From Transactions to Transformation – My HR Journey and the Power of Values (an excerpt from Chapter 1)

 As I continue working on my book, I invite you, my readers, to join me on this exciting journey of discovery and transformation. Over the years, I’ve accumulated invaluable lessons from various roles across industries and institutions. These experiences have shaped my belief that human resource management (HR) is more than just a corporate function—it is a mission fueled by values that empower individuals and communities. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse of my journey and the lessons that have led me to this pivotal point, and I’d love to hear your insights and stories as well.

Finding My Path: Early Lessons in Career and Purpose

My professional journey started unexpectedly. I was hired as an executive assistant to a Chinese businessman in the trading industry. Though it was a brief six-month experience, it taught me a valuable lesson: I wasn't cut out for a role that simply involved organizing another person’s life. I craved more—a career where my work directly impacted people's growth and success. This desire led me to transition into HR, and I took my first steps as an assistant in a Japanese IT company.

These early years were eye-opening, filled with roles ranging from recruitment to compensation and benefits and even managing software engineers’ deployments to Japan. I learned the ropes of administrative HR, but my true passion was ignited when I began exploring areas like learning and development. I quickly realized that HR could be a powerful tool for fostering personal and professional growth—not just a transactional function.

Lessons on HR's True Potential

Looking back, I recognize that those formative years of HR were focused on processes and systems. While these are critical components, I began to realize that they often overlooked individuals' deeper, more meaningful needs. In those early stages, HR felt more transactional—a necessary function but one that didn’t always contribute to transformation. That’s when I started to question the very nature of HR and how it could be more aligned with human development.

The Shift to Values-Driven HR

As my career progressed, I became more involved with organizations that championed social development. I began to see HR not just as a function within an organization but as a force capable of driving social change. It was during this phase that I began to understand the true potential of HR—when it's guided by values like empathy, inclusivity, and community empowerment.

I began working with social enterprises, where HR was not only about hiring and firing—it was about nurturing talent, fostering a sense of belonging, and contributing to the greater good of society. This shift was not just a career transition but a personal transformation that made me view HR through a completely different lens.

Your Stories: The Power of Shared Experiences

Now, as I write my book, I want to hear from you. What have been the defining moments in your career that shaped your views on HR and its role in social development? Have you had any transformative experiences in HR that made you rethink its purpose? I invite you to share your stories in the comments below or reach out to me directly.

Join the Conversation

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to think about how HR has impacted your life. What values do you think HR should embody to truly drive social development? How can HR help empower individuals and communities? Your insights are invaluable, and by sharing them, you’ll help shape the future of this book and inspire others who are navigating similar paths.

Together, let's explore how HR can be more than just a function—it can be a values-driven force that transforms lives and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Your voice is an essential part of this conversation, and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Empowering HR in Social Enterprises: A Journey from Grassroots to Visionary Leadership

In February 2012, I worked as an HR advisor for financial cooperatives. I got deeply involved in the workings of over twenty cooperatives, mentoring their HR staff from the ground up. I noticed a significant difference in HR skills between the corporate world and the credit and savings cooperatives. Many small cooperatives, which had modest beginnings, started with minimal staff and were often made up of volunteers. As a result, the general manager usually ended up handling HR management responsibilities, which led to a misunderstanding of the role of human resources in organizational development.

As these cooperatives grew and sought to formalize HR functions, existing employees were often given HR responsibilities instead of hiring trained professionals. Cooperatives' distinctive culture and ethos posed a challenge for those taking on HR roles. The need for customized HR management practices that align with the cooperative's values became increasingly apparent.

During my master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, focusing on Social Enterprise Development at Ateneo Graduate School of Business, I gained a deeper understanding of cooperatives. Under the guidance of Professor Eduardo Morato, Jr., I learned about the cooperative sector as part of the broader landscape of Social Enterprises in the Philippines. I found that my classmates shared the same intentions and values, all driven by a mission to improve the lives of the communities where their social enterprises operate.

With this understanding, I am developing a book to empower HR practitioners in social enterprises. This book aims to bridge the gap between basic HR requirements and the complex task of shaping and nurturing the culture of a reputable social enterprise. It is a guide for those entering the realm of human capital management within these unique organizations.

To all my dear readers, this book will help you navigate the challenges of HR management in the social enterprise landscape and support your mission of uplifting the lives of your people through practical and values-driven leadership. Join me on this journey towards its development, and please share your thoughts and insights as I post some content on my blog.