Cocktails With — Nichole Brackett Walters
Nichole Brackett Walters, group marketing manager at the National Commercial Bank, is always on the go, and being a wife, mum and part-time lecturer, her clock never stops. She prides herself on being a strategic marketer with the insane ability to get things done. She’s taking time out to say cheers!
What are you drinking?
I’m enjoying a glass of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.
Who inspires you?
My mum and dad — they have shown me the importance of family. They have continuously made sacrifices for their children and even now as an adult, my parents are very supportive of me in every way. Their strength, resilience and commitment inspire me to work hard and to be the best that I can be.
Socialite or homebody?
I love going out of town to spend time with my family. I guess I am an “away-from-home homebody”
Flats or stilettos?
Certainly stilettos…
Who does your hair?
Ann-Marie Ferguson at the Beauty Oasis on Lady Musgrave Road.
Who does your nails?
Jameliah Malcolm, also at the Beauty Oasis.
What’s your style?
Comfortable, contemporary with more than a splash of colour.
I believe colour provides a burst of energy needed to get through the day.
And the perfume you’re wearing?
Estée Lauder Pleasures.
You are a career woman, a wife and mother, plus you lecture part-time… how easy is it to wear all those hats?
It is a careful balancing act, but my husband is very supportive and so it makes it much easier to focus on what is important. Also, I am very hyperactive and so it gives me the adrenaline rush needed to cope. I work at any time required to get my job done — midnight is the new 9:00 am.
What’s most essential to your personal brand?
Performance! I pride myself on being a highly trained and experienced marketer and as such, I believe that it is critical for my personal brand to be built on the quality of the projects I undertake. The legacy I leave should be based on the value created and the improvements that have been made to the team I lead.
Which five words best describe Nichole?
Passionate, happy, energetic, committed and fun.
What’s your ritual for a proper work-life balance?
Weekend downtime to spend time with my family and travelling — taking the time to wind down and spend time with my family helps me to balance my ever-evolving life.
What’s your essential style item?
Jewellery. This can help to dress up or add elegance to any outfit, whether for night or day; jewellery adds versatility and glam… just like me.
What’s the best thing about being Group Marketing Manager — NCB?
This role allows me to do what I love — marketing. As group marketing manager, I lead a team that is charged with developing and managing marketing programmes for the largest financial institution in Jamaica — this means no two days are the same. It is fast-paced with constant changes to meet the growing demands of a changing environment, and I am held accountable for delivering business value through marketing. Working for an organisation like NCB makes me proud and helps me to put my Best LIFE Forward.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice came from my hero, my dad: “Always speak the truth and do what is right: it may not make you popular, but in the long run you will be respected for it.”
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
To spend more time with my family, especially my soon-to-be four-year-old, Peyton.