A resident of Washington, DC, Patricia Laverley has over 15 years of experience in international finance. Patricia Laverley currently serves as the African Development Bank Group’s country manager.
Ms. Laverley began working with the International Monetary Fund as a consultant intermittently in 1997. The World Bank hired her as its program coordinator for the Evaluation Advisory Service in 1998. She then took a position as an auditor with HSBC in 2006.
Ms. Laverley started with the African Development Bank Group in 2007 as a macroeconomist. She then served as deputy minister of finance for the Republic of Sierre Leone for four years, beginning in 2018.
Ms. Laverley returned to the African Development Bank Group in 2022. Among her numerous duties, she is in charge of the country’s $4 billion portfolio. She is also integral to improving bank operations, reviewing country portfolio, and supervising administrative, financial, and personnel support services. She also prepares the budget and financial reports.
Patricia Laverley is affiliated with the American Economic Association, the National Association of Public Administration, and the International Development Evaluation Association. She also is a member of the World Bank Knowledge Management Working Group, World Bank and IMF Annual and Spring Meeting Committee, World Bank IT Working Groups on Project Portal, Client Connection, and SAP/Business Warehouse, and the Institute for International Finance.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins early with a routine that sets the tone for productivity. Being a devout Catholic, I start my day with daily praise and worship, which helps me focus on the temporal nature of life itself and the need for service. This practice keeps me grounded me and provides clarity on my daily work. Throughout the day, I maintain a structured schedule, prioritizing my tasks based on their importance, urgency, transactional value, and development results. Regular breaks and moments of reflection also help me to stay focused.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves a multistep process that starts with thorough research and internal and external consultations with development finance colleagues and peers. I gather insights from various sources and peer reports. Once an idea is solidified, I focus on securing buy-in from key stakeholders. This involves clear and consistent communication of the potential value and addressing any concerns or objections. Execution is the next critical step, where I ensure that we have carefully reviewed appraisal reports with defined results frameworks, implementation arrangements, well-established targets, and risk mitigation measures. Continuous supervision is essential in all our work to allow us to adapt and refine our projects as needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the rapid advancement of technology, virtual meetings, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The potential applications of modern technology in improving the implementation and delivery of development interventions across various sectors is promising. The use of artificial intelligence to analyze large datasets and derive actionable insights can revolutionize how businesses operate, enhancing decision-making and innovation in development banking. Moreover, the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence present opportunities to address global development challenges in human capital development (agriculture, education, healthcare, and social protection), as well as significantly contribute to the rapid development of critical infrastructure (water, transport, energy) in developing countries.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly enhances my productivity is my multitasking ability. By defining objectives across various aspects of my work, I ensure comprehensive professional and personal growth. My multifaceted approach to my work keeps me motivated, helps me to maintain a balanced life, and helps me in improving different aspects of my professional and personal life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Building and maintaining a broad and diverse network has opened doors to new opportunities, provided invaluable insights, and helped me stay ahead in my field. Networking is not just about meeting people but about fostering genuine relationships and offering value to others. This has allowed me to leverage collective knowledge and resources for professional growth and personal development.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that making the world a better place for the less privileged is partly the reason for my professional success. Many people equate success with wealth, status, or personal achievements, but I see it differently. I think that our greatest accomplishments come from helping others achieve their potential and making meaningful contributions to our communities. This belief has helped me in my career and philanthropic endeavors.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Waking up at 4:30 am has been part of my routine for decades, and I highly recommend everyone get this into their routine because starting out your day earlier gets you ahead of the pack. This is a great way to organize your day and deliver some of your tasks before the typical 9:00 am workday. This practice has significantly helped me in my career over the years.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
To maintain a positive outlook and avoid feeling overwhelmed, I practice gratitude and positive thinking daily. By focusing on what I’m grateful for and acknowledging even the small successes, I keep a positive mindset. Additionally, I make it a point to surround myself with positive influences, whether it’s people, books, or activities. These practices help me stay resilient and focused, even in challenging times.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
My daily routine in getting up very early every day, remaining focused, and being grateful to God for his many blessings in my life has significantly helped me in my career.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a book that has had a significant impact on me. It offers timeless advice on building relationships, effective communication, and leadership. The principles outlined in the book have helped me enhance my interpersonal skills, build stronger connections, and become a more empathetic and influential leader. The practical insights and real-life examples make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional interactions.
Key learnings
- Establishing a productive daily routine, including daily praise and worship, is essential for maintaining focus and energy.
- Incorporating habits like waking up early and preparing daily list of tasks to be performed can significantly enhance mental and physical well-being.
- Bringing ideas to life thorough research and internal and external consultation with colleagues and peers is a powerful way for effective, high-quality delivery.