‘The Distinguished’ is an annual celebration that recognises women who have made tremendous impact in various fields across Jamaica. It was first staged as a luncheon in March 2018 and since then, has become an important calendar event that allows The Gleaner’s lifestyle magazine, FLAIR to showcase female pioneers, innovators and powerhouses from all over Jamaica. The awardees are selected based on their consistently high standard, not only in their respective fields but also, the impact of their activities on wider society.

Despite graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Terri-Karelle unexpectedly pivoted into the field of Media and Communications and never looked back. With over a decade of experience in the field, she has established herself as the consummate professional, a deep researcher and articulate presenter who moderates and navigates some of the most complex discussions. Terri-Karelle has built a track record that makes her a highly respected and influential leader in media and communications. Her innovative strategies both on and offline, and creative approach to problem-solving has helped to redefine and shape the industry and inspire countless others in the field.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Terri-Karelle has also demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back to her community with her spirited discussions around various topics via her ever-growing social media community. She uses her platforms to voice social issues and has been actively involved in numerous charitable organizations such as, Eve for Life serving as an advocate and champion for women and minorities across the island.

The Gleaner’s Flair ‘Distinguished’ Award is a highly prestigious honour, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in their field. Past recipients include some of the most accomplished and respected female leaders in areas such as business, the arts, education, fashion, law, science and technology, communications, and agriculture. Past winners include Audrey Tugwell Henry, Nicole McLaren Campbell, Keneea Linton-George, Elaine Thompson Herah, Alia Atkinson, Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Leonie Forbes just to name a few.

When asked about receiving the award and what it meant for her, Terri-Karelle expressed her gratitude and stated, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. Back in 2020 I received The Distinguished 2020 Social Media Personality of the Year award based on a public vote system and that was humbling to see that I had touched so many lives with such purpose. Now, three years later, to be awarded this honour from the panel of adjudicators it is really a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone on my team, as well as the support and guidance of my family members and well-wishers throughout my career. I’m particularly proud to share this moment with fellow awardees who I know personally. I hope my work will continue to inspire and empower others in the industry for many years to come,” she ended. The 2023 Distinguished Ceremony was well attended by industry leaders, colleagues, and friends of the RJR Gleaner Group who all came together to celebrate the achievements and legacy of these ‘Distinguished’ women.

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Inside the magazine, readers are treated to a detailed profile of the media personality and her rise to fame. From her early days as an aspiring vet with 26 pets at her home in Portmore, St. Catherine to her breakout on the world stage back in 2005 when she represented Jamaica at the Miss World finals in Sanya, China.  The former beauty queen, now one of the islands most sought after international hosts, has become a household name and a staple in the homes of people in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large.

The article delves into Reid’s approach to her craft and her dedication to her her family and the people that she serves. As an event host, Terri-Karelle is known for her preparation and research, often immersing herself in every event she participates in, ensuring that the audience members are able to connect the dots. This dedication has paid off in the form of numerous speaking opportunities, the most recent of them being as a TEDx Speaker at the Aston University in Birmingham.

However, it’s not just her talent that makes Terri-Karelle Reid a beloved figure. The article also explores her relatable personality and down-to-earth nature. Reid has always been open about her personal journey growing up as a child in a single parent household with a matriarchal head of the house. “This is certainly a full circle moment for me. My grandmother gave up her job in order to nurture me while my mom began her career as a flight attendant on Air-Jamaica. They have helped to shape me into the woman I am today; curious, open, inclusive, and self-aware.”

She continued, “For many of us as West Indians, the magazine has a reputation for showcasing the best of the Caribbean, from places, lifestyle, food and culture to its people. To be considered, much less chosen for the cover of the Caribbean Beat magazine is an honour.  I endeavour to make my mom and grandma proud. I hope to fly Jamaica’s flag everywhere I can, every chance I get,” she ended.

Reid is also an advocate for the minority or disenfranchised community and uses her platform to bring attention to issues such as gender discrimination, child abuse, rape and gender inequity. She has been vocal in her support of the deaf community and uses her position to amplify marginalized voices. Overall, the ‘Caribbean Beat’ piece paints a picture of a talented and charismatic woman of the world who has earned her place in the spotlight. With several upcoming projects in the works, it’s clear that Terri-Karelle Reid’s star has only just begun to shine.

