RG Podcast

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

Knory Scott of Praxis Clothing: From the Rock to the Rack

Knory Scott is a young entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for fashion. Having lived in the UK and Spain, he has been exposed to diverse styles and cultures, enriching his understanding of global fashion trends. This international experience has seamlessly transitioned into his latest venture: Praxis. Praxis is an urban luxury brand that embodies Knory's unique vision. The brand is built on the philosophy of using high-quality materials to create designs that transform visions, ideas, and everyday situations into reality. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Knory aims to make Praxis a symbol of innovation and sophistication in the fashion world. In addition to his global influences, Knory is passionate about sharing the rich stories of his hometown, Bermuda, with the world. Through Praxis, he integrates elements of Bermuda's culture and heritage, offering a unique narrative that celebrates his roots and brings a touch of his island home to his luxurious designs.

 

Sponsor: Brought to you by The Royal Gazette

Navigating Alzheimers With North Star Dementia

Join us on the Best Health Podcast for World Alzheimer’s Month as Marie Fay from Northstar Dementia shares her expertise on Alzheimer's and dementia. We discuss prevention, early diagnosis, living well with dementia, and addressing service gaps in Bermuda.

 

NorthStar is owned and managed by Marie Fay Occupational Therapist (OT). A local leader in the field of Dementia care in Bermuda. A Masters level therapist, she brings 20 years of clinical experience supporting individuals with dementia to continue living life to the fullest. Having been personally touched by dementia, Marie has made it her goal to assist her clients with successfully aging at home with the support of their family caregivers to reduce the overall cost and burden of care for this vulnerable population. Marie is an Executive Member of the Board of Occupational Therapists, a member of the Bermuda Occupational Therapy Association, and Chairperson and Founder of the Bermuda Dementia Alliance.

 

Sponsor: Lindo's

Nhoaa and Milahn Powell of AnerTalia Designs: All That Glitters Is Gold

Nhoaa Powell is a co-owner of AnerTaila Designs, a personalised, handcrafted jewellery business established in 2019. AnerTaila Designs takes pride in using high-quality materials to create lasting pieces that our customers will cherish for years to come. Nhoaa is currently enrolled as a Junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University pursuing a BSc in Biology with a focus in Pre-Med. After completing my bachelors, I plan to go to medical school and achieve my goal of becoming a neonatal surgeon. Nhoaa has also enrolled in the Ignite Entrepreneur program this year, as this will be a great opportunity to network and broaden her horizons on all things business and entrepreneurship. 

 

Milahn Ean Taila Powell is a co-owner of AnerTaila Designs, a personalised, hand-crafted jewellery business established in 2019. She is also a certified lash artist and owns The Lash Room Bermuda, which opened in June 2023. She is currently pursuing an Associates of Arts and Science degree at The Bermuda College with the goal of obtaining my Bachelors of Science in Nursing overseas and becoming a Medical Aesthetician. She is also participating in a summer internship with the Ignite Program, where she is increasing her entrepreneurial knowledge. She is excited about the future and committed to making a positive impact through my work in beauty and healthcare. 

 

Sponsor: Brought to you by The Royal Gazette