A Caribbean national who transforms medium-sized businesses into billion dollar global enterprises is the 2015 Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecturer. Dr. Nicholas Brathwaite, who now resides in the USA, is the former Chief Technology Officer at Flextronics and the co-founder of Riverwood Capital, a private equity investment firm with over two (2) billion dollars in assets. Brathwaite has been credited, for instance, with turning a $200 million contract into a $300 billion global leader in electronics manufacturing.
"We are delighted to attract a Caribbean innovator, investor and entrepreneur to deliver our 40th Sir Winton Scott Memorial Lecture," Governor Dr. DeLisle Worrell announced just days before the event. Dr. Brathwaite brings a wealth of investment and entrepreneurial skills and expertise from which we can all benefit on the occasion of the 40th lecture and as the country moves towards its 50th Anniversary of nationhood."
Dr. Brathwaite will speak on the topic "Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Igniting Economic Growth, Enhancing Global Significance and Fuelling Socio-Economic Advancement in the Commonwealth Caribbean".
From the Bank’s perspective, the 40th Sir Winston Scott Memorial lecture is extremely timely, given the country’s heavy focus and reliance on developing entrepreneurship and innovation, in an effort to reposition the economy.
Dr. Brathwaite is renowned for creating and growing several technology enterprises from million dollar to billion dollar businesses. His contribution to the development of low cost cell phones for developing countries as well as his participation in developing the first palm pilot, the first Microsoft X-Box and the first miniaturized chargers for the Apple IPhone, the Amazon Kindle Reader and other hand-held devices are listed among his many achievements.
"Nicholas Brathwaite is an extraordinary thinker, technologist and visionary ... but I think the true nature of his success lies in the fact that Nic is – just plain and simple – a remarkable human being" a friend commented when the University of the West Indies bestowed an honorary Degree of Doctor of Sciences (DSc) on him.
Brathwaite admits, that as a leader, he’s driven by the 3C’s- charisma, character and competence.
For him, there is no level playing field. He encourages his audiences to "go out there, to perform and do what it takes to succeed." This is exactly what he does, in the business of technology investment, an area in which he foresees tremendous growth potential and opportunities.
Dr. Brathwaite, despite his world renowned successes, remains very much a committed Caribbean man, utilizing his immense achievements to help change the lives of nationals of the Caribbean and other parts of the developing world.
The Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture, which celebrates the life and work of Barbados’ first native Governor General, Sir Arleigh Winston Scott, and our nation’s independence, takes place at the Frank Collymore Hall on Monday, November 23 at 8:00 p.m.
November 19, 2015