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Terri-Karelle will be set to make history as the first Jamaican female to deliver a TEDx Talk at Aston University.

On January 6, 2022, I received a Google alert that indicated that a Gleaner article written about my upcoming TEDx talk in Birmingham, UK made the Top 10 Lifestyle stories in 2021. On a bright morning, I was interviewed by journalist Debra Edwards whose warmth oozed through my laptop screen. We sat and spoke about my family life, parenting, and my preparation for my TEDx Talk at Aston University.

The Gleaner

Saturday, September 18, 2021

By Debra Edwards
Assistant Online & Lifestyle Editor

(excerpt)

She’s your Jamaican girl. Dr Terri-Karelle Reid has won us over without even trying. Being your authentic self allows for that, and one thing is for certain, Reid gives off genuine vibes.

The TV presenter, host, social media guru, human Ethernet, and connector of dots has designed a life that works for her. On how she’s done this, Reid says with humility, “You have to control your narrative. You simply cannot accept definitions or the narrative that people put on you, and therefore it is absolutely imperative that we design who we are.” Making it clear that curating your life does not equate to falsifying anything about your livity, she continues, “We are making a conscious, intentional effort to say this is who I am, and this is what I stand for.”

Renowned South African cleric and activist Desmond Tutu once said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you as you are to them.” If you follow Reid on social media, you quickly realise that her family means the world to her and are the roots of who she is. Considering herself extremely lucky to be part of a female four-generation family, she is simultaneously inspired and kept grounded by her grandmother ‘Jeanie baby’, mother Donna, and daughter Naima-Kourtnae.

Read the rest of the article here

See related article here

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The Jamaica Observer

Friday, August 27, 2021

By Claude Mills
Observer Online Writer

(excerpt)

Roman Emperor Nero once wrote that “hidden talent counts for nothing”.  And that’s why the subject of tapping into untapped potential in children is so fascinating to media specialist Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, one of two Jamaicans who will speak at TEDx Aston University next month.

The other speaker will be businessman Zachary Harding.

The theme of the event is ‘Untapped’ and Reid will be speaking on “The untapped potential in raising children holistically” on September 25 at the university in Birmingham, United Kingdom. 

“The overall theme for all speakers is ‘Untapped’, looking at how the world has been, how people have had to dig deep, try things that are very different…adapt, adjust,” she told Observer Online, adding “A lot of us have had to tap into different aspects of our lives in order to survive and even thrive in one of the darkest periods of our lives.

“When I was approached (by TEDx), I thought they were approaching me because of my ability to move from veterinary medicine and branch off into media and other areas but when they asked me to focus on my parenting style, I was blown away by it,” Reid said. 

You can read the rest of the article here

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As I sat in my dining room trying to keep my emotions together and yes, I am being hella presumptuous to write this blog before even uploading my first episode, but I think it’s important for anyone who might be in the process of launching something (anything). I am choosing to share this because it’s really more than a podcast, it can represent your new project or new season. I ALMOST shelved this idea and here are the things that were highlighted for me during this process.

Overthinking

Yes, there is procrastination and that is the beast a lot of us talk about but for me, overthinking can be detrimental. Your brain is wired to process so many different scenarios, options, alternatives, excuses, and reasons to not go through with something. You may be onto a fantastic idea and yet your brain, in an attempt to keep you “safe”, will tell you “Nah fam, stay on the shore, don’t venture out there to sea.” Thing is, if you spend all your time overthinking, the right time will never come. At some point, you just gotta jump out that plane and pull that parachute. Are all my elements in place? Nope, but by starting and launching the “Redirection With Terri-Karelle” podcast, I will learn and figure things out and land on my feet.

Starting from Scratch

Let’s be real, no one truly gets up every day wanting to start from ground zero. There is happiness, bliss and downright mushy goodness in staying in familiar territory. C’mon! I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. After you have spent time learning something, failing, and figuring out things, when you finally attain or achieve the goal, you just want to hit that cruise control button and sail down the highway on auto-pilot. We are relaxed and we don’t have to expend a lot of time or energy learning new processes. When you decide to take on something new and completely unrelated to your core business or passion, it can be daunting. We start thinking of all the reasons why it’s a bad idea to start something new. “Lawks, mi too ole fi guh learn dis.” “I can’t bother, this is going to take up too much time.” “I have way too much on my plate.” “I will start behind everyone.” Whichever the excuse is, you realise that you honestly won’t grow if you don’t shed old skin. Even now, I am still learning about podcasts and not all days are met with enthusiasm, but I will admit I have learnt more about producing a different kind of content. Now, I am better than clueless and that feels good. Starting from scratch isn’t a bad thing, it’s necessary to move to the next level.

