The Bahamas Financial Services Board has launched its **Bahamians in Leadership and Entrepreneurship (BLE)** seminar series. This seminar series profiles Bahamians who have achieved success in financial and professional services, whether in a leading position and/or as entrepreneurs. CEO & Executive Director Wendy Warren says, *”The presentations by these executives are intended to foster dialogue and create an environment where industry professionals are inspired to pursue higher levels of excellence and progress in the sector, and where present leaders mentor future leaders.”*
Sponsoring the first event was BFSB Member Firm Bahamas First Holdings. The presenters for the seminar, held on Thursday, January 31st, 2008, at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, were Judith Whitehead, Managing Partner of Graham, Thompson & Co.; Raymond Winder, Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche; and Patrick Ward, Group President and CEO, Bahamas First Holdings. They spoke on the topics: “Trends in The Industry”; “Skill Gaps and How to Close Them” and “Leadership Characteristics and Abilities: What Really Matters”, respectively.
The first seminar was considered to be a success with over 70 representatives from banks, trust and insurance companies and legal and accounting firms. Participants indicated that the seminar was *”an important intervention to the technical seminars with very useful and informative topics.”* The participants also indicated that the speakers were excellent and they appreciated hearing the inspiring and valuable personal stories.