I came from a medical background as a registered nurse but decided to pursue a different career path shortly after college. NCR is the 2nd company I have worked with after spending 2 years at a BPO company. I was hired in NCR Cebu in September 2011; we were the pioneering group for ATM Management Center. I started as a helpdesk agent; then progressed to becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Years later, I became a senior specialist, then moved on to a Team Lead role and then became a Team Manager. Ten months ago, I was promoted to the Head of Operations for the South Pacific and Philippines (SPA & PH). Looking back through the years, the journey wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

With my current role I get to see things in different perspectives and collaborate with different teams across various functions locally and elsewhere in the globe. I get to improve team processes and/or address complex issues and most of all, make growth happen in the team.

They say the most difficult part of being a leader is dealing with the people on your team. It takes a lot of courage and resilience to steer the ship to the right direction, it can be overwhelming. My team has become my family and they are the reason I’m still with NCR. Just like any family, we are not perfect; but these people keep me going every day, no matter what the challenges are. Both my team and the friendships I’ve forged throughout the years inspire me and have made me stay at NCR.

Being with NCR for almost 11 years, I’ve always felt that NCR cares most about the holistic well-being of each employee. The culture provides a safe haven for people to speak their minds and share their thoughts without the fear of being judged. Every idea, no matter how small it is or where it came from, is being acknowledged and valued.

In my decade with NCR, there have been a lot of cherished memories but one thing stands out the most.

My first trip outside the country happened when I was still a Senior Analyst in my 3rd year at NCR. I was given the privilege to personally meet our clients and counterparts in Australia. Traveling alone is not my cup of tea; and while on that trip, my wisdom tooth erupted. That, combined with the usual nerves of meeting people for the first time was a recipe for disaster, but it turned out differently than you’d imagine. The trip went well because it strengthened our relationship with the client; they’re NCR advocates. It was also on the same trip that a major client became an ally (one of the first few people who trusted my capabilities and saw my potential as a leader). My trip to AU changed me, my perceptions (in a good way) and definitely broadened my horizons.

I like frolicking at the beach, watching sunsets and going on nature trips. Due to the pandemic though, I recharge mostly by staying at home and chit chatting with friends, reading books, decluttering and organizing stuff, cooking and tending to my mini garden.

There are mantras that I try to live by each and every day that have helped me become a better version of myself:

• Whatever you do, do it with integrity.
• There will always be someone better than you.
• It’s ok to ask for help, you don’t know everything.
• Take it one day at a time and celebrate small wins.
• Don’t burn bridges, instead create new ones.
• Love what you do and do what you love, the results will speak for itself.
• Hire for character, train for skills.
• Listen to your people, most of the time they have the best ideas.