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Jason Fournillier is a business executive and former banker who believes in the power of relationship building and maintaining a positive outlook. He practices and believes in PUSH (Persist Until Something Happens) as a principle. For him, whatever your chosen path, as long as you are consistent, you will prevail.  He shares some of his personal and professional journey, what has guided him through the years and his love for family with us:

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My parents, Orman and Janice, provided me and my siblings with a safe and nurturing environment that allowed us to develop into the strong persons we are today. I am really grateful for all that they have done.

I was told that as a child, I was happy, naturally outgoing and had a positive attitude that helped me to comfortably embrace the people around me. I liked to spread positive vibes and energy and I believe that I kept this approach and outlook throughout my younger years and as I entered the world of work. This approach is what may have opened doors and contributed to my achievements.

Relationships have always been important to me.  As a student, I enjoyed school and the interactions I had. My most vivid memories are the friendships I made and the exchanges with my teachers. In fact, I developed most of my interpersonal skills through conversations and observing my teachers. I have been blessed to maintain a close community of friends from secondary school, university and my young career. These friendships have been instrumental in making my personal and professional journey enjoyable, despite the usual challenges.

I was an inquisitive child and enjoyed many adventures, which got me into trouble sometimes. Nevertheless, this spirit of curiousity and adventure also led me to start my first business at 7 years, selling eggs to family, friends and neighbours. The interactions and skills that I developed during that period, motivated me to launch three other business ventures (Breeding German Shepherds, All-Inclusive Tobago vacations and the distribution of an Exotic Fruit Punch of my own creation) all before the age of 21 years. These experiences taught me a lot about business and developed my ability for negotiations and nurturing business relationships later on.

“My dream job”

Soon after leaving secondary school, I began working at a bank; an industry I had always dreamed of joining. I worked and studied for my undergraduate degree at the same time. I would attribute my success in banking to my natural inclination to customer service and the desire to bring value to others. The lessons from my childhood and young adult entrepreneurial experience certainly helped here. While working in the banking sector, I found the most fulfillment in customer engagement and new business generation. I knew there were opportunities for greater fulfillment and purposeful experiences, so I embraced them when that time came.

After leaving banking, I went on to a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) environment, in what I will consider my dream job. The saying ‘find the thing that you are most passionate about, that drives you to your fullest potential, and you will never work another day in your life” would apply to my experience thus far.  I did not know much about the FMCG environment before I started but I enjoyed the learning process during my formative years. I used my curiosity to understand consumer behaviour, deepen my passion for engagement and marketing, as well as interact with the business at all levels. The sector allowed me to do the things I have always been naturally good at. This is key to finding the path that is for you. 

Over the years, as I progressed to more senior roles, I was given the opportunity to build, inspire and lead teams of professionals from varied cultures to attain organisational objectives, bring innovation, and create a great working environment.  These are some of the things that motivate me.

West Indian Tobacco (popularly known as WITCO) provided me with the opportunity to live and work in other countries, including Costa Rica, Spain, Guyana and Jamaica. Through these opportunities, I developed a deeper appreciation for other cultures and business practices. They helped me to appreciate the importance of including persons with different backgrounds, identities and experiences on your teams.

I firmly believe that this approach to building teams, positively impacts the work environment and the bottom line.

“We must ensure that our children and their children have something to enjoy.”

Over the past years, my interest in Mother Nature grew, particularly as I progressed in my career. Perhaps it is a result of my years of being outdoors with my siblings or observing commercial practices.

However, I believe that we can do more to preserve and protect our environment for those coming after us. As a parent, this is also personally relevant. We must ensure that our children and their children have something to enjoy. This has to start with us; we all have an individual responsibility to improve our interaction with the environment. I believe that if I can change how I operate and bring awareness to my community about the impact of our current behaviour on our environment, then that action, multiplied by an appropriate factor, can result in a positive change for all of us.

This is why I became more interested in issues related to environmental sustainability and recently pursued it professionally. I believe in continuous learning and acquiring new knowledge and practical skills that aid your professional life. These are some of the things that motivate me.

“I want to be remembered as a man who loved his family and friends…and a leader who inspired greatness.”

In ten years, I hope to be doing most of what I am doing now while enjoying everything life offers. Professionally, I want to continue collaborating with persons of varied backgrounds to assist them to pursue their dreams, bring value to businesses, and turn ideas into action. I genuinely enjoy coaching and mentoring others to achieve their full potential. If the opportunity to contribute to national service, presents itself, I will embrace it. I believe that I have a lot to offer in based on my professional career and I look forward to the years to come.

A lot of what I do, is inspired by my two daughters, Jourdann and Larah. I enjoy conversing with them, listening to and observing their developing opinions, personalities and overall outlook on life.

My wife Natasha and I want to create an environment that supports their young minds and characters so that they develop into responsible young women who will be leaders of tomorrow, positively contributing to our society and environment.

In the same way that I endeavour to create the environment for my daughters, I must acknowledge trailblazers like Philip Rochford, Anthony Phillip and Gerry Brooks, who throughout their careers, have been driving change and innovation in business and inspiring others. I strongly admire their strong work ethic and dedication to business and society. These are qualities that I aspire to always display as I continue along my path of growth as a leader.

When I move on, I hope that I will be remembered as a man who loved his family and friends sincerely and spared no effort in bringing his best self every day. A leader who inspired greatness in those he worked with and a colleague who could be trusted.  I want to be remembered as an agent of positive change who improved every situation he met.

To teenagers who may be confused about their career paths, I want to tell you that confusion is good, as it means you are thinking deeply about the situation. Sometimes, a little struggle is required for most things in life.

It means that you desire something more and are trying to figure out the crucial steps to get to where you want to be. My recommendation – release the worry around the process. Embracing confusion is a critical element of lifelong fulfillment.

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Jason is a former student of St Mary’s College and The UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. He is certified in Design Thinking and Sustainability Management. He is the current Head, Government Affairs (Caribbean) at West Indian Tobacco, (part of the British American Tobacco group).