The Phone Call That Opened Doors for Rachel Sedacy

A single phone call can change everything and for one Belizean woman, it did just that. Eighteen years ago, Rachel Sedacy took a leap of faith and reached out to businessman and philanthropist Lord Michael Ashcroft. That bold move set her on a path to success. Today, she’s a thriving entrepreneur and a regional award winner in sustainable energy. But her journey started with nothing more than determination and a willingness to take a chance. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story of how that moment opened doors and inspired a lifelong commitment to give back.

 

Rachel Sedacy, Owner, The Fifth Element

“Eighteen years ago, I was extremely naïve, because I was reared up in a very closed, religious group and my understanding was very narrow to church and that sort. My mind became open to concepts in life when I had the opportunity to go away.”

 

At just forty, Rachel Sedacy is already making her mark in the business world. She runs The Fifth Element, a boutique consultancy firm where strategy meets innovation. Backed by a strong academic foundation in Marketing, Business Analytics, and Consumer Psychology, Sedacy also brings a unique edge to her work as a certified Cognitive Behavior Practitioner, helping clients not just grow their businesses, but understand the thinking behind their decisions.

 

Rachel Sedacy

“Where I studied in the UK is very data-driven, everything is systematically calculating, pulling data.”

 

Sedacy’s journey started eighteen years ago at Anglia Ruskin University in England, but the opportunity came from an unexpected move. At just twenty-three, working as an administrative assistant at Belize Bank International, she got her hands on Lord Michael Ashcroft’s personal number and decided to call.

 

Rachel Sedacy

“And then when he recognized that he was speaking to one of his own, he came out and said you are speaking to the devil himself. Then I put down the phone, and when I gathered the courage to call back. I told him what I was really looking for. He said, when do you get a lunch break, meet me in front of Le Petite Café.”

 

In that meeting, Sedacy made her pitch; she wanted to study abroad and build a better future. Her determination struck a chord. Lord Michael Ashcroft stepped in and personally funded her education, turning her ambition into a life‑changing opportunity. Now a successful entrepreneur, Sedacy got word that Lord Michael Ashcroft would be back in Belize to celebrate his eightieth birthday, a moment she couldn’t miss. After several attempts to reach him, they finally reunited today, right where that first life‑changing meeting took place.

 

 

Lord Michael Ashcroft, Philanthropist

“It is very nice to see you, after all this time, its absolutely fantastic.”
 

Sedacy and Lord Ashcroft spent time reflecting on the first time they met, recounting the discussion they had and her journey to this day.

 

Lord Michael Ashcroft

“Even now I am feeling a little emotional as we both are at what that one meeting eighteen years ago has led to and from this day forward, this friendship we have, we will build on it and I hope I can help you further and that we become great friend.”

 

At the time, Lord Ashcroft set two conditions for Sedacy, that she return to Belize and give back to the country after completing her degree and that she assists someone else when she becomes successful. She has fulfilled them both.

 

Rachel Sedacy

“And you are honoring the courage and bravery and that is really who you are and I think a lot of people don’t know that side of you.”

 

Lord Michael Ashcroft

“Unfortunately, we really should not be telling people that, otherwise it is going to ruin my reputation. You got to bear in mind, I am regarded as the devil, so nice stories like this don’t do me any good at all. They will suddenly realize I am a big softy.”

 

For Sedacy, the moment came full circle, reuniting where it all began, while for Lord Ashcroft, it was a chance to reflect on the life‑changing impact of a single act of generosity. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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