Caribbean woman entrepreneur Karen Philip, Founder of Kainos Caribbean Consulting and a respected social development specialist, is my guest on this week’s episode. Karen shares her journey and the mission behind Kainos, which is to help non-governmental organisations "Do Good Better" through better systems, better measurement of impact and better grant writing - otherwise known as strategic capacity building and resource mobilisation in sector jargon. We discuss what it truly means to be a "do-gooder" and entrepreneur in the Caribbean development sector.

The Unsung Leaders: We confront the societal oversight that often undervalues the labour of women leaders in civil society. Karen and I discuss why it’s imperative to reward and invest in the Caribbean Women who are the very potters shaping our communities, recognising that their economic empowerment has a magnificent ripple effect.

📑Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karen Philip and Her Work

05:20 The Importance of Alignment and Boundaries

07:19 Understanding Social Development and Capacity Building

11:59 Empowering Women in Civil Society

17:48 Balancing Ambition and Well-Being

26:38 Advice for Caribbean Women Founders

💡Takeaways:

• Your assignment is determined by your alignment.

• If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.

• You need to have boundaries to protect your well-being.

• Caribbean voices must be at the forefront of development.

• Women in civil society are crucial for economic growth.

• It's okay to pause and reassess your goals.

• Empowerment has a ripple effect in communities.

• Formalizing and valuing invisible labor is essential.

• Your network should support your mission and goals.

• Consistency means not giving up, even if you pause.

👉🏾This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Caribbean social impact, economic development, and understanding how women lead with both passion and strategic clarity. Karen highlights the fact that empowered Caribbean Women are the drivers of poverty reduction and community growth.

Connect with Karen Philip & Kainos Caribbean Consulting:

• Website: KainosCaribbean.com

• LinkedIn: @Karen Philip & @ Kainos Caribbean

• Instagram: @kainos.caribbean

• YouTube: @KainosCaribbean

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🎧 Watch/listen to more episodes of the Island Woman Podcast for stories, insights, and inspiration from Caribbean women shaping culture, business, and community.