Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) officially launched on September 15 with Inspired Conversations, a panel discussion on navigating career challenges and celebrating successes of Filipina corporate women at the new Shangri-La at the Fort.
Many of the Filipina CEO Circle’s 42 members are Filipina Women’s Network’s Most Influential Filipina Women Awardees.
To name a few: Ace T. Itchon (Global FWN100™ ’15), President & CEO, Aspen Philippines, Inc., Agnes A. Gervacio - (Global FWN100™ '16), President, NEC Philippines, Inc., Ayhee Campos (Global FWN100™ '14), Country Head, Infosys BPO Ltd., Delia Albert (Global FWN100™ '14), Former Ambassador and Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Senior Adviser, SGV & Co., Philippines, Karen Batungbacal De Venecia (Global FWN100™ ’14, '16), Executive General Manager, QBE Insurance, Talino EV Management Systems Inc, Business Processing Assoc. of the Philippines, Maan Hontiveros (Global FWN100™ '14), Chair, AirAsia Philippines, Marife Zamora (Global FWN100™ ’13), Chair, Convergys Philippines, Marites Tejero Dagdag (Global FWN100™ '16), President, Clorox International Philippines, Inc., Marivic Anonuevo (Global FWN100™ '14), Managing Director and CEO, Millennium Challenge Philippines, Mona Lisa B. De La Cruz (Global FWN100™ 16), President & Chief Operating Officer, Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd., Nina Aguas (Global FWN100™ '13), Chief Executive Officer, Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd., Rosario Cajucom Bradbury (Global FWN100™ '16), Adviser to The Wallace Business Forum (WBF), Former Managing Director & CEO, SGS Philippines & SGS Gulf Ltd. ROHQ Former Chairwoman of Philippine Swiss Business Council.
Image credit: PhilStar
MANILA, Philippines — While it has long been known that gender is not what makes a person a great leader, we continue to see dismal statistics about the progress of professional women in the workplace.
From this standpoint, the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) was born. The FCC is composed of 43 active members from various industries, including business process outsourcing, finance, health, commercial aviation, real estate, information technology and advertising.
Formally launched on September 15 at the Shangri-La at the Fort, the FCC aims to help career women and the younger generations reach their full potential by mentoring, inspiring and empowering them.
An equal, not a woman
At the press conference on Thursday, members of the FCC shared their inspiring stories to success, the tough choices they made and what drove them to reach the top of the corporate ladder.
Surprisingly, what motivated them seemed to be free of any gender dilemmas. Just like corporate men, it was simply these women's hunger for success and independence that pushed them to reach the summit of their career. This is the the story of Cristina Concepcion, FCC president and CEO of finance outsourcing pioneer BPOI.
It’s all in the head
Success takes a lot of awfully long days and sleepless nights, but the biggest challenge a career woman has to face is not written on the piles of paper on your desk nor the number of client meetings you have to endure. It’s in your head.
“I mentored a couple of young women and I found that the biggest challenge is the limitation in their head. This one person has this thought… that she already achieved something, why should she want more?”
For Cristina, success begins with having the biggest dreams and there is nothing wrong with wanting more and going outside the line.
“It’s not about being greedy. It’s about fulfilling who you are as a person. You want more, then go for it. Don’t let convention, or other people stop you.”
Growing up, Cristina had experienced having people doubt her life decisions. But in the end, she chose to follow her gut because it’s remarkably freeing and satisfying.
Over the course of her sterling career, Cristina has learned to put aside thoughts that may distract her from achieving her goals, rather she learned to focus on what matters most—pursuing the glorious path of excellence.
Asked about her advice to young women professionals she said they should never let gender issues or anything that’s in their head put their goals out of reach. “For young women, it’s really saying that ‘kaya ko yan. I can do that.’”
'INSPIRED'
Women may not always recognize their ability to take on leadership positions, but their potential are undeniable.
Whereas we do not lack women who dream, we are short of women who actually pursue their dream.
The FCC was initiated basically to provide and support career women and younger generations to make them realize that their dreams are worth pursuing.
Stories often inspire us with their powerful messages. Thus, FCC recently unveiled "INSPIRED," a collection of stories and life lessons of the FCC’s active members—overcoming challenges, refining leadership styles, doing what you love and taking on the world.