Sheree Martin: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
If there’s an elephant in the room, it won’t stay hidden once Sheree Martin walks in. Known for her straightforward approach, Martin doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations. “It’s not enough to complain,” she says. “Leadership begins when you’re prepared to do something about it.” This philosophy has guided her journey, especially since she became the interim CEO of National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB), making history as the first woman to lead the country’s largest indigenous bank.
A Journey Rooted in Mentorship
Rather than bask in her achievements, Martin emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Growing up in Passage Fort, Portmore, as the only girl among two brothers, she learned early on to stand her ground. Her father’s mantra, “Life is what you make it,” instilled in her a sense of agency. “No matter what situation you found yourself in, you still had a role to play in shaping the outcome,” she reflects.
One pivotal moment in her career occurred when she was a teller at NCB’s Half Way Tree branch. Observing customers frustrated by unclear signage, she took the initiative to raise the issue with her operations manager, Betty Handy. Instead of dismissing her concerns, Handy challenged Martin to create a solution. “At that stage of my career, I never imagined I would be given the authority to actually implement a change like that,” she recalls.
Martin introduced a greeter at the entrance of the banking hall to direct customers to the correct line, significantly improving their experience. “It showed me how powerful it is when leaders give people the agency to act,” she says. This trust not only built her confidence but also set the tone for her leadership style.
Learning from the Best
Throughout her career, Martin has been fortunate to work alongside influential leaders who opened doors for her. From Alison Martin to Michael Lee-Chin, each mentor entrusted her with responsibilities that pushed her to grow. “When someone does that, you feel a responsibility to rise to the occasion,” she explains.
Today, her pride lies not in titles but in the women she has mentored. “Watching them move up in their careers or start successful businesses of their own is something I’m genuinely proud of,” she shares.
Finding Balance in Books and Beats
When the workday winds down, Martin finds solace in reading. She enjoys suspense novels, particularly the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. “They’re great when you want to completely disconnect your mind for a while,” she says. Her latest read, Reshuffle by Sangeet Paul Choudary, explores how organizations must adapt in a rapidly changing world. “It makes you think about how leadership and organizations will need to adapt going forward,” she adds.
A Personal Touch
Martin’s personal style mirrors her leadership: practical yet polished. She prefers well-cut power suits in neutral tones and, when given the choice, opts for heels. “I feel more corporate than casual in them,” she notes.
But there’s a fun side to Martin that might surprise her colleagues. She believes she’s a great singer, although her husband might disagree. “He politely stops me when I get carried away,” she laughs. These days, you might catch her belting out tunes by Lauren Daigle while driving with the radio up.
Sheree Martin’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, leadership, and a little bit of fun. As she continues to break barriers and uplift others, one can’t help but wonder: what will she achieve next?