Terry-Ann Graver talks life as a financier and mother
Published:Sunday | May 19, 2024 | 12:06 AM
In the journey of rising, nothing surpasses the determination of a woman. For Terry-Ann Graver, tales she’s witnessed propelled her upward. Yet, none compares to her own. As the COO of First Global Bank (FGB), she candidly shared insights on career, motherhood, and life’s balancing act.
Promoted in late 2023, this mother, marketer, and financier, is a 20-year career veteran who has been making waves long before her foray into finance. “It has been a whirlwind journey, but very manageable,” Graver told Sunday Lifestyle.
Her story began from a very humble place: one that explores finding her way out.
Born and raised in the volatile area of Kingston 13, she was her mother’s handbag. From her humble beginnings, Graver knew the current status quo was not for her. She strategically planned her exit, envisioning a different life she felt was hers.
“I just knew that where I was, was not for me and there was better and I knew I had to be better,” she shared.
Growing up with a mother who was a teacher, she learned discipline early. Although it pained her to stay inside, she reflected on what she saw around her and was determined not to get trapped in the cycle. This cycle included pregnancies as early as 13, limited education, gang violence, and a lifestyle that did not fit her vision for herself.
“I wanted more (for myself) and my family,” she revealed.
Lost in a world of books then, the avid reader was transported to a life she had never seen but knew was attainable. “Going to Immaculate [Conception High School] and being an avid reader, I saw and desired more from my circumstances.”
Not reflecting the typical ‘inner-city’ trope, she smiled as she recalled being thought of as ‘bougie’ in the ‘90s, “I read very well, did not speak broken English and really didn’t fit the mould back then.”
Once she decided to leave her hometown, another key life lesson came from her father. Following his wisdom and taking it to heart, she transitioned from being a teller and student to achieving academic success. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations (with honours) from The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, and a Master’s degree in Finance (with distinction) from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.
She took her studies a step further by achieving certifications in project management, treasury risk management, international cash and treasury management from EuroFinance, among others. These certifications were earned from several noteworthy institutions, including Wharton Business School, the New York Institute of Finance, and the Jamaica Stock Exchange E-Campus.
MOTHERHOOD
Other aspects of her life which forced her to level up were marriage and motherhood. Reflecting on whether she’s been a good mother, she beamed with great pride, laughing and asserting, “I get good reviews and I ask for feedback.”
The mother of two revel in the little things that her children say and do. “It’s having them seek you out when they are having a bad day or when my son randomly comes to sit wherever I am and tells me he wants to be near me,” she said, adding, “It’s seeing them do well, excel and acknowledge you as a part of that.” That’s what makes motherhood worthwhile.
So the question remains: how does she balance it all? “You can’t balance everything. There are some days that some things are just gonna get left behind. What you have to balance is overall, meaning not every day, but at different points in time, family gets attention, or your spouse gets attention, or work gets attention,” she responded.
True to form, the stories and lessons from motherhood have been transferred to her latest role. She is astute in translating the pain points of both clients and stakeholders into actionable decisions that drive and build on the experience and profit of the bank, known for innovation and customer service. To this, she says she feels right at home.
“I believe in adding value wherever you go; I’m laser-focused on making sure I can make changes that ensure the benefit of our customers, our team members, and all our stakeholders, while supporting our president and CEO,” she highlighted.
Since joining the GraceKennedy Group in 2017 as senior manager – treasury & corporate finance, Graver has been promoted twice with no plans of slowing down. While several milestones in life taught her that she has no choice but to succeed, amid her success, she believes, even in her current role she hasn’t made it just yet.
“I want to be in a position where I can give a minimum of 10 scholarships a year from the Terry-Ann Graver Scholarship Fund and take a plane whenever I can to travel the world with my FGB credit card”.
But what about young women who wish to follow in her path? She recommends,“ Stick to your core principles, your integrity is everything, don’t get sidetracked by the noise, aim high and keep your eye on the prize.”