BUSINESS PROFILE: Q&A Barbara Walker

Today my guest is Barbara Walker of Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. Just recently her hotel received an “Honourable Mention” award from Prosperity of Jamaica, which seeks to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs in emerging economies by identifying, rewarding and promoting outstanding SMEs who will serve as role models to their peers. The programme is sponsored by the Multilateral Investment Fund of the IDB, the John Templeton Foundation and the Social Equity Venture (7 Fund).

Barbara displays her Pioneer of Prosperity "Honourable Mention" Award!

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill will join two other Jamaican companies in competing for the regional grand prize of an additional US$60,000 and the prestigious title of Pioneer of Prosperity Caribbean at the final awards ceremony which will be hosted by Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding in Montego Bay on September 11, 2009.

Name: Barbara Walker
Age: 55
Company: Hotel Mocking Bird Hill
Position: Owner /Manager (aka Head Cook and Bottle washer)

Q. What do you do to relax?
A. Read, Sudukos, crosswords, listen to music

Q. What is the best purchase you have ever made?
A. The property Mocking Bird Hill

Q. What is your favourite piece of technology?
A. Skype

Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry

Q. What was your first job?
A. Picture framer

Q. Have you ever been sacked?
A. Yes, by my first boss

Q. Who do you most admire?
A. People who triumph over adversity to do incredible things and those who have the courage and conviction to follow their dreams.

Q. What do you find difficult?
A. Dealing with confrontation and aggression, laziness and lack of responsibility of workers.

Q. What haven’t you done that you want to do?
A. Learn to fly a plane

Q. What has been the proudest moment in your career?
A. Doing something particularly well and earning the respect and gratitude of clients and colleagues is immensely satisfying for me.