Searchlight Business takes a close up the Executive Director of the IFSA.

Louise Mitchell, a lawyer by profession is the Executive Director of the International Financial Services Authority.

Q. Are you living your professional dream?

A. Yes. Being the Executive Director of the IFSA has given me the kind of exposure that few people have got at this young stage in their lives. I have been able to travel throughout the world and speak for St Vincent and the Grenadines at international fora, such as at the OECD where I negotiated for many small states, in addition to St Vincent and the Grenadines, for fairness in terms of a level playing field on tax information exchange. I have been able to chart the course of the international services sector in St Vincent and to demand from international organisations that we be treated fairly, that we be a part of the standard setting bodies. I impressed on them that we should not be instructed on what standards we should comply with but that we should be part of setting those standards. So, essentially, in the work that I have been able to do on behalf of St Vincent, it has put St Vincent and the Grenadines on the map of financial services centres and our opinion is now highly regarded in the international community and it has been a professional dream to be able to do all that I have done. But of course, like any good professional you are always looking for new challenges, so while it has been a challenging and great experience, I always will strive to achieve more and to face new challenges and create new results.{{more}}

Q. What do you do to relax?

A. I used to go running before I became a mother. I used to love to go down to Arnos Vale playing field in the evening to run and look at the sunset. Now, the most relaxing moment of the day is when I put my son to sleep and watching him fall asleep. Another relaxing moment is, after the children have gone to sleep, to sit and talk with my fiance and joke about the day’s events.

Q. How do you spend your weekends?

A. Sometimes I go down to Bequia with my family where I spend quality time with my parents. A lot of time in my family is spent talking, sitting, relaxing, eating. I also go swimming with my son, step-son, and nieces.

Q. What is your favourite meal?

A. Indian food, which I do not get often in St Vincent. So my first opportunity when I travel is to go to Indian restaurants and indulge in dhal and all my favourites.

Q. What challenges you most in life?

A. Saying no to people as I make my choices in terms of priortising what is important to me.

Q. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

A. Interacting with colleagues at home and abroad and being exposed to new ideas.

Q. Where do you get inspiration to go on?

A. My belief that my life is not about myself but about my place in the world.

Q. Who has had the most positive influence on your life?

A. My mother and my father.

Q. If you were given the power to change one thing in the country or the world, what would it be?

A. To end poverty. If there is poverty, there is no health, justice, creativity, or hope.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

A. Being a great mother, and a successful professional who is very community minded.