NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Believing that setbacks are often divine redirection and that “you are enough” even in moments of doubt, Richenda King has turned her personal and professional trials into a message of purpose and perseverance through her new book.
The accomplished human resources professional, wife, mother, mentor, and author officially launched “From Fired to Finish: The Art of Exceeding Expectations” during a well-attended event held on Thursday, April 16, at the Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive.
The book launch attracted an audience of family, friends, colleagues, mentees, and supporters, with dozens lining up to purchase copies and have them signed. There were moments of laughter, applause, and lively interaction throughout the evening as attendees connected with King’s message and shared in her journey.
King’s daughter, attorney RiKendra Rolle, delivered a heartfelt introduction of her mother, fighting back emotion as she reflected on both the public and private dimensions of her mother’s journey and the impact she has had on those closest to her.
Rolle spoke to the strength and influence of her mother’s leadership, recalling firsthand witnessing her career and character.
“I have lived, and I witnessed my mom and how powerful she can be and who she is,” she said. “But when you hear people who you’ve never met before say some tremendous and amazing things about her, it just takes the wind out of you.”
She described her mother’s professional life in human resources and leadership as one defined by service, mentorship, and resilience.
“For years, my mother dedicated herself to the field of human resources, guiding, mentoring, and advocating for persons in their professional lives,” Rolle said. “She has seen firsthand the challenges of the workplace, the resilience required to rise above setbacks, and the courage it takes to finish strong.”
Rolle added that her mother’s success was built on discipline and intentionality.
“Realizing early in life that many things worthwhile do not simply happen, and are not simply given to you, my mother purposed in her heart to become someone that others could depend on,” she said. “Someone who could stand as an example of perseverance and dedication, showing that with commitment, the job can get done and it will get done well.”
King, who is an accomplished human resources professional and HR leader with more than 25 years of experience serving in senior HR and C-suite leadership roles across multiple private and public sector organizations, has built a career defined by people development, organizational leadership, and service.
A former president of The Bahamas Society of Human Resources Management (2014 and 2015), she is also known for her philanthropic work, including founding The Bahamas’ Red Ribbon Ball, serving as a former co-chair and member of the Cancer Society Ball Committee, and holding leadership roles within The Bahamas Girl Guides Association.
Speaking on what inspired her to write the book, King explained that the idea was driven by what she described as “lost potential” and the self-doubt that prevents many from reaching their full capacity.
“So many times, so many people think that they’re not enough,” King said. “But I’m here to tell you, you are enough. Every time I asked myself the question, ‘Am I enough?’ I answered it in the affirmative—even when I didn’t have all the answers at that moment.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, King spoke candidly about growing up in a single-parent household and navigating opportunities despite limited resources.
“How does a child from a single family without a father figure figure it out? How do you know that you’re enough?” she said. “I didn’t always know where the next opportunity would come from, but I made a decision that I was going to live the right way and trust the process.”
She also pointed to her mother as a major influence in her decision to write.
“My mother never went to high school, but she wrote a book,” King said. “And I said, if my mother can do it, so can I. So for those of you who have books inside of you that you have not yet written—write your book. Tell your story. Let it live beyond you.”
A major theme of the evening was leadership, particularly King’s “Lead First” philosophy, which she developed during her professional career. She described it as a practical framework centered on action, collaboration and accountability.
“Lead First is about doing what you have to do. That’s what a leader does,” she said. “You have to focus, integrate, relate, serve and strategize. These are action words. Leadership is action.”
King explained that the model was developed to unify teams across organizations and create a shared leadership language, adding that it will now serve as the foundation for a forthcoming mentorship programme.
The title of the book also drew strong interest, with King openly discussing her experiences of being fired multiple times and how those moments ultimately shaped her purpose.
“I was fired not once, not twice, but three times,” she said. “And every time I was fired, I was actually being redirected. I was fired to finish something greater.”
She added, “I was fired to finish the job that God created me for. Fired to finish building a legacy. Fired to finish pouring into others.”
Remarks were also delivered by Patrick Ward, Group President & CEO of Bahamas First Holdings who wrote the foreword to the book and reflected on King’s professional impact and leadership style.
“My first encounter with Richenda made it clear within minutes that she was the right person for the role,” Ward said. “She is a dynamic leader—someone who brings energy, vision, and execution wherever she goes.”
Ward said King quickly distinguished herself as a transformational leader who became indispensable within organizations.
“She made herself indispensable in a very short period of time,” he said. “She became a leader among leaders, and not only did she bring value, but she lived her value through her actions.”
He also underscored her commitment to mentorship, describing it as a defining element of her legacy.
“She is deeply committed to mentorship—in the best possible way,” Ward added. “Now, through this book, she has created something that will live beyond her—something that will impact far more people than she could ever reach in person.”
Mrs. Elma Garraway, Assistant Chief Commissioner of The Bahamas Girl Guides Association, also delivered remarks, recounting King’s early involvement in the Girl Guides movement and the leadership qualities she demonstrated from a young age.
Garraway recalled King’s early years in guiding, noting that even as a young girl she demonstrated strong discipline, vision and a natural ability to lead, qualities that were further strengthened through her continued service to the organization and wider community.
“Even as a young girl, she showed the skills, enthusiasm, vision and determination to succeed,” Garraway said. “Guiding helped to shape those qualities, but they were always evident in her character.”
Garraway noted King’s longstanding commitment to service, leadership and community development, highlighting her continued contribution to national and civic life.
“This book is a testament not only to her accomplishments, but to the guidance, discipline, and support that helped shape her journey,” she said. “It will serve as an inspiration for others, particularly young women, to pursue their goals and realize their potential.”
Chris Fuller, award-winning international leadership speaker, author, consultant, and President and CEO of RightPath Resources, praised Mrs. King as an independent, assertive, and motivated leader who consistently sees things through to completion. Fuller described her as someone who cares deeply for people and is committed to doing things the right way.
At the conclusion of the event, attendees were able to purchase copies of the book and have them signed by Mrs King.
“From Fired to Finish: The Art of Exceeding Expectations” is now available for purchase, with King expressing hope that her story will inspire others to overcome setbacks, embrace their purpose, and lead with intention.
From Fired to Finish: The Art of Exceeding Expectations is available for purchase on Amazon.
