Island Woman Podcast

From solopreneur to enterprise — how do we as Caribbean women entrepreneurs make the leap from side hustle to sustainable business? In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I’m joined by Shauna Marshall, MSME development strategist and founder of SMB Consulting. We talk about what it really takes to scale our businesses with intention, structure, and vision. We also dive into the cultural chal...

What if building your business was more like training for the Olympics? 🏃🏽‍♀️ In this episode, I explore how Caribbean entrepreneurs can learn from elite athletes, their systems, discipline, and mindset, to build businesses that last. What can Caribbean entrepreneurs learn from the discipline, mindset, and systems of world-class athletes? In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I explore ho...

 What does it take to make your vision real? In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast , I share how my own vision took shape, why imagination is powerful, and what really matters when it comes to turning a dream into reality. You’ll hear about the daily video diary practice that gave me clarity, how reflection shaped my Rooted & Ready programme, and why compounded action — the small steps d...

Not everyone will choose you — whether it’s for a project, a friendship, or a role in their life. But that doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of being chosen. In this episode, I share why choosing yourself matters, what it really looks like, and 3 small but powerful ways I’m practising it right now. From the crowded buses of my teen years in Barbados to the lessons I’ve learned about podcasting, bound...

Caribbean realities are complex, from high youth unemployment to the rise of informal work, gender inequality, and climate threats. But alongside the challenges, there’s a deep well of hope, ingenuity, and resourcefulness we can tap into. In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I explore how we as Caribbean people can manage distractions, stay focused, and hold onto what’s real. Drawing on in...

Are you over 35 and starting to feel niggles in joints you forgot you had? For me, it’s the ‘phantom pains’, the ones you can’t link to anything you did. If that’s you too, we’re not alone.  In the Caribbean, joint-related issues linked to NCDs and more sedentary lifestyles are showing up earlier and more often than we think. In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I’m joined again by Nutriti...

Welcome to Season 2 of the Island Woman Podcast! We kick off with the first episode in a three-part health and wellness series. I’m joined by seasoned nutritionist  in Barbados’ National Nutrition Centre, Carla Ramsay, to explore the incredible benefits of one of the Caribbean’s most treasured staples — breadfruit . Why does breadfruit belong on every island plate? From its affordable, versatile n...

In this season finale, I reflect on the idea of courage and what it really took to leave corporate, pursue dance, raise a child while studying abroad, and carve out a life that’s both big and simple . Is this way of life brave… or just bold and naive? I share what “big and simple” means to me and why it’s not small, broke, or boring. It’s my personal manifesto for living well without the overwhelm...

Welcome to the final episode of the Clarity Series on the Island Woman Podcast , a space for Caribbean women who, like me, are rethinking success and ready to move with intention. In this episode, “Clarity in Action: A Success Blueprint for Caribbean Women Over 40,” I’m exploring how to turn your clear vision into bold, grounded decisions without burnout, hustle, or upending your life.  Whether yo...

Do you want more opportunities to do what you’re great at, but feel awkward talking about your work? You're not alone. In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I share how women, especially Caribbean women can show up and speak clearly about their work without feeling like a showoff. You’ll explore: ✅ Why clarity is the first step to meaningful visibility ✅ How to speak about your value...

In this first episode of the Island Woman Clarity Series , sponsored by Made Alive Design & Co., we explore how to move from career fog to focus with 4 powerful clarity anchors every woman (or man) needs when redefining success on her (his) own terms. Whether you’re shifting from a 9-5 to consulting, entrepreneurship, or simply seeking a new path, this episode will help you root yourself in yo...

In this episode, I reflect on how Caribbean women like me are redefining success. From being raised to value financial independence to walking away from traditional corporate careers, we're still choosing big ambitions, but in new ways. Tune in if you're rethinking your version of success too.

Sometimes the right YES can’t happen because we’ve said yes to too many wrong things. In this episode, I share a personal story about missing a dream opportunity — and the powerful lesson I learned about the importance of saying NO. This is a reflection for women who do too much, give too much, and rarely put themselves first. Especially island women like me. Let’s talk about boundaries, burnout,...

My experience of nature growing up in St. Philip Barbados has given me some of the most powerful memories of my childhood. In this episode of the Island Woman podcast, I’m sharing my nostalgia for nature back then and the joy it brought me. I discuss how the shift from an agricultural economy to tourism has transformed our landscape in Barbados, leading to some loss of that natural beauty. While I...

Call it #stayathomework or #workfrom home; it doesn’t matter. It is currently the work-life that I think works best for me.  In this episode, I share my thoughts on my home being my workplace and how remote work measures up based on three ingredients I desire for my 50-plus Island Woman work-life.  ➡️ Autonomy over my time ➡️ Creative freedom and  ➡️Robust health  You won’t believe the traffic cha...

What does freedom really mean for an Island Woman? In this episode, I explore freedom as self-empowerment and creative expression ; from reclaiming mental power shaped by a history of Caribbean colonisation to finding joy in imagination, play, and personal voice. This podcast is my act of freedom, and I invite you to reflect on yours. If you're craving a BIG and simple life , like I am, this o...

In today’s episode, I’m talking about why wellness is especially important to me as an Island Woman surrounded by a high incidence of non-communicable diseases and 3 things I’m doing to stay well. This topic is very near and dear to my heart and wellness conversations are ones I’m always willing to have. But wellness actions are even more important to me.  If you have wellness tips to share, espec...

In today’s episode, I tackle why and how I’m practising responsible consumption as a home decor junkie.  I have 3 questions I ask myself before any purchase to get myself back in line and doing good for my pocket and the planet.  Feel free to steal my rehab questions and share some of your own so I/we can stay on track.  If you liked this video consider following my channel to see what else is coo...

Turning 50 and afraid to change? Island Woman Dianne Squires explains why 50 was the perfect moment for her to make deep personal shifts and reveals 3 things she's not afraid to change at 50.