Never say no

Stacey-Ann Pearson’s journey has taken her across disciplines, industries, and continents, but one thing has remained constant: her unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries. From pursuing her passion for learning to honing her focus on the tennis court and mentoring the next generation of leaders – in our latest People Without Compromise article, we speak to Stacey-Ann about the power of curiosity, resilience, and growth.

Hi Stacey-Ann, what don’t you compromise on?

That’s a big question, but for me it comes down to three things: a passion for learning, having the discipline to focus, and a commitment to growth – both my own and that of others.

Let’s start with your passion for learning. Why is that so important to you?

Learning has always been a constant in my life and is central to who I am.

I studied civil engineering because I was fascinated by the technical detail and precision required, but I also wanted to understand the bigger picture. How does engineering connect to other industries? What drives progress on a global scale? When I added an Economics minor to my studies, I began to see how different disciplines come together to shape the world.

From there I joined the fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding world of Wall Street, but still felt I was missing the broader perspective. It was only one piece of the puzzle that is the global economy. So, when the opportunity came to join the Schwarzman Scholars program – touted as the Rhodes Scholarship of China – I didn’t hesitate.

Your curiosity has led you from civil engineering to Wall Street and then to China. What was it that appealed to you about moving continents?

Moving to China was a leap into the unknown – I didn’t know the language, the culture, or anyone there. For me, stepping into the unknown was the best way to continue my journey of personal growth. The experience was transformative and taught me to embrace uncertainty and adapt to new environments. That’s what learning is about. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences. It changed the way I see the world and how I approach every challenge.

You named tennis as an integral part of your life. Could you tell us more about what it means to you?

Tennis has taught me so much about resilience, focus, and staying grounded. It’s more than just a sport for me – it’s a way of thinking. On the court, you’re constantly making decisions, adapting to your opponent, and finding ways to improve. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one.

What I love most is how it mirrors life. There are moments when everything seems to be going against you: the conditions, the opponent, the pressure. But it’s in those moments that you learn the most about yourself. You can’t control the weather or your opponent’s game, but you can control your mindset. You can choose to stay focused, keep pushing, and adapt to whatever comes your way.

Tennis reminds me to stay present. Whether I’m in the middle of a high-pressure meeting or juggling priorities, the lessons I’ve learned from tennis come with me. It’s about keeping a clear mind and staying adaptable—no matter what comes your way.

Focus is the second value you don’t compromise on, and it’s something you’ve demonstrated from a very early age. We’ve heard that you even participated in spelling bees during your childhood – can you tell us more about that?

Yes! I competed in spelling bees, from 12 years old, which taught me how to stay calm under pressure and focus on the task at hand. Picture this: you’re on stage, all eyes on you, and you’re handed a word you’ve never heard before. You’ve got to block out everything – your nerves, the audience, the pressure – and zero in on spelling that one word correctly.

I experienced 3 years of consequent losses before I finally won a national championship in Jamaica. That ability to focus has stayed with me and, regardless of the scenario I’m in, I can quiet the noise to focus on what truly matters.

Let’s talk about your third value: mentoring for growth.

I believe learning isn’t just about personal growth – it’s about sharing what you know and helping others to grow too. I’ve been lucky to work with programs that connect people, create opportunities, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Mentoring isn’t just about giving advice; it’s about helping people see their own possibilities. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when someone realises what they’re capable of.

Education is empowerment. When we share our knowledge and lift others up, we all rise together.

And this doesn’t stop with digital assets! This year, you appeared on the TV show Startup Warriors to mentor the next generation of Web3 founders.

I was invited to be a mentor on the first-ever TV series dedicated to Web3 founders, Startup Warriors (powered by XFounders and Solana Foundation), by someone who had seen my workshops with founders, and I knew I couldn’t say no. It was intense but incredibly rewarding – a chance to work with founders tackling real challenges in scaling their ideas and making Web3 accessible. Over the course of a week in Bali, I helped founders refine their go-to-market strategies and dig into what made their products meaningful to customers.

The experience pushed everyone outside their comfort zones. One of the standout moments was a gruelling 4-hour mountain climb before sunrise, designed to test perseverance. It was taxing both physically and emotionally but seeing the resilience and determination from the group was inspiring.

The show reinforced the importance of mentorship and collaboration. Watching these founders grow and evolve over such a short period of time was a reminder of why I love what I do – helping others unlock their potential and turn big ideas into something real.

Is your dedication to learning, focus and growth what drives you forward every day?

These principles are the foundation of everything I do. They’ve guided me through every decision, from career moves to personal passions, and have taught me to embrace the unknown, push through adversity, and always strive to be better.