Creating Your Own Opportunities

Last August, Gen Z Ka-Globe came together for the Ayala Inclusive Circle, a community across Ayala Group cultivating a safe space for authenticity and connection. Reba Magampon, Learning and Engagement Expert from HR and one of the participants, shares how Gen Zs are go-getters and avid learners – something Globe wishes to foster.

"Take all the opportunities that come your way."

This advice, given countless times by mentors I met, has echoed in my mind as I navigated my career. While I initially embraced it wholeheartedly, a nagging doubt crept in: what if opportunities don't knock? What if they're slow to arrive or misaligned with my goals? 

By encouraging employees to create their own paths and seize opportunities, Globe has fostered a sense of ownership among its workforce.

Before Globe, I was part of two organizations. I left my first job after just three months because my role wasn’t aligned with the intentions I shared in the interview process. My second stint, on the other hand, almost felt like the perfect job. I joined a consulting firm where various organizations seek advice on developing talents and organizational leaders. I gained so much experience and learned from different people and industries. 

However, I always felt unsure about speaking up and expressing my thoughts during consultations and program developments with clients, especially when I sat down with the leaders of the organizations. I always felt like I wasn’t good enough and that I needed more career experience or to be at a higher level in the organization to perform my job well and be trusted by the people I work with. 

I allowed these thoughts to win over me, and I left. That’s when I realized that passively waiting for opportunities wasn’t enough. To shape my career, I needed to be proactive and courageous in communicating what and where I wanted to be. 

Globe has fostered a culture that provides ample opportunities and encourages employees to create their own paths. Since joining, I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive and inspiring colleagues who empower me to seize opportunities and take charge of my career. 

At CMG, I was trusted with building learning programs to help enable the behavioral and leadership competencies of Ka-CMG.

I remember three years ago when I was still with the Channel Management Group. I was initially hired for an Employee Experience role, yet it has always been known to them that Learning and Development (L&D) is where I want to build my career. So even though I was hired for a different role, they ensured to expose me to L&D opportunities within our group. They entrusted me with building learning programs to help enable the behavioral and leadership competencies of Ka-CMG.

With my Ka-CMG!

One of the most valuable aspects of Globe’s culture is its emphasis on employee empowerment. My leaders have consistently trusted me with roles that align with my long-term goals, allowing me to explore new areas and develop my skills. I always felt comfortable sharing my career aspirations during my Coaching and Individual Development Plan discussions with my Immediate Supervisor back then, Ms. Lez Aristorenas. She would always find ways to provide a stage for me. She even entrusted me to lead the Future of Work Skills vertical of L&D at CMG. With her confidence and guidance, I was able to design a Digital Culture Learning module for CMG and pioneered a Change Management Learning series to help Ka-CMG thrive and navigate changes. Her trust, together with the support of our past division heads, is essential for young professionals like myself who are eager to make an impact. 

I always felt comfortable sharing my career aspirations during my Coaching and Individual Development Plan discussions with my Immediate Supervisor back then, Ms. Lez Aristorenas.

As a Gen Z, I believe that my generation is driven and ambitious. We crave meaningful work and opportunities to grow, and we are willing to take risks to achieve our goals. Globe's culture of empowerment and support has been instrumental in helping me realize my potential and build a fulfilling career.

By encouraging employees to create their own paths and seize opportunities, Globe has fostered a sense of ownership among its workforce. 

At the start of the year, I took the leap to go beyond my comfort zone. Driven by the desire to make a larger impact, I bravely expressed my intent for a role in HR that seemed beyond me. Regardless, I took the shot and placed myself out there. 

Being welcomed by my new home – HR.

Even if it was a long shot, I never felt like I was not cut out for the role. Ms. Lyn Sebial, my IS now, trusted in my potential and welcomed me. Her unwavering confidence in my abilities, coupled with Ms. Nico Bambao's support and guidance, fuels my determination to thrive in leading the Learning Operations for Globe. Together, they believe in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the HR team and even expose me to other facets where I can expand and strengthen my capabilities. 

This is very important for young professionals like me who are still building their careers. When we are given the freedom to explore our interests and pursue our passions, we are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and successful.

I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given at Globe, and I am excited to see what the future holds. 💙