For more than three decades, certified Human Resources and Industrial Relations expert Anique Goodwin has centered her career on a simple yet transformative philosophy: prioritizing people to drive organizational success. Today, that approach continues to reshape workplace culture at Curtain Bluff Resort, where her decades of hands-on experience have fostered a respectful, growth-focused environment for staff and leadership alike.
Goodwin’s journey in human resources began unexpectedly early, at the age of 17, when she took her first role at World Wide Tele Sports (WWTS). It was there that she cut her teeth in core HR functions, from recruiting new talent to designing initiatives that keep teams engaged and connected to their work. Even in those early years, she developed a knack for balancing what an organization needs to grow with what employees need to thrive—a skill that would become the cornerstone of her decades-long career.
Over the years, Goodwin has built expertise across nearly every discipline of modern human resources. Her skill set covers end-to-end talent acquisition, strategic performance management, organizational restructuring, executive coaching, team development, employee conflict resolution, and large-scale change management. She also brings deep experience designing competitive compensation and benefits frameworks, as well as rolling out comprehensive workplace wellness, health, and safety programs that put employee well-being front and center.
What sets Goodwin apart, however, is her deep-seated passion for growing the next generation of leaders and team members. She is dedicated to equipping both managers and entry-level staff with the tools they need to adapt to fast-changing, constantly evolving business landscapes. Rather than focusing solely on existing skills, she makes it a priority to spot untapped potential, nurture emerging talent, and create clear pathways for internal growth that empower individuals to hit their professional goals.
When Goodwin made the move into the hospitality industry, her people-centered philosophy only grew stronger. At Curtain Bluff Resort, she has led the development of an organizational culture rooted in mutual respect, accessible opportunity, and continuous learning. This intentional investment in staff has paid tangible dividends for the resort: it has built extraordinary employee loyalty, fostered a collaborative environment where team members lift each other up and lead by example, and created a more consistent, positive experience for guests.
In Goodwin’s view, hiring and growing talent is about far more than checking boxes for required skills. “It’s more than just skills—it’s about personality and potential,” she says. “When you invest in people, they invest in you.” She also emphasizes that consistent recognition of employee work is a non-negotiable foundation for a healthy, productive workplace: acknowledging the effort and contributions of team members builds trust and buy-in that cannot be replicated through policies alone.
As a leader in the regional hospitality industry, Goodwin’s story is being highlighted as part of a series from the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality and Tourism Association (ABHTA), which celebrates the professionals who strengthen and grow the nation’s tourism sector. Audiences can watch Goodwin’s full story on ABHTA’s official digital platforms to learn more about her approach to people-first leadership. Through her unwavering commitment to putting people first, Goodwin continues to be a driving force behind building resilient, inclusive, high-performing organizations across the Caribbean hospitality industry.