Why did you decide to do an MBA?
I decided to do my MBA for the following reasons: 1) To improve my marketability as a professional by complementing my IT and design skills; 2) To launch an even more successful businesses and social-impact projects; 3) To gain a valuable network of equally intelligent and ambitious individuals coming from various experiences, countries, and aspirations.
What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?
To grow professionally, one must embark upon a continuous process of learning, unlearning and relearning. As one constantly redefines himself, so does his definition of success. There are many ways to make it big in the real world with opportunities found AND created.
What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?
That one can take for many reasons not just professional growth. There are many aspects of one's life that MBA improves, and you will come out of it a better person no matter what.
Describe the role you play professionally:
My expertise lies in innovation and value creation. I create products, processes, and systems that make organizations better with their productivity and profitability.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
At S&P, I led the reporting for Credit Analytics, Commodities (Metals and Mining, and Energy) and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) despite coming from a general data-science background. To have the skills is one thing, but to have the industry knowledge is another. I had to do a lot of research and speak with a lot of thought leaders to have the basic understanding of the lingo. There is also that pressure to innovate and lead groundbreaking projects. You cannot champion industries you do not understand. It was tough to get from the starting point to the point of competence, but those opportunities afforded me an even wider set of expertise and proof that anything is possible with determination.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
My startup was awarded Best Social Impact in the Philippines by the ASEAN in 2017. I was also recognized nationally by the Philippine Government for my programming ability and by Facebook for my work in inclusive technology.
What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?
Digital Twins in Manufacturing (Ostaševičius). I am writing a case study with Professor Rob Austin.
And Agriculturally Important Microorganisms Commercialization (Singh et al.) for a Western research technology commercialization project at WORLDiscoveries under the Graduate Student Innovation Scholars Program.
How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc.)?
Doing activities with friends from Ivey, traveling the beautiful country of Canada, and working out.
Any additional info you might want to share (interesting facts, special hobbies etc.)
I interned at the WWF under the whale shark research team and at the Navy under the cyber warfare team. I was also a multi-awarded Arnisador in the Philippines (martial arts using various wooden weapons). I have represented the Philippines in various economic dialogues and sat with global leaders from the ASEAN and G20 countries.
