Regina Bedoya, president of RB Financial Advisors, a boutique financial planning firm in South Florida, and president of MDRT, the premier global association of financial services professionals

Where do you call home?

I live in a small coastal town, Juno Beach, located on the Atlantic Coast of South Florida.

 What has been the most memorable experience of your recent weekend in Jamaica?

The most memorable experience was spending time with its people.  I was touched by their hospitality and kindness and impressed by their pride in their beautiful culture.

   What surprised/resonated the most about your SMS experience?

I was impressed by how they were able to incorporate their common core values and their culture into the programming.  The quality of the speakers was first-class and inspired the audience to engage and be motivated by their messages.

    Were you to be remembered for one thing, what would it be?

I would like to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about empowering others to achieve their highest human potential.  

  What is your greatest fear?

If I am afraid of anything, it is of the idea of living a mediocre life, one that leaves no imprint and no legacy to those I care about.

    Animals or babies?

Babies! I am blessed with four amazing children and seven beautiful grandchildren.  My life is complete through them.

    What talent do you yearn for?

I would love to be a better dancer; my new Jamaican friends inspired me to take Zumba!

    What book do you recommend most to others?

I recommend The Road to Character by David Brooks.  It highlights the personal traits of those the world admires.

 What lesson has been the hardest to learn?

I have had to raise my children by myself and the hardest lesson has been to recognise that I cannot do it all, not all at the same time.  Single moms easily acquire the superwoman complex and we feel we must deliver on all fronts, often times sacrificing our own well-being.  I learned that in order to give I must take care of myself first.  

What food sums up happiness?

Chocolate-covered nuts!  Could live on them.

 What have you never understood?  

I have had a hard time understanding people who choose to be negative and unhappy.  Life is such a wonderful adventure when you focus on what works and you let go of what does not.

 Were you to invite five people to dinner with Steve Harvey who would they be and why?

Oprah, for sure! Love her! We would be joined by David Brooks (the author of my favourite book), President Obama, his lovely wife Michelle, and my daughter Natalie.