Caribbean Power Lunch

In this episode, Kevin is joined by specially invited co-host Osei Wright-Alexis, and our featured guest; Hans Des Vignes, Owner of Hand-to-Hand Productions.   As a radio and television presenter, Hans Des Vignes is one of the most respected personalities in media in Trinidad and Tobago.   He has produced and worked on some of the top shows that promote soca in Trinidad and Tobago from hosting TV broadcasts for Soca Monarch and Machel Monday, as well as hosting and even producing Carnival Acoustic, Promenade Countdown, Synergy TV's De Scene and Synergy TV Soca Star.   As an event host/hype man he has also been featured in some of the biggest events in Trinidad and Tobago and has been hired throughout the region and the world.   As a manager of artists and promoter of music, he has worked with the HD family as well as helped nurture and promote the next generation of soca artists.   He is also respected as an individual that knows a hit when he hears it.   Hans can be heard daily on Tri

How do you go from looking at spreadsheets the whole day at your desk job, to traveling the world touring as the business manager for your favourite recording artists?   In this episode, Kevin is joined by specially invited co-host Emma Charles, and our featured guest; Andre Jeffers, Director & Co-Founder of Perception Management.   Andre is a graduate of Howard University (Washington DC) with a Bachelors Degree in Finance. Upon graduating at the top of his class, Andre began forging a career on Wall Street where he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital, focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions.   Following these stints, Andre was then recruited by world-renowned Private Equity firm The Carlyle Group where he functioned as an Investment Associate, focusing on making controlling equity investments in companies within Aerospace and Defense Sector and managing the entire transaction project cycle.   Andre returned to Trinidad in 2013 to begin his own bu

Today is all about CASH FLOW - based on the famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad - authored by Robert Kiyosaki.   In this episode, Kevin is joined by specially invited co-host Emma Charles, and our featured guest; Roger Moore.     Roger Moore is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a passion for franchises that generate high monthly cash flows. Since 2005, Roger has embarked upon a personal mission to educate the masses through a technique known as simulation-based learning. He does this through his entrepreneurial endeavours such as: Cashflow Club (Trinidad and Tobago), which uses the six-time New York Times Bestseller “Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ to demonstrate the simplicity of the CASH FLOW concept which has proven to be highly successful worldwide; Mad Science – Eastern Caribbean, a leading science enrichment provider that delivers unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational; and RE/MAX Caribbean, part of an international Real Estate Franchise with o

Sian Cuffy-Young has worked in the environmental field for over 13 years in two of the most challenging sectors in our industry - waste management and mining and have gained a wealth of experience there.   In this feature, Kevin is joined by co-host Zahra Alleyne, and location sponsor Irvin Davis of Davis Ecolife, as we discuss Social Entrepreneurship with Sian, through her company Siel Environmental Limited.   This innovative, education-centred company provides clients with products and services that protect the environment.   The core of the business focuses on Environmental Education Campaigns, Solid Waste Management Consulting, Land Rehabilitation services specific to quarries and mines, and the sale and distribution of VegwareTM compostable/biodegradable products.   The company caters to the following clients: Quarry Operators, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Businesses, Schools, and Environmental-based companies.   The company

In part 2 of this feature with Keron Rose of Droid Island, we discuss: Caribbean Smartphone Economics, The importance of passion, The future of Caribbean Mobile, Content Factory, The Shutterbug Smartphone Photography Movement, and Advice for Creatives.

More and more, IP and content-based businesses have been popping up as alternatives to conventional brick and mortar businesses.   In this 2-part feature, Kevin is joined by specially invited co-host Osei-Wright Alexis of Incentivize Networks, and our featured guest; Keron Rose, Mobile Expert and Founder of Droid Island.   Droid Island is a Caribbean based retail company that also provides the latest in tech news, reviews, discussions through its various mediums.   In this day in age, nobody buys smartphones based off commercials or brand ambassadors. When new tech comes out, we all run to our favorite tech reviewers to hear their thoughts and get an informed decision on whether we should buy.   Droid Island is the fusion between tech reviewer and retailer. The Caribbean now has their own experts that can identify with our unique market and help us make informed decisions on the tech we love.   In part 1 of this feature, we discuss: Keron's journey from being a smartphone salesman in Can

On Caribbean Power Lunch Podcast, we love to talk about going from #IdeaToAction. The inspirational (and sometimes transformational) entrepreneurs we interview always advise budding business owners to JUST GET STARTED.   But what about after we have started and proven our concept and want to go official?   How do we go about incorporating our business?   What measures do we need to put in place to stay out of legal trouble?   How do we protect our company's intellectual property from lazy thieves?   What about taxes?

