Celebrating Women on Top: How These Female Leaders Made Their Impact

Despite gender biases in the workplace, especially for industries traditionally dominated by men, women are now rising to the top and showcasing their unique brand of leadership.

Eastern Communications, a premier telecommunications company in the country, believes in diversity and inclusion and with two women at the helm, the company’s success is a showcase of what women leaders can do in the workplace. Moreover, its key partners, Plantation Bay and Australian – New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, also led by powerful women, can also attest to the effectiveness of having women at the top.

How have these women made an impact in their respective fields? Here are some insights on their experiences.

The power of positive influence

Being in the industry for 15 years, Plantation Bay General Manager Cherry Allego says that believing in the power of influence within an organization can greatly impact people’s behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions.

Because to her, “Greatness is not measured merely by how long you served or by your gender. It is how you influence others to do great. With this, we grow together in our field of expertise and take pride in the learnings we acquired through the years.”

Allego also continues to emphasize the importance of understanding what the organization needs and trusting the capabilities of your group in order to prosper together. Moreover, she is driven by the power of giving and getting full support through influencing others to strive for growth and excellence.

“The secret is to serve with all your heart. There is nothing to fear when you know you have the full support of the group.” she added.

Unwavering perseverance

For the executive director for Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Maricar Gonzales understands the challenge of proving yourself as a woman worthy of a higher position while steering a company in the middle of a pandemic.

“It’s just ingrained in me that failure is not trying. I focus on what needs to be done, and more importantly, the why. Also, when things don’t work out, I see it as a step closer to success and just keep progressing” she stated.
The year 2020 might have been a rough year for most industries but Gonzales said that the last year has been the best year for the chamber since it began 40 years ago. Her ability to lead the company towards success in these taxing times can be attributed to her consistent persevering attitude.

Fostering employee wellbeing

Eastern Communications not only takes pride in their personalized customer service but as well as their prioritization over their employee’s wellbeing. For the company’s co-coordinators Atty. Aileen Regio and Hermi Hizon, although there were challenges in creating a better environment that could improve the management practices of the company, the duo were able to power through.

As they transitioned to a more refreshed company culture that promotes a strong connection between staff and executives, this matter began to disappear.

“While we continuously distinguish ourselves as a telco with personalized customer service, we also make sure that our employees’ needs and concerns are being attended just as how we do it to our clients,” shared Atty. Regio.
Despite the pandemic bringing great challenges to the company, the combined teamwork of Atty. Regio and Hizon together with their diligent employees has helped Eastern Communications thrive during this time.

According to Hizon, “The pandemic is one of the biggest challenges we faced as a company and as leaders, we have to be agile and be on top of everything to be able to adapt to the new environment. We appreciate the coordination of the whole company and for trusting us in this trying time.”

As people observe more women competently serving as leaders, it will no longer seem strange that a woman is in charge. But there still is a long way to go. A great and fearless leader is defined not by their gender but by how they rise to success together with their people.