RG Podcast

Bermuda Bankers Association - Part 2

Geoff has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles in risk management, business development and client relationship management. He assumed progressively senior positions as a commercial banker with leading Canadian banks and transitioned to Barbados in 2012 as the Chief Risk Officer at a leading Caribbean commercial bank, where he successfully led several change initiatives which strengthened the risk culture and alignment with business strategies. Subsequently, Geoff was Chief Executive Officer at Barbados’ leading composite insurance company.

Geoff is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Bankers Association, where he represents the banking industry with advocacy, education and communications aimed at a range of stakeholders.

Geoff is Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Commercial Bank of Anguilla. Geoff is a Chartered Director accredited by the Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

Sowing Seeds for Change: Bermuda Lunchbox’s Fight for Food Security

In this episode, we explore how Bermuda Lunchbox is bridging gaps in food security, supporting local food justice efforts, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure Bermudians can access vital food resources and grow their own food.

 

Bermuda Lunchbox was inspired by the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Social Justice Bermuda’s local food resources initiative. Founded by Ms. Outerbridge and her students, who dedicated over 40 hours of research and web development, Bermuda Lunchbox launched in 2022 as an easy-to-use online platform connecting Bermudians with food and gardening resources, classes, and community events. Through their website and Instagram, Bermuda Lunchbox educates on food security, promotes home gardening, and supports local food justice efforts, with a mission to help underprivileged people access essential resources and grow their own food. 

 

(Special acknowledgment goes to Ira Thompson, S4, for his creative design and direction, as she pursues a future in graphic design.)

 

Sponsor: Lindo's

Bermuda 2024/5 Economic Review and Outlook

Nathan Kowalski

Nathan is the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager at Anchor Investment Management Ltd. He sits on the firm’s investment, compliance, and finance committees and has been with the company since 2003. Nathan holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation and is a Fellow of CSI (FCSI). He is also the author of the column “Financial Ramblings from the Rock” featured in Bemuda’s Royal Gazette.

Jonathan Kent, Business Writer

Jonathan is a corporate writer for clients in the international business sector, producing content including white papers, web copy, press releases and thought-leadership articles. Before starting his own business in 2021, he was Business Editor and Deputy Editor of The Royal Gazette. During his journalistic career, he also covered news and sports for UK national and regional newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Mail, The Independent on Sunday and the Grimsby Telegraph. Jonathan has an MSc in International Management from the University of Liverpool.

Bermuda Bankers Association - Part 1

Podcast Summary and Guest Bio

Listen in to Part 1 of the series with the Bermuda Bankers Association. CEO Geoff Scott describes the BBA’s purpose as well as the critical role that financial literacy plays in the economy in Bermuda.

 

Geoff has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles in risk management, business development and client relationship management. He assumed progressively senior positions as a commercial banker with leading Canadian banks and transitioned to Barbados in 2012 as the Chief Risk Officer at a leading Caribbean commercial bank, where he successfully led several change initiatives which strengthened the risk culture and alignment with business strategies. Subsequently, Geoff was Chief Executive Officer at Barbados’ leading composite insurance company.

Geoff is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Bankers Association, where he represents the banking industry with advocacy, education and communications aimed at a range of stakeholders.

Geoff is Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Commercial Bank of Anguilla. Geoff is a Chartered Director accredited by the Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

 

Sponsor – Bermuda Bankers Association

www.bermudabankers.org

Mindset Reset: Prioritize Health and Joy This Holiday Season

In this episode, Dr. Kasey-Jo Orvidas shares powerful mindset shifts to help you stay healthy over the holidays without sacrificing enjoyment. Learn how to ditch "all or nothing" thinking and embrace balance!

 

Dr. Orvidas holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a certified health and fitness coach, her expertise is in mindset and health behaviour change. She has transformed hundreds of lives (and minds) in her coaching career, while also being published in multiple peer-reviewed scientificjournals for her research exploring the relationship between our mindset and our health and fitness behaviours. After finding so much success within her own online fitness coaching business, she also created an accredited certification program (The Health MindsetCoaching Certification) teaching other coaches how to effectively use the science of mindset and psychology to develop lasting change with their clients.

Sponsor: Lindo's

Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC)

Join Executive Director Wayne Smith as he discusses ABIC’s vision, mission and impact, supporting Bermuda’s business environment and advocacy – positioning Bermuda as the domicile of choice for international companies.

 

Wayne Smith -  A dynamic leader and certified board director, with advanced skills in business development, strtegic development, government relations, advisory services, global program management, and emerging technology. Over 25 years of board experience across many industries.

 

Wayne has over 25 years of executive experience pioneering innovative business strategies across multiple sectors, in enterprises and government institutions. He is currently the Executive Director of ABIC, the Association for Bermuda International Companies. Prior to this post, he spearheaded the government’s concierge and engagement services division, which provides advisory services, expedites government processes, and connects businesses with key government stakeholders. 

