The professional landscape in Jamaica and the Caribbean is continually evolving, demanding adaptive and insightful leadership.

Against this backdrop, the recently concluded 15th annual Middle Managers’ Leadership Conference provided a critical platform for current and future leaders to gain essential skills and perspectives.

While the conference agenda was packed with crucial sessions addressing contemporary business challenges—from leveraging AI for workplace reinvention and avoiding burnout to advanced coaching techniques and unlocking leadership potential—a particularly resonant session on the second day offered a deep dive into the dynamics of professional relationships across gender lines.

In a unique concurrent format, male and female participants separated for dedicated panel discussions tackling the highly relevant topic ‘How Should I Lead, Engage & Relate To the Opposite Sex While Maintaining Professionalism‘. 

This session acknowledged the distinct experiences and challenges that men and women may face in the workplace while seeking to foster understanding and promote best practices for effective, respectful, and professional interaction.

The women’s panel featured a formidable line-up of Jamaica’s most accomplished women leaders: Sherene Golding-Campbell, government senator and attorney-at-Law; Chorvelle Johnson-Cunningham, CEO of Sagicor Bank; Nayana Williams, CEO of Lifespan Water Company; and Sheree Martin, COO of National Commercial Bank.

These esteemed professionals shared candid insights drawn from their extensive careers, offering invaluable guidance to the women managers in attendance.

Senator Sherene Golding-Campbell offered a powerful affirmation, declaring that, “Gender is your Lens, Not your Limitation.”

She elaborated on this crucial point, advising the women to “Be aware without being consumed. Gender informs context but it does not define competence and this applies to both men and women.” 

Her words empowered attendees to acknowledge the lens through which gender might shape perceptions or experiences without allowing it to become a barrier to their capability or ambition.

 Chorvelle Johnson-Cunningham, highlighted the importance of authenticity.

“Staying true to your leadership style commands respect across gender lines,” she stated.

 Johnson-Cunningham also addressed the subtle yet significant issue of unconscious bias, urging participants to address it “respectfully with facts and inclusive language”, providing a balanced perspective on progress and persistence.

Nayana Williams, a successful entrepreneur in the traditionally male-dominated manufacturing sector, provided practical advice rooted in foundational professional principles. She encouraged the women managers to consistently “…lead by example and ensure that your actions convey respect and professionalism.”

Williams further stressed the importance of creating an equitable environment by recognising contributions based on merit and actively respecting diverse perspectives.

The insights in this session underscored the reality that while competence is gender-neutral, understanding and skillfully navigating gender dynamics are essential components of effective modern leadership.

Hosted at the iconic Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, this landmark event brought together CEOs, government officials, and industry titans to mentor and guide the region’s vital cohort of mid-level managers.

Convened by Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, managing director of the Make Your Mark Group, conference reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone event for professional development in Jamaica and the Caribbean.