From dreamer to leader

At a time when Jamaican workplaces are grappling with talent retention, leadership succession, and gender equity at senior levels, Anjelica Holmes’ journey stands out as a compelling example of what modern leadership can look like.

The 2024 People Manager of the Year at Red Stripe, Holmes is the company’s trade marketing manager, leading a 10-member team within one of Jamaica’s most recognisable corporate institutions. Her rise, however, has been anything, but linear and that is precisely what makes her story resonate.

Armed with a degree in marketing and human resource management, Holmes entered the professional world with a clear curiosity about how brands connect with people and how strong teams are built.

“I was always drawn to business, but not finance,” she reflects.

“I wanted to understand people, consumers and employees alike.”

That dual focus would later become central to her leadership approach. Her career began at multinational consumer goods company Kimberly-Clark, where she worked as an administration executive. Though grateful for the experience, her ambitions leaned firmly toward marketing.

A defining moment came unexpectedly during a trip to Negril in Westmoreland, where she encountered a Red Stripe brand activation.

“I was blown away by the visibility and the experience,” Holmes recalled.

“I remember thinking, ‘That’s where I need to be’.”

That intuition proved decisive. In 2010, at just 24 years old, she joined Red Stripe as an activation executive in Key On-Trade. With no direct reports at the time, Holmes nonetheless found herself managing agencies, influencing sales teams, and coordinating multiple stakeholders, learning how to lead long before she held a formal leadership title.

“Those early years taught me how to lead without authority,” she said.

“They shaped how I show up today.”

A pivotal moment in Holmes’ development came years later when she was selected for the Women Interactive Networking (WIN) Global Leadership Programme, a Heineken initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential women leaders. Chosen as one of only 50 women worldwide, the experience provided mentorship, coaching, and exposure to global leadership perspectives.

“It meant the world to me,” Holmes said.

“It told me that my work was being seen, not just locally, but globally.”

REFINED HER LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

More than validation, the programme helped her refine her leadership philosophy.

“You don’t have to be a dictator to get results,” she explained.

“Empathy is not a weakness. It’s a strength.”

Seeing women lead across cultures while balancing demanding careers and family life, challenged her own perceptions of success.

“It expanded my thinking,” she said.

“It made me realise there is room to lead boldly and live fully.”

That growth became evident during a senior leadership meeting when Holmes noticed colleagues looking to her to speak first.

“In that moment, I realised leadership isn’t just about your role, it’s about your presence,” she recalled.

“How I responded would shape the energy of the room.”

Today, at 40 years old, her leadership style is intentional, hands-on, and people focused. She prioritises psychological safety, open communication, and removing barriers for her team.

“I listen. I support. I make sure my team doesn’t feel overwhelmed,” she said.

That approach earned her Red Stripe’s People Manager of the Year award for 2024, recognition that reflects not only performance outcomes, but trust. In an era where companies are increasingly judged by their workplace culture, Holmes’ leadership offers a blueprint for sustainable success.

She is acutely aware of the example she sets, particularly for young women navigating corporate spaces.

“It’s a responsibility I take seriously,” she said. “If sharing my journey helps someone believe they can do it too, then it’s worth it.”

A wife and mother, Holmes also spoke candidly about balance.

“Success isn’t one-dimensional,” she noted.

“You don’t have to sacrifice your family to build a meaningful career. It’s about being intentional.”

If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be simple and reassuring.

“Take a chill pill. You’re going to be fine. Make mistakes, learn quickly, trust God’s timing, and don’t give up.”

As Jamaica’s corporate landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Anjelica Holmes signal a shift to one where empathy, authenticity, and people-centred leadership are no longer optional, but essential. Her legacy, she said, is not about titles.

“It’s about impact. Building trust. Empowering people. Creating environments where others can truly thrive.”