Surlena Smith

Mrs. Surlena Smith, MBA, CFS, CIS, CES, AAPA, other education includes; AI Certified, RegTech Specialization, FinTech Certified and Data Analysis Specializations. A multifaceted professional, entrepreneur, and community leader in Bermuda whose career bridges financial services, professional training, and innovative product development. Known for her resilience, vision, and fortitude, she has built a reputation as a dynamic force in both corporate and entrepreneurial spheres.

Surlena has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional excellence. Her extensive background has positioned her as a trusted advisor and strategist. Surlena has recently been appointed to the UN Standing Committee for the International Federation of Business and Professioanl Women's Association, serving 2025-2027 and is highly motivated and involved in Women's advocacy, AI ethics, compliance and regulations.

Surlena has made her mark as an **innovator and entrepreneur**. She founded **PondaPits**, a natural deodorant brand inspired by her own health journey following the removal of an inflamed sweat gland. Determined to create a natural and effective solution for body odor, she developed a product that quickly earned recognition for its reliability, particularly among people in physically demanding professions.

Her work with PondaPits propelled her into the spotlight when she was named Pitch Green Winner in the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Rocket Pitch Competition (2017). This accolade earned her the opportunity to represent Bermuda at the Future Agro Challenge in Turkey (2018), showcasing her ability to innovate for global markets. Her entrepreneurial journey and impact were later featured in the Royal Gazette, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in natural wellness innovation. Surlena hails as a GEW and GEN alumni and enjoys the access that is provided by the team in Bermuda, creating an unriviled event each year.

Surlena’s leadership extends to her role as President of the Business and Professional Women’s Association, where she has guided programs to empower women in business, foster mentorship, and advance professional growth across industries. Her dedication to creating spaces for innovation, equity, and opportunity demonstrates her belief that success is not just about personal achievement but also about uplifting others. She currently is chairperson for the Bermuda Human Resource Association Board and is currently planning a human resources conference for 2026.

Surlena continues to evolve as a brand builder, strategist, and advocate for entrepreneurship and economic development in Bermuda. She aligns her work with the goals of positioning Bermuda as a hub for innovation, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.

Surlena is now Lead Consultant of her business services firm headquartered in Bermuda, The Consultant Group. AI and Data Analysis has assisted her in creating new RegTech, TravelTech and GovTech to assist clients in immigration, official document processing and data assets management.

Her story is rooted in **fortitude**—from childhood experiences that taught her resourcefulness and courage, to her career marked by resilience, adaptability, and vision. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or global stages, Surlena embodies the spirit of leadership and the determination to turn challenges into opportunities.

For more information about her bsuiness services visit her website: www.theconsultantgroups.com