ePortfolio – How the UWI Global Learning Program helped me advance the Delivery of World-Class Yachting Experiences through Lifelong Learning and Professional Precision.
Purpose
This ePortfolio reflects my professional growth during the Empowering for Success in the Workplace course and demonstrates how I plan to apply my training and dedication as a maritime leader, blending years of experience in marina and port operations with a strong commitment to excellence in customer service and logistics coordination. It is not just a collection of assignments, but a showcase of how I have developed vital workplace skills such as communication, leadership, time management, and professional development—skills that would guide me to further enhance my maritime career.
Inspired by my journey, this portfolio is organized into three parts: an introduction, a collection of artefacts that capture my progress during my training program, and reflections that trace where I started, what I have learned, and how I will continue applying these experiences to future goals that would help me to deliver exceptional service and leadership in my Industry.
Table of Contents
- A Letter to Self
- Evidence of Learning – Artifacts
- Future Goals and Reflections
A Letter to Self
Anchoring Growth: Demonstrating Professional Development through Applied Learning
Evidence of Learning – Artefacts (My Growth Journey)
SMART Goal Development Plan
- Description: This SMART goal plan lays out a 60-day strategy to eliminate procrastination through time management techniques like time-blocking, Pomodoro, and daily prioritization, supported by accountability and weekly reviews.
- Reflection: Working through this plan made me realize how much structure and self-awareness impact productivity. Tracking habits and analyzing patterns showed me that procrastination isn’t just about “laziness,” but about managing focus and priorities.
- Contribution to Development: By leading with consistency and discipline, I’ve strengthened my credibility as a manager. This not only reduced my stress but also helped me set the tone for my team, showing them that efficiency and accountability can be learned and modeled.
Troy Blanchard’s Personal Development Plan
- Description: This Personal Development Plan outlines my career strengths, personal SWOT analysis, and two SMART goals—improving professional communication and mastering Spanish at a B2 level. It sets mentorship focus areas around communication, cultural competence, and strategic career growth, with clear methods for tracking progress.
- Reflection: Developing this plan pushed me to pause and critically assess where I am in my career and where I want to go. It made me realize that while I have strong experience in service and adaptability, sharpening communication and language skills is what will truly set me apart in an increasingly global industry.
- Contribution to Development: The process helped me see the value of structured goal-setting and accountability. It taught me that growth doesn’t happen by chance but through deliberate, measurable steps. This mentorship plan now serves as a roadmap for refining my leadership style and expanding my impact beyond my current business.
Communication & Personal Skills Development
- Description: This SMART plan focuses on building professional communication and interpersonal skills through structured phases—starting with learning foundations, applying strategies in real situations, and then refining skills to boost confidence. Progress is measured through feedback, journaling, and completing a communication course within 12 weeks.
- Reflection: Working through this plan showed me the value of being intentional with growth. I learned that clear communication is more than just speaking well, it’s about listening, adapting, and creating meaningful connections. The reflection journal and feedback loop especially pushed me to see where I could improve and celebrate small wins.
- Contribution to Development: This process strengthened my confidence in professional interactions and gave me tools I can carry into leadership roles. It reminded me that growth comes with consistent practice, and the skills I developed here will continue to shape how I collaborate and build trust with others.
Learning a New Language Strategy
- Description: The content outlines a SMART goal to achieve B2-level fluency in Spanish. It emphasizes a structured plan using apps, tutors, immersive media, and accountability methods like weekly targets and vision boards, while highlighting both personal and professional benefits of learning the language.
- Reflection: This goal is meaningful because Spanish isn’t just another skill, it’s a tool for deeper human connection. I realized that learning it would allow me to engage with more people, especially in regions tied to tourism and marine governance. It stood out to me that progress isn’t just about study, but about weaving the language into daily routines.
- Contribution to Development: Working on this goal expanded my perspective on discipline and consistency. I learned how to set structured yet flexible strategies that keep me motivated. More importantly, it built confidence that I can take on ambitious goals and turn them into achievable steps, strengthening both my personal growth and professional readiness.
