ON THE PRINCIPLES SHE LIVES BY

"Sowenscale is a play of words on the values we want to live by as a team. To SOW means "to plant seeds". To SCALE means setting the stage to enable and support growth. We will stay true to our commitment and we will believe in the promise: We will sow, and we will scale."

MIKEE CANAMAN

Co-founder and COO | Sowenscale

Sowenscale is a business development services company catering to local and international brands, helping them grow and scale using today's technology.

Tell us your journey of how you got to where you are right now.

I started my journey in business when I ran a travel company at the age of 20. Five years in operations, I then worked for a tech company acknowledging that the way to scale any business is by adapting technology. Hopes were high for 2020, but our company then was not exempted from the challenges of the pandemic that we eventually lost our jobs. That however gave me the opportunity to start Sowenscale, a business development company, with my then colleagues, now co-founders. Now I serve as the company’s COO.

What mantra/principle do you live by? How does it relate to your current role?

Sowenscale is actually a play of words on the values my co-founders and I want to live by. To SOW means "to plant seeds". In the Bible, sowing is used as a metaphor for one's actions – you reap what you sow. To SCALE means setting the stage to enable and support growth; the ability to grow without being hampered. We knew in Sowenscale that none at work would be easy, but we will stay true to our commitment and we will believe in the promise: We will sow, and we will scale.

What is the most challenging situation you’ve ever been in?

I worked with over 40 people in my previous job. Being a messenger of bad news on how their livelihood was at risk as caused by the pandemic, was definitely a challenge in itself. To take accountability for the career and livelihood of these people is the most challenging, but I learned that when the intention is right, the universe will pave you a way to overcome them.

How have you built confidence in your role, over the years?

I was privileged to be given the time to try and fail. It was the collective experience that built my confidence and improved my risk appetite. The quality of people that I surrounded myself with contributed to my self-awareness as well.

What is the greatest risk you have taken, so far?

Starting Sowenscale without a map in place or answers to questions: Will I get enough accounts to sustain our operations? Can I secure a space where we can all productively work in? Are we going to find investors who believe in what we do?

Do you have female leaders you look up to? Who are they and what are the traits they possess that you admire the most?

I have a lot of people that I look up to and that I’ve learned a lot from. One of which is Hera Barrameda. I remember a time when I was expressing my frustrations to her because my plans were not going the way I want them to. She told me that there are things that cannot be controlled and sometimes things are meant to happen the way they did. She also taught me to manage my expectations and to remember to take care of myself while I’m in the process of achieving my goals.

As a business leader, how do you set the tone for the team? What is your leadership/working style?

I As a leader, part of my vision is making sure everyone in the team grows with the company, both in their professional and personal life. An empowered team takes accountability for its contributions. The cliche is true: take care of your people, for they will take care of your business.

How do you care for yourself (self-care) and how do you accomplish it as a leader?

It is a priority for me to spend quiet time, putting my phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode. I go on long drives, journal and practice gratitude. I also watch Kdramas with inspiring content. I realized that if I respond or take care of everything at all times, I just offer a burned-out version of myself. And the people I love and serve do not deserve that.

Have you ever been in situations wherein you distinctly felt the difference between a male and a female leader? What are those differences?

Women have their own strength in business. It is however undeniable that there are situations who tend to favor men. I acknowledge that there is a need for men in a team but not necessarily as leaders - women can already do that.

What advice would you give to aspiring female leaders?

Take care of yourself, that way you have more to give to people. The belief system works best if you have a tribe to believe with. Form good habits, value your well-being, be a lifelong learner, show up, and be genuine with your relationships.

If you were to write a book about your journey as a female leader, what would the title be?

My Key Adventures. I believe that other women can resonate with my stories.

ON BIASES AGAINST WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

"Women have long been underrepresented in the tech industry and there is this stereotype that women do not belong in tech, much more if we are leading projects."

MYKA CORRO

Creative Director and UI/UX Designer | GooZam

GooZam is a community of "Good Samaritans" upholding social good by making life-saving solutions available while solving many other day to day industry problems through technology.

Tell us your journey of how you got to where you are right now.

I would say my journey of how I got to where I am now was (and still is) unpredictable. Never did I think that I would pursue a career in the tech or creative industry as I came from the medical field. But I overcame my self-doubts and with a little push from my family, I took my first giant step towards this journey. I’m blessed to work with people who see the potential I never knew I had in me, leading me to discover these untapped skills.

