5 People who shouldn’t have responded to my LinkedIn Messages but did anyway

With the doomsday narrative that fills your newsfeed, I'm here to shed a flashlight on the goodwill of Caribbean people. At the beginning of the lockdown, I started planning season 2 of the Live from the Caribbean Podcast and I needed to get more guests to share their time.  

Luckily, I'm living in the era of social media, and I used LinkedIn as the main connector for my outreach. Not everyone responded, but five talented individuals shared their stories for the new season, out tomorrow.

https://www.linkedinlocalcaribbean.com/podcast

David Fowler

David's father played an instrumental role in his interest in Computers. From his first encounter with a PC to building the software used by millions. His journey was not without controversy as the world took notice of the lack of diversity in tech. Can a chosen few represent a whole race?  

Aleah Ranjitsingh

Aleah's mother left her job at Express Newspaper to help her pursue her dreams of going to school in the USA. After getting accepted at Brooklyn College, Aleah tried her best to push past her feelings of missing home, especially her little brother. She returned to Trinidad at the University of the West Indies. It wasn't long before she was back on a plane to return to the most famous city in the world. 

Priya Pollard

Priya identifies as a nerd. Her parents told her, "if you like something, do it." She took their advice and pursued her Masters at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. At the height of the pandemic, she got an opportunity in Ireland but wasn't allowed to enter and was forced to return home.

Samantha Allyson

She never wanted to be a Marine Scientist. While growing up in New York, she pursued a career in modelling, but that quickly ended after experiencing disclination. The ocean followed her and the desire to impact led her to the United Arab Emirates. Sustainability isn't a trend for Samantha; it's a way of life.

Andrew McBarnett

Sugar Cane farming could not sustain the Barnett family all year round. Andrew's grandfather turned to ice cream. From Princes Town to Canada, the idea flourished from the streets of Trinidad. Andrew took his family tradition to Dragon's Den and learnt what happens after the director says cut and the camera is off.   

Special Mention to Nikkia Reveillac

Although she didn't see my LinkedIn Message, I made the trek over to her Twitter and followed up in the space she was employed. Not only did she respond, but she opened her home and allowed me to use her space. Her kindness left me speechless.

Small business owners are dreamers living in a world filled with people violently shaking us awake. Thankfully, a few allow us to transcend to reality.

You can subscribe to Live from the Caribbean to get exclusive access to our new season.