Payoneer, BPO leaders promote inclusive leadership in Cebu

Cebu is considered as one of the most sought-after cities for outsourcing firms in the country. In fact, according to a recent report by Colliers Philippines, BPOs in Cebu will continue to drive office space demand in Q4 of 2023. With the city’s aggressive growth, it is imperative to shape a diverse and inclusive BPO space wherein everyone can feel safe and supported. To help achieve this goal, global finance services company Payoneer recently held the WOMENtrepreneurs Meetup at Dusit Thani Mactan, Cebu where industry leaders discussed about inclusive leadership in the outsourcing industry.

Payoneer representatives and BPO industry leaders at the WOMENtrepreneurs Meeteup in Cebu In photo, from left: Payoneer Small and Medium Businesses Sales Lead for SEA Britzee Capili; Payoneer Marketing Lead for Emerging Markets Jen San Antonio; Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Managing Director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury; Aleph Talent Founder Connie Barrientos; BSA Solutions Inc. CEO & Founder Zana Gawan-Taylor; 2XYou Founder Le-an Lai Lacaba; MicroSourcing CEO and CCAP HR Council Chairman Haidee Enriquez; Payoneer Country Manager Monique Avila; and Payoneer Senior Business Development Manager Robert Ryan Maigue

“When we started WOMENtrepreneurs Meetup earlier this year, our goal was to support women leaders in the outsourcing industry. But when we saw how empowering that event was, we knew we needed to reach more BPO leaders especially in other growth centers like Cebu and together, build a more diverse and inclusive BPO space in the country,” shares Payoneer Country Manager Monique Avila.

Inclusive leadership in BPOs

In her talk, Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Managing Director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury shared about the importance of inclusive leadership in the outsourcing industry. She said, “A diverse workforce is an imperative for success.  An inclusive workplace fosters revenue growth, innovation, employee satisfaction and retention, and harmony within the workplace. There are 3 key elements in the practice of inclusive leadership: first, the leader’s foundation of and on integrity; second, curiosity about others that is concomitant with empathy and appreciation; and third, respect for what others can do, being true to themselves. That will drive transformative change.”

Putting her principles at work, Cajucom-Bradbury has been proactive in devising measures to convince policymakers in institutionalizing policies on equity for all genders especially as the BPO industry continues to grow in the country. In fact, Microsourcing CEO and CCAP HR Council Haidee Enriquez said, “The BPO industry is a critical contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing $29.5 billion in revenues, or 7.5% to our gross domestic product. It is crucial that the industry adapts to achieve unparalleled success..”

Strong enthusiasm for outsourcing industry in Cebu

The appetite for growing the outsourcing industry was apparent in the recently held WOMENtrepeneurs Meetup in Cebu wherein BPO leaders shared inspiring stories during the panel discussion.

"Establishing a business wasn't easy, especially during the height of the pandemic, but my drive towards my goals keeps me going. Through the years of my experience, leading my company and my people towards success is what makes my work incredibly fulfilling,” shared Zana Gawan-Taylor, CEO and Founder of Great Place To Work certified company BSA Solutions.

Meanwhile, 2XYou founder and 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in LinkedIn awardee Le-an Lai Lacaba said, "I started my business at a very young age. Right now, my focus is to grow 2xYou to its full potential and to start a series of businesses all over the world." She also added that expanding her business would also provide more opportunities. Resonating with Lacaba's insight, Aleph Talent Founder Connie Barrientos-Carey emphasized the value of her company to its customers that aside from helping them grow, they also provide more opportunities for the community by providing them with several services.

With growth-oriented innovation at its core, Payoneer is committed to strengthening the outsourcing industry in Cebu and in the country by helping shape a diverse and inclusive industry that will propel BPOs to thrive in multiple markets. “By providing reliable products and services and with one WOMENtreprenreurs Meetup at a time, we at Payoneer are determined to bring out the best in the Philippine outsourcing industry- both in business performance and workplace culture,” said Avila.