Reflections on OWN Talks EVOLVE 2026: Innovation, Enterprise and Economic Development
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., I attended OWN Talks EVOLVE at Baha Mar in Nassau, The Bahamas, for the first time, and it was truly an impressive experience.
With more than 20 years of experience in business, I have attended conferences and business events both locally and internationally. OWN Talks was on par with—and in some respects exceeded—many of them. The event was professionally executed, welcoming and engaging. And the fact that it was free to the public makes it even more commendable.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
What stood out to me most was the strong presence of young people in the audience. It was encouraging to see so many young people showing an interest in entrepreneurship and business development.
OWN Talks is helping to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship that, hopefully, will continue to grow for generations to come. Providing access to experienced business leaders, innovative thinkers and inspiring speakers can help aspiring entrepreneurs broaden their perspectives, recognise opportunities and develop the confidence to pursue their ambitions.
For a small developing country like The Bahamas, initiatives that encourage innovation, enterprise and personal development are particularly valuable. Our future prosperity depends, in part, on our ability to equip the next generation with the knowledge, mindset and skills to create opportunities for themselves and contribute to our economy.
Sharon Gai: Embracing AI and the Future of Work
Keynote speaker Sharon Gai delivered an insightful presentation on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and how we can approach this rapidly evolving technology.
Her central message was that we do not need to fear AI. Instead, we need to learn how to use it effectively, delegating routine and repetitive tasks to technology so that we can focus on the things that affirm our humanity.
Gai is an international keynote speaker, author and innovation expert who specialises in artificial intelligence, e-commerce and digital transformation. She previously worked at Alibaba, the global technology and e-commerce company, where she advised brands on digital strategy. She has also spoken to major organisations and brings a practical business perspective to the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.
Her book, How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy, explores how individuals and organisations can adapt to an AI-driven world. One of its central ideas is the shift from being a “busy bee”—personally executing an endless list of tasks—to becoming a “beekeeper” who directs and oversees AI tools to accomplish work more efficiently.
The message is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs and professionals who must learn to adapt, improve productivity and remain competitive as technology reshapes the workplace.
Gai's presentation reinforced an important point: AI should not simply be viewed as a threat. When used thoughtfully, it can free us to concentrate on human judgement, creativity, relationships and the strategic decisions that drive progress.
Tim Storey: The Power of Consistent Effort
The second speaker, Tim Storey, delivered an inspiring presentation encouraging entrepreneurs to put in the work each day so that they can ultimately reap the rewards of their labour.
Storey is an internationally recognised motivational speaker, author and life strategist, widely known as the “Original Comeback Coach.” Through his speaking engagements, books and coaching, he helps individuals navigate setbacks, rediscover their potential and move towards meaningful personal and professional growth.
His work centers on resilience, possibility and the importance of developing the mindset needed to overcome obstacles and pursue one's goals.
His message at OWN Talks was a timely reminder that success does not happen overnight. While vision and ambition are important, they must be accompanied by discipline, persistence and a willingness to do the necessary work consistently.
For entrepreneurs, this is an essential lesson. Building a business requires more than a good idea; it demands commitment, patience and the determination to keep moving forward, even when results are not immediately visible.
Pitch Competition: Supporting Innovation and Inter-Island Trade
Another noteworthy feature of the evening was the pitch competition, which gave four entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business ideas in pursuit of funding. The competition highlighted the creativity and entrepreneurial potential within The Bahamas, while demonstrating how innovative ideas can address practical challenges facing our country.
The ultimate winner was an online platform, named Cayo, designed by Troy Seymour to provide up-to-date information on inter-island shipments—a particularly important development for an archipelagic nation like The Bahamas.
With our islands separated by water and dependent on maritime transportation to move goods, reliable information about inter-island shipments is crucial to improving trade, strengthening supply chains and supporting business efficiency. Better access to this information could help businesses plan more effectively, make informed decisions and identify opportunities to expand their reach across our islands.
This is the kind of innovation that can make a meaningful contribution to national development. By addressing real challenges faced by businesses and consumers, Bahamian entrepreneurs have the potential to create solutions that strengthen economic connections between our islands and support sustainable economic growth.
The winning pitch was a fitting reminder that entrepreneurship is not simply about starting a business; it is also about identifying problems, developing practical solutions and creating value for the wider community.
An Energetic and Engaging Hosting Team
Hosts Anastarcia “Star” Palacious and K. Darron Turnquest brought energy, personality and professionalism to the stage, keeping the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Their ability to bring a business event to life contributed to the overall experience. They struck a good balance between professionalism and entertainment, helping to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm of the audience.
A Worthwhile Experience
All in all, attending OWN Talks for the first time was a very worthwhile experience. The quality of the event, the calibre of the speakers and, particularly, the number of young people in attendance left a positive impression on me.
Events such as these create valuable opportunities for learning, networking and personal development. They also remind us of the importance of investing in knowledge and preparing ourselves for a changing business environment.
If you missed it this year, make it a point to bring your family next year!
As the saying goes, wisdom is better than silver or gold. Let us continue investing in knowledge, building our entrepreneurial spirit and inspiring the next generation.
About OWN Talks and Its Pioneer, Sebas Bastian
OWN Talks is an entrepreneurial speaker series created to give Bahamian entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners access to visionary leaders, innovative thinkers and business expertise from around the world. The initiative provides a platform for sharing ideas, encouraging ambition and stimulating entrepreneurial thinking in The Bahamas.
The series was pioneered by Sebas Bastian, the Bahamian entrepreneur known for his business leadership and his work with Island Luck and WYYSE Technology Group. Bastian has played a role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in The Bahamas. He now serves as the Minister of Innovation and National Development, bringing a focus on innovation, technology and national development to his public service role.
The continued development of initiatives such as OWN Talks is important to creating an environment in which Bahamians can develop ideas, embrace new technologies and pursue opportunities for growth. By connecting entrepreneurs with knowledge, inspiration and potential funding, the event contributes to a broader conversation about the future of business and economic opportunity in The Bahamas.
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