Sharon's service with a smile

• Banker to assume leadership of Kiwanis Club

Sharon Williams will, on Wednesday, October 12, be installed as president of the all-female Kiwanis Club of New Kingston, the first of only three such in the island.

Williams, who embodies the adage 'service with a smile', is the manager for private banking at the National Commercial Bank (NCB), and a visit to the second floor of The Atrium, in New Kingston, will no doubt reveal a smiling Williams, always bubbly, perfectly coifed and willing to ably assist.

Career responsibilities aside, the St Andrew High School alumnus also makes service a priority outside of her nine to five.

"I've been a member of Kiwanis since 2002 after a client introduced me to the organisation during my time as a personal banker at the former NCB King Street branch," Williams says admitting that she had been involved with Key Club while she attended St Andrew High.

She also serves in various capacities at the Boulevard Open Bible Church, where she worships, and credits her faith and professional development as the main drivers of her appetite to serve.

Leadership experience

"The leadership roles I've had at NCB and the training I've received, both from our Corporate Learning Centre and the various managers I've worked with, have helped me to hone my skills in leading this team of very dynamic women," Sharon adds, noting that planning and strategising are key elements to the success of any organisation, whether corporate or community service-oriented.

In this regard, the president designate plans on synergising the two.

"I am looking forward to working with my company to create awareness around certain issues and promote greater levels of corporate social responsibility," Sharon says pointing out that, "some of the more impactful projects our club has undertaken have been working with the Mustard Seed Community, The Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town and helping to eradicate child illiteracy by way of the Read Around The World programme."

Though working with various organisations is critical to the success of the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston, Williams maintains that the women who volunteer are the real success stories.

"Yes it is challenging to lead a team of accomplished women who undertake very senior roles in their organisations or even run their own companies," but she explains that "there's a slight role change, because you have to appreciate that they will have strong opinions pertaining to the club and you have to know how to get their buy-in."

Notwithstanding, the president designate admires her club members' dedication.

"These women have a sterling commitment to serve others year over year ... the fact that these women act in a voluntary capacity and approach their roles as if they are being paid is always encouraging to me."

It's an encouragement which, when coupled with the high she gets from meeting other people's needs, perhaps keeps her smiling.

"At the end of the day, what really feels good is the value you create for persons," Sharon says, " ... the look on their faces and the joy you get from knowing that you have used your skills and resources to improve someone else's life."