Today, Kevin is joined by Salene Griffith as we sit and have a laugh with comedian Keevan "KEEVO" Lewis who has built his fame from the ground up by strategically using social media as a platform to not only showcase his comedic wit but also to create a business in and of himself.   In this episode, we discuss: Couple Up TT: Keevo's romance web series; The mission behind Keevo's comedy and why he keeps it clean; Content creation inspiration and process; Recovering from a bad day on stage; BLAC Sheep Barbershop: Business, Leadership, Awareness and Charity; PUMP: Business Networking Events and Boat Rides :D How to build a following - organically; Event Hosting; Aligning with the right brands; and Practical advice for listeners.    Links: Keevo's YouTube channel Keevo on Instagram PUMP on Instagram Keevo on Facebook

Today we talk about bringing Silicon Valley to the Caribbean.   In this episode, Kevin is joined by specially invited co-host Osei-Wright Alexis of Incentivize Networks, and our featured guest; Kyle Maloney - Co-Founder of Tech Beach Retreat, ChefMade, Nous Tech, and F1RST Media.   Technology and Entrepreneurship have the power to catapult the Caribbean Region. Tech Beach is bridging the gap between the Global Technology Leaders and the Caribbean; empowering more people and companies in the Caribbean to act locally, but think globally.   ChefMade is a healthy and delicious food service company in Trinidad & Tobago that focuses on making well balanced meals at an affordable price.   In this episode, we cover: How ChefMade works; Kyle's relationship with his brother Nicolas; Entrepreneurial mindset from a young age; Novus Tech Limited - Sustainable Energy; The value of being over-prepared; The reality of the Silicon Valley Boys' Club; Tech Beach Retreat conference series; The p

In this episode, Kevin is joined by guest host Zahra Alleyne, and our featured guests - Gregory Sydney (Founder) and Carissa Daniel (Consultant Team Lead) of Quick Delivery SLU.   Quick Delivery specializes in saving customers time and providing them with convenience through the delivery of: Restaurant Food, Groceries, Medication, Bill Payment & Courier Services. Today we discuss: How the Quick Delivery service works, How the Quick Delivery platform was built, How the company manages the logistics, Why you need a Business Coach, Fostering a customer service culture, World domination, and Why you should always listen to your customers.   Links: Quick Delivery on Facebook Quick Delivery on Instagram

Today, Kevin is rejoined by Branding Consultant, Jamila Bannister as we discuss:   Her new website and branding academy, Getting the most value out of your website, Going from being invisible to being influential, The Sponsorship Environment and how it has changed, Methods of collecting data on potential customers, and How to be consistent with your social media engagement without being annoying.   Links: J. Bannister Branding Website Jamila Bannister on Instagram J. Bannister Branding Consultancy onFacebook

Today we get straight to the point.   In this episode, Kevin is joined by Toni Thorne, founder, and host of The Toni Thorne Show, which is broadcast in over 30 countries as well as on social media.     She is an award-winning young entrepreneur & Barbados National Youth Awardee with degrees in Economics, Accounting and Law.   She was the first person of African or Caribbean descent to sit on the Global Youth Leader’s Summit in Europe and qualified for World Debating Championships at the age of 18.   Toni was a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and traveled from South America to Asia representing the region's youth at various WEF events.   As a shaper, she was handpicked from more than two thousand of the world's youth to interview the President of Coca-Cola and the President of Panama.   A former clothing designer, Toni now designs handmade sandals for what has now been referred to as "The Caribbean's sweetest sandal", Sweetheart Sandals.   She is also the owner of the lifestyle c

Today, we spread love to the St. Lucian family as Kevin is joined by guest host Salene Griffith and our featured guest - Rankin Morgan,  widely known as the award-winning founder and publisher of DAZZLE Magazine.   The Dazzle Magazine is a free bi-monthly publication that features young professionals and entrepreneurs. The magazine aims to inspire and empower St.Lucian and Caribbean youth.   The magazine caters to a demographic that ranges between ages 18 – 50 with an island-wide reach of 36,000 and a digital reach of 57,080 St. Lucians and has franchised out to neighbouring islands St. Vincent and Barbados.   In this episode, we discuss Rankin's exciting entrepreneurship journey including:   Life in London The origin story behind Dazzle Magazine Branding vs. Naming Getting buy-in from the masses Paper vs. Digital The content creation and publication process Rankin's other ventures, and The St. Lucian Government & Entrepreneurship.   Links: Dazzle Magazine St. Lucia D

Today we talk about the future landscape of the cashless economy.   In this episode, Kevin is joined by guest host Salene Griffith and featured guests - Dunstan Lodge Jr. and Jo-Anne Lodge; the husband and wife team of Barter plus.   Barter plus is the first cashless trade exchange platform in T&T, with a mission to establish and grow the cashless trade exchange business in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.   Episode Highlights: What is reciprocal trading? Converting spare capacity into savings Making uncertainty your friend. Why Barter? Getting started with Barter plus The cashless economy Barter income is taxable just like cash.

