Can we become investible? I recently sat down with Dike Rostant at TTT News station to discuss the professional services I offer; from business valuations to working with businesses to attract investment. I also offered my perspectives on what is needed to foster a favourable environment for business, how to fortify our private sector, and what drives me to do all that I do.

Caribbean Power Lunch

057: Becoming Investible with Kevin Valley

It is not always about doing things better, but sometimes we simply need to do better things.   This belief is near and dear to the heart of Sian Cuffy-Young, a social entrepreneur who is driven by the need for environmental change and waste management education.   In this episode, we discuss: Sian's journey and reason for becoming an environmental entrepreneur, Reframing her mindset from student and employee to business owner, Social Entrepreneurship: Environment and Business Case, How to get started without funding, An introduction to landfilling, and What's next for Siel Environmental.   Sian recently launched her book "Ky's Magical Adventures" to teach children about waste management and awaken the Eco-Hero within them.

056: Do Better Things with Sian Cuffy-Young

Let's talk about Serial Entrepreneurship. From music to catering to tech to events, Osei Wright-Alexis has brought his business start-up formula to bear on numerous ventures over the last 15 years. Hear him explain how he knows which idea is going to be next, and when it's time to move on.  Once the challenge is gone, serial entrepreneurs are always looking for the next business spark to develop. Bringing an idea to fruition is exciting, but making sure a business is ready before you move takes focus, patience, a thorough understanding of the market, and then sometimes tedious formulation of the systems and processes that underlie successful operation.  Osei walks us through his successes, failures, and lessons, and drops some serious wisdom for those of you who have too many ideas and don't know where to start.

055: The Serial Entrepreneur with Osei Wright-Alexis

Mind. Your. Business. When breaking out on your own, there is no such thing as being overprepared.  If you want to start a business and you think you are either too young or too inexperienced, this conversation with Kyle Maloney will show you that none of that matters as much as knowing your business better than anyone else.  His research-based borderline obsessive approach impressed investors who may have been skeptical of investing in a few 20-somethings and underpinned his ability to learn from mistakes to grow a series of better, stronger, successful businesses. In this vault episode of Caribbean Power Lunch featuring Kyle Maloney, we discussed how ChefMade works, the value of being over-prepared, the Tech Beach Retreat conference series, the future landscape of tech in the Caribbean, the plight of F1RST, and harnessing the power of fear.

054: Bringing Silicon Valley to the Caribbean with Kyle Maloney

Leading an active lifestyle from a young age, fighting early-onset diabetes, becoming an academic scholar – Kerrie-Kim Kirton left his secure corporate job in December 2015, to turn his passion for lifestyle fitness into the business known today as All In Fitness.   In this episode, we discussed: Why Kerrie is called the ‘fittest diabetic’  Kerrie’s 9-month search for employment after successfully completing 2 degrees in Economics  Leaving the ‘safety-net’ of the corporate world to pursue your passion  Building customer loyalty & repeat clientele  The philosophy behind the All In Fitness brand Practical advice for those who believe they are “too busy” to exercise. Yes, YOU. An update on what Kerrie is up to now, and Top Tip for entrepreneurs. 

053: All In Fitness with Kerrie-Kim Kirton

What does the word “recession” bring to mind? For many, it evokes saving, shrinking, and worrying about job loss and rising debt. After listening to this conversation with finance professional Maria Daniel and business owner Gerard Edwards, though, you will have a different understanding of the possibilities that a financial downturn can bring for business growth and transformation. In accepting that life in the “new normal” will not be the same, business owners can be empowered to adapt intelligently, making decisions that create opportunities instead of obstacles. You will learn strategies to reach new customers, how to identify your customers’ problems, and how to understand your numbers in a way that puts you in control of your business’ future.

Are You Ready for the Recession feat. Gerard Edwards and Maria Daniel - Become Investible RoundTable Series

This is a long one, but it is worth every minute. Terri-Karelle graciously sat with us for over three hours and shared her wisdom and experience on turning failures into opportunities, the importance of being genuine, and how to find power in being your authentic self. From immersing herself in an academic program taught in a language she did not speak in order to pursue her dream, to overcoming the opinions and criticisms of others by standing in her own confidence, Terri's path has at times been far from what was expected, but it has definitely been inspiring.  Terri's zeal for life, her faith in her purpose and gifts, and her comfort with being uncomfortable, have all contributed to the success she has achieved so far, and with her approach the sky is truly the limit. Get your notebook ready, because the gems are truly overflowing from this one!

052: Don't Play Small feat. Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid

“Until Everywhere is Free” is a statement that encapsulates the hope of Muhammad Muwakil, a Trinidadian poet, musician and in some ways, a modern-day renaissance man, Who, with the help of many others, is creating a new sound for calypso music. In today’s episode, Muhammad tells us his story about how he is paving his way in the world on his own terms, along the path of his entrepreneurial journey and self-discovery.

