The Tribune

As the Bahamas’ first National Women’s Month wound down, a female pioneer in business, financial services and civic life ramped up her advice to women.

“In a world dominated by competition and seemingly shaped by aggressive drive, the road to success can also be paved by kindness,” said Suzanne Black.

“Always be kind, not just to others, but to yourself. Forgive yourself and others each day. Remember that everything - every word, every thought - is energy, and positive energy nets positive results. Negative energy, even in thought, zaps strength, shuts down the best intent. What you think about others, about yourself, about the job at hand, becomes reality. It is not just a matter of how smart you are or how well you perform, but how you feel and the energy you bring.”

Ms Black, who has racked up a number of country firsts - first Bahamian manager of an offshore (international) bank branch, first Bahamian president of the Lyford Cay Club, first chairman of an international financial conference in the Bahamas - was addressing a Women’s Bureau panel and discussion at the College of the Bahamas, winding up the month-long celebration marking the 50th anniversary of women’s suffrage.

She shared stories of several successful Bahamian businesswomen whom she had interviewed, asking each what kept them going when times were tough or what they would have done differently. Their answers, she said, were not ones most successful men would have given.

Though their professions and careers varied, they were united by common threads - friends, supportive others, hard work, the constant challenge of balancing family and business. What they did share with their male counterparts was an unstinting willingness to work hard.

None, Ms Black noted, probably outworked the first Bahamian woman Member of Parliament, Janet Bostwick, who went on to a Cabinet appointment.

“Some years ago, during another panel, Mrs Bostwick related that very late one evening she returned home after a long day followed by an evening of campaigning. When she arrived home, she was met by a whole pile of fresh chickens in the kitchen. She sat down on the floor and plucked chickens till dawn, and the next day she was right there at the fundraiser,” Ms Black said.

Hard work accompanied by positive energy and a passion for excellence have netted rewards for many women, including Ms Black.

For her contributions to national development in the financial services sector she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and the Bahamas Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Independence Award.

Other awards and honours include a Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) from Sojourner-Douglass College headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizens Award Nominee.

She has been a licensed realtor for more than 10 years and continues to contribute to the financial services sector.