Underestimating Your Impact

You inspire people who you know. People who you have never come into contact with are motivated by you. You move people who are in bigger positions, offices, and stations even if you don’t know it. The only person who underestimates the impact is you. This is not up for debate. We spend most of our time, pouring into others, cheering others on (nothing wrong with that) but we downplay the role we play in the lives of others. We underestimate the power we have to use the platforms afforded to us to use your voice, share gems, lived experiences, and lessons learnt to build and help our communities. Sometimes it comes with a little vulnerability but that becomes secondary when you realise the strength you give yourself and others by stepping into your purpose unapologetically. My “Redirection with Terri-Karelle” podcast is because I acknowledge and respect the impact that I may have on generations to come. It makes the risk worth it.

Lack of Support

I don’t think anyone can be cured of self-doubt. I believe as long as you have breath in your body, there will be moments when it will creep up on you and if you aren’t careful it will swallow you whole and leave you paralysed. Our favourite motivators aren’t immune to it either, they just do whatever they set their minds to do regardless. Most of us will typically anticipate poor support and that can provoke inaction. Here’s the thing though, usually all that negative talk is in your head. Believe it or not, there are people, groups, communities (big and small) that are just dying to throw support behind you, but you are too busy convincing yourself they don’t exist. If you don’t create it (your project, business, podcast etc.) how will you ever be so sure? After launching the “Redirection with Terri-Karelle” podcast, not only did I get subscriptions and real celebration, I got messages from persons with specialised skills who want to collaborate. This means that the opportunity to collaborate with other persons, who may offer an even better perspective exists and it wouldn’t have if I didn’t put it out there. So, put yourself out there (provided you actually have the goods to back it up) and you might surprise yourself by the support you receive. Despite what social media spews sometimes, people want to see you WIN. Let me just add, that support doesn’t have to be measured by numbers (quantity), but rather quality. It’s better to have the right people to support you- and they exist.

Comparison to Others

If this isn’t one of the biggest culprits in life! I don’t know what is. Information, content, rich media is oozing everywhere. Every nook and cranny has individuals and/or companies that are competing for audience attention and eyeballs. If there is one thing we do a lot of, it’s underestimating what we have to offer, it’s underestimating our story and journey. It doesn’t matter if lots of people know your story or not, it matters that you own your story and use it as a vehicle to inspire others. We may all hail from different places and spaces but the thing that connects us all is our humanity. We connect to each other through our experiences and our exchange can enlighten, motivate, inspire others around us. You may feel as if your story is an everyday common thing but I guarantee you, your journey has been seen and lived through a unique pair of eyes- YOURS! And that, my friend, is powerful! Whatever your focal point is, allow it to resonate in its purest and truest form. So my podcast is inspired by my life and all its ups and downs that lead me to where I am today. I encourage you to build, position and share your story in the way that only you can.

There are tons more fear-based reasons that other people experience but here are my affirmations while I prepared to launch the “Redirection with Terri-Karelle” podcast :

• You are so much more than you know! Believe it!
• Be kind to yourself and be careful of the language you use when you speak to yourself
• Doing other things that you are passionate about doesn’t take away from the other things you do. You are multi-dimensional. Own it
• There is no one on this earth better than you. They might be richer, perhaps more popular, but that doesn’t equate to better. Do you!
• Even if you attend classes, do research, go to webinars, pay for coaching lessons etc. if you don’t take the step, it all counts for naught! Inaction wins and then you really can’t blame anyone else but yourself.
• Being fearful doesn’t make you a failure. It makes you human. It’s pushing through that fear that makes you a beast! Do it scared!
• Build and value your community. The idea that if you build the product and the audience will just find you is tricky. Continue adding value to your community and they will show up and show out for you!
• Wanting to make a positive impact starts with YOU! You can’t help others if you aren’t willing to help yourself first
• Starting late isn’t a bad thing. You get to learn from those who have gone before. Just pace yourself and finish your race
• Surround yourself with people who know and can guide. You can’t and won’t know everything. Big ups to Kevin Valley of Caribbean Power Lunch podcast for the late-night conversations
• Your season can come upon you at any time and you have to be ready. So start putting your things together even when you have no plans on launching because whenever the timing is right, you will be prepared.

