Kaysia Johnson Vaughan talks marketing, leadership and mentorship

As a marketing and communications specialist, Kaysia Johnson Vaughan has used storytelling, strategy, and creativity to help organisations strengthen their relationships with customers across the Caribbean. Her expertise, leadership, and passion for volunteerism have earned her this year’s Caribbean POSH ICON Emerging ICON Leader Award.

“Receiving this award is both an honour and a humbling experience. What makes this recognition meaningful is what it represents: a reflection of years of hard work, perseverance, faith, and a commitment to serving others while pursuing excellence,” Johnson Vaughan told Sunday Lifestyle.

The Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, held in June in the British Virgin Islands, recognised 15 women from seven Caribbean territories for their contributions to the region.

Growing up in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, Johnson Vaughan was surrounded and supported by her loving family. Coming from a close-knit community, she was raised on a strong foundation of faith. “My childhood was simple, but it was rich in the things that matter most: love, values, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” she revealed.

Although access to opportunities was far and few, she learned to be resilient and resourceful whenever doors opened in her direction: “My family constantly reinforced the importance of education, integrity, and service, and those lessons continue to shape every aspect of my life. The church also played a significant role in my upbringing, developing my faith, confidence, and understanding that our gifts are meant to be used in service to others.”

These early experiences provided lessons of dreaming big while remaining grounded.

By the time she attended Westwood High School, Johnson Vaughan was already driven by excellence and inspiring other young women to pursue their potential. At The University of the West Indies, she studied media and communications, deepening her understanding of storytelling, relationships, and human connection.

“Pursuing a Master of Business Administration in marketing at the Mona School of Business and Management strengthened my strategic thinking and deepened my understanding of business leadership. More importantly, education taught me how to think critically, adapt to change, and remain intellectually curious,” she added.

Initially, Johnson Vaughan dreamed of becoming a journalist, a passion that led her into media and communications. However, her introduction to sales along the way shifted her perspective and transformed her career path.

“Spending time on the front line of business taught me how customers think, what drives decision-making, and why understanding people is at the heart of every successful business,” she explained. Marketing, she added, became the perfect intersection among avenues of her interest.

She started at Jamaica National as a communications assistant shortly after graduating from university. She then joined the Red Stripe team, transitioning into sales and business development, and later crossed over into marketing at Lascelles Wines & Spirits.

“I eventually returned to the Jamaica National Group as head of retail services and marketing at JN General Insurance, where I had the opportunity to drive growth while strengthening customer experience and brand positioning,” Johnson Vaughan explained.

She later spearheaded marketing initiatives across the Caribbean at Scotiabank before moving into business leadership roles, including director of small business banking for the region.

Every role appointed, she admitted, provided a different layer to her leadership portfolio.

Before building her career, she was deeply involved in volunteerism, youth development, and community service. She served as a youth ambassador and later dean of the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme (JaYAP), advocating for young people and participating in initiatives focused on youth empowerment.

“I’ve also spent years mentoring young women, supporting community projects and volunteering with organisations that serve vulnerable groups. Those experiences reinforced my belief that leadership is ultimately about service,” she noted.

Rooted in her belief that one should bloom where God plants one and never stop growing, she hopes to continue expanding both professionally and personally: “I believe some of the most meaningful chapters of my journey are still ahead. I want to continue helping organisations across the Caribbean strengthen their brands, transform customer experiences, and navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment.”

She also hopes to continue nurturing her passion for leadership development and mentorship.

“I’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. I’m excited about writing my book, expanding my speaking engagements, and creating platforms that encourage conversations around leadership, faith, purpose, and personal growth. At this stage of my life, success is no longer only about what I accomplish. It’s about the impact I leave behind and the people I help develop along the way,” she shared.

Her advice to those seeking to find their path in this world is to start where you are: “Too many women wait until they have the perfect plan or all the answers before taking the first step. The truth is most of us figure things out along the way. I certainly did. Invest in yourself. Keep learning. Seek mentors. Build meaningful relationships, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

She also pointed out the importance of knowing your worth, “Your title does not define you. Your circumstances do not limit you, and your setbacks do not determine your future. I’ve learned that comparison can be a distraction from purpose. Focus on your own journey and trust the process,” Johnson Vaughan said.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com