Relationships Matter. Member Spotlight: Caryl Lashley

Caryl Lashley is a professional attorney in the Bahamas; her practice is primarily in litigation. 

Career

For the past 10 to 15 years, she developed and pursued an interest in mediation and arbitration. She was introduced to mediation in 1995 and later on discovered MBBI through personal research and unique training opportunities. She stated, “I had a couple of matters in court where the possibility of settlement arose through mediation, and it was at that time that I saw the value in mediation particularly in matters where the outcome was uncertain.” However, even before that, her main source of inspiration was her mother who believed in relationships, moving on, and resolution; she was a peacemaker at best.  

Mediation Perspectives

The downside about engaging with the mediation sphere was that people did not know enough about mediation when she became more involved in this area of work. Therefore, she became motivated to received training as a mediator and arbitrator in 2012. She has stressed that “though mediation has gained greater momentum, there are still people who do not know much about mediation, what it entails, how it works, and about the criteria for choosing mediators.” Thus, mediation is very much needed. Caryl further stated, “Mediation is a process and slow progress because you have to continue what you are doing.”  She thinks her legal background has helped her as an arbitrator but not mediator. In fact, the mindset of a mediator is different than the mindset of an attorney. Attorneys generally want to win for their clients, but in mediation one seeks peace; thus, the mindset is different. Therefore, collaboration is key.

COVID-19

Caryl stated, “the pandemic has caused everyone to change their lifestyle in one way or another.” There are families who have found the pandemic frustrating causing some to embrace challenges. She has stressed that “in order to encourage others to see the positive side of compromising, you need to lead by example.” Thus, trusting the process and not rushing it becomes vital towards integrating optimism as a part of one’s daily mediation practice.

Current Projects

Her main message to future mediators is composed of 2 keywords: “relationships matter.” This has been her main focus during the pandemic. She stated, “unless we acknowledge relationships matter, we will not progress. Relationships matter at home, at work, and relationships matter even with strangers.” This is especially important for the next generation.  It is important to remember that the people one might meet today might be the same people that one may encounter again.

Article by Elizabeth Gamarra, MBBI Writer