Nashauna Drummond, Acting Lifestyle Coordinator
DB&G CEO Anya Schnoor - Ricardo Makyn/Staff photographer
The teachings of her parents and grandparents have remained with her throughout the years. "They always told me, 'two things someone can never take from you is your education and reputation'. I have maintained my integrity, it's something that's not for sale. My word is my bond." The conviction in her voice is nothing less than impressive. At 37, she is one of the youngest CEOs in the finance business.
Playing Fair
She notes that in an industry often plagued with mismanagement and shady deals, she does not allow those things to be a deterrence. "I can't be concerned with what people around me are doing, just know that what I am doing is correct. Scotia Bank has taught me the value of my reputation. It's not about making a quick buck."
Anya notes that trust and confidence are the key ingredients in the financial services. "Financial service is all about confidence, your working with people's money."
She pointed out that the financial services in the '90s failed because they did not stick to their core business. "Stick to your core business. Institutions deviated from their core strength and started buying hotels, etc., and they veered off course. Stick to the things you know about."
This knowledge and financial smarts seem to be innate in Schnoor. In school, she formed a treasury club with her friends where they would pool their lunch money and buy a particular toy or something that they needed at the end of the week.
Love for home
Anya Schnoor is one of the youngest CEOs in the world of finance. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
When she graduated from St. Hilda's Girls School in Brown's Town, St. Ann, she began studying computer science at Florida International University, but then veered back into financial services.
After her studies, despite a booming stock market in New York, Anya returned home. "I love Jamaica. It's where my family and all my friends are. I had such a good childhood and great memories here and I have not regretted that decision (to return home). Despite the problems we have, we do have a very good quality of life, though we can do better."
As a woman, Schnoor has definitely paid her dues. "Early in my career, there were prejudices. I had the extra burden of being a woman and I had to give 12 or 14 hours to a 10-hour job." But all that has paid off, leaving her with an impressive track record.
Anya is now ready to continue her track record of exceptional performance in her new role. "I didn't expect to be CEO so quickly. But no one could have predicted Peter (Bunting) going into politics. I want to take it (DB&G) to ne It's all about team work and I'm part of a team that's very committed. They all want success."
Naturally, when taking on this new role she was at first apprehensive. "Like anyone else, I was a little nervous but Peter and Mark Golding were very helpful in the transition."
Work hard and Play!
Speaking to Schnoor, there is no doubt how hard she works and that she knows her stuff. But all work and no play will make anyone dull. So Anya finds time to relax. "I love to spend time with my family and friends. I'm very much into soca, so when carnival rolls around, that's my time of the year. I'm a very social person. I'm a Gemini so they always tell me I have two personalities."
She is also interested in sports and is currently learning to play golf. When at home relaxing, you will find her watching Er, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order or CSI.
Schnoor is also an avid traveller and tries to travel at least once a year. "There are so many countries to see and I hope to see as many as possible". So far, among her favourites are the cafés of Paris and Australia which, she says, feel so much like Jamaica; she wishes they were closer.
Anya is satisfied with the way her life has worked out. "If I was to look back at what I've achieved and what I wanted to in college, I've done well it's only on the personal side. I'm yet to find someone I want to spend the rest of my life with, and sometimes I'm judged by my success. There is no one type of guy for me and I don't want to settle for less. I just want someone who really loves me and who I really love."
It seems she only wishes her father were here to see all she has achieved. "My father died when I was very young and I'm proud of the things I've been able to achieve without compromising or losing my integrity. I have achieved what he would have wanted me to."
In the days and months ahead, Anya notes that she has a lot of work ahead of her. "I have a lot to do here, just focus on making DB&G the best."
Anya Schnoor is proud of what she has achieved without compromising her integrity. -Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
