Author Bio

Joan H Underwood is the Managing Director of Underwood Talent Development Services (UTDS), an acclaimed consulting firm specializing in helping professionals, business enterprises, governments and Caribbean institutions develop high performance individuals, teams, and strategies. Joan holds a Masters in Health Services Administration from the George Washington University and an Executive MBA from the Cave Hill School of Business/University of the West Indies. Her proverbial tool kit is also equipped with the designations of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Accredited Director (Acc.Dir.) Master Trainer, Certified Change Practitioner, and Erickson Professional Coach.

 With over 20 years as a pioneer in the Caribbean talent development and human resources professions, she was one of twenty-seven outstanding women leaders in the Commonwealth featured in the book Championing Women Leaders – Beyond Sponsorship. In addition to her work in coaching, management and policy, Joan served for seven and a half years as Antigua and Barbuda’s Non-Resident Ambassador to a number of Latin American countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Chile and Brazil.   

An avid reader, Joan particularly enjoys a good book, date nights with her husband Rudie, listening to the sweet melodies of steelband music, fellowship with her church community and being an active member of the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB).