I’m thrilled to share this conversation with a woman who is the absolute embodiment of purpose-driven leadership: Anushka Varsha Sonai.

Anuskha joins us from Suriname, where she is driving digital transformation across the region as the President of Creative Tech Hub Caribbean and the American Chamber of Commerce, Suriname. I have been impressed and inspired by her since we first met, and her accomplishments speak for themselves—from winning the prestigious Anthony Sabga Caribbean Excellence Award to receiving a nomination for the Women in Tech Global Leadership Award.

In this episode, we uncover an essential blueprint for true Caribbean economic development, a plan that must be led by Women, Alliances, Talent, and Technology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anushka Varsha Sonai

02:54 The Caribbean Survival Kit for Women Entrepreneurs

07:23 The Role of Women in Shaping the Caribbean's Future

12:38 The Importance of Competence and Ambition

20:41 Anushka's Journey Beyond Leadership

24:45 Balancing Ambition and Well-being

30:18 Creative Tech Hub: A New Business Model

Anushka reveals her unique vision for how women can maximise their contribution to regional economic development while still maintaining a purpose-driven vision for their own wellbeing.

• Women as Drivers: Anushka strongly asserts that women are not beneficiaries of development; they are the drivers of economic expansion. She shares compelling data that links the development of women to 30% less poverty in the region.

• Talent Retention & Brain Drain: We discuss her core mission to create "better futures" at home to halt the flow of people leaving the Caribbean, ensuring our talent is retained to build sustainable businesses.

• Alliances over Division: She shares a unique call to action for Caribbean leaders, emphasising the need to move from "playing the victim card" to "speaking from strength" by actively building powerful alliances and an inclusive private sector ecosystem.

• From Consumptive to Productive: Learn how Creative Tech Hub is leveraging technology and workforce development to strategically pivot the region from a consumer-based economy to a productive, digital-first industry.

If you're interested in genuine Caribbean leadership, women in tech, or the strategy behind regional development, this episode is your roadmap.

• Creative Tech Hub Caribbean: creativetechhub.online

• Connect with Anushka: (Search for Anushka Varsha Sonai on LinkedIn)
  🔑 The Blueprint for Caribbean Growth📲 Connect with Anushka & Creative Tech Hub Caribbean

  
  

  👇 If this episode inspired you to think bigger about Caribbean development, please Like this video, Subscribe to the Island Woman podcast channel, and Share this blueprint with a friend! Let's build a stronger Caribbean together.

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

If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It helps us bring more beautiful voices to the fore.

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

On this week’s episode, I chat with my best friend of 30 years, Kim C. Butcher, founder of Okoye by Kim and a powerhouse Caribbean entrepreneur, cultural strategist, and festival producer. We talk about how Kim blends sustainable fashion, cultural storytelling, and entrepreneurship to create impact for Caribbean women.

We explore:

• The story behind VEX Money and the Catch Mi Hand Grant – products and programs run through Okoye By Kim that empower women financially and culturally.
  

• Kim’s journey balancing ambition, well-being, and legacy-building.
  

• Insights on Caribbean women in business, creating community, and leaving lasting impact in culture, commerce, and sustainability.
  

• Practical advice for female entrepreneurs navigating challenges while making economic and social impact.
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim C. Butcher

03:31 Survival Kit for Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs

06:52 Balancing Ambition and Well-Being

09:52 The Drive Behind Kim's Work

12:49 Okoye by Kim: A Lifestyle Brand

15:44 Empowering Women Through Financial Independence

19:00 Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

21:37 The Impact of Women on Economic Growth

24:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

26:32 Podcast outro.mp4

Whether you’re a Caribbean woman entrepreneur, a culture enthusiast, or looking for inspiration to turn your passion into purpose, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Kim C. Butcher / Okoye by Kim:

• Website: okoyebykim.com

• Email: kim@okoyebykim.com

• LinkedIn: @Kim Butcher

• Instagram / Facebook: @OkoyeByKim

• Tel: 1 (246) 266-0779
  

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/2vFmKHhnGz1BNVwrh2MQMY