Meet Antony Goddard

We recently connected with Antony Goddard and have shared our conversation below.

Antony, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

There’s a quiet moment that happens before every meeting, pitch, or presentation, when you look around and realize that, in one way or another, you are the only one in the room. Maybe it’s not about race, background, or title. Maybe it’s simply about perspective, the way you see the world, what drives you, or the risks you’re willing to take when everyone else is content to follow the same path.

I’ve learned that being the only one in the room is not a disadvantage. It’s an opportunity — an open space where you can define what makes you different and let that difference work for you.
Early in my career, I spent a lot of time trying to blend in. I believed success came from aligning with the expectations of others, sounding like them, thinking like them, even pacing my ambitions to match theirs. But I soon realized that conformity only takes you as far as the crowd is willing to go. Real progress happens when you step outside the echo chamber and start trusting your own instincts.

There was a turning point when I began leading teams spread across multiple countries and cultures. In meetings, I’d often find myself surrounded by people with completely different worldviews and ways of working. At first, it was daunting, like standing in a room where everyone spoke a slightly different language. But over time, I learned to listen more carefully, to respect the fact that no one sees things exactly as I do, and to accept that this is not something to “fix.” It’s something to embrace.

That mindset shift changed everything. Instead of trying to fit in, I focused on showing up as myself, with honesty, curiosity, and confidence in my decisions. I discovered that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about having the courage to stand by your beliefs even when no one else shares them. It’s about bringing clarity when others hesitate, and inviting others to challenge your ideas without fear of rejection.

When you stop trying to mirror others, you start to see that every room is full of people who, in their own way, are “the only one.” Each of us carries a story, an experience, a way of thinking that no one else can replicate. Once you understand that, you stop worrying about being different, and start valuing it as your greatest strength.

The truth is, the world doesn’t move forward because we all agree. It moves forward because someone, somewhere, dared to think differently, dared to stand alone. And if you can be comfortable being that person, even for a moment, you’ll find that you were never truly alone to begin with.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Building Connections and Creating Impact

At OKKAMI, we’ve always believed that technology should do more than just make life convenient, it should make life meaningful. As the COO of OKKAMI, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape a platform that bridges the gap between people, places, and possibilities.

OKKAMI started in the hospitality sector, helping hotels create seamless guest experiences, connecting everything from mobile check-in and smart room controls to communication with staff and local experiences. But as we’ve grown, we’ve realized that what we truly do goes far beyond hospitality. We’re building digital ecosystems that bring communities together, helping properties, brands, and residents stay connected in smarter, more personal ways.

What excites me most is watching how this technology evolves beyond its original purpose. The same tools that help hotels serve guests more efficiently can empower entire properties, from resorts to residential communities. To understand people better, anticipate their needs, and create a sense of belonging. That’s the essence of what OKKAMI stands for: using innovation to strengthen human connection.

Our expansion into the broader PropTech space has been a major milestone. We’ve seen that the challenges of communication, automation, and service personalization exist in every property environment, not just hotels. So we’re now helping residential developments, branded residences, and mixed-use communities adopt the same digital guest experience that OKKAMI perfected in hospitality. It’s about redefining “service” for a new generation of residents who expect more connection, more control, and more care.

But as much as I’m driven by innovation, I’m equally inspired by the idea of giving back. That’s why I’m launching a not-for-profit foundation called Little Unicorns, a project close to my heart. The mission is simple: to bring learning, creativity, and joy to children and schools in underserved provinces.

I’ve been fortunate to work in technology, a field that rewards ideas and imagination. But I’ve also seen firsthand how many young people never get the opportunity to explore their creativity simply because of where they were born or the resources available to them. Little Unicorns aims to change that, even in small ways, by providing access to educational tools, supporting school development projects, and encouraging creativity through art and play.

I see Little Unicorns as an extension of OKKAMI’s philosophy. Just as OKKAMI connects people through technology, Little Unicorns will connect children through kindness, curiosity, and opportunity. Both are about empowering others, one through innovation, the other through compassion.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from leading OKKAMI and building new initiatives, it’s that technology and humanity aren’t opposites. They’re partners. And when we use innovation with intention, we don’t just create better systems, we create better futures.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey most: resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Resilience taught me to stay focused through uncertainty; curiosity drove me to keep learning and evolving; and empathy helped me lead diverse teams and build solutions that truly serve people. For those early in their careers, my advice is simple. Don’t rush to “arrive.” Stay curious, ask questions others overlook, and learn from every challenge. Build emotional intelligence as much as technical skill. Success isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about adapting, connecting, and having the courage to keep growing when the path isn’t clear.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it fully present with my family, creating memories, laughing often, and appreciating life’s simplest moments. I wouldn’t chase material success or external validation. Instead, I’d focus on happiness, kindness, and gratitude. Traveling together, sharing stories, and giving back to others whenever possible. I’d invest my time in experiences that bring real joy rather than things that fade. Life is fleeting, and the greatest legacy we leave isn’t what we own, but the love we share and the people whose lives we touch along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.okkami.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-antony/