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In today’s fast-paced world, success is often seen as something that happens overnight. But for me, the journey has been anything but quick or easy. My story is a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change. From growing up in a remote province in the Philippines, facing countless challenges, to co-founding a company that’s now redefining the outsourcing landscape, my path has been shaped by the lessons learned along the way. This is a reflection on how I transformed adversity into opportunity, and how the principles I’ve carried with me have not only guided my career but have become the foundation of MySigrid.
Looking back on my journey, I realize it wasn’t a simple or smooth ride. My story is one of persistence, grit, and overcoming challenges that shaped me into the person I am today.
I grew up in a remote province in the Philippines, raised by my grandmother. My parents couldn’t afford to support my education, but my Mommy Henelita (the name I call her), who’s definitely my biggest supporter, made sure I had the chance to study. I lived far from my family, and that distance taught me early on the importance of self-discipline and being resilient. Life wasn’t easy, and I had to learn to stand on my own two feet. But those early struggles, the sacrifices made by Mommy, and the determination to make something of myself became the foundation for everything that came later.
From those early days, I learned that success isn’t something that’s handed to you on a silver platter—it’s earned. That’s a lesson I carry with me, in both my personal and professional life. The drive to push through adversity and build a better future for myself and those around me has been the force behind every step I’ve taken.
In 2013, I took my first big step into the professional world, entering the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry. At the time, I didn’t have a clear roadmap for where I was headed. I wasn’t thinking about a career path; all I was thinking about was being able to provide for myself and my family. I just needed a job.
If you asked me what attracted me to the BPO industry, I would say it was the opportunity it offered. I saw that it’s a space where hard work and a willingness to learn were valued more than experience or degrees. For someone like me, who came from a humble background, this was my shot to prove myself. I wasn’t afraid of the hard work ahead; in fact, I welcomed it.
In that line of work, I learned quickly that success wasn’t just about doing your job well—it was about creating systems, improving processes, delivering results consistently, and being reliable. I wasn’t focused on titles or promotions at first; I just wanted to do my job and prove that I was capable of more. Every role I took built my foundation for what was to come. These principles of efficiency, scalability, and process optimization would later become important factors in how we approached remote staffing at MySigrid.
As I progressed in my career, I started to see the gaps in the systems around me. I noticed how inefficiencies weren’t due to a lack of talent, but because the processes weren’t designed to support people effectively. That realization started to shift my mindset. I didn’t just want to work—I wanted to create something that worked, something that could solve these systemic issues.
It didn’t happen overnight, but over time I began to think more. I started seeing the potential for change, not just for me, but for others in the field. As I moved through different roles, I was increasingly drawn to building something larger than just a stable career. I wanted to create systems that would empower people, improve operations, and make a lasting impact.
When the opportunity to make MySigrid grow alongside our CEO, Paul Østergaard, came along, I knew this was the chance I had been waiting for. It was a leap of faith, but I felt ready. The years of learning, working in operations, and building teams had all led to this moment.
The journey with MySigrid began in a way I never expected. In 2022, when the team first reached out to ask if I could help, I had no idea how profoundly this opportunity would shape my career and my life. The company was still known as Sigrid/Sigrid.AI then, and while others might have seen uncertainty, I saw great potential. It was during this time that I met Paul, whose vision and leadership would become instrumental in the transformation ahead.
I joined as Head of Operations, stepping into what I can only describe as “organized chaos.” A startup environment that demands everything from strategic restructuring to hands-on execution. I wore countless hats, made difficult decisions, and worked tirelessly to reshape the direction of the company.
Through dedication and perseverance, I worked my way up to General Manager and eventually earned my place as Co-Founder of what we now proudly call MySigrid. The path was never clear. There were moments of doubt, sleepless nights, and challenges that tested every ounce of my resolve. But I stayed grounded, drawing strength from the systems and structures I had learned in the BPO world. We weren't simply building a company; we were building something far more valuable: trust with our clients, our employees, and each other.
One of the most defining moments for me and the team was when we hit our breakeven point! For me, that wasn't just a financial win; it was confirmation that we were on the right path. It showed that the systems we were building, the decisions we were making, were working. That moment gave me the confidence to push forward and keep building, knowing that what we were doing was sustainable.
