Kaysia Johnson Vaughan talks advertising, management and mentorship | Lifestyle

As a advertising and communications specialist, Kaysia Johnson Vaughan has used storytelling, technique, and creativity to assist organisations strengthen their relationships with clients throughout the Caribbean. Her experience, management, and fervour for volunteerism have earned her this yr’s Caribbean POSH ICON Emerging ICON Leader Award.

“Receiving this award is both an honour and a humbling experience. What makes this recognition meaningful is what it represents: a reflection of years of hard work, perseverance, faith, and a commitment to serving others while pursuing excellence,” Johnson Vaughan advised Sunday Lifestyle.

The Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, held in June within the British Virgin Islands, recognised 15 ladies from seven Caribbean territories for his or her contributions to the area.

Growing up in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, Johnson Vaughan was surrounded and supported by her loving household. Coming from a close-knit neighborhood, she was raised on a robust basis of religion. “My childhood was simple, but it was rich in the things that matter most: love, values, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” she revealed.

Although entry to alternatives was far and few, she realized to be resilient and resourceful every time doorways opened in her course: “My family constantly reinforced the importance of education, integrity, and service, and those lessons continue to shape every aspect of my life. The church also played a significant role in my upbringing, developing my faith, confidence, and understanding that our gifts are meant to be used in service to others.”

These early experiences supplied classes of dreaming huge whereas remaining grounded.

By the time she attended Westwood High School, Johnson Vaughan was already pushed by excellence and galvanizing different younger ladies to pursue their potential. At The University of the West Indies, she studied media and communications, deepening her understanding of storytelling, relationships, and human connection.

“Pursuing a Master of Business Administration in marketing at the Mona School of Business and Management strengthened my strategic thinking and deepened my understanding of business leadership. More importantly, education taught me how to think critically, adapt to change, and remain intellectually curious,” she added.

Initially, Johnson Vaughan dreamed of changing into a journalist, a ardour that led her into media and communications. However, her introduction to gross sales alongside the best way shifted her perspective and remodeled her profession path.

“Spending time on the front line of business taught me how customers think, what drives decision-making, and why understanding people is at the heart of every successful business,” she defined. Marketing, she added, turned the proper intersection amongst avenues of her curiosity.

She began at Jamaica National as a communications assistant shortly after graduating from college. She then joined the Red Stripe group, transitioning into gross sales and enterprise improvement, and later crossed over into advertising at Lascelles Wines & Spirits.

“I eventually returned to the Jamaica National Group as head of retail services and marketing at JN General Insurance, where I had the opportunity to drive growth while strengthening customer experience and brand positioning,” Johnson Vaughan defined.

She later spearheaded advertising initiatives throughout the Caribbean at Scotiabank earlier than shifting into enterprise management roles, together with director of small enterprise banking for the area.

Every function appointed, she admitted, supplied a unique layer to her management portfolio.

Before constructing her profession, she was deeply concerned in volunteerism, youth improvement, and neighborhood service. She served as a youth ambassador and later dean of the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme (JaYAP), advocating for younger individuals and collaborating in initiatives targeted on youth empowerment.

“I’ve also spent years mentoring young women, supporting community projects and volunteering with organisations that serve vulnerable groups. Those experiences reinforced my belief that leadership is ultimately about service,” she famous.

Rooted in her perception that one ought to bloom the place God vegetation one and by no means cease rising, she hopes to proceed increasing each professionally and personally: “I believe some of the most meaningful chapters of my journey are still ahead. I want to continue helping organisations across the Caribbean strengthen their brands, transform customer experiences, and navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment.”

She additionally hopes to proceed nurturing her ardour for management improvement and mentorship.

“I’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. I’m excited about writing my book, expanding my speaking engagements, and creating platforms that encourage conversations around leadership, faith, purpose, and personal growth. At this stage of my life, success is no longer only about what I accomplish. It’s about the impact I leave behind and the people I help develop along the way,” she shared.

Her recommendation to these in search of to search out their path on this world is to begin the place you’re: “Too many women wait until they have the perfect plan or all the answers before taking the first step. The truth is most of us figure things out along the way. I certainly did. Invest in yourself. Keep learning. Seek mentors. Build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

She additionally identified the significance of understanding your price, “Your title does not define you. Your circumstances do not limit you, and your setbacks do not determine your future. I’ve learned that comparison can be a distraction from purpose. Focus on your own journey and trust the process,” Johnson Vaughan stated.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com