Patricia Kenneth-Divine is the Principal Consultant, Synergy System Consults (UK) Limited. She is an expert in energy and sustainability, international trade advisory, business development and management. Kenneth-Divine is a woman of uncommon quality, experience and exposure in various fields where her expertise is sought after both home and abroad. She is known to provide and recommend innovative and strategic solutions to improve the quality of business’s especially promoting trade and investment opportunities in Africa/Sub-Sahara Africa.
Speaking at the London School of Economics (LSE) Alternative Career Society conference in London, Kenneth-Divine said that all activities and services should aim at stimulating economic growth, Oge Obi reports. LSE Alternative Careers Society recently organised a career talk for its members. Enthusiastically seated at the venue of the event in room 4.10 of the fourth floor, Old Building at LSE (WC2A 2AD) were students and professional who were keen on to learn the right they will require in their career development plans, especially in international trade advisory. And one of the finest professionals considered worthy to share some insights with this assembly of people desirous of acquiring a broader knowledge in building successful careers was Patricia Kenneth-Divine.
Giving a brief outline of her career progression, the Principal Consultant, Synergy System Consults (UK) Limited said that within a period of 18 years, she had moved from being a specialist in the agricultural sector to the Energy, Renewable sectors and Business management applications. Adding that her quest for knowledge, commitment to developing new skills and competencies has empowered her to function in the capacity of a truly equipped and experienced human resource expert suitable for global demand for quality manpower which has left her with a multi-dimensional career track.
According to Kenneth-Divine, “I have over 11 years experience with the Foreign and Common Wealth office now Department of International Trade and private consulting. I have gathered excellent expertise on international trade advisory and business development. I have worked with over 800 SMEs, mid–sized and global corporate UK and overseas businesses, fund aided projects, government departments and many more.
As an Energy Expert she has proven ability for developing and leading new strategic businesses, advisory, leading on implementation of huge projects, turning around global opportunities, and increasing export performance for both international and local companies.” she said.
Sharing her success story as a consultant/trade investment advisor and what the job entails, Kenneth-Divine disclosed that the portfolio leaves her with the responsibility of providing guidance, direction and excellent advice to both new and experienced companies as well as the information they require to make informed business decisions. This she said is in addition to providing the market support in any industry, specialised market or country, export or import, inward or outward trading. Providing further details into the role of a trade investment adviser, the Principal Consultant said that roles also involve “providing key support and excellent business advisory, tracking business interaction, one on one meeting/business reviews, providing strategic business methodologies, transforming global opportunities to achieve and implement performance frameworks, align strategies/research support, secure efficient deliveries and significant achievements for business, develop dynamic market approach, planning  & project management, high profile networking, organise and lead trade missions.
Providing insight into some of the skills needed for consultancy, especially in international business investment, Kenneth-Divine said that one should possess such skills as business development and operations; strategic planning; development & intelligence; impact assessment and research evaluation; risk management; excellent communication and relationship management, among others.
On key competencies, she said that achieving commercial outcomes is very necessary. It is about having a commercial, financial and sustainable mind-set to ensure all activities and services are delivered with added value and working to stimulate economic growth. She further said that aspirants should also possess the ability to manage and ensure quality service delivery, collaborate and partner with relevant persons and entities, and must be open to change and improvement. “People who are effective in this area are responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change. Seeing the big picture – having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of your role and how it fits and supports businesses.
Stressing that international trade and investment are vital drivers of economic growth, Kenneth-Divine said that requires dynamic and experienced individuals who can live up to the ever-changing trends of events around the world “With the size and shape of the world economy changing dramatically in recent years, traditional patterns of trading and investing have had to rapidly evolve alongside it. Ensuring regulatory framework keeps up, different market policies and legal laws and willingness of companies to take risk in new markets.”
Participants wanted to know where Africa sits with Brexit and in her reply she said Africa is the new face of business. The opportunities are robust and this is the time for foreign companies to maximise the opportunities open for trade and Investment. Africa must maintain a focus on increasing productivity. This will require a continued focus on human capital development, Investment policies and incentives. It is also relevant to improve the business environment especially in key areas especially access to finance and regulatory reforms that will support innovation, implement policies that will encourage export diversification, improve infrastructure, reductions in nontariff barriers etc. are important for expanding opportunities for trade.
In her advice to those aspiring to a career as an international trade consultant, Kenneth-Divine urged the participants to, “Gain practical experience and learn new skills. You must have a clear picture of what it takes to be an international trade consultant, prepare, be strategic; you must be a people’s person. Develop your career skills in an area of interest and match your vision with opportunities, explore career paths, be part of your community and meet new people,” she council led
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