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At the JMMB Group, few nicknames carry as much meaning as “JMMB Mummy.” It is a title affectionately given to Moya Leiba‑Barnes, Deputy Bank CEO, JMMB Jamaica, by JMMB Group CEO, Keith Duncan, not because of seniority alone, but because of how she shows up consistently, compassionately and with an unwavering sense of responsibility for her people.

The name is a reflection of how deeply Moya’s leadership style is rooted in care. It is not something she set out to become. In fact, she is quick to say she does not enjoy talking about herself. For those who work with her, however, the description fits naturally. “I’ve always been people‑oriented,” she says simply. “I listen, I try to understand, and I try to help people think through solutions, whether that’s at home or at work.”

That approach is shaped by motherhood. Moya is the mother of two daughters, both accomplished professionals in their own right. She speaks of them with pride, but also with humility, acknowledging the role of her husband and her close support system — her “village” — in raising them.

Motherhood, she says, taught her one of the most important leadership skills she uses today: presence. “I learned early that even if you’re busy, you have to be present,” she explains. “Sometimes your child doesn’t need an hour. They just need five minutes of your full attention. That lesson translated directly into how I lead.”

A Safe Space to Land

At JMMB, that presence often looks like an open door or two chairs in her office that are rarely empty. They are not reserved for visiting executives, but for team members who need to talk, decompress or think through a challenge. “Sometimes people just need a listening ear,” she says. “You can’t rush that.”

She applies the same principle she uses as a mother: listen first, guide second. Rather than telling people what to do, she prefers to ask questions that encourage ownership and growth rather than fear — What happened? What do you think you could do differently next time?

That balance of compassion and accountability is what many JMMB team members respond to. Moya is clear that care does not mean the absence of standards. “Responsibility matters,” she says matter‑of‑factly. “But you can still hold people accountable with kindness.”

It is this combination that has earned her the reputation as someone who will defend her team, even in difficult moments. She recalls instances of de‑escalating tense client situations by responding calmly, offering solutions, and reminding all parties of mutual respect. More often than not, the result is resolution and sometimes an apology. “I believe in giving people grace,” she says. “But I also believe in fairness.”

Motherhood as Leadership Training

Moya rejects the idea of the “superwoman.” She does not believe anyone truly does it all alone.

“I’m not a superwoman,” she says firmly. “I’ve had support at home, at work, everywhere.”

Her husband’s support, she notes, has been instrumental in giving her the freedom to grow professionally. She is equally deliberate about supporting him in his pursuits. Leadership at home, she believes, is a partnership.

She is also intentional about how she defines success for her daughters. There were no rigid expectations about careers or gender roles, only encouragement to explore, to work hard, and to follow what brought them joy. “We never said, ‘You must be this or that,’” she explains. “We asked, ‘What makes you happy?’ And we supported them as they figured it out.”

That same philosophy guides her leadership at JMMB. People thrive, she believes, when they feel seen, trusted and supported, not boxed in. That joy is evident in the small things: arriving at work early because she wants to be there; staying connected to her faith and church community; tending to her orchids at home; finding energy in music and service. She speaks often of kindness, not as a soft trait, but as a deliberate choice.

The Heart of the JMMB Mummy

When asked what motherhood has taught her most, Moya does not hesitate. “Patience,” she says. “And giving of yourself while still holding people accountable.” It is that balance that defines her as the JMMB Mummy: someone who nurtures growth, defends her people, demands excellence, and creates space for others to thrive.

She may shy away from the spotlight, but her impact is unmistakable. In a workplace where leadership is often measured by results alone, Moya Leiba‑Barnes reminds us that how you lead matters just as much as what you achieve.

And for many at JMMB, that is exactly why she is — and will remain — the JMMB Mummy.