Terri-Karelle was excited about the announcement which she says is a step in the right direction especially for persons who are living with disabilities. “Ideally, I wanted to release it on the day that the National Disabilities Act came into effect in February but I changed course at the last minute due to a few other projects and shifted the focus to my first year book launch announcement anniversary.” She continued, “The audible was inspired by my grandmother who received the first copy of my published book. However, she wasn’t able to read it due to her deteriorating eyesight. So, while she was overjoyed that I had written the book; she wasn’t able to read it and so I thought about others, who, like her would not be able to read it.”

“As a strong advocate for inclusion especially for persons with disabilities, I thought that launching an audible was a great way to encourage others to express love in different ways outside of our partners and spouses but to include persons outside who are often very marginalised,”

Terri-Karelle further stated that launching the audible was even more important to her since 2023 was the first anniversary of the Disabilities act in Jamaica. “The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. It also aims to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), of which Jamaica is a signatory.”

Terri-Karelle further stated that launching the audible was even more important to her since 2023 was the first anniversary of the Disabilities act in Jamaica. According to her, “The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. It also aims to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), of which Jamaica is a signatory.”

Last Year, Terri-Karelle embarked on a book tour and shared in a statement that that tour in 2023 was a way to get to her TK Tribe members and to receive feedback about the lessons that they had learnt from the book. Now, the audible is an extension of that to cater to a wider demography of people of which she shares a special love and appreciation.

“The Audible is special gift to my people living with disabilities because not many Caribbean-authored books are available on that platform. I wanted to make it available on different channels for different kinds of readers who simply want nuggets of wisdom to be poured into them,” she ended.

Last year, Terri-Karelle embarked on a number of book signings across Jamaica as well as in Trinidad and Tobago and Miami.

The audiobook is available on Audible, click here to listen.

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With students out in their large numbers, the curated garden like setting was tastefully littered with blankets imprinted with positive words of affirmation, throw pillows and umbrellas that provided the perfect backdrop with books dangling from a guango tree.  While many students brought their own post-it filled or bookmarked copies, others gathered around the designated area as the recognized storytelling writer and TEDx Speaker, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, read excerpts from her favourite chapters. During her message, Reid reinforced the importance of reading; “Read to Escape, Read to Elevate, Read to Transform,” she noted as she casually perused the pages of her book.

‘My Brand Compass: the 13 C’s to building your personal brand’ is an excellent resource for individuals looking to gain a deeper understanding of self-branding and marketing. The author, experienced motivational speaker, event host and community builder, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, provides practical tips and insights that university students can apply to their academic and professional careers.

During the event, Terri-Karelle led a discussion around one of the 5 C’s (character) that she considers to be the most important when it comes to self-branding and shared some personal experiences from her time as a student through her corporate stint, finally landing at her pinnacle of entrepreneurship.

The students were attentive and actively engaged in the discussion, asking insightful questions, and sharing their own views and experiences. When quizzed about how to bounce back from negative back lash with the advent of social media, Reid easily responded, “Not performance or performative but with purpose and passion.” 

After the book reading and discussion, participants had the opportunity to network with one another and connect with Terri-Karelle in a more intimate one-on-one manner. Additionally, the students got the chance to document the occasion through social media moments, ask further probing questions and receiving autographs from the author.

 The first Reading of the ‘UWI Special 75^th Book Club’ was an excellent experience that enriched the minds of students and introduced them to the world of branding and marketing. It was an event to remember and one that the university should be proud of.

The UWI’s 75th anniversary initiatives are purposely designed and aligned to reflect on its past, confront the present, and articulate plans for its future across all five campuses, as well as internationally through partner associations and affiliates. The UWI 75th anniversary is celebrated under the theme: UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.

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 As part of the Announcement of the University of the West Indies’ 75^th anniversary initiatives, the university’s top “75 books you should read during 2023” was announced and making the ranking was Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid’s personal branding self-help book titled My Brand Compass: the 13C’s to building your personal brand. Dr. Reid joins ranks with several other noteworthy authors including Former US First Lady Michelle Obama, Former Jamaican Prime Ministers Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, and PJ Patterson, Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, famed Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett-Coverley and many others.

According to Reid, “It’s truly an honour. Many of these books on this list are some of my favourites growing up and others have made it on my yearly reading list. To be given this recognition as a first-time author is certainly humbling and I don’t take the recognition for granted at all,” the former TEDx speaker shared.

The University of the West Indies opened its first campus in Mona, Jamaica 75 years ago when the decision was taken on January 7, 1947, when the governing body of the University College of the West Indies—a branch of the University of London intended to serve British colonies—assembled for its first meeting in the House of the British Council in Jamaica. It was at this first meeting that a decision was taken for lands at Mona, Jamaica to be used for establishing the first campus of The University of the West Indies. One year later, on October 3, 1948, the Campus welcomed its first class of 33 medical students.