For those of you who would like to know about the equipment I use, read more here I hope you will come along with me on this new journey (if you haven’t already). You are more than welcome to join the most amazing and supportive community ever!!! Thank you, tribe. My heart is full.

Apple podcast: Subscribe here

Google podcast: Subscribe here

Cheers,

TK

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Being immunocompromised myself (I have asthma) and having several family members who are also affected in multiple ways by this pandemic which has taken over the entire globe, I’ve been keenly watching the updates on social media. While scrolling through my feeds, I’ve come across a few concerning things that I’d like to share my thoughts on.

1. Frontline staff need our support

The Coronavirus has spread astronomically fast across international borders and parishes putting a strain on our healthcare sector.The nurses, doctors, first responders, utility company employees and government officials who are going to work every day to take care of the infected and make the difficult decisions that keep us safe need all our gratitude and support.

They are working in difficult conditions and risking their lives so that we can all be comfortable and protected. So if you don’t want to stay home and practice social distancing for yourself, you need to do it for them, so this can end as quickly as possible and they can get home to their families, just as you are home with yours.

2. Now is not the time to be barbaric.

Being a carrier of the coronavirus is not a death sentence. And yet we see an increase in discrimination. Threatening people who have been diagnosed with the virus. Attacking someone for coughing or sneezing in public. Denying transportation and service to healthcare workers. Ignoring recommendations and advisories from the government because of party politics. This is unacceptable. These actions help no one, in fact they do more harm than good!

If you find out someone is sick, simply take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from contracting the virus, and help them get in touch with the COVID-19 hotline so they can get the assistance they need. Now is the time to step up and help others, because only by working together and supporting each other will we survive this experience.

3. Spreading misinformation helps no-one

Spreading misinformation about the coronavirus (covid-19) is fear mongering. Disseminating information one thinks is true is one thing, but going out of one’s way to deliberately make up “facts” and even creating graphics using the logos of official sources to spread misinformation – that is unforgivable.

Before you jump to retweet or share a post about the virus, check the source. Ensure that is is coming from one of the international bodies, official government entities or reliable news outlets before spreading it. If you see someone sharing false information, suggest they take it down, or report the post if it is particularly malicious.

4. Stop hoarding toilet paper!

Soap, hand sanitizer, wipes, Lysol, toilet paper! As soon as news of the coronavirus (covid-19) hit, people went out and bought them all up by the dozens. When they do that, it leaves little to nothing for others who actually need it, and if you’re hoarding supplies while others have none, it actually hurts you in the long run.

If you happen to have excess supplies on hand right now that are in short supply, do your part by donating it to children’s home or charities that distribute to those in need. Trust me, no one is going to benefit from the cases of toilet paper sitting in your bathroom cupboard, not even you.

5. School may be cancelled, but learning isn’t

Kids staying home from school doesn’t mean they must stop learning! Many teachers are going above and beyond by filming lessons for their students and sending them to parents via email or WhatsApp groups, along with practice material and homework.

Even if your child’s school isn’t doing that, you still have an opportunity to keep kids learning over the isolation period. TVJ is now airing lessons daily in the mornings, while small educational companies like EduFocal are giving away free access to their online resources and PEP practice material for kids in Grades 4-6.

Don’t forget, learning isn’t just about Math and English, so feel free to divert from the standard school curriculum and allow your kids to explore other things they may be interested in. You’d be surprised just how much they learn from doing mini-experiments and projects that don’t involve books.

6. What do we tell the kids?

Explaining the coronavirus to your kids isn’t an easy job, especially if you’re concerned about the impact it will have on your family. But just remember, if you’re panicking, your kids will panic, so try to keep as calm as possible while having the conversation with your child.

UNICEF recently invited me, Marlon “Musique” Campbell, and Emprezz Golding to do a PSA to help you communicate about the virus with your kids and let them know what they should be doing to prevent getting it. Here’s the full video.

7. Is this the remote work revolution?

Many employers, especially those in Jamaica, have been reluctant to explore the possibilities of having employees work from home. The coronavirus has forced their hands. While it may be a scramble at first to find the right tools to support remote working staff, eventually we will get the hang of things.

