From dreams to reality - The Christopher Brown story

Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writer

In the words of Colin Powell, "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." Head of corporate and regulatory affairs at Carreras Limited, Christopher Brown, knows all about this reality.

Born in the inner-city community of Brown's Town in East Kingston, he has worked assiduously from the ground up to achieve both his professional and personal goals.

Growing up on Bryden Street, he recalls the violence that surrounded him to Outlook in a recent interview. "I remember the violent general election of 1980 and actually sleeping on the floor during the night, as the bed was too close to the window and gunshots were being fired all around." From that incident, he decided he wanted to help change things, and this led him to pursue a career in politics.

"I always wanted to enter representational politics. I admired the activism and vibrancy of the political season, and my father was active in the political movement," he said.

His parents were strict, and though he did not live with both parents, they were integral in his life. "My father was supportive, financially and otherwise. I grew up with my mother and aunt, who placed a strong focus on school and education, ensuring that there was a balance with sports and church." These early years proved to be difficult for the young scholar, who moved back and forth form one house to another. Eventually, his parents got married and created a stable home for the young Brown.

cricket spirit

At nine years old, he passed and began attending Calabar High School. There, he began setting in stone his dreams and aspirations. He describes high school as a very fulfilling experience. Captain of the debate team and an active member of the junior achievers, Brown's academic accomplishments were complemented by his passion for sports. He excelled in the game of cricket, captaining the school's cricket team at all levels. His skills as a fast bowler and opening batsman led to his being selected for Jamaica's national Under-19 cricket team.

"I went to those trials for the national team and recalled bowling an over to a young Chris Gayle, who took 17 runs off my first over. My promising fast-bowling cricket career ended following that over," he told Outlook.

The vision of being a professional cricketer was short-lived, but his academic journey never missed a beat.

After obtaining a first degree in management and economics at the University of the West Indies, he went on to a masters of philosophy in international relations, with a special focus on Latin American affairs, at the St Augustine campus in Trinidad.

In 1998, his dreams of working in politics became a reality when he met Dr Peter Phillips. He spent the next decade of his professional career working as an assistant and adviser to Dr Phillips, who was then minister of transport and works and later minister of national security. "Peter Phillips had a significant impact on my life in terms of my understanding of government, general management and managing people." He notes that Phillips' influence is now reflected in his own leadership style, his managing philosophy and how he now manages his own staff. He said Phillips taught him how to manage strategically and get results with limited resources in the public sector. But through it all, he was inspired with a sense of nationalism and patriotism and a great understanding of the nature of the struggle of Jamaica and its people.

In 2007, Brown left politics for a short sojourn in education, lecturing in international relations at the university for two years. "I love teaching; it was very exciting and riveting. Explaining theories, concepts and watching the students grasping them and understanding them brought me great joy. My tutorials were always filled to capacity - I had to actually turn away students. I was teaching individuals at the time, some of whom were twice my age, giving special focus to senior married women who were doing their degrees. I was tired and stressed from time to time, as it was a full-time job, it was a full-time parent and had family responsibilities, but I welcomed the change in career and pushed forward."

In 2009, his life took on a new element in the private sector with him taking on his current position at Carreras Limited. Brown is in charge of the company's corporate and regulatory affairs and also head of communications.

difficult transition

The transition from the public into the private sector was initially a difficult one. To help ease the transition was former managing director of Carreras, Michael Bernard. Bernard, who then became his mentor and guide, contributed tremendously to Brown's smooth transition into leadership, "His quiet but enabling leadership style taught me the culture of the business as well as allowed me to learn quickly while having the management space to lead as per my own philosophy and style."

He told Outlook that this transition was by far one of his best accomplishments. "I think the highlight of my sojourn to date is successfully transitioning into a top leadership position in the private sector directly from a political advisory position. Not many persons have done this, as it's generally a difficult feat in a tribal society like Jamaica."

He considers his time at Carreras thus far as professionally enriching and exciting. The nature of the business, he points out, forces him to be strong, decisive, adaptable and futuristic in his leadership capabilities and strategic management, working closely with Government and Opposition on both sides of the divide.

The husband and father admits that it is a bit difficult to balance work and family, "At times, work is overwhelming, but I try to spend time with my wife and son on the weekends.

Sundayis family day for the Browns. "I try to come home during the week to help my son with his homework, but my wife does most of that. I try to go on road trips and spend quality time with my family, making it both educational and recreational."

But he also tries to carve out alone time for himself. Brown gets in personal time by utilising business trips as a way of treating and pampering himself - balancing work with a little leisure. Though his cricketing career was stumped, he still maintains his love for the sport, watching whenever he gets the chance.

Brown intends to continue in the current industry, branching out into the wider group - British American Tobacco industry. His advice to aspiring young professionals, "Remain focused on your vision, for every disappointment there is an appointment. Life operates in cycles, appreciate that life has cycles and constantly evaluate the current phase you are in - an enabler is always at the centre of that cycle."

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com