Today we talk tech.   In this episode, Kevin is joined by Elena Dyer, a serial entrepreneur and founder of #TechBae.   #TechBae is a conference series that showcases women who have used technology in their diverse industries, as a vehicle for disruption and innovation.   This episode features a discussion of Elena's past technology-inspired entrepreneurial ventures including:   Futech Services Co Limited - the only English-speaking Training Center in the Caribbean; and Diembox - a Caribbean lifestyle subscription box of specially-selected products of Caribbean brands as well as international brands that appeal to the Caribbean diaspora.   Other Episode Highlights: About #TechBae From Economics to Tech Is entrepreneurship a cure for boredom? Dealing with negative feedback #TechBae Coding Camp Going from #IdeaToAction   Links: #TechBae on Facebook #TechBae on Instagram

Few of us can really appreciate the amount of planning, hard work, and science that goes into producing a truly memorable event - be it a Sports Day, Christmas Gala, Party, etc.   In this Season 1 finale, Kevin is joined by guest host Salene Griffith and Brendon Brathwaite - Founder and Managing Director of BUZZ Concepts Ltd, as he schools us on everything that goes into providing positive, long-lasting experiences for his patrons and how he has been able to build a strong base of corporate clientele.   Brendon has over fifteen years of experience in marketing and event management, and BUZZ Concepts is a full-service experiential event planning agency. BUZZ solves problems with its first-class party rental service and converts the mundane to the memorable, with its engaging suite of signature events in Trinidad & Tobago, NYC, and Barbados.   Episode Highlights: The origin story behind BUZZ Concepts Ltd. Overcoming and being empowered by disabilities. Managing business and personal relati

Today we talk about renewable energy and how we can get started on reducing our carbon footprint and saving on our electricity bills.   In this episode, I am joined by guest hosts Zahra Alleyne and Kamilah Evans, and our featured guest Mr. Irvin Davis of Davis Ecolife.   Davis Ecolife sees embracing renewable energy as the way forward for upcoming generations. The company is of the view that the region has an abundance of wind, sunshine, water and in some places geothermal energy, and these resources are underutilized. The company plans to use these resources in a manner that would lessen the region's dependency on fossil fuels.   Currently, the company provides innovative products and solutions aimed at creating a cleaner, more sustainable and cost-effective future for residents and businesses across the Caribbean.   Episode Highlights: From Jamaica to Trinidad Davis Ecolife's Vision Getting Clients on board Running a renewable energy business in an oil and gas economy The Eco Pod a

Today, we map out the architecture of personal and business branding with our featured guest - Jamila Bannister, Lead Consultant and Founder of J Bannister Branding Consultancy ("JBBC").   JBBC is a branding service company offering training and workshops on branding and strategy. Here, Jamila coaches clients on how to manage all forms of personal output to align with life goals and how to use this output strategically to realize desired outcomes. Available services include brand auditing, goal identification, strategic planning, image consulting, communication and leadership skills, marketing and specialized workshops.   Episode Highlights: Jamila's background in communications and business strategy. Recognizing your mentors/guardian angels. The Law of Attraction Streamlining your business operations The Ideal Customer Importance of managing expectations Sip N Strategise - The Working Dinner Edition How to build your brand into a household name. How to start your own consultancy - tomorro

Today, we talk about the business of fruit wine and how to develop a wine that tastes like home.   In this episode, I am joined by guest host Alicia Cooper - my colleague at Aspire Fund Management Company Limited, and our featured guest - Laura Superville, Owner and Founder of 11 Degrees North Boutique Wines.   11 Degrees North is a boutique winery which produces tropical fruit wines. As a boutique winery the focus is on quality; therefore, only a small number of bottles are produced annually. It is estate bottled, the fruits are hand-picked and carefully selected, as only the best fruit are used to produce these sophisticated fruit wines.   Available flavours include sorrel, pommerac, starfruit (five finger), cashew and jamun.     Episode Highlights: What inspired Laura to want to turn fruits into wine. Gaining knowledge in the field - winemaking for beginners. Logistics behind scaling production and bottling capabilities, transportation and storage. The story behind the name 11 Degrees North

Today, we talk about building a luxury brand in the cosmetics industry.   In this episode, I am joined by guest host Zahra Alleyne, audience member Kieran Valley-Gordon, and our featured guest - Kathryn Nurse, Creative Director and CEO of Immortelle Beauty.  Kathryn is on a mission of creating beauty products of a luxurious and international standard for Caribbean Women   Topics Discussed: From Biologist to Cosmetic Chemist From Biology to MBA in Luxury Brand Management Origin of Immortelle Beauty The stigma that luxury products are unlikely to be locally produced The conceptualization, branding and packaging process Power struggle between manufacturers and retailers Importance of writing things down on paper Scotiabank Vision Achiever Business Class Programme How to start your own luxury brand   Links: Kathryn Nurse on Instagram Immortelle Beauty's website Immortelle Beauty on Instagram