PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Are leaders born or are they made? At Beaches Turks and Caicos, the answer is clear – leaders are developed through deliberate investment, mentorship and opportunity. The resort, recognized as the Caribbean’s premier all-inclusive family destination, has long been committed to hiring locally and cultivating the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The resort’s people-first approach ensures that leadership is not just a title but a culture grounded in growth, training and empowerment. To achieve this, Beaches Turks and Caicos employs a multi-faceted strategy to develop its workforce, creating pathways from entry-level positions to senior management.
One of the key drivers of this vision is the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) which offers industry-recognized certification courses across various hospitality disciplines. These courses, provided free of charge, enable team members to gain academic and professional credentials that enhance both their career mobility and their confidence.
Sandals Corporate University also partners with regional and international universities to provide team members with access to academic advancement and exchange opportunities. Through these partnerships, team members can pursue further studies while they apply their knowledge within a world-class resort environment.
Within the resort itself, the learning and development department plays an important role in day-to-day training. Led by Learning
and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham, the department conducts workshops on transformational leadership, customer service excellence, financial literacy and brand management. This ensures that employees are not only technically skilled but also prepared for personal growth and leadership roles.
Another avenue for development is the Management Training Programme where rising leaders are cross-trained in multiple departments and resorts across the Sandals and Beaches chain. This gives them hands-on exposure to different leadership styles and operational strategies, while they build their confidence to lead in diverse environments.
In addition, the resort encourages job shadowing which allows aspiring leaders to learn directly from experienced managers across various fields. This real-time mentorship has proven invaluable, particularly for individuals transitioning from entry-level roles into supervisory and management positions.
Managing Director James McAnally highlighted the resort’s commitment to developing local leaders, “behind every successful organization are exceptional leaders. At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we believe in creating those leaders by providing our people with the tools, training and opportunities to grow. Many of our managers began their journey in entry-level roles and have risen through hard work and mentorship. That is a legacy we are proud to continue.”
A living example of this is Tanya Swann, who rose from director of sales, groups and conventions, to her current role as executive assistant manager. With over two decades of experience across multiple departments, Swann credits her growth to the mentorship, training and opportunities offered by Beaches.
“My journey has been nothing short of dynamic. I have been privileged to serve in many areas, supported by excellent training and leadership. Each role prepared me for the next. The experiences I’ve gained at Beaches have equipped me not just to succeed personally but to mentor others stepping into leadership roles.”
For Beaches Turks and Caicos, leadership development is more than a corporate initiative; it is a commitment to the community. The resort equips local talent with skills, credentials and real-world leadership experience to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islanders are at the forefront of the country’s growing hospitality industry.
As the resort continues to expand, Beaches Turks and Caicos remains resolute in its mission to invest in people, elevate local talent and create leaders whose impact will extend far beyond the resort’s walls.