The newly crowned Mr Executive 2026 has issued a blunt challenge to young men: sign up, shape up and help turn the country around. Jaidan Jordan, who took the title on April 12 said the island’s daily headlines had convinced him that his generation could not afford to stand on the sidelines.
Speaking at the Western Wholesale Inc Mr Executive brand ambassador media launch on Thursday, the titleholder said his journey was about impact, not just achievement:
“A strong message really would be, join the competition,” he said. “This competition, it really will change you … I believe that every young man in the country right now should be in this competition.”
Jordan, who now serves as brand ambassador for Best Dressed Chicken, reflected on how the programme had reshaped him. “This competition has truly helped me grow to be a better young man … It has built my confidence for sure, whether in public speaking, approaching others, or simply walking into a room with assurance.”
He added that the experience went beyond personal development: “Leading a team to win the business challenge … was probably one of my biggest achievements.”
But his message took on a national tone as he addressed the realities facing Barbados’ youth.
“I don’t like to see what’s going on … every morning you wake up, see something different, and it’s not great to see in Barbados,” he said. “So I would really tell the young men right now to try to join the competition … and really grow … you should all join and change the outcome of Barbados right now.”
That call aligned closely with the vision outlined by Western Wholesale, which has taken a deeper role in the initiative through its partnership with the Mr Executive Challenge.
Shannon Gooding, group marketing manager at Western Wholesale, said: “This title represents far more than a win; it reflects discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.”
Mr Executive 2026 Jaidan Jordan shaking hands with Shannon Gooding Group Marketing Manager at Western Wholesale Inc. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
Over the next year, Jordan’s role will take him directly into communities and schools across the island. “He will be actively engaging young men across the island, speaking on topics such as self-presentation, leadership, and making positive life choices,” Gooding explained. “Because we believe development starts with exposure, guidance, and belief in self.”
A major initiative will be the upcoming “Dress for Success” school tour. “We will be equipping young men with practical tools, from grooming and personal branding to preparing for interviews and professional spaces … when a young man learns how to carry himself, he begins to see himself differently.”
Plans were already in motion, with careful consideration for Jordan’s academic schedule: “We do have an agenda planned for Jaidan this year … we’re definitely going to be maximising on the summer period … and making sure that we are in alignment, not kind of intruding on any school activities.”
For the creator of the competition, Winston Cumberbatch, the partnership represents a turning point for the five-year-old programme.
“We’ve seen individuals being transformed and lives changed,” he said. “Having a sponsor willing to go beyond mere sponsorship … speaks volumes. I believe this is something that will go a long way to help set a standard.”
He also pointed to the programme’s rapid growth from five schools to 14 this year and hinted at even bigger plans for 2027.
“There’s a possibility … that we would be having Mr Executive in zones … to maximise as much as possible the opportunity to our young men,” he revealed, adding that the long-term vision included regional expansion. “Our immediate focus is after 2027 we are looking to then step into the regional arena.”
Jordan’s support was evident, as his family and educator expressed their pride.
“It’s really heartwarming … Jaidan is very hardworking,” his mother, Janelle Broomes, said. “If Jaidan wants that bottle of water, he’s going to do and do until he gets that bottle of water.”
His father, Jamar Jordan, echoed that determination: “Everything Jaidan wants, he is definitely going to work hard towards it … I must say I did shed a tear. It is a great feeling to see your child … in a positive light.”
“At the Alexandra School, that drive was evident from the start. “The thing that attracted me about Jaidan … was that he was more interested in developing himself,” said Wayne Hinds, a teacher at the school. “Whatever it is you wanted Jaidan to do, he was prepared to do it and push it further … it wasn’t about only trying to win the competition.”
Jordan summed up his new responsibility with the same intensity that carried him to the title.
“I told myself I will put my all into it,” he said of his ambassador role. “I will uphold and represent this brand to my best ability … I am committed to ensuring that this will be a successful year.”
With school tours, national campaigns and expanded programmes on the horizon, including new enrolments expected to begin in October, the Mr Executive Challenge is positioning itself not just as a competition, but as a movement.
(LE)
The post Mr Executive winner urges young men to ‘change outcomes’ appeared first on Barbados Today.
