We recently connected with Shabakie Fernandes and have shared our conversation below.
Shabakie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success hinges on perseverance, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. My career at Guyana Global Consulting Group exemplifies this. During a large-scale infrastructure project, we faced significant delays due to unforeseen regulatory hurdles. Instead of letting these obstacles derail us, we doubled down on our efforts, engaging in rigorous negotiations with local authorities, restructuring our timelines, and implementing more efficient processes. We completed the project ahead of the revised schedule, exceeding client expectations. This experience reinforced that perseverance and adaptability are crucial to success.
My pursuit of an entrepreneurship certificate at Cornell University also shaped my view on success. The program’s emphasis on resilience and innovation pushed me to think creatively and manage my time effectively. This innovative approach provided a practical framework that I later applied in my professional endeavors.
At Sarauniya International Development Organization, our mission is to address critical issues in underserved communities. One initiative involved setting up a mobile health clinic in a remote village. Despite daunting logistics, through relentless effort and strategic partnerships, we provided essential healthcare services to hundreds. This reinforced my belief that a strong sense of purpose and community collaboration are vital to achieving meaningful success.
Additionally, at Caring For Others Inc. and the International Poverty Forum Inc., navigating complex social issues and working with diverse communities has been central. For instance, providing disaster relief after a hurricane or severe flood required immense logistical efforts, but through persistent effort and collaboration, we successfully delivered essential supplies to affected families.
These experiences collectively shaped my view that success is about making a positive impact and continuously striving for excellence in the face of adversity.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Shabakie Fernandes, CEO of Guyana Global Consulting Group, Fernandes Management and Consulting LLC, Co-Publisher of Gurus and Prospects (GAP) Magazine, and President of Sarauniya International Development Organization. I also hold leadership roles with Caring For Others Inc. and the International Poverty Forum Inc. My academic background includes bachelor’s degrees in law and conflict resolution, a master’s degree in psychology, and a certificate in entrepreneurship from Cornell University. I recently completed the Nasdaq Milestones Program, which supports women entrepreneurs through powerful peer networks and professional coaching.
In 2022, I was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40, and I received the prestigious 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards in Guyana. I was also honored with the Kykoveral Award by The Caribbean Voice during the El Dorado Awards.
Guyana Global Consulting Group and Fernandes Management and Consulting LLC offer strategic business consulting, project management, event planning, and leadership development services. We focus on delivering innovative solutions to complex problems, helping clients achieve sustainable growth and success.
Through Sarauniya International Development Organization, we address critical issues such as period poverty, education, training, and healthcare in underserved communities.
At Caring For Others Inc. and the International Poverty Forum Inc., we provide disaster relief, aid, micro-economic grants, capacity building aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting agricultural and business ventures.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to development, combining strategic expertise with a deep commitment to social impact. We build lasting partnerships and create sustainable solutions. I am most proud of our impact on the communities we serve, from increased educational opportunities to improved economic conditions.
Any advice for managing a team?
Effective team management requires clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision. It’s crucial to set clear expectations and provide regular feedback. Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, boosts morale and fosters a positive work environment.
Involving team members in decision-making processes leverages their unique insights and skills, giving them a sense of ownership and investment in the project’s success. Providing opportunities for professional growth and development is also key to maintaining high morale. Creating a supportive and inclusive work culture where everyone feels valued and heard significantly enhances team dynamics and productivity.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most challenging moments in my career was when a devastating fire broke out, affecting my business and personal life. The fire caused significant damage to my office and essential documents, halting operations and putting immense pressure on me. Despite the immediate despair, giving up was not an option. I quickly regrouped and began assessing the damage, staying focused on my long-term goals even in the face of adversity.
The experiences and skills I had gained from leading and working with various organizations, such as crisis management and community collaboration, were instrumental in navigating this crisis. With overwhelming support from mentors, family, friends, clients, and partners, we managed to launch a new project successfully just a few months after the fire. This achievement was a testament to the team’s resilience and our collective determination to overcome the setback.
Rebuilding after the fire was transformative, reinforcing my belief in the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and community support. It underscored the importance of resilience in leadership and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guyanaglobalconsulting.com www.sidointl.org www.caring4others.org www.internationalpovertyforum.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shabakie.fernandes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shabakie.fernandes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabakie-fernandes-62216b47
Image Credits
Koaito Grant
MIPAD