ARE YOU where you always wanted to be?
Not quite. I have achieved some of the short goals I have set out for myself, however, some of my long term goals are works in progress at this time. As circumstances change and life experiences unfold I continuously assess and evaluate each goal.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
Not only the transition between moving from working as an employee to being self employed, but also working between two totally different professions, that is working as a quantity surveyor and also being the massage therapist in Massage Works.
What is your biggest life challenge?
Maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life. As an entrepreneur, I’ve found that the demands of a business can sometimes be never ending and one can easily sacrifice family or personal time to spend in the business. Being mindful of this, I make a conscious effort now to not allow family and personal life be sacrificed for the business.
When you look to the future. what do you see?
Barbados coming out of this economic recession and having a vibrant economy again. I believe many more entrepreneurs will rise up and set up businesses not only in Barbados but throughout the region, as this recession has taught a lot of us how to become self sufficient and to utilise that skills and tents we have.
What is your favourite pastime?
My favourite pastime is going to the beach or driving through the countryside.
What is your favourite meal?
Hot bakes and cocoa tea, not the processed cocoa but local cocoa made in St Lucia.
On Saturday night where are you likely to be?
You’ll probably find me on the way to a client to do a massage treatment.
What upset you most?
Hearing people continuously complain about their situation but make no attempt to change or improve it.
What is you guiding philosophy?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
If you had a chance to manage Barbados for a day, what would you do?
Include religious knowledge is part of the school curriculum for all students. Make it easier for entrepreneurs to have access to funds to start businesses. The demand and cost for food, water and energy will continue to rise. I would invest in sustainable agriculture to reduce food import bill and renewable energy such as solar farm. Develop a strategic plan for sports development in this country so that sports becomes a vibrant business instead of a recreational pastime. Include complementary therapies is part of the health care that is accepted and available in our health care system.
Simeon Christophe is managing director of Massage Works.
