Finding time for community engagement can feel like an uphill battle for professionals in demanding roles. Yet, some leaders seem to be able to manage it all. What is their secret?
In this article, we explore how Diana Thomas, a senior partner at Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas in Saint Lucia, balances a high-pressure career with meaningful community contributions.
- Follow Your Passions
Diana Thomas’s approach to community involvement is rooted in her personal values and expertise. As a leading attorney in Saint Lucia, she has built a robust pro-bono practice, providing legal assistance to those who most need it. This alignment between her professional skills and community work amplifies her impact and makes her contributions more rewarding.
Identifying causes that resonate personally can make all the difference. Sometimes, you don’t need to look far, either. Whether mentoring young professionals, volunteering for local initiatives, or using your unique skills to solve community challenges, prioritizing what matters most to you ensures that your efforts are both meaningful and sustainable.
- Blend Community Work with Your Career
One of Diana’s most effective strategies is integrating her community commitment with her professional responsibilities. At Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas, she not only handles complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution cases but also works to uphold ethical and qualitative standards in the legal profession. This seamless integration allows her to leverage her professional platform to give back.
If you can find ways to connect your career role with community engagement, you may find yourself in a win-win situation. You may enhance your professional reputation by doing something good for the community, such as offering workshops, participating in industry panels, or supporting mentorship programs within your field.
- Prioritize and Organize
Time management is crucial for balancing career and community commitments without it becoming overwhelming. Diana credits much of her success to setting clear priorities and maintaining an organized schedule. She emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks where possible and being deliberate about what to take on.
Techniques like time-blocking, regular goal-setting, and even reflecting on your calendar weekly can help professionals create space for what truly matters. Learning to say “no” to activities that don’t align with your priorities is equally important.
- Collaborate and Build Networks
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Diana Thomas’s success, both in her legal practice and community initiatives. She values working with like-minded individuals who share her goals and encourages professionals to do the same. Building a supportive network of peers, mentors, and community leaders can help amplify your efforts and provide inspiration. As she puts it, “I owe much of this balance to the incredible team at Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas, whose support and dedication make it all possible.”
- Lead by Example
As a former President of the Bar Association of Saint Lucia and the recently appointed Chairperson of its Education Committee, Diana Thomas continues to lead by example, inspiring others through her dedication to professional development and community impact. In her new role, she is spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing the standards of legal services in the region. Her commitment to strengthening the legal profession and uplifting her community demonstrates that leadership is about more than achieving personal success—it’s about paving the way for others to thrive.
Professionals can create similar ripple effects by visibly committing to community work and encouraging their teams and peers to participate. Small actions can inspire significant change when others see the value and joy in giving back.
The key to incorporating community commitment in a high-pressure career is to start where you are: identify what you care about, align it with your strengths, and take small but consistent steps. In the words of Diana Thomas, “When you find ways to connect your work with your values, the impact you create feels less like a responsibility and more like a privilege.”
About Diana Thomas
Diana Thomas, a leading attorney in St Lucia, is a senior partner and co-head of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Department at Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas. With over 20 years of legal experience across multiple practice areas, Diana has established herself as an esteemed leader, consistently ranking in Chambers and Partners for her unparalleled expertise.
About Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas
Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas is a leading law firm in St. Lucia, celebrated for nearly 60 years of outstanding legal service. The firm blends expertise with a client-centric approach, offering both local legal representation and transnational support. The firm and its senior partners—Brenda Floissac Fleming, Geoffrey Du Boulay, and Diana Thomas—are consistently recognized by Chambers and Partners for their exceptional service.
