PATRICE BINGHAM-REID
Senior Financial Services Specialist, VMBS Child: One daughter, Jessyca Reid
Assessing members’/clients’ financial positions, then guiding them along a strategic pathway to achieving specific goals such as home ownership, a vehicle, or financial freedom, by helping them make appropriate financial decisions and providing them with meaningful financial solutions is what Bingham-reid does on a daily basis.
She said prior to the pandemic, she enjoyed the benefit of a clear and efficient routine in raising her daughter, with the strong support of her grandparents and husband.
“Together we would share the school pick-ups, homework duties and responsibilities for her overall well-being. With this support, my professional aspirations were more easily managed. Now, this routine has changed significantly,” she said in explaining how she has had to change the way she carries out the roles as a mother and a professional this year.
“Despite the challenges, it allowed me to utilise my professional creativity to ensure that the mantra of changing lives was still maintained.
Technological support became the order of the day as physical assessment sessions now became Skype meetings and appointments became scheduled pick-up and drop offs. Despite it all though, as my father always said, ‘One can either sink or swim with challenges, but always remember how to float above them, as the sea always gets calm after a while’. This has been my driving force throughout life, as well as having a magnificent husband, Kemar, who is my personal booster when times get difficult.”
What is her motivation for giving her best both at home and at work?
“I was always taught that failure is not an option. Aspiring to be my very best was always a part of my genetic make-up. Having the privilege of becoming a mother to such a sweet soul, as well as being a part of an organisation that makes me feel whole allows me to give my very best daily. Knowing that I no longer exist for self makes me want to push harder. Doing the very best for her and hearing ‘I love you mommy’ gives me a feeling that at times is indescribable.”
In terms of the attributes that she wants her child to emulate: “The one takeaway that I desire for my daughter to carry with her through life is that she is more than capable of achieving anything she desires, with effort and dedication and despite what life throws at her. It is how she responds to the blows that will determine the results.”