UpTick - Caribbean Innovators Live

You know, some people look at the Caribbean and they see our vibe and our vibrancy, some look at the Caribbean and they see our inefficiency and the things we don’t do or the things we could be doing. And some people look at the Caribbean and they see more than just an opportunity for themselves. They see a path to connecting the best of the Caribbean to the world. That’s the type of higher order purpose that I really connect to personally, and today’s guest does so as well.

David Mullings of Blue Mahoe Capital is a Jamaican entrepreneur who is blazing a unique path by embracing being one of those people who can create a bridge between the Caribbean and the world.  

As a founder of Blue Mahoe Capital, he is taking a unique and aggressively audacious approach to connecting Caribbean businesses to the US and wider international capital markets. He is taking private equity where many have tried, but few have succeeded, but what’s really cool about that, is that he is doing it all while living in service of a wider purpose, to be a positive role model and representative of the Caribbean on a global level. And fundamentally telling stories like this one, is what the UpTick podcast is all about. That’s why I’m thrilled to kick off season 2 of the uptick podcast, where we feature Caribbean innovators and their stories, by introducing you to the story of David Mullings, a story that I believe will inspire and educate. 

But perhaps most exciting of all, like so many of the stories of the innovators and leaders that we feature on UpTick, his is a story that is very much being written as we speak. Let’s hear more from David… 

Say hello to Monty Pemberton, founder of De Novo Energy.

In this episode, you'll learn what's possible when you combine an entrepreneurial itch with a determination to innovate by continually challenging the status quo.

You'll discover how leaders can encourage a culture of innovation and problem solving in their own organisations plus some of the core traits you need to be successful as an entrepreneur and innovator.

You'd also hear from him about why it's so important to not just set goals for your business success but also for your mental health as you tackle the entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of UpTick, you'll learn how a desire to create a lifestyle fashion brand grounded in customer love and a commitment to community and ethics drives Chandra Maharaj, founder of Chandra Maharaj Designs.

You'll learn:

• How Chandra, a citizen of the world approaches reinvention, brand extension and why she isn't afraid to follow her gut and commit even when others say she should do otherwise.
• Why being authentic and customer-focused in all she does, can lead to sustainable business success

Kathryn Nurse is the founder of Immortelle Beauty. She is a cosmetic chemist that has created a luxury brand and product that customers love! In this episode, you'll find out...

• How her fervent belief that Caribbean people can create, market and distribute luxury product has fuelled her
• How she blends her personal brand with content and storytelling to build an ongoing customer relationship
• Why she believes that brands must create consistent experiences across all touch points
• How she's adapting to the new challenges thrown at her by the Covid-19 pandemic
• How she finds balance as she juggles multiple roles that comes with being an entrepreneur

Ria Ramoutar is the founder of Lola's Food Company. She is an entrepreneur who jumped from a career in the environmental field to go full force into the world of entrepreneurship in the food and restaurant business.

In this episode, you'll discover how she's been building a business that's founded up authenticity, uniqueness and ensuring customers feel like family.

Alpha has one of the biggest most expansive visions of any entrepreneur that we've interviewed: Namely, how to create a generation of food feeders who will feed the 9 billion people who will be alive globally by 2050. Learn how he grows his brand through edu-tainment, how he attracts people to his mission, and some of his tips and tricks for any entrepreneur. He'll sing, he'll rhyme, and he'll inspire.

Chapter 1: 00:00 - 22:40 - Passion & Mission Drive everything | Food Security is critical | Adapting to COVID / Coronavirus

Chapter 2: 22:42 - 29:45: WHYFARM's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) and why Caribbean people can go as big as anyone

Chapter 2: 29:46 - 40:38: Obstacles Overcome | Edutainment & Storytelling fuel brand

Chapter 2: 40:39 - end: Lessons from going global | 2 Year Vision | Know your Why

Ramon Gregorio is Founder of Lucent Research, one of the Caribbean region's leading market research firms. Over his 13 year journey he's learnt alot about helping teams reach their full potential, how to build a region-wide business footprint and much more. 

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why it's his mission to change the way marketers and leaders think about research and make research cool
• How he built Lucent Research, and how he's learnt over time to find more balance through coaching and delegation
• About important influences that he credits for his success
• How he sharpens the saw and stays on top of his game 

Uptick is a brand new show that explores the stories of Caribbean entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who are creating a new generation of brands and businesses.