Besides, no one knows exactly how long this social distancing/self-isolation period will last, so working from home could go on for a long time. And once the pandemic has passed, remote work might not be so scary for employers to implement. In fact, it might become the new normal.

8. People are being affected way beyond being sick

COVID-19 is having a massive economic impact, that will be affecting us for years to come. Stock markets are tanking. Hotels and restaurants are closing and laying off workers. Events have all been cancelled or postponed. And small businesses in creative industries will be hit especially hard when their customers have less flexible income to spend.

Even if you believe that the virus is not impacting you now, as our employers’ revenues decrease, our favourite businesses close down and our friends and families lose their jobs, it will eventually affect us all.

9. The patriots have stepped up

Despite the losses that most businesses will suffer during this time due to the coronavirus (covid-19), there are still a few out there who are doing their part to help our country through the pandemic.

Toyota Jamaica (one of my favs) has donated two buses to the Ministry of Health to help transport hospital staff who are being denied public transportation. J. Wray and Nephew donated 100,000 litres of pure alcohol to hospitals for sanitization. NCB Jamaica has offered fee waivers and loans to both individuals and business customers who need support during this time. Other small companies are doing what they can to make sure they don’t have to lay off staff.

There are more, I’m sure, and I want to thank each of them for doing their part to give back to the community that supports them.

10. People weren’t washing their hands before?

Personal hygiene may be…personal, but there are some things that are universal, and I really thought washing your hands after using the restroom was one of them. Imagine my surprise when I see people coming out of the woodwork saying they don’t. They go around and touch the items in their household that their kids touch, they cook, they invite guests over, they go out and shake hands. I hope that, if nothing else, this experience shows just how important hand washing is and that they make a lifelong practice of it.

We’re stronger together

The ripple effect of this virus will be felt far and wide globally for a long time, and it will never end unless we ALL do our part to stop it from spreading. Right now, we need to look beyond ourselves and our own desires and support each other, because that is the only way for us to move forward.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, the Ministry of Health is urging you to stay at home (do not go to the hospital) and call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-ONE-LOVE (663-8653).

To keep updated on the latest information and updates on COVID-19, I recommend these resources:

• Ministry of Health and Wellness – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
• Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
• Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
• Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (for parents and guardians) – Facebook, Instagram
• Center for Disease Control – Website
• World Health Organization – Website

Offline, you can watch and/or listen to the news from TVJ, CVM, RJR, Nationwide and other reputable news sources.

The post A Few Thoughts on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

A few days ago, I shared on social media that I managed to read 45 books in 2019. While many of my followers were shocked that I had managed to read so many books, others had tons of questions. Some of the most popular questions I got were:

• How do you manage to read so many books when you’re so busy?!
• What strategies can I implement to read more (or as much as you do)?
• Can you share the full list of books you read in 2019?
• What’s the first book you’re reading in 2020?

Well, guess what. I’m answering all of those questions right now! It took several hours to get it all down, but with so many asking, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to share and hopefully help others to expand their horizons through reading more books.

View this post on Instagram

The quote I despise the most in this world is “Ignorance is bliss.” It’s not bliss, it ain’t cute and it certainly does not encourage growth. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss 2019 was an awesome year of growth personally and professionally. The more I read, the more I learnt, the more I learnt, the more I grew! I close out this year having read 45 books: 40 hard copies (missing book is Tipping Point- dunno where it is ) and 5 audiobooks. My Top 6? • • “Born a Crime” ~ @trevornoah “Talking to Strangers” ~ @malcolmgladwell “Outliers” ~ @MalcolmGladwell “Dear Ijeawele” ~ @chimamanda_adichie “The Book of Joy” ~ Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” ~ Yuval Noah Harari What were yours? #yourjamaicangirl #terrikarelle #bookstagram

A post shared by Terri-Karelle (@terrikarelle) on Dec 31, 2019 at 4:36am PST

Strategies for Reading More in 2020

1. Don’t compete.

Read as many or as little as you want. It’s not a competition. If you want to read more, do it because you want to better yourself. Do it because you realise that there is so much out there to learn about and because you want to enhance your self development. Please don’t read because “successful people do it”, don’t do it because you want to match or outdo what others are, don’t do it because you jumping on a bandwagon. If you read for all the wrong reasons, then chances are you won’t retain, learn or apply it to you life.

