At 39, Mischa McLeod-Hines is the head of Capital Markets at Sagicor Investments Jamaica Limited. Could she tell you she would have gotten there? She would say no because as you read further you will see how she positioned herself to assume a different role entirely but that would not be what life wanted to give her. She demonstrates how having a shift in one’s mindset can open you to a bigger and better world. One that brings to you all sorts of good things…
As a teenager moving into young adulthood and attending college, Mischa was very task-oriented and goal-centered. Life was simply about identifying goals every step of the way, making a list/plan, and crossing off things as she moved closer to the objectives she had set for herself.
“I cannot say that as an early adult I knew what my future was going to be. I remember when I was 21 I wanted to buy my first car. This decision was driven by the fact that I had to take the bus from an area that was considered to be volatile. I remember the dread and vulnerability that I oftentimes felt as I walked to the bus stop in my work uniform and heels. I hated every minute of it. I visited the credit union after identifying an affordable car. I remember working it out completely, as in, I knew the type of car I was going to buy, how much money I needed to save for the deposit, and in what period of time. I disciplined myself and saved every month in order to reach this goal. And through discipline and consistency, I bought my first car at 21.
My mother had a great influence on my life growing up, and she was there through every major decision that I took. She was a teacher and I remember her vividly in the kitchen cooking, ensuring that we (my 5 siblings and I) had proper meals. It was never “you need to go do your homework” or “you need to go study” because we were all focused in that regard. I knew from a teenager the importance of preparation and doing what it takes to excel.
After college and a short stint working with the National Commercial Bank, I moved on to Pan Caribbean Bank, (later renamed Sagicor Bank) where I started as a Treasury Officer. I was 23 at the time. Here is where I developed a love for treasury management, having gotten a chance to work alongside the traders. Shortly after a position became available for a junior trader. I was not the first choice for the position because it was thought that I was too headstrong but I was eventually selected. The trading room was a significant training ground and a place of empowerment for me. I understudied every desk so I got exposure to the money market, equities trading, foreign exchange, etc.
I believe my supervisor at the time as well as the other traders realized I had the ability to hold my own and so I was given this tremendous exposure for which I am continuously grateful. This is where my career skills were honed and I made every use of the exposure that I received. An excellent trader must have a rounded knowledge of all the aspects of the financial market so that informed decisions can be made. One must be savvy about the market in general and all the variables within the market at any given time. Having this knowledge allowed me to be on top of my game. It pushed me to be a better researcher, thinker and analyzer in the areas that I needed to be in the know. It enhanced my planning abilities. While I could never have absolute control over what happens in the market, I was forced to plan ahead to mitigate or reduce any uncertainty (in the market) to ensure my portfolio was not impacted significantly.. So all in all I became more pointed and goal-oriented with how I operated.
I began to position myself to manage a treasury department but a totally different opportunity came knocking…
We feature 2 under 40 “Women on the Move” who are highly driven and making a great impact in the spaces they occupy. Mischa McLeod-Hines Asst. Vice President of Capital Markets at Sagicor Investments & Tishan Wade-Lee CEO of Engine Room Brand House a Marketing and Research Firm. We get to understand what drives them, what success is like and so much more. Other features are always included to inspire you such as “Sisterhood Ain’t Always Good” find out why and “Bathing For Mental Wellness” Let’s go. #thebeyondwomanmagazine #successhacks #womenceo #empoweringwomen #womenwinning #inspiringchange
