WIRE Cohort of Women in Renewable Energy Network Engage in Career Development Luncheon with CIBC Caribbean Executives in Barbados

Twelve women presently building their careers in the field of Renewable Energy, along with some of their professional mentors, were recently hosted to an informative and instructive luncheon with senior executives at CIBC Caribbean, during their annual convention which was held in Barbados this year.

The women who represented more than 10 countries and 19 organisations in the private and public sector in the region together with global multilateral agencies are a part of the WIRE (Women In Renewable Energy) Network Mentorship Program, founded by the Clinton Foundation.

The group was visiting Barbados for their annual convention taking the opportunity to examine renewable energy projects in Barbados. The Wire Cohort also sought out engagement with other female professionals in leadership in government agencies and the private sectors that are connected to the energy industry.

The women were welcomed to the event by Chief Executive Officer of CIBC Caribbean, Mark St Hill, who expressed delight that the bank was able to host the Wire Cohort because, “women have transformed CIBC Caribbean into one of the best run companies in the Caribbean, they make up 70 per cent of our workforce and 50 per cent of our leadership,” he stated. He was therefore happy to be there as some of the bank’s senior female executives shared their leadership journeys and some practical career development tips with the WIRE participants.

Featured speaker at the luncheon, Marsha Caddle, Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, shared with participants a four-point plan that she has used as ‘lessons to self’. She said mentoring gives the mentor an opportunity to remind oneself of the things one needs to keep learning.

She advised them to ‘Find the Resources’ and shared stories of the early days of her career; ‘Find an Entry Point’, advising them to find that key point that could make a difference; ‘Solve One Problem’ where she told them to find one area that can be fixed and fix that one thing; and to ‘Grow the Future’ especially in the area of data and tech industry because ”we are mainly consumers of technology and not innovators”. She stressed the importance of developing a culture where people are not afraid of critical analysis.

The presenters from the bank included Janine Billy, Chief Human Resources Officer, who shared lessons learnt from her career growth through various organisations. She advised the ladies, “do not put limits on yourself and narrow your focus…be open to where your passion and opportunities lead you.”