What inspires you?

People who keep going

Which leadership development programme did you attend?

Powerbrokers Placements

Why did you choose the programme?

I chose Powerbrokers Placement to observe and participate in leadership in action in a different cultural context and to deliver an information-based project – the “Picture Dis” website http://www.nlj.org.jm/pd/picturedis.htm

How do you relax?

Singing / reading / daydreaming / writing (sometimes).

What single thing would improve the quality of your work-life?

Currently, a private space in which to work and reflect (a library office would do!)

What is your greatest fear?

That I will lose what I love.

What pearl of leadership wisdom would you offer an emerging leader?

Communication involves listening as much as it does speaking

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Enjoying an inability to sleep

What words or phases do you most overuse?

“Yes, but ...”

What has been your most challenging situation as a leader?

Working as a solo librarian without a library team.

What did you learn from that experience?

The importance of communication and networking to fight professional isolation and the importance of marketing my service.The importance of communication and networking to fight professional isolation and the importance of marketing my service.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness would be to have no worries.

Which book(s) are you reading at the moment?

In the city: a celebration of London music (Paul de Noyer); Metadata (Marcia Lei Zhang and Jian Qin); and, Brown girl, brown stones (Paule Marshall)

Which 'leader' from the past or present day do you most admire and why?

Nelson Mandela who has behave with dignity.

Where would you like to live?

Where I am now.

Did you experience any eureka! moments during your leadership development programme? If yes, what?

I realised that I was my own worst enemy. – That I was being paralysed by the fear that I might have to give up aspects of my work with which I most identify to fulfil leadership potential.

What is your favourite smell?

Lavender.

If you were a super hero, what would your power be?

I’d be telepathic.

Have you found your leadership development beneficial?

Yes.

Why?

I am learning to be more objective about what facilitates my leadership skills. I am learning to comfortably delegate more and so be able to stretch myself with more risks.

For what cause would you die?

True socialism.

What do you consider to be your greatest (professional or personal) achievement?

Professionally, this would be the ‘Picture Dis’ website http://www.nlj.org.jm/pd/picturedis.htm but personally, it would have to be my children.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

I was once mistaken for Grace Nichols at an event at the Poetry Society.

What would your 'leadership' motto be?

Reflect before you act.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 5 things would you want with you?

My glasses; Beloved (Toni Morrison); Sula (Toni Morrison); Laptop with Wi-Fi connection; Family album.

What is your favourite song?

Currently, ‘Love letters straight from your heart’ (Kitty Lestor)

What keeps you awake at night?

Secretly enjoying an inability to sleep

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

Worrying is not a virtue.

Do you plan to do more leadership development? If yes, what area do you plan to focus on?

I would like to focus on mentoring support.