Yes, you read that right. The company grew because of our sustainable approach, which is why we focused on not just growing but ensuring our clients achieve long-term success through seamless remote staffing solutions. Up to this day, we provide cost-effective, scalable, and flexible outsourcing solutions, helping businesses build teams that are efficient and aligned with their goals... Just like ours.
As MySigrid grew, my role evolved, and so did my approach to leadership. Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, where systems support them, and where the work we do reflects the values we stand for. For me, those values have always been empathy, integrity, and accountability.
In the early days, there was a lot of pressure; too many decisions to make, too many challenges to face. But I’ve learned that it’s not just about making the right business decisions; it’s about staying true to your values. Leadership requires balance. For me, that meant prioritizing my own health and well-being, finding time to recharge, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
We don’t just care about results; we care about how we get those results. We’ve built a culture where transparency and care go hand in hand with high performance. It’s about creating an environment where people can grow, not just professionally, but personally as well.
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I would never have gotten to where I am without the mentorship I received, particularly from Paul. He believed in me from the start, giving me the space to grow and make decisions. His trust in me was a huge factor in my development—not just as an operator, but as a leader.
That experience of being believed in, of being given the opportunity to grow beyond what I thought I was capable of; it changed everything for me. And it made me realize that if mentorship could transform my life, imagine what it could do for others. That's why we launched MySigrid Academy. I wanted to continue the cycle of mentorship and training that had been so pivotal in my own journey.
MySigrid Academy isn't just a training program; it's our commitment to developing the next generation of professionals. We provide comprehensive training in executive assistance, remote work excellence, and professional development, making sure that we equip them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to build meaningful careers. We've seen firsthand how transformative proper training and mentorship can be. We've watched team members who started with potential grow into exceptional professionals who now mentor others. That ripple effect? That's the impact we're most proud of. Every person we train doesn't just gain skills; they gain opportunity, dignity, and a path forward.
But the mentorship didn't stop with Paul. It also came from the entire team. We are a company that's built from collaboration. Everyone has played a part in our success. From day one, we worked together to build something strong. Something bigger than any one of us. The challenges we faced were never mine alone; they were shared by all of us. This sense of teamwork is what has kept us moving forward, even in the toughest times.
As I reflect on MySigrid’s journey, I think about what we’ve built, and what I hope we continue to build. For me, success isn’t just about profit margins or revenue numbers; it’s about creating something sustainable, something that makes a real impact. That’s why I’m so passionate about our vision for company. We’re focused on more than just delivering services—we’re focused on delivering results that matter, building long-term relationships, and being transparent in everything we do.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our commitment to giving back. With initiatives like MySigrid Cares, we’re not just looking at the bottom line. We’re looking at how we can support communities and empower individuals outside of our company. Success to me isn’t just about what we achieve as a business... But it’s about the positive change we can create in the world.
When I think about my legacy, I don’t think about titles or accolades. For me, it’s about the impact we’ve made and the values we’ve upheld throughout this journey. My story is one of consistency, of hard work, and of staying true to the values that have guided me from the very beginning. It’s about creating a company that’s grounded in integrity, accountability, and empathy.
I’m proud of what we’ve built. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real. Every day, we show up with purpose, and that’s something I believe will continue to resonate for years to come.
To anyone out there feeling stuck in their career or unsure about taking the next step, I’d offer this advice: don’t rush the leap. Use the time you have to learn, build, and prepare. Confidence doesn’t come all at once. It’s built through consistent effort, small wins, and taking responsibility long before you’re in a position of leadership.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for our future. We’re focused on continued growth, but also on maintaining the values that have always guided us. Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves, something sustainable, and something that will create opportunities for years to come.
Inspiring Insights
For anyone out there feeling uncertain about pursuing their own dreams, I want to say this: Your background doesn’t define your future. Stay grounded in your values, stay disciplined, and trust that progress will come. The journey may be tough, but with perseverance and purpose, the possibilities are endless.
At MySigrid, we’re here to help make that journey a little easier. For our team, our clients, and our community. Let’s build something that lasts together.