Gillian Francis and Barry Bhola bring managerial skills to the Carribean.

Tuck talent in the Caribbean

Recent Tuck School graduates Barry Bhola and Gillian Francis from the class of 2006 left Tuck with what they came for—a world-class business education, and the skills and knowledge that will enable them to return to the Caribbean and help their communities succeed.

Bhola, born in Trinidad, came to Tuck with more than 10 years of banking, consulting, and entrepreneurial experience. Two years ago he began the MBA program with the goal of returning to the Caribbean in a capacity where he could help build and retain talent in the region. Francis came to Tuck with a futures and options trading advisory background, and hopes of one day bettering the Caribbean, a region that she also has ties to. In order to be most successful in her quest, Francis wanted to gain hands-on experience in areas like strategy, operations, and general management.

"There is a real need for managerial talent and skills in the Caribbean," notes Bhola. "The region is experiencing a massive brain drain—people are leaving to get their education abroad, and aren't returning. Gillian and I have chosen to return in the hope of reversing this trend. We see real potential, and are looking forward to being on the ground in Grenada and Trinidad and encouraging entrepreneurs and executives to develop the talent needed to start and grow their business."

In Trinidad, Bhola works as an economist and business analyst for a large oil and gas company and is a consultant to banks. He's also continuing his work with the Centre for Energy Enterprise Development (CEED), a nonprofit focused on equipping existing or aspiring Trinidad and Tobago entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities rapidly arising in the energy industry. Both Bhola and Francis spent their Tuck summer internships at the organization, which ended up connecting Francis with her post-graduation employer in Grenada. Francis will work for a startup private equity fund that focuses on growth companies that need equity capital, relationships and strategic advisory to expand their presence in Grenada and internationally.

"I'm thrilled with this opportunity because I will have the chance to help create the direction of this startup fund, and use many of the skills I developed at Tuck," says Francis.

Both served as research fellows for the Center for Private Equity and Entrepreneurship at Tuck. Francis was also part of the Women in Business and Finance clubs, and Bhola a member of the Entrepreneurship and Private Equity clubs.

"When I was in the process of deciding which business school to apply to, Tuck stood out because it is a small community—a place where I could make great connections and have an impact," says Francis. "When Barry and I told our classmates, professors, and the administration about our drive to return to the Caribbean, we received their complete support, and left feeling that Tuck is proud of us and what we are trying to accomplish."  

"Tuck is not a place you leave," Bhola notes. "You graduate to something else, but continue to talk to the school and use its resources throughout your career."