SHELLY-ANN MORGAN
Manager, Investment Client Services, Kingston Metropolitan area, & Investment Banker, Sagicor Investments
Child: Trey’den, 16
AW: How have you had to change the way you carry out your roles as a mother and a professional this year?
SM: As a mother I have had to change some things, but some things have also remained the same, largely because I have been treating COVID as a big temporary blip, and I don’t want to disrupt my routine too much. The changes made have largely been to take advantage of the opportunities presented as a result of the crisis of the pandemic. I have been cooking more at home and preparing more complete and healthier meals. More meal prepping now takes place on a weekend, on account of the fact that my son has a big appetite and my need for him to eat well. On a Sunday, I usually cook enough for him to be able to have a cooked meal for lunch and dinner that usually can serve him for three or so days out of the week. Where there is a shortfall he will usually prepare something for himself.
There has also been a shift in the sharing of the chores at home as well, with my son taking on more responsibility at home, for himself personally, as well as for the house. He was always able to help himself in the kitchen, but COVID has definitely allowed me to improve his household skills, and transfer knowledge that will serve him well when the time comes for him to go to college, and into adulthood.
As a professional, nothing has changed significantly as I continue to maintain my early start and late nights.
The demands of the job are still coming fast and furious, and equally demanding this year compared to last year or any other year. I may be leaving the office earlier on account of the curfews, but I am pretty much transferring my work space from office to home in some instances, and at other times I try to get into the office much earlier to get more accomplished. One major difference is that because I haven’t changed the time I wake in the mornings, I now enjoy the luxury of preparing my lunch and green juices, etc for myself and one or two lucky team members once it is enough to share.
AW: What is your motivation for giving your best both at home and at work?
SM: My motivation has always been to be the best at whatever I do, and to be an example that anyone can follow. It is very important that anyone who knows me can follow not just what I say, but my example.
AW: What is your number one attribute that you want your son to emulate?
SM: This is a tough one, because I don’t believe that there is any one attribute that is more important than another. I like the idea of balance and not extremes, but if I had to choose, it would be for him to have a strong willpower.