THE GLEANER’S FLAIR MAGAZINE • TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022 I {FLAIR F. ADVERTORIAL OUR SOCIETY is seeing a growing number of women stepping up and out as decision-makers, not just in their homes, but in major industries and organisations. This evolution of the role of women as empowered equals has augured well for the mindset shift required to drive change in the role of women in leadership across the globe. This has also allowed women to break the bias in several male-dominated industries and contribute to creating a sustainable future. For Anntonette Cowan-Palmer, regional manager at NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited, stepping out of her comfort zone on the constant quest for greatness has allowed her to move beyond her limitations. Palmer is no stranger to hard work. Growing up with a single mother and five siblings, she watched her mother work hard to provide for her family each day. “Mommy barely earned above the minimum wage, but she never complained, never borrowed, we were never hungry, and we all went to school. I watched Mommy plan and sacrifice, which taught me that the management of money. [It] being a scarce commodity, [it] needs planning and sacrifice if you are to reap its rewards,” she explained. From as early as she could remember, Palmer learnt the value of saving, which allowed her to enjoy the simple pleasures of life without depending on her mother. “I would save my lunch money to have money for the grand market, sports day, or to go to KFC when we went on church trips. We all knew Mommy could not afford any more, so whatever we got as lunch money, we had to make it work,” she said. MINISTERS OF FINANCE AND HOME AFFAIRS As women, we are expected to be nurturers and stewards of our family, and invariably those roles involve managing money. “We are the ministers of finance and home affairs,” said Palmer. “We must plan in such a way that the immediate needs are met, and we prepare for the future demands. This is no easy feat,” she continued. When it comes to attaining wealth and exercising good money management, she noted that investing is the best way to earn more money. “To get more money, you must practise investing. Investment also requires discipline and time. I have always believed that every dollar spent outside of those providing for basic needs must be put to investment and should not be used only for pleasure,” explained Palmer. Her advice to women is to not be frivolous with their spending and to be mindful of where their money is going. “The next time you decide to spend ostentatiously, ask yourself: ‘Is this the best way to invest this money? What returns will I be getting on this investment?’ I also believe that the best way to use debt is to invest it. Don’t borrow to get it if you won’t make a return on it,” she pointed out. Palmer’s daily motivation as a female leader comes from being grateful for life, health, family, and freedom. Her optimistic mindset has created a magnet for the many opportunities she has gained. “People often ask, do you ever have a bad day? [The] truth is, I don’t have bad days; there may be off-moments here and there, but never a bad day. There are just too many great things that are going well to allow just one small thing to disrupt that flow. I also firmly believe that all things work together for good. So, even when there are challenges, I do not dwell on them; rather, I focus on the great opportunities that are presented, whether to learn or to earn,” she said. Palmer’s wish for the future of women in business is to ensure that more people partake in the mentorship of young women who are interested in growing their careers and becoming leaders within their sector. “I hope we will not just be sitting in the boardrooms, but more of us will be chairing those boards. I want to see more women become leaders in this technological age, driving innovation and leading industries, all while impacting lives positively and empowering future generations to become better than those before,” stated Palmer. She paid homage to her mother, Icilda PitterPetrie, who has always been her strongest influence. Palmer said her lessons of disciplined focus, love for others and stress-free living have moulded her into the woman she is today. “Growing up, my mother also emphasised that ‘anything worthwhile doing is worthwhile doing well’, and these words have guided me in life. She was my greatest mentor, and because of her efforts, I am where I am today,” stated Palmer. Anntonette Cowan-Palmer credits mother for strong influence 14 ’ Mommy barely earned above the minimum wage, but she never complained, never borrowed, we were never hungry, and we all went to school. I watched Mommy plan and sacrifice, which taught me that the management of money. [It] being a scarce commodity, [it] needs planning and sacrifice if you are to reap its rewards. ‘ Anntonette Cowan-Palmer, regional manager for NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited, said she thanks her mother for teaching her the value of money, discipline and love for others.
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