Can you say that you have found your purpose? How did you come to the realization?

Not exactly, but I’m starting to see my purpose. For years, I never really got to reflect on it and when I did, it seemed superficial. Maybe that’s why I’ve always felt like I never really knew who I was. Now though with me being a mom and pursuing a passion I never thought I could, I’m starting to feel that sense of purpose. Deeply knowing what my passions are, my values, my goals, and discovering and doing what feels important to me - they all give me that sense of purpose.

What mantra/principle do you live by? How does it relate to your current role?

I’ve always believed that everything, bad and good, happens for a reason. We may not understand everything, but we just have to trust God. That’s why I never let myself overthink when things start to go the opposite direction. The only thing you can really do is to keep your head up and continue moving forward.

Throughout your career, who were your biggest inspirations? Did you ever receive any form of support or mentoring?

Since I never had formal education for my current role, I relied on myself and the people around me. When I see something interesting and I want to learn how to do it, I google or youtube my way around it. I have always been proud to say that I am self-taught and I can do anything I set my mind to. Being around people from different walks of life, listening to their stories, and knowing their experiences are forms of learning. Being with people you can relate to, is also already a form of support in itself.

Do you have female leaders you look up to? Who are they and what are the traits they possess that you admire the most?

I would say it’s my first female boss in the company I’m working in right now. A part of who I am now, I attribute to her. She gives me guidance on what I want to do, how I can do it, and why I should do it. She listens, she understands, and she says exactly what needs to be said - no filter. She once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” and she is one of those people for me.

What is the greatest risk you have taken, so far?

It was when I became a mom at the age of 24, with no stable job, and not knowing where I’m headed to. I was thrown into a path I didn’t know and didn’t understand and I had no choice but to take it. Because of this, I realized that that was what I needed -- a slap of reality and the harsh truth that someone’s life is dependent on me.

As a business leader, how do you set the tone for the team? What is your leadership/working style?

I haven’t had the chance yet to have people work under me, but when I do, I will always consider us as a team because I know I couldn’t do it all on my own. I will always take into account their opinions, suggestions, and ideas. Everyone should be given the chance to be heard.

How have you built confidence in your role, over the years?

I learned to become confident because people depended on me and on what I know. When someone would ask me to deliver, it’s because they know that I could. That’s when I realized that I am good, I have the skills, and I have the strength to do it. Confidence is a state of mind, and my mind says that I am.

How does being a woman help and/or hinder your career? Over the years, have you encountered any opportunities and/or barriers to your success or growth as a female leader?

Being a woman in my industry has so many advantages. Women are detail-oriented, good communicators and listeners, problem-solvers, empathetic, flexible, passionate, and so much more. There are times when my male colleagues and I won’t meet eye to eye on a project because they think that my output is ‘too feminine’. The best comeback is when they find out that I was right from the very beginning.

What are some assumptions and biases that you have experienced as a female leader?

Throughout my career as a UI/UX Designer, I have experienced being mistaken as a man. Women have long been underrepresented in the tech industry and there is this stereotype that women do not belong in tech, much more if we are leading projects.

Have you ever been in situations wherein you distinctly felt the difference between a male and a female leader? What are those differences?

There were situations wherein a client would choose or rather listen to a male perspective than mine. It’s as if they don’t trust my idea or they need a male’s confirmation first.

Can you share any lesson you learned which you think is unique to being a woman?

Women may seem or look weak but there is this inner strength that not all women know they have. You only need to dig a little deeper.

What are some strategies that can help women achieve the success they want in their workplaces?

Women are resilient. I believe that women are experts in making the impossible seem possible. It takes strength and confidence to steer yourself to what you envision success to be.

What do you think are the biggest challenges for the next generation of female leaders?

I don’t think it would be that big of a challenge for the next generation of female leaders as I can see that the outlook towards women is slowly changing. People are becoming more educated on gender equality. But if ever there is one, I would say it is their belief and confidence in themselves that will serve as their greatest adversary.

What cultural or societal changes can we push for to pave the way for women to become leaders in the business sphere?

I want women to be heard and not just seen for their beauty. What society could do is to give us, women, a chance. Give women a chance to be seen - not doing household chores, not looking after men - but showing the strength they are built with. Give women a chance to be heard - not singing lullabies to their children, not chit-chatting the night away - but communicating with clarity in executing their roles and responsibilities. Give women a chance to take action. Men could never do it as gracefully as women and like I said before, women are experts in making the impossible seem possible.