 

Wayne holds an MBA from Webster University, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University, and completed the Public Service Executive Management Programme. In 2019 he successfully completed the Oxford University FinTech Programme.

 

Sponsor – ABIC

https://abic.bm/

Taking Charge of Prostate Health with Prostate Awareness Bermuda

Join host Carrie Lee Astwood and Rhydell Paynter from Prostate Awareness Bermuda as they discuss prostate health, early detection, breaking stigmas, and practical steps men can take to improve their overall health.

 

Prostate Awareness Bermuda is a support group for men and has as its mission “to provide support to men who have issues related to the prostate including but not limited to, being diagnosed, being treated or are rehabilitating from a prostate related condition. This could be prostatic cancer or BPH which is benign prostatic hyperplasia or commonly known as an enlarged prostate. The Group, which has approximately 25 members, meets once a month: presently on the second Thursday at the Blue Water Anglers Club. Providing an opportunity to discuss men’s health in a safe and judgement- free forum. It offers participants the opportunity to meet like-minded persons and share concerns related to the promulgation of Men’s health. PAB intends as we develop to become an advocate for equal treatment for men’s health in addition to our support role. Government has a declared statement of having data driven policy development. So to date we have partnered with the Daily Male Free Clinic and CariGenetics encouraging cutting-edge research and community engagement and education. Hopefully this relationship will provide the decision makers with the empirical information to develop the appropriate policies and programmes as preventative initiatives are more cost effective than reacting to medical treatments.

 

Sponsor: Lindo's

Grant Thornton

Listen in to find out about Grant Thornton’s experience after 20 months in the Bermuda market place.

 

Tanya Beattie is a senior qualified actuary with significant expertise across multiple areas of the Insurance industry. She leads the actuarial practice in Grant Thornton Bermuda and also Internal Audit. She brings a wealth of commercial and regulatory acumen, gained from her experience within both the Insurance industry, across Risk Management, Actuarial and Pricing roles, and also with the Irish regulator - the CBI. Tanya moved to Bermuda as part of Grant Thornton’s official launch on island in January 2023, and has developed strong relationships across the market since then – working closely with the on-island service providers, particularly insurance managers and law firms – while leading numerous client advisory engagements with both captive and commercial insurers. 

 

Karen Walrond is a qualified accountant with over 15 years of auditing experience of which 12 relate to work within the Bermuda insurance industry with captive and commercial insurers, investment holding companies, local companies and not-for-profit organizations. Her career commenced at KPMG Trinidad and KPMG Barbados before moving to Bermuda and joining Arthur Morris & Company Limited (AMC) as a senior and after a few years was promoted to Audit Manager. She also gained experience at an Insurance Management company where she worked on captive and commercial insurers before joining Grant Thornton Bermuda as an Audit Director in May 2024. She brings a wealth of knowledge, gained from her experience in the audit and insurance management industries.

 

Sponsor – Grant Thornton 

graphic link to: https://www.grantthornton.bm/

The Air We Breathe: Lung Wellness in Bermuda with Dr. Foley

In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Foley, pulmonologist, discusses how Bermuda’s unique environment impacts lung health, offering expert tips on protecting your respiratory system from pollutants, asthma triggers, and more. Tune in!

 

Dr. Kimberly Foley is a board-certified pulmonologist with over 14 years of experience dedicated to improving respiratory health and helping individuals breathe easier. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and sleep disorders. Dr. Foley is known for her compassionate,patient-centered approach and her commitment to empowering patients to take control of their lung health. Currently practicing at The Pulmonology Specialists Ltd. in Paget, Bermuda, she also collaborates with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive respiratory care. In her free time, she enjoys sailing, spin biking, and traveling the world.

 

Sponsor: Lindo's

Bermuda Tourism Authority

Listen in to find out more about the Bermuda Tourism Authority with CEO Tracy Berkeley and COO Erin Wright as they explore the business of tourism, offering insights on industry trends, growth strategies, and the future of travel.

 

Tracy Berkeley, CDME, became the first female CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority in March 2023. With over 20 years of experience, she has held key leadership roles in various industries, including insurance, hospitality and healthcare. Tracy is known for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and commitment to community service. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the BTA and is dedicated to fostering Bermuda’s growth as a premier destination. Tracy is a proud mother of three.

 

Erin Wright serves as the Chief Operations Officer for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, responsible for operations, finance, and research & business intelligence for the organisation. At the BTA, Wright and her team manage the organisation's day-to-day operations and provide insights and intelligence to shape the island's tourism strategy and measure its success. Prior to joining the BTA in 2014, Wright worked for the Bermuda Hotel Association and Bermuda Tourism Board. Her career has included extensive experience in tourism, research, technology, operations, privacy, and marketing.

 

Sponsor – BTA

https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta