An Inspired Chat with Heidi Lalor of Kingston, Jamaica

Heidi Lalor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What can be achieved when you find the motivation, stay focused and work together as a team.

In sport positive global exposure, recovering from times of low moral and limited activities, supporting those with potential to shine, fighting battles for the next generation’s benefit and building strong partnerships for sustainable success.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heidi Lalor and I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago where I grew up in a cricket family, my grandfather introduced me to race horses when I was young and I’ve been fasciated ever since. I’ve been living in Kingston, Jamaica for the past twenty years and involved with Equestrian Sport from every step, summer camps to entry level Pony Club, development programs to reviving international competitions. I’m currently the President of the Equestrian Federation of Jamaica and looking forward to new role representing the Caribbean at the FEI (Equestrian Sport Governing Body) and giving back to our wider equestrian community.
Our sport has always been unique because it’s the only Olympic sport where men and women compete as equals. Personally I’m attracted to global projects which impact the island, bring positive awareness to horse sport and make a difference, the art is in the execution and efficiency. I look to the future, the big picture, an ever evolving sport where animal welfare remains paramount and I hope to create pathways for others to do the same, that would be my ultimate goal.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Thanks for asking, I’m always full of stories and here is a fun childhood fact! I was 12 and my parents sent me to a new school where I was the only girl in the school for the first year, I remember having to use the teacher’s bathroom because the school only had boys bathrooms. Not an easy age to navigate the dynamic and I was shy by nature, however, I learned quickly and gained the respect of my schoolmates and confidence was key.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Expect the unexpected, even being a creative thinker there were defining unfortunate surprises, accept, ask why, rebuild, it’s the process, besides success may not be permanent, how you handle the suffering and disappointment is the strength.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I was recently searching for a new project and I discovered a community driven initiative powered by kindness and philanthropy with an incredible network of equestrian individuals, Olympians and young ambassadors who are driving global change, as the story unfolds this was all through chance encounters at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Between Intuition and purpose we have unveiled the most remarkable charitable children’s project focusing on education supported by JustWorld International based in Wellington, Florida. For Jamaica it’s an aligned partnership and the beneficiary schools, teachers and students are a pleasure to serve. Our commitment is technology based and therefore ongoing.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I’m motivated and inspired by others, the reality is I’m not tap dancing to work every day but high levels of excitement create energy which makes a huge difference. With our sport the highs are remarkable but the lows can be rough. Memorable moments include achieving goals that no one anticipated or envisioned but the energy was there to open the door.

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Image Credits
Bogdan Simandan & Dacx Productions

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