Facilities Management Consultant | Entrepreneur
I am Marilyn Clarke, Founder and CEO at Marchitech Management Consultants. Advisor & Mentor at Bully Proof Kids International and an ardent nature lover. I am in love with life and the beauty that can be birthed out of the most challenging or “ugly” situations and experiences. I am an optimist and I believe that there is always beauty if we refocus and decide that goodness, success, positivity is what we desire to see. I grew up in Kingston as the youngest of 3 girls and what I can remember is that despite the challenges, we were always laughing and happy. There was never any major attention given to lack or troubles. Of course, I am sure our parents carried that burden! I am a consummate creative and nature lover. I love drawing, painting, crafting, climbing trees, playing with dogs, cats, lizards, frogs, birds and just about any living thing that crosses my path, with a few exceptions. This brings me freedom, fuels my creativity, and connects me in an amazing way with nature.
Since the age of 13, I decided I wanted to be an architect. So, I set my heart on it with relentless faith. I grew up in a Christian home and if nothing else was taught, my mother ensured we understood the power of making our desires clear, setting our intentions, and believing that it is ours. And so that’s what I did. The biggest test of my faith came when my application to the Caribbean School of Architecture was rejected 4 times. I didn’t see failure; I didn’t give up because I believed that the timing was being aligned and it just wasn’t my time. Not for a second did I think my faith was weak. On my 5th application, I was accepted and subsequently completed my 4-year degree successfully. Unfortunately, my mom died a few weeks before my final year began, but she knew I would not be deterred.
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
I think my biggest hurdle was me. Despite my faith, I had a lack of confidence and low self-esteem which impacted me on many levels. It is important that we understand who we truly are and the unlimited potential we have. It is also important for us to understand the deep inner beliefs that limit us and get help to overcome them. Understanding this has also had a major influence on my parenting style as I believe the greatest lesson you can teach a child is to be able to know and love themselves. I now know that I can make big bold moves towards my dreams without needing anyone’s approval or validation. This truth has resonated with me over the last few years and enabled me to move forward in my career and personal life. I have started my own business doing what I love and moving away from what others think I should be or do. I am a champion for sustainable facilities management. I am also an advisor and youth mentor for Bully Proof Kids International, which is and anti-bullying organization, founded by my daughter to empower other youths.
What books are you currently reading?
I just completed “The Power of Awareness” by Neville Goddard and am now reading “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. I have decided to do more reading this year and so I am starting off with at least 1 book per month.
What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
To become who, you desire to be, to do what you desire to do, you must be able to see yourself doing it. You must believe with your whole being that it is within your reach. Do not look for external validation because people do not know your heart or vision. Know that everything you need to succeed has already been planted in you from birth and through your experiences in life. Trust your intuition, it is a built-in guidance system specifically for you! Make the first move and make it bold!
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