Returning Home to Globe: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
- Maddy Sarmiento
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Maddy Sarmiento’s story with Globe is one of exploration, courage, and coming full circle. What began as a first job in data eventually led her to New York to pursue a master’s degree and sharpen her craft. Years later, she finds herself back at Globe and this time with new perspectives, a deeper purpose, and a renewed commitment to growth and collaboration.
Maddy Sarmiento
Customer Data Analytics Director, Channel & Experience Segment
I joined Globe in January 2017, knowing it would be a fast-paced environment with plenty of room to grow. At 24, I wasn’t necessarily thinking about the rest of my career or whether I’d grow old here. I simply wanted to explore and see where the journey would take me.
My first role was as a CRM Data Expert, where I spent most of my time uploading data, pulling customer extractions, manually updating dashboards, and building spreadsheets and slides for the Switch App. What I enjoyed most was data storytelling—it felt like a craft, allowing me to explore and get creative while staying grounded in technical work and influencing decisions with real business impact. I often shared this passion with my boss, which eventually led to a role as a data storyteller and insighter for the prepaid brands. This experience further solidified my love for analytics and inspired me to pursue a master’s in Business Analytics.
In 2019, I visited New York and instantly fell in love with the city. For several weeks after that trip, I couldn’t stop daydreaming about the city. I was up late at night researching graduate programs in New York and found several that specialized in data science and business analytics. Everything just clicked—I could sharpen my technical skills while living in the city of my dreams. When I prepared for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and school applications, I felt nothing but support from my family, friends, coworkers, and bosses at Globe Telecom. That support gave me the courage to go for it.
“That support gave me the courage to go for it.”
My reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in Business Analytics at Fordham Gabelli School of Business and leaving Globe were both personal and professional. At the heart of this decision was the importance of understanding my “why.” Knowing your purpose not only helps you face the inevitable setbacks and challenges but also gives you the courage to soldier on into uncharted territory. I believe in taking calculated risks and positioning yourself for success, as these leaps often pay off in the end.
After completing my master's and gaining a few years of experience in the tech and QSR industries, I returned to the Philippines in 2025. Deep down, I always knew that Globe would be one of my top choices for where I would want to work. Some of my bosses from when I left were still at Globe, and even just our initial conversations about available roles for me to step into cemented my decision to return.
Today, eight years after I first joined the team in 2017, I’m back leading the Channel & Experience segment of Customer Data Analytics (CDA). Our team leverages data-driven insights to enhance customer experiences across Globe’s network and channels, continuing the very work that first inspired me to pursue this path. While I’m nowhere near even halfway through my career, I can say that I see myself here for the long run. Over the years, I’ve learned so much, and I know there’s still plenty of room to grow and develop because every day is a learning opportunity at Globe.
“Because every day is a learning opportunity at Globe.”
What makes Globe special is how asking for help is embedded in its culture. Collaboration and malasakit are the norm and are felt every day with all our cross-functional meetings, hallway greetings, and small talk. Even as a textbook introvert, the environment here empowers me to ask for help when I need it and offer a hand when I’m in the position to do so. People here care about the work they do and the impact that they make, not just in the company but in the country, and it shows in our numbers.
“Collaboration and malasakit are the norm and are felt every day with all our cross-functional meetings, hallway greetings, and small talk. “
My experience at Globe Telecom is what makes me confident as a leader today. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to join task forces, participate in business reviews, and mentor younger teammates. Teaching others not only sharpened my own skills but also strengthened my confidence as a leader. It was the combination of on-the-job training and mentorship that allowed me to grow and take on bigger challenges.
Globe is an especially exciting place to be for anyone in data analytics or data science, with such a vast pool of data to explore and apply. I’ve also been fortunate to work with top companies across the world, and I can confidently say that Globe’s analytics and data science program is on par. Most importantly, I value the work culture of collaboration across groups, the determination and passion I see in my coworkers, and how I feel that my leaders look out for me.
Of course, the years that have passed haven’t been without their moments of frustration, fatigue, and self-doubt. But I’m proud that I kept saying yes to challenges, and with the right support system, I’ve been able to find the strength to keep going. I’m proud of the times I’ve managed to pick myself up, but I’m even more grateful for the moments when others were there to help lighten my load.
“There’s a saying that goes 'the harder you work, the luckier you get,' and I believe it to be true.”
There’s a saying that goes “the harder you work, the luckier you get,” and I believe it to be true. At the end of the day, I consider myself lucky—lucky to have found work I enjoy, to have leaders who trust me with bigger responsibilities, and to be surrounded by people who challenge and inspire me every day, making the workplace an enjoyable space to grow and explore. Outside of work, I feel just as fortunate to spend time with family and friends after being away for over three years, and to share new experiences with my husband, from preparing home-cooked meals to working out and traveling together.
As a coworker, I hope to be remembered as a team player—someone who consistently gives their best and uses their expertise to make others’ workdays easier and more fulfilling. As a leader, I hope my teammates remember me as someone who looked out for their careers, gave them opportunities to succeed, and inspired them to grow.
“Growth, empathy, and collaboration—these are the three words that define my journey with Globe."
Growth, empathy, and collaboration—these are the three words that define my journey with Globe. Growth because here at Globe, we’re given countless opportunities to improve ourselves in both technical and softer skills. Empathy because our daily lives at the office aren’t easy because of the industry we’re in, but at the end of the day, we treat each other right and look out for one another, and it shows. Collaboration because none of us would be able to get our work done without help from somebody else, and that’s the kind of culture that keeps the company going.
Every journey is unique, but at Globe, each one is met with support, purpose, and the chance to grow. Be part of a culture where collaboration and malasakit shape not just careers, but people too.
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