Growing up in the Philippines, it often felt that you got respect based on your economic background as well as your monthly income. It was a tough environment to grow up in because it fuelled an obsession with professional success. When I started my career, I wanted nothing more than to climb the corporate ladder and earn a six-digit monthly figure. I did everything to achieve that dream as fast as I could. It took me a while to realise that this kind of success came at a price to everything else in life, and I now spend a lot of time being more focused on the balance between work and life. These experiences have given me a greater appreciation for, and desire to support others who have come from similar cultures. 

I have a deep interest and passion for organisational psychology – I love helping companies make their workplace safe, productive, and satisfying. It didn’t start like this though – in my first semester at university, I studied nursing. It was a trend in the country, and my mum, being the traditional Asian woman that she is, strongly encouraged me to take it up. I quickly realized that it was not for me and found a deeper interest in psychology. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I acquired  units for Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 

Before I joined the EVP talent team, I worked for a US-based B2B software startup. I started in the company as the COO’s executive assistant, and within a few months, led the opening of an office in my city. This was a pivotal experience in my career. I managed everything involved in the expansion, and in less than 2 years, our site expanded from nine employees to over 300. I most enjoyed leading a team and initiating coaching sessions for employees. I felt a great sense of accomplishment watching them grow and progress in their careers. 

Great recruitment requires intentional planning and constant evaluation. The market evolves so quickly and it’s important to make sure we are up to date with modern recruitment trends. I’ve been working to hone this skill over the past decade, in both small and big global companies like Sykes and EXL Service. This broad exposure has really helped me to develop a deep understanding of both recruitment and HR.

When I am not at work, I am often found at home overseeing all dimensions of care for an energetic 4 year-old who is, and will always be, my motivation to thrive. But in rare times where I don’t have to be someone’s mum, daughter, sister, or employee, I am a quirky bookworm who enjoys reading historical romance novels.