Judy McCutcheon is Transforming Caribbean Leadership Development

Judy McCutcheon’s journey to becoming a leader in leadership development is deeply rooted in her Caribbean heritage. Born and raised in Tobago, Judy grew up in a close-knit village community, supported by her single mother and the collective strength of those around her. This experience shaped her worldview and approach to leadership. “True leadership,” Judy says, “goes beyond personal achievements; it’s about uplifting others, fostering unity, and creating spaces where everyone can succeed together.”

Her upbringing in a community that valued empathy and mutual support has become the foundation of her professional mission. In her work, Judy seeks to cultivate leaders who prioritize community and empathy—values instilled in her by her Caribbean roots.

From Corporate Disconnect to Empowered Leadership

Judy launched her consulting business, Go Blue Consulting, in 2016, after recognizing a critical gap in corporate environments. In her corporate career, she saw firsthand how a lack of compassion and emotional intelligence from leaders often led to disengagement and a disconnect between managers and their teams. “I noticed that leaders often lacked the training and tools to connect authentically with their teams,” she recalls. “Compassion and emotional intelligence were missing, leading to disengagement and a significant disconnect between leaders and their people.”

Inspired by the success of Caribbean leaders who excelled in these areas, Judy envisioned a space where leaders could learn from each other, share insights, and collaborate. This vision led to the creation of the Disruptive Leadership Conference in 2019, a platform designed specifically for Caribbean leaders to come together and strengthen their collective impact.

“The Disruptive Leadership Conference is unique in that it features leaders who are actively driving change and innovation in their fields,” she shares. “The conference is built on the idea of ‘learning from within,’ fostering a space where we, as Caribbean leaders, can share insights, inspire one another, and elevate our impact collectively.”

A Mission to Prioritize People-Centered Leadership

At the heart of Judy’s business is her belief that people are the key to organizational success. Go Blue Consulting’s mission is simple yet powerful: to help organizations become profitable by putting their people first. By focusing on emotional intelligence, resilience, and inclusive leadership, Judy works with organizations to transform their cultures and processes, creating environments where teams thrive.

“Our promise,” she says, “is to always have a people-first approach. We believe in the potential of every individual and the power of development.”

Bridging the Gap: Supporting the Diaspora

For Judy, providing services to the Caribbean diaspora is both a personal and professional calling. Growing up in the Caribbean, she understands the unique needs and challenges of both the diaspora and those living in the region. Through her work, she aims to create connections between these groups, fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and supporting collective growth.

“As a Caribbean business, we have a deep understanding of the unique needs and cultural context of Caribbean people,” Judy explains. “Our conference aims to bridge the gap between those living in the diaspora and those in the region, creating a platform for learning, connection, and collaboration. By fostering this sense of unity, we’re able to share valuable insights, celebrate our strengths, and collectively address the challenges and opportunities specific to our communities. This approach empowers us to grow together, making a more significant impact both at home and abroad.”

Overcoming Barriers as a Black Woman Entrepreneur

As a Black woman entrepreneur, Judy has faced challenges in an industry where diversity in leadership is still evolving. One of the most significant obstacles she encountered was gaining recognition and credibility. She often felt overlooked, underestimated, and at times, isolated. But rather than letting these challenges hinder her, Judy turned them into motivation.

“Over time, I recognized that the unique perspectives I bring as a Black woman were an asset, and I leaned into that,” she says. By focusing on delivering high-quality results, building strong relationships, and seeking mentorship, Judy not only overcame these challenges but now uses her platform to support other Black women in business.

Creating a Legacy of Compassionate Leadership

Throughout her career, Judy has found the most rewarding experiences to be those where leaders realize the profound impact of treating their teams with respect. “When leaders understand that kindness and respect directly contribute to better performance and engagement, that’s when change happens,” she says.

Seeing organizations invest in cultivating a culture where employees are valued and motivated is a reminder of why she does the work she does. For Judy, leadership is about more than just business—it’s about building a legacy of strong, compassionate leaders who elevate the people around them.

The Disruptive Leadership Conference: A Platform for Change

What makes Judy’s work truly unique is her commitment to creating spaces where leaders can collaborate and learn from each other. The Disruptive Leadership Conference isn’t just another business event; it’s a movement aimed at transforming leadership from within. Judy’s approach is focused on sharing knowledge, celebrating success, and addressing challenges within the Caribbean community.

Her consulting business, Go Blue Consulting, mirrors this approach. Judy works exclusively with organizations that genuinely value their people and understand that investing in leadership development is essential for long-term success.

What You Should Know About Judy McCutcheon

Judy McCutcheon is a passionate advocate for people-centered leadership. Through both Go Blue Consulting and the Disruptive Leadership Conference, she’s creating spaces where leaders can learn, grow, and make lasting impacts on their organizations and communities. She believes that when leadership is built on empathy, resilience, and collaboration, it drives not only business success but also community enrichment.

For Judy, this work is about more than just professional growth—it’s about building a legacy of compassionate leadership that transforms not just businesses but entire communities.