UWI – SWOT Assessment Exercise
- Description: This plan, built around a SWOT analysis, highlights my strengths in professional communication, my challenge with procrastination, my growth opportunity in learning a new language, and the external threat of having my maritime background undervalued in broader industries. It sets a clear path for building on what I do well while tackling areas that could hold me back.
- Reflection: Completing this exercise made me more self-aware. I realized that my communication skills are not just strengths but key tools I can leverage across different industries. At the same time, being honest about procrastination forced me to acknowledge how small habits can ripple into larger stressors. Identifying opportunities, like language learning, reminded me that growth doesn’t always have to be tied to fixing weaknesses—it can also come from expanding into new areas.
- Contribution to Development: This plan sharpened my ability to see my career in a broader context. It encouraged me to be proactive—whether by reframing my maritime expertise so others see its value or by taking concrete steps to improve time management. Overall, it has given me a structured yet flexible way to keep moving forward in both personal and professional growth.
LinkedIn Network Strategies
- Description: The presentation from Ana Denis shared five practical strategies to grow a LinkedIn profile and network authentically. It emphasized creating a professional-looking profile, reaching out with thoughtful and personalized messages, engaging meaningfully with others’ posts, offering value instead of just asking for favors, and blending both online and offline connections to build credibility and trust.
- Reflection: What stood out to me was the idea of giving before asking. Instead of seeing LinkedIn as just a job-hunting tool, the video reframed it as a place to build genuine relationships by offering value, whether through comments, collaborations, or visibility. It shifted how I view networking—from something intimidating and transactional to something natural and reciprocal.
- Contribution to Development: This resource helped me understand the importance of intentional and authentic networking. I learned how to approach people without anxiety and how small actions like thoughtful comments or follow-ups can create strong professional bonds. Applying these strategies will strengthen my digital presence and expand my professional opportunities in a more meaningful way.
Example of a Professional Resume
Description: This professional resume aims to emphasizes leadership in operations, staff training, logistics coordination, client relations, and certifications in marina management and port security. It also captures a strong mix of technical expertise, safety knowledge, and customer service.
Reflection: Reviewing this resume reminded me how much depth there is in specialized industries. It reinforced the importance of showing not just duties but achievements, such as record-breaking client arrivals. The blend of technical training and leadership stood out, showing how crucial it is to pair hard skills with people management.
Contribution to Development: This exercise deepened my understanding of how to frame professional growth in a way that feels both structured and personal. It also helped me see how transferable skills, like logistics, customer care, and safety management can be highlighted across roles, making a career story more compelling.
Using the STAR Method for Job Interviews
Description: This resource explained how to use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral interview questions. It highlighted the difference between strong and weak responses and included an example scenario where I applied the method to demonstrate leadership and problem-solving in a high-pressure situation.
Reflection: What stood out was how much clarity and confidence the STAR framework brings. It forces you to focus on what you actually did rather than vague team efforts. I realized that interviews aren’t just about telling stories—they’re about showing measurable impact while staying concise and composed.
Contribution to Development: Practicing this method sharpened my ability to structure answers under pressure. It helped me cut out unnecessary details, emphasize my role, and highlight real results. This skill not only boosts my interview performance but also strengthens how I communicate achievements in professional settings overall.
The Caribbean AI Economy An Assessment & Digital Outlook
Description: The piece highlights the urgent need for the Caribbean to embrace the AI economy. It points out the risks of inaction, job losses, inequality, and dependency, while also showcasing opportunities such as improved farming, healthcare, and education. The article stresses the importance of infrastructure, talent development, private sector leadership, and strong governance to ensure AI adoption benefits the region.
Reflection: What stood out to me is the reminder that technology isn’t just about gadgets, it’s about survival, opportunity, and ownership of our future. The urgency in the message resonated; it pushed me to think about how delay can create permanent gaps between regions. I realized that AI adoption isn’t optional, it’s a must, especially for vulnerable economies like those in the Caribbean.
