresight and passion in championing a technologically driven Caribbean, establishing her as a significant figure in strategic innovation and leadership

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In this epsiode of Sunbeam Chats, I am talking with Jeston Lett,  a Digital Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of TruMeiD, he was also the  Founder of the Creative Agency and Ignition Innovation, a technology company. Jeston has collaborated with renowned organizations such as HBO, Coca Cola, UNDP, GE, Atlantic LNG, Royal Unibrew, the City of Miami, and various Caribbean Governments.

With multiple certifications in Business, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, AI and Machine Learning, he has excelled in various sectors, including Government Communications, Media, Advertising and Technology. 

In this conversation, we talk about Jeston's journey, from the early days of playing music, to becoming an entrepreneur and building several businesses along the way. His  passion and drive to  innovate is evident in the several ventures and partnerships cultivated over the past years.

Jeston, encourages entrepreneurs to look for the opportunity, say yes and then work to get it done.  He is a strong advocate for networking, personal and team capacity building and collaboration.   

This thinker, visionary and innovator is now leading the charge and advocating for the adoption of the use of Digital Identity verification. This solution  which will eventually become the norm in the near future, and will  propel the Caribbean region towards a new way of doing business. Have a listen to this discussion, which will inspire deep thoughts about the future, and challenge how you should position yourself in an evolving world. 


TruMeiD is a Caribbean-born technology company dedicated to revolutionizing the landscape of digital identity verification. In a world where seamless online interactions are paramount, they take pride in being the Caribbean’s exclusive AI-powered identity verification platform, specializing in fraud prevention, compliance, and the safeguarding of your business and valued customers.