How do you care for yourself (self-care) and how do you accomplish it as a leader?

I always tell myself that it is okay to rest and take breaks and it’s okay to take time for myself and my family. I always see to it that my time for work is for work. The rest is for myself and my family. This way, I won’t feel burnt out.

If you were to write a book about your journey as a female leader, what would the title be?

It would be ‘I Can, So I Did’. It would be about how I accomplished my goals because I believed I can, and the only thing you can do to prove it, is to actually do it.

What advice would you give to aspiring female leaders?

Always believe in yourself and in what you can do. You’ll never know what truly wonderful is in you.

ON HER PURPOSE

"I’ve found my purpose in the present and that is to advocate for healthy discourse, tell stories that matter. Stories in Studios became that avenue for me to convey my advocacy and tell unheard stories."

ANGELICA KILAYKO

Co-founder and Production Manager | Stories in Studios

Stories in Studios aims to share, shape, and showcase empowering educational content in the forms of music, art, and studio-shot videos.

Tell us your journey of how you got to where you are right now.

As Se-ri from Crash Landing On You once said, ‘sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right direction.’ I initially wanted to be in media productions and create films and video documentaries where I can persuade the audience with my storytelling, but fate intervened and that got postponed. Now, I’m a Production Manager in Stories in Studios, telling impact stories and working in an environment that encourages everyone to live their dreams.

Can you say that you have found your purpose? How did you come to the realization?

I’ve found my purpose in the present and that is to advocate for healthy discourse, tell stories that matter. Stories in Studios became that avenue for me to convey my advocacy and tell unheard stories.

What mantra/principle do you live by? How does it relate to your current role?

I believe that every person has a story to tell — who they are and where they come from. Being a Storyteller in Stories in Studios, it always excites me to give highlights to stories that a lot can relate to.

What is the greatest risk you have taken, so far?

It was when I had to lead and decide for my family when my father died, as I’m the eldest. I wore many hats then - a graduating student with grades to maintain, a student council leader, a regional photography competition contestant, a daughter taking care of her sick father in the hospital, and a sister making sure her brother is strong enough to get through it. Looking back, it was a learning experience which I thank God for. I learned the value of task and time management, proper delegation, leadership, flexibility, and staying in control of my emotions to objectively decide on critical matters.

What are some strategies that can help women achieve the success they want in their workplaces?

Apply a woman’s touch to your work. Decide objectively. Embrace opportunities. Love yourself. And above all, have humility and faith.

Throughout your career, who were your biggest inspirations? Did you ever receive any form of support or mentoring?

My mentors are my friends and colleagues who come from different walks of life, mostly older than me. If I have to name one person though, it would be our woman-COO. She taught me to form better working habits, achieve realistic goals, and focus on efficiency rather than complexity. We sometimes have a love-hate relationship as she puts me in situations where I would be pressured and stretched to my limits but I appreciate and recognize that it significantly contributed to my growth.

As a business leader, how do you set the tone for the team? What is your leadership/working style?

I like fixing and finding the best solutions to every crooked line - a habit that I brought to the office where I usually act as the maintenance girl fixing all tech issues. I was willing to offer a hand anytime to my colleagues even if it means compromising my time and own tasks. Eventually, however, I learned that the most efficient way is to teach them what I know and let them do it independently.

How have you built confidence in your role, over the years?

I was a quiet little girl back in elementary and it was only in my freshman high school year that I joined my first English declamation contest. I was given the limelight and from then on, I joined one competition after another. This served as the training ground for me to come out of my shell. I then enrolled in a Communication course where all my skills, talents, and confidence were polished. Until now, I try my best to immerse myself in situations where I can challenge myself and conquer my stage fright.

Can you share any lesson you learned which you think is unique to being a woman?

I’ve stayed in a remote community with a culture that sets marriage as a woman’s end goal in life and where men provide for their families. I respect those who share that perspective. As a woman, however, I want to convey to young girls the beauty of pursuing their dreams, excelling in what men do, and being confident in their own strength.

How do you care for yourself (self-care) and how do you accomplish it as a leader?

I make sure to eat healthily, exercise whenever I can, take a nap at least 15 mins a day (a favorite skill of mine), and drink coffee to keep me awake and focused, despite being acidic. When I don’t have work, I go to my hometown, take a pause from social media, eat my mother’s home-cooked meals and spend time with family and friends.

If you were to write a book about your journey as a female leader, what would the title be?

I want it in our native language, Kadalag-an sa Kalisod.