Contribution to Development: This content sharpened my awareness of global tech shifts and the stakes for regions still catching up. It made me more committed to staying informed, thinking critically about innovation, and being part of solutions, whether through advocacy, learning, or helping others understand why adaptation now is key to future growth.
A Reflective Piece: Future Goals
As I reflect on where I am now and where I want to go, I see a journey shaped by years of dedication to the maritime industry and a deep commitment to growth. With over two decades of experience in the Maritime Sector, from my early days as a Dock Master at one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious marinas to my leadership role as a Marina Manager at another of the World’s Most Prestigious Marinas, I have cultivated a strong foundation in customer service, operations, and high-end client relations. These experiences allowed me to lead teams, manage logistics, and contribute to some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious yachting destinations.
Professionally, my main goal is to continue expanding my impact in the Maritime Sector, where I continue to focus on delivering world-class yacht agency support. By combining my operational expertise with a vision for personalized, detail-oriented service, I aim to ensure that every yacht, crew, and guest receives the highest standard of care while in the region.
On a personal level, balance remains important. The maritime industry demands focus and long hours, but I am intentional about maintaining time for family, creative pursuits, and continuous learning, including areas of Artificial Intelligence. This balance not only fuels my personal well-being but also sharpens my ability to lead with clarity and empathy.
Looking ahead, I see my goals as a blend of growth and contribution. I want to keep strengthening my academic endeavors while using my skills and knowledge to raise industry standards in the Caribbean. My journey continues to unfold, and with each step, I remain committed to excellence, service, and innovation.
Insights into What I learnt from the ”Empowering for Success in the Workplace Course”
The Empowering for Success in the Workplace course gave me more than knowledge — it provided tools I can apply directly to my career. Each activity strengthened skills that support my path as a business owner, professional, and leader.
Professional Growth
I learned how to present myself more effectively through assignments like tailoring my resume and refining my professional profile. These tasks showed me how small adjustments in structure and wording can highlight the leadership, customer service, and operations management skills I have developed over two decades in my career. I feel very confident to introduce myself clearly, whether to clients, industry partners, or stakeholders.Life Skills and Workplace Relationships
This course sharpened my ability to communicate with colleagues and clients respectfully while maintaining professionalism. Tone, empathy, and word choice play a major role in ensuring positive outcomes, skills that are vital when managing teams, addressing customer concerns, or coordinating with contractors. The mentorship plan reminded me of the importance of setting boundaries while fostering supportive relationships, something I aim to practice daily as a leader and business owner.Practical Tools for Balance
The course also emphasized skills that extend beyond the workplace. The stress self-assessment and action plan taught me how to recognize when I am pushing too hard and to create healthier routines, crucial in a demanding industry that requires both focus and adaptability. The budgeting exercise reinforced the importance of planning ahead, a practice I already apply when managing business budgets to ensure stability.Overall
These lessons gave me confidence and structure to keep moving forward. I leave the course not just with ideas, but with practical strategies I can use every day as I continue to grow my business and contribute to the tourism sector with excellence, professionalism, and care.
Ingoing Growth and Areas for Improvement
Even with over two decades of experience in the marina and yachting industry, I know there are always areas I can strengthen. I can also pursue new industry endeavors thereby pacing myself for growth beyond the daily demands.
Another area I continue to develop is visibility. I’m passionate about delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships, but I sometimes let my work speak for itself rather than stepping forward to highlight my achievements. By sharing more of my journey, projects, and professional insights, I can inspire confidence in others while also broadening my network.
I also see growth in keeping pace with digital transformation. From smarter logistics to client engagement tools, technology is reshaping how we operate. By continuing to build my technical toolkit, I aim to combine my operational expertise with modern innovation to better serve clients and staff.
For me, growth has always been about adaptation, learning from every role, every challenge, and every success. My goal is to keep improving while staying true to what drives me: delivering excellence, supporting teams, and creating lasting value.