The UWI’s 75th anniversary initiatives are purposely designed and aligned to reflect on its past, confront the present, and articulate plans for its future across all five campuses as well as internationally, through partner associations and affiliates.

The UWI 75th anniversary is celebrated under the theme: UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.

Here’s a link to the full listing of the Top 75 books: https://libguides.uwi.edu/c.php?g=1284227

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With a series of book tours and signings in Jamaica, Reid has finally made her debut in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago this past week.  The launch event took place at the Jamaican High Commission with little over 50 specially invited members of her TK Tribe. Reid, overwhelmed by the support in Trinidad welcomed her guests and admitted hastily that she didn’t not in a million years envision a book launch in another country. “This started out as a little cheat sheet which then morphed into a full-fledged book that I launched in Jamaica. Now here I am, 7 months later with my book being launched in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s surreal but I am thankful and blessed. Thank you all for being a part of my community and for contributing to my life in some way shape or form.”

The book is dedicated to Reid’s grandmother Millicent Audrey Scott who the author admitted “planted the seeds of knowledge and wisdom that made me a great brand long before I even knew that I would be one.”

The book is available in paperback and kindle formats at Amazon or via Reid’s website www.terrikarelle.com. Here are some highlights from the “My Brand Compass” launch in Trinidad and Tobago:

Event Host, TEDx Speaker and now Author Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid was all too happy to gift Jamaican High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Arthur Williams an autographed copy of her first book “My Brand Compass” at her launch event in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week.

Out to celebrate another Jamaican female phenom in TT is Jamaican born Managing Director of the Guardian Media Group Dr. Karrian Hepburn-Malcolm and her son Zylan. Both spared a few moments with the nights leading lady, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid at the Trinidad and Tobago launch of her debut book “My Brand Compass.

Jarrod Best-Mitchell, in addition to purchasing three copies of ‘My Brand Compass’ also managed to sneak a selfie with the author Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid.

Jane Wight (right) was overcome with joy after finally meeting the “My Brand Compass Author. Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid (left) after the proceedings of the book launch held at the Jamaica High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Host of the “My Brand Compass” book launch Leisel Douglas (left) joins the author and TEDx speaker Dr.  Terri-Karelle Reid for a candid photo op.

The Trinidad and Tobago Launch of Reid’s (second left) recently authored “My Brand Compass” would not have been a success without her TT based organisers who joined her for a photo op. They are (from left) Leisel Douglas, Tisha Jack and Tynisa Scantlebury. Reid’s Executive Liaison Alex V. Sterling (right) joined the ladies for a final photo op.

Then gents were not to be left out from the book launch proceedings. Alex V. Sterling (right), the Executive Liaison to Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid is joined by Communications specialist Dike Noel (left) and Banker Andre Muir (centre).

Digital Strategist Keron Rose (left) joined the host of specially invited guests at the launch event. Here, he is pictured with Dr.Terri-Karelle Reid at the Trinidad and Tobago launch of her recently published book, ‘My Brand Compass.’

The effervescent host extraordinaire and Author of ‘My Brand Compass,’ Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid.

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After attending the book signing of Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid’s newly released book; My Brand Compass, Tamar McKenzie, Principal and Founder of the Heinz Simonitch School in Rose Hall Montego Bay knew that this text had to find its way into the hands of the 6^th form students at her institution. The Brand-building compass is being used in the institution as its featured text for personal development: a mandatory course for all high school students.

McKenzie purchased over 45 books after realizing the learning opportunity that it affords and the gap that was left with her students because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to her, “Returning to Face-to-Face school forced us as school administrators to brace for the many challenges that our students and faculty would return with outside of learning loss. Many issues would have magnified, resulting in a major breakdown of values that support and anchor our respective eco systems – such as respect for self, others and boundaries, discipline and good order.”

She continued, “To manage this new space that was created by our absence of physical interaction, we thought it prudent to use a new approach – one that was not punitive but developmental and prioritized student ownership and their own brand positioning.”

A former Campionite, McKenzie has first-hand experience of the value of personal development and the impact that it has on a child’s life. “When students fully understand and appreciate their value – standards shift upwards, self- love, self-respect and value appreciates. This positively impacts their decision-making, accountability of self and their prioritizing and de-prioritizing of tasks and responsibilities. This discovery of personal branding is the best gift to them as they step on to the launch pads of the rest of their lives,” she said.