2. Don’t limit yourself.

Most people set targets, my very humble and unpopular opinion is that you shouldn’t. Targets will have you speeding through books without actually enjoying or absorbing the material, just to check it off your list. On the other hand, targets can also be limiting – you set a finite number in your head, you reach it, then you stop. If a number is significant number to you, cool! If not, don’t limit yourself to any one target. Quantity won’t matter if the quality sucks.

3. Make the time and make it sacred.

I’ve heard so many people say that they just don’t have the time to read. Yet we make time for so many people and things that don’t serve us, that only seem to distract. So instead of leaving reading until you have some free time (which will never come), carve out some time in your day or week just for reading, and don’t allow for any distractions. Put your phone on silent, mute notifications, lock yourself away or go somewhere no one can disturb you. Better yet – all that time you waste standing in lines, waiting for meetings to start, waiting for food in restaurants, commuting to work, etc. – read! I travel with my books everywhere. I always have books in my car, bag and at least 3 audiobooks available on my phone. So whenever I find down time, I read my books.

4. Find what makes you happy!

I don’t buy the argument that print books are better or superior to e-books or audiobooks, or vice versa. I also don’t read a book just because it’s trending or it’s related to my career. I read in the format that’s most comfortable for me (mostly hard copy, with some audiobooks for faster or on-the-go reading) and I read what interests me (currently books about women, leadership, memoirs, mindset, the future). Choose what’s most comfortable for you and works with your lifestyle, and read whatever intrigues you. Otherwise, it will be boring and difficult and fuel a hatred for reading that so many have, simply because they’re keeping up with others’ expectations.

5. Read multiple books simultaneously.

I read multiple books at a time. Yup! We do it when we are in school, don’t we? We read multiple books covering various subject material. Some of us manage various tasks and projects at the same time and yet we limit our brain into thinking that we have to read one book at a time before we can start another. Why? I sometimes read up to 3 books all at the same time. If it helps, try choosing books from different genres or on different topics, so you don’t mix them up.

6. Follow great resources and read reviews

I don’t buy a book just because someone says I should. Instead, I follow certain hashtags and resources that I trust to get some great recommendations (such as @rebelwomenlit @decentred_lit_ja and @2treads on Instagram), but I also do my own research to find reviews and opinions on the books to see if they are a right fit for me. Reviews help, but just because one person likes (or doesn’t like) a book doesn’t mean it’s for you (or isn’t). Ultimately, it’s your decision – so always read reviews thoroughly to find out what people liked or didn’t like to determine whether those will also apply to you.

7. Pace yourself.

Finally, don’t force yourself to go from reading no books for years to reading 50 in one year. Practice becomes perfect. If you are rusty and trying to retrain yourself to read more, pace yourself and practice. Step by step. Commit and be disciplined, but don’t force yourself to go from zero to a hundred right away. The more you read, the easier it becomes.

The 45 Books I Read in 2019 (By Topic/Genre)

By Women (4) **

Books written by awesome women

1. We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2. Dear Ijeawele – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
3. How to Get Sh*t Done – Erin Falcolner
4. I’m Judging You – Luvvie Ajayi

Thought-Provoking (9)

Books on history, sociology and psychology

5. Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
6. Talking With Strangers – Malcolm Gladwell
7. Originals – Adam Grant
8. Blink – Malcolm Gladwell
9. David & Goliath – Malcolm Gladwell
10. 21 Lessons of the 21st Century – Yuval Noah Harari
11. Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell
12. Elephant In The Brain – Jeffrey Kafer
13. When – Daniel H Pink

Autobiographies & Memoirs (8)

14. Born A Crime – Trevor Noah
15. Glass Castle – Jeanette Walls **
16. Educated – Tara Westover **
17. Girl Who Smiled Beads – Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil ***
18. Solitary – Albert Wood-Fox
19. Small Fry – Lisa Brennan-Jobs **
20. Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
21. My Political Journey – P.J. Patterson

Financial Literary (2)

22. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
23. The Richest Man in Babylon – George Samuel Clayson

Leadership in Business (7)

24. Dare To Lead – Brené Brown
25. Radical Candor – Kim Scott
26. Good to Great – James C Collins
27. The Business Coach – Bradley Sugars
28. It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy At Work – Jason Fried & David Hansson
29. Developing The Leader In You – John C Maxwell