051: Until Everywhere is Free with Muhammad Muwakil

As business owners during these trying times, we are constantly being advised to ‘go digital’ in order to be sustainable and agile. However, putting that into action does not look the same for everyone. Should we start with a website or build an Instagram following? How much does it cost? In this our first Become Investible RoundTable discussion, we discuss how to utilize different digital tools to manage, market, and grow a business, and analyze and leverage data to make the most of digital investments. Both Shelly-Ann Gajadhar and Keron Rose have built and grown their own businesses using different digital strategies. Tune in to learn from their experiences and get the information needed to build out an effective digital strategy for any business.

Become Investible RoundTable Series - The Insider's Guide to Digital Business with Shelly-Ann Gajadhar and Keron Rose

We all have a story to tell and a lot to learn from one another. Technology makes conversations and linkages possible more easily, as long as we are willing to listen. In this Season 5 finale, we talk to filmmaker, storyteller and digital media specialist Adrena Ifill, about how to share your story, learn from your history and find your own space in the world and in business. Adrena speaks to the importance of engaging and leveraging the power of the diaspora and making history every day. Get ready to take notes as she shares wisdom for creative entrepreneurs and all business owners on how to determine your worth, price your services, find and interview your clients, and maintain control and power over your professional journey in these more volatile economic times. Adrena Ifill is an award-winning digital media producer and lecturer. She takes history off the shelf and makes it come alive! Her firm, Ifill/DoubleBack Global Group, specializes in preserving and producing culture and history projects. 

050: Make History Everyday with Adrena Ifill

Who are you? Why are you here? These were the questions posed to Akosua Edwards by a female-driven collective in rural Uganda, where she had gone to take her knowledge as a successful accountant to give advice and guidance to grow their business. Little did she know she would be the one who ended up learning the most, uncovering new truths about the meaning of success, purpose and self-love. The answer, she found, was that “You are here to give out the gift the universe put into you.” Identifying her gift has taken Akosua on a journey from unemployed accountant to successful author and award-winning social entrepreneur. Tune in (LINK IN BIO) to hear Akosua speak powerfully about the impact of a strong community, the freedom that comes from releasing those things that do not drive your purpose, and the role that business can play in creating not only commercial success, but also significant social change.

049: Why Are You Here with Akosua Edwards

Money may not buy happiness but it sure does give you options! On this episode, financial planner Melinda Belle reveals simple strategies for debt management, and also shares some tips for budgeting, saving, and giving your money purpose and direction. Find out how to improve your “financial self-esteem”, the power of tracking your spending, and why you should really stop comparing yourself with others. Ever wondered how you can build a business with zero dollars? Tune in to find out!

048: My Money & Me with Melinda Belle

Aldwyn Wayne is the Founder and CEO of WiPay which provides innovative solutions for e-commerce, online payments and facilitating digital transactions for the unbanked. In this episode, Aldwyn speaks about the need for challenge and competition in the technology space, and the need for input and innovation to elevate the industry in the Caribbean and beyond. Tune in to hear the challenges faced when making his place in the financial space, the power of knowing your worth, making your own path and always working toward and expecting success and excellence. Don’t miss Aldwyn’s take on leveraging the potential of the Internet for wealth creation, and his inspiring, practical advice for all aspiring entrepreneurs who may see obstacles instead of opportunities.

047: Bet on FinTech with Aldwyn Wayne

Keron Rose returns to Caribbean Power Lunch to share his journey from mobile expert to digital entrepreneur and talks with Kevin about why he was driven to start keronrose.com and where his vision will take him next. Keron pulls no punches as he lays out the reasons why many entrepreneurs are not seeing success, the key steps to building the right brand partnerships, and reveals the systems he uses to find his passions and figure out his next moves as a solopreneur. Learn about the power of “niching down”, getting specific and being consistent. Do you how to identify the correct online platforms to grow your business and the reason why everyone, even students, should and can have a website? Get ready to take notes for this class on building a digital business, making money while you sleep, and making a business idea a reality in the Caribbean.

046: Digital Entrepreneurship 101 with Keron Rose

A Journey to Self through the lens of Angel Joseph - makeup developer and owner of Imagine Makeup - a Trinbagonian beauty company that provides makeup services and products for the Caribbean. Angel bares her soul and tells her truth in a way that she has never told it before. More than makeup, Angel strives to reveal the beauty of her clients - both on the outside and the inside.

045: Journey to Self with Angel Joseph

Kevin Valley uncovers the stories of black entrepreneurs and business owners in the Caribbean and Diaspora.