Reid was also a guest of the school where she participated in a question and answer with the students as they discussed varying topics around branding and the 13 C’s that were mentioned in ‘My Brand Compass.’ According to her, “I was blown away by some of the questions that these students asked. They were thoughtful, deep, challenging and intellectually stimulating and some of the best questions that I have ever been asked. What this inclusion in their curriculum signals to me is the value that the principal and the wider school society places on character development of their students,” she stated.

The feedback from the students have been remarkable shared McKenzie. She explains that the students can been seen actively reading the books during their breaks and making references to it in their conversations and writing. According to her, “Their own presentation of self has also significantly improved both in the physical space and online. There has been a total shift in the space, and we are better for it.” She continued, “Impressive changes are seen, and our students continue to step out using the strategies shared. Their coping skills commonly experienced during this period is now more tactical and they have taken ownership of their lives, their decisions, and their future. This process of their self-discovery while being guided by this tool kit is nothing short of amazing,” she ended.

“My Brand Compass: the 13C’s to building your personal brand” is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle format, as well as locally at Kingston Bookshop branches.

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Nevertheless, I got some reading done and oftentimes, it was my escape from reality. That’s the thing about reading, it allows you moments to escape, learn, swoon, get angry or feel whatever emotion the author or authoress wants to evoke. In June, 3 months after the first case of COVID-19 hit our shores, we were under severe restrictions and at the request of my community, I shared the “Books I’ve Read In Lockdown” as a way of serving my community. There were 23 in total. This list will just be a continuation of those so as not to duplicate or bore you.

Before I list my books, there are things I want to make abundantly clear:

Reading books is a personal journey.

It is never a competition. There is nothing to be ashamed of IF you only read one book. That’s fine, the next year, you can push for 2 and maybe even surpass that.

Reading books is subjective

If I got a dollar for every time someone asked me to recommend a book for him/her/them, I would be an extremely well wealthy woman. My response if always “it depends.” It’s personal, individual and subjective. It depends on your likes, preferences and objectives. A person who is trying to learn more about digital skills is more likely to consume books that are related to that objective. For those who are fierce feminists, their books might be curated to their interests. It’s never easy suggesting any book to anyone because what is beautiful or informative to me, may be traumatic to you and vice versa. So when I share my list, I am sharing what I like, not telling you what you should. The more you read, is the more you find out what your preferences are.

Reading Books is exploratory

This year, I read more books that fall outside of the “norm.” You know, sticking to authors we know or cultures we are familiar with. This year, I explored more books that highlighted social and cultural differences- from Arabic, to African, to LGBT. We can’t truly understand people if we never read their stories. Naturally, no one is forcing you to read any material that you aren’t comfortable with. It’s a suggestion to broaden your general knowledge.

Reading books forms community

What do I mean by that? With books being published everyday, Amazon, New York bestsellers being advertised, contradicting reviews, it can be difficult narrowing down and finding books that you might like. That’s where communities come in- communities that you can trust. They offer objective opinions, offer insight, suggest good options, provide reviews and oftentimes facilitate book clubs and meet-ups. In other words, you don’t have to feel alone. I have a few resources that I follow on IG:

• rebelwomenlit
• decentredlit
• bookofcinz
• 2treads
• bookmanexpress
• semicolon
• books for diversity (children)

Special Book Community shout outs

Rebel Women Lit. 2020 was theirs, they launched a Like A real Book Club podcast , started the RWL Library (83 library users across Jamaica, 300 books in their catalogue), conducted RWL Book Club meet-ups online, author interviews and the works, launched the RWL Bookstore Subscriptions and planned RWL events like poetry festivals and movie nights.

Congratulations to Book of Cinz becoming a Samsung Ambassador in the Caribbean. Goes to show that micro niches have just as much impact and influence as the larger, more recognizable personal brands.

Lastly, Bookman Express recently published and promoted the children’s book “Ian Takes Flight” written by Richard Nattoo, who won the Prime Minister’s Youth Award in the category of Arts and Culture weeks later. BOOM!

As always, do your research before purchasing a book. Try something different, new, have fun and be intentional. So let’s get to my 2020 Booklist:

Fiction

24. A Woman Is No Man -Etaf Rum ******

25. The Mothers– Brit Bennett

26. Grown – Tiffany Jackson

27. Silent Patient– Alex Michaelides *****

28. Love After Love– Ingrid Persaud

29. When No one is Watching– Alyssa Cole

30. The Vanishing Half– Brit Bennett

31. Before We Were Yours– Lisa Wingate******

32. The Girl In The Letter – Emily Gunnis *******

Memoirs (my favourite category of books)

