Business boss offers advice

(CNS): Youngsters taking part in Junior Achievement were given the benefit of experience this past weekend at a special officer training session. Students picked up some tips on success, leadership and fiscal responsibility from Don Seymour, President of dms Organization, who was the keynote speaker at the session.

On Saturday, 22 November, student officers from several Junior Achievement groups attended the morning session at John Gray High School where they gained practical business knowledge from members of Cayman’s business community. Seymour, answered questions about various topics including business ethics, company start-up, and leadership.  In response to a student query about the formula behind his success he noted the importance of personal growth. 

“For me, I am still trying to do and learn more.  It is important to set goals for yourself, so that you are continually learning and growing, pushing yourself to do the things that you only dared to dream about,” Seymour said also stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility.

 “You will only get as much out of your company as you put in.  Putting your business first is a priority, because you are not only responsible for your means, but also for the lives of your employees,” he added.

  Junior Achievement is a global partnership between students, educators and the business community to develop entrepreneurial skills, fiscal responsibility and preparation for the workplace.  The Cayman Islands chapter of Junior Achievement has been enriching the lives of students since its founding in 1991.The Junior Achievement officer training session was aimed at giving students an opportunity to interact with the local business community and learn about their respective roles as presidents and vice presidents of finance, human resources, production, marketing and public relations.  Volunteers from all aspects of the business community participated to provide advice, guidance, and a better understanding of these departments.

Other dms Organization representatives were also on hand for the session. dms’ Krista Pell got the students moving and thinking with energetic activities, icebreakers and breakout sessions.  Shannon Wilcox, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of dms, also presented in a session to the JA vice presidents of public relations (PR) about the principles of good PR and how to work with the media.

 “It is so important that we encourage our nation’s youth to become interested in business and entrepreneurship because they are the key to our future success.  It was a pleasure speaking to a group of such bright and engaged students, and to share my knowledge with them,” Seymour said.