She Did That: Meet Visionary Leader, Alison Browne-Ellis

Alison Browne-Ellis is a dynamic and seasoned Corporate Executive with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record in driving transformation with exceptional results. Currently serving as the CEO of Cave Shepherd Card (Barbados) Inc., she leads a talented team and sets strategic direction for the company.

As a visionary leader, Alison has successfully positioned her firm as the first Non-Financial Institution in the English-speaking Latin American Caribbean region to secure a Principal Membership license with Visa International. She has also been instrumental in launching one of Barbados’s pioneering digital payment wallets, designed for small business customers, which supports the Government’s EZ Pay+ payment platform. Additionally, she oversaw the transition of her business into a separate legal entity within the well-known Group.

Before her current role, Alison dedicated 13 years to First Caribbean International Bank, where she drove change initiatives in the payments industry. Her expertise encompasses implementing innovative products, business development, marketing, credit, and customer experience strategies—efforts that significantly boost productivity and performance.

Today, Alison skillfully balances her many responsibilities in the corporate sphere as a career mom, wife, board member, professional mentor, motivational speaker, and role model. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she passionately embraces her God-given purpose to make a positive impact on her peers and aspiring leaders alike.

This drive inspired her to write the award-winning book, "LIFE LESSONS: A Purpose Driven Leadership Journey," along with a "365-Day Inspirational Desk Calendar." As a catalyst for change, her commitment to the development and empowerment of women culminated in the founding of Boss Ladies United, a professional development and networking association for women.

Alison holds an Executive Diploma from the Ivey Business School at Western University and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Surrey. She is also a Certified John Maxwell Team Coach. Previously, she served as Vice President and Council Member of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where she currently chairs the Marketing & Communications Committee. Her efforts have earned her recognition as “Motivational Speaker of the Year” for both 2022 and 2023 at the Wuh Gine On Awards. She has also been highlighted in numerous local and regional publications, including The Beyond Woman Magazine and I Am Bold and Fearless Woman Magazine, and she is a nominee for the 2024 Caribbean Posh Icon Woman Award.

Alison lives by the personal mantra, “Anything worth doing simply needs to get done!

What goal are you most proud of achieving this year?

This year was very intense for me, personally and professionally. I started a few big goals, and they are still in progress. Thankfully, the most important goal can be successfully checked off - my relationship with God.

I made a declaration going into 2023 that since God was the only reason I was still standing, I would commit my life and my life's journey entirely to Him. My prayer life has expanded, my quiet time with God is a priority, and my efforts to give God all the glory for the amazing things He has done in my life is my ever-constant reality.

Why was reaching this goal important to you?

The fact is the higher up we go, the more we will need God, and this hit home to me at the end of 2022 when my entire world as I know it felt like it was under attack despite my best efforts to walk in a spirit of excellence to fulfill my God-given purpose and to generally, live my life as a good person.

I realised that as someone who brings so much light to the darkness of this world I would attract both the good and the bad. In this season, one thing remained true for me - that God would never leave or forsake me and that when I walked through the waters, I would not be washed away, and when I walked through the fire, I would not be set ablaze. My relationship with God is such that I hold him to his promises for my life, and so far, He hasn't failed me yet. I like to think of myself as a strategist, but now I rely on the Master Strategist.

What was your biggest challenge while working to reach this goal, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me is waiting on God's word. I am constantly being approached with many opportunities. As a believer who is also a go-getter, it is sometimes hard to know when I am hearing from Him and when to move versus my excitement at the opportunity presented. Patience is one of the things I find most challenging in this season, but I am getting better at it the more intentional I become at building our relationship.

Delays are not denials, but they can feel that way. How would you encourage women experiencing delays or near misses to achieve their goals?

Every single time I felt some form of disappointment due to a setback or being denied something near and dear to my heart, God showed up with something better and right on time. The feeling of denial is not a nice one, but I do believe that perspective is important. The mindset we bring to these defining moments in life shapes our response and ability to reshape our journey trajectory. We must look for the opportunity in those denials so that we can turn it into victory, which I have learnt over time starts in the mind.

The truth is if the goal is truly that important to your vision for your life, nothing can stop you. Denials force creativity and breed ambition, but a positive mindset and attitude must fuel it. For me, attitude is everything!

How do you celebrate your achievements when you reach your goals?

Over the past three years, I’ve truly gotten better at this. Before the pandemic, I often pushed myself to hit goals, only to quickly move on to the next challenge. I used to shy away from the spotlight when it came to sharing my personal or professional achievements because a part of me felt bashful about recognizing my success as a Corporate Female Executive. In retrospect, I realize that society may have shaped my feelings, suggesting I was achieving "too much too fast" as a woman. Now, I’ve learned the importance of taking a moment to pause, share my experiences, and celebrate with loved ones. I fully appreciate the value of my struggles and the sacrifices I’ve made to reach each goal I’ve accomplished. Whether it’s treating myself to a trip, enjoying new experiences, booking a favourite local staycation, or splurging on a beautiful handbag, I make sure to reward myself because I’ve earned it!

How can our readers connect with you?

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