33. My Own Words – Ruth Bader Ginsburg ******

34.The Promised Land-Barack Obama

35. Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun– Reginald Lewis

36. Untamed – Glennon Doyle

37. By Faith, Not By Sight – Senator Floyd Morris ******

38. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter – Curtis Jackson

Business

39. That Will Never Work– Marc Randolph ******

40. Alibaba, The House that Jack ma Built– Duncan Clark

Feminist

41. Ain’t I A Woman -bell hooks

42. Sister Outsider – Audre Lorde ******

Personal Development

43. Mastery – Robert Greene *****

44. The Four Agreements– Don Ruiz *****

45.What A Time To Be Alone -Chidera Eggerue

Non-fiction

46. The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches – Brian MacArthur (this is an ongoing book- it’s isn’t one to finish within a year but rather reference)

Miscellaneous – An irreverent book that has no category LOL

47. Your Children Are Boring– Tom James ******

I really would like to take the time to acknowledge all the persons in my community who just 2 years ago told me they never even read one book for the year. Some have now reported that they have graduated from 2-8 books, another informed me that she managed 31. I commend and thank each and everyone who has ever sent me a message indicating that I inspired their efforts to read more. I love you and keep up the great work.

Cheers

TK

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We are now in June! How is this even possible? Oh right, Coronavirus *rolls eyes*. She has monopolized life and taken ownership of 2020 thus far. In January, I had written a blog outlining all 45 books that I read last year. Most of us who are book lovers might have anticipated more downtime to read, but honestly, I haven’t been able to concentrate as much. Between homeschooling, observing best covid-19 practices, taking care of my mental health, carving out time for my daughter, and watching the world in turmoil etc. I have read far less in this half-year. However, my online community has asked me to share the books I have read thus far and here they are. Let me add, that similar to music, we all have preferences. Some years I might focus on one theme and in another year, I might be all over the place. Whatever your preference, I hope that there is a book that you might find interesting.

I am making a conscious effort to read more books written by female and black authors, especially Caribbean authors. There is definitely a different vibe when you are able to identify places, schools, or colloquial expressions that we use. There are Caribbean authors who are sharing their experiences, lending their voices and creative souls to include communities that aren’t often represented due to cultural and societal indifference or disgust. Regardless of the theme, it is delightful being represented in some way, shape or form. If you need a little help getting started on Caribbean books, you may like 100 Caribbean Books That Made Us

I encourage you to always review books before you purchase to assess if they have themes that you are comfortable with. For my sister queens who have been sexually violated, ensure that you review books for triggers that might send you into an emotional spiral.

My awesome resources are: @2treads, @rebelwomenlit, @decentred_lit_ja, @thetallestpineapple

As always pace yourself. The number of books you read for the year isn’t relevant. If you aren’t an avid reader, don’t be ashamed. Take your time, if you get through one book a year, kudos to you. The more you practice, the more you will find the time and even look forward to reading. If you are often distracted, you could try audiobooks via www.audible.com Reading is personal and shouldn’t be compared to others.

I encourage you to try new types of books, try something different from what you are accustomed to and try to learn something that you can apply to be and do better. That being said, here are some of the books, I have managed to read thus far:

***** indicates the books I loved the most.

Feminist &/or Race (4)

THICK– Tressie McMillan ***** (LOVED)

Hood Feminism– Mikki Kendall ****

So You Want To Talk About Race– Ijeoma Oluo *****

Natives:Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire– Akala ***** (LOVED)

Feminist &/or Race- Fiction (7)

These Ghosts Are Family– Maisy Card ***** (LOVED)

Here Comes The Sun – Nicole Dennis-Benn ***** (LOVED)

PATSY– Nicole Dennis-Benn *****

The Thing Around Your Neck– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The Girl With the Louding Voice– Abi Daré ***** (LOVED)

Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche ***** (LOVED)

Confessions of Frannie Langton – Sara Collins

Memoirs (4)

Daring To Drive– Manal-al Sharif *****

Beneath the Tamarind Tree– Isha Sesay

Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind– William Kamkwamba *****

Social Science (1)

What the Dog Saw- Malcolm Gladwell*****

Personal Development & Mindset (4)

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Limitless– Jim Kwik

The One Thing – Gary Keller& Jay Papasan

Linchpin – Seth Godin *****

Business (3)

Fanatical Prospecting – Jeb Blount

The Future is Faster Than You Think– Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler

Purple Cow -Seth Godin

I am here to remind us all, that going forward, we shall continue to educate ourselves, understand the world and people around us, write our own books, document our own experiences, provide cultural and historical context for the next generations and create generational wealth and legacy.

Feel free to recommend books in the comments or share your thoughts/reviews on any of the books I have listed. I welcome them all.

Cheers

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