Personal Development & Mindset (7)

30. The Book of Joy – His Holiness Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
31. The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
32. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
33. If Caterpillars Can Fly, So Can I – Alvin Day
34. The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone
35. No Limits – John C Maxwell
36. Today Matters – John C Maxwell
37. 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth – John C Maxwell

Fiction (7)

38. Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens **
39. The Hate U Give – Angela Thomas **
40. She Would Be King – Wayetu Moore **
41. The Fall of Saints – Wanjikū Ngūgī
42. Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
43. By Love Possessed – Lorna Godson
44. Black Leopard Red Wolf – Marlon James https://amzn.to/3dKI3Q6

Short Stories (1)

45. Chat ‘Bout! – An Anthology of Jamaican Conversations – Shelley Sykes-Coley

**Books centered around a female protagonist.

Reading Plans for 2020

I may read more in 2020, I may read less. For me, it all comes down to quality and not quantity. To be honest, I hadn’t even realized how many books I had read in 2019 until someone asked me for a tally. At the end of the day, I read books because I truly enjoy them and I love learning through other people’s experiences and exploring various interesting topics from the perspective of the experts in the field.

What’s my first book for 2020? Linchpin by Seth Godin. In fact, I’ve already finished reading it.

The post The 45 Books I Read in 2019 appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

I will admit that the older I get, I have developed a bias for memoirs and non-fictional content. Thought provoking authors such as Malcolm Gladwell and Chimamanda Ngozi enlighten my mind. Jim Kwik has stated that the best thing to do is forget the information and knowledge we have and open our minds to new material. I am less interested in fiction and fantasy and more intrigued by facts, data and research.

After sharing the 45 books I read/listened to in 2019 on LinkedIn, Buzz reached out, wanting me to share my top ten favourites from the list. It was extremely hard to narrow down my favourites across various topics and genres, but I managed to do it. Check out their article to find out what they were!

The post FEATURE: “Terri-Karelle’s top ten books of 2019” appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

Meeting Dr. Ai

Earlier this year, I had hosted a 2-day global marketing conference in Jamaica. One of the international speakers, Dr. Ai Addyson-Zhang, approached me afterwards and said that she was blown away by my ability to command the stage, maintain engagement and be knowledgeable about the various topics. I said thank you and we parted ways.

Soon after, she started following me across my platforms and took notice of my awesome online community and how we interacted with each other. Particularly, she had realized how quickly my following had grown on LinkedIn and Instagram, not through ads or “feeding the algorithm”, but simply sharing my knowledge and experiences and engaging authentically with my followers. This is what led Dr. Ai to invite me to speak at the 10-day Immersion Programme in Singapore on the topic “Leveraging Social Media to Become a Thought Leader“.

This is why I speak about the importance of showing up consistently off and online. I emphasize the importance of staying true to who you are, honing your craft, functioning in excellence and operating with integrity. It will open doors that your never even dreamed of.

Classroom Without Walls

To understand just how meaningful this opportunity was for me, I have to tell you about Dr. Ai and her business. Classroom Without Walls is an organization that aims to teach personal and professional development outside of the traditional books and classes.

Dr. Ai, who quit her career as a college professor to start this business, understands that, in today’s world, traditional education is simply not enough to thrive in this rapidly interconnected and disrupted world. Hence, she takes her students, of all ages and backgrounds, into environments where these skills are practiced and enables them to learn from people who are walking the walk every single day.

If the premise of her business isn’t enough to capture your heart, Dr. Ai’s bubbly, effervescent personality certainly will! Think I’m joking? Check out this video of her sharing details of the 10-Day Immersion Programme.

Leveraging Social Media to Become a Thought Leader

Before I packed my bag for the 2-week long trip to Singapore, Dr. Ai interviewed me live on LinkedIn to talk about social media, how I grew my following and engagement organically, and what I recommend others do to build their own social media presence. The video is still live on Dr. Ai’s LinkedIn page, and you can watch the full 40 minutes below.

Look out for a future post where I’ll be sharing my amazing experience in Singapore, what I spoke about and some of the spectacular offices and places we visited – including Singapore’s “Silicon Valley” and the out-of-this-world Changi Airport. It will absolutely blow your mind and have you booking your ticket right away!

The post Classroom Without Walls Pt 1: The Road to Singapore appeared first on Terri-Karelle.