In honor of Women’s Month, Reliasourcing proudly presents LeadHers, a campaign under our broader Reliasourcing Leading Minds initiative, celebrating the resilience, insights, and leadership of the remarkable women in our organization. Women leaders at Reliasourcing make up 60.38% of our leadership in commitment to gender diversity and empowerment.
Through a short candid interview, our women leaders shared their personal journeys—their struggles, triumphs, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The stories of these women inspire and serve as a beacon for aspiring leaders who hope to navigate the path to success. Highlighting the collective strength of women in leadership, the initiative underscores the importance of fostering a workplace culture where women can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Overcoming Challenges as Women Leaders
For many women in leadership, the road to success is paved with unique challenges. Rizzy Ramirez, our Admin Manager, speaks openly about the emotional weight of leadership. “I believe it’s my woman side that makes me quite emotional. I worry a lot about results, that things might not work out.” But Rizzy has learned to manage these emotions by seeking guidance from mentors. “When it happens, I call a friend, a mentor, to remind me to lead without being too emotional. It always helps to talk to someone.”
Similarly, Katrina Rodriguez, our Marketing Director, had to push past societal perceptions. “When I first started out in a leadership role, being both young and a woman meant I often had to overcome doubts about my capabilities. Instead of letting those perceptions hold me back, I decided to focus on my work and let my results speak for themselves.” She turned what some might see as weaknesses into strengths. “Being young to me meant that I could offer a fresh perspective. Being a woman helps me lead with empathy, resilience, and an inclusive mindset. Being too soft or too kind as a leader? Proves that I have a heart that prioritizes my people.”
Regina Punzalan, our HR Manager, recalls dealing with gender biases. “Women often face questions about their competence or leadership abilities simply because of their gender. I make sure to seek mentorship from other leaders who have faced similar challenges and prove to them that gender is not a hindrance for you to lead.”
Michelle Bacal, Senior Operations Manager, reminds us that challenges don’t define a leader—how we respond to them does. “Keep fighting. Keep pushing yourself. Keep trusting your instincts. There’s a good chance that someone else made it through what you’re going through. There is no shame in reaching out for support or finding someone to lend an ear.”
Striking a Balance: Juggling Leadership and Life
Work-life balance remains a significant challenge for women in leadership. Hazel Rogando, Deputy HR Head, emphasizes the importance of delegation. “To balance leadership with personal life, I’ve learned that delegating is really important. Trusting your team to take on tasks helps lighten your load and lets them grow. You don’t have to do everything yourself!” She believes that encouraging others to step up ultimately fosters a stronger team.
For Regina, setting clear boundaries is key. “Women, especially in leadership, are frequently expected to balance both professional responsibilities and household duties. I make sure that I set boundaries in my personal and professional life as I am also a mother. I finish all my tasks at the end of my shift and spend time with my kids at home.” Her message is clear: dedicating time to family is just as important as professional commitments.
Katrina shares her personal experiences in balancing work and life. “Since getting married four years ago, I’ve learned that setting clear boundaries helps. I make a concerted effort to keep work at work and try my best to be fully present at home. It is still an ongoing challenge for me, but sometimes, every one of us needs a reminder to prioritize time for ourselves and our loved ones.”
Michelle acknowledges the difficulty of achieving balance. “I am guilty of not having a balance with my personal life as becoming a leader means you can’t just snooze your day.” Her advice? “Find that safe space and practice meditation so you can be ready for the next day with a clear mind and determination.”
Lessons in Leadership: What They Wish They Had Known
One of the greatest gifts experience brings is wisdom. When asked about a leadership lesson she wished she had learned earlier, Rizzy highlighted the power of coaching. “Coaching sessions can make a huge difference in both personal and team development. They offer a chance to provide guidance, feedback, and support in a way that helps individuals grow and succeed.”
For Hazel, it’s the importance of active listening. “As someone in HR, I’ve realized how crucial it is to take the time to understand employees’ concerns and perspectives. Active listening builds trust, resolves issues faster, and fosters a positive work environment.” Initially, she focused more on problem-solving, but she has since realized that giving people a chance to be heard makes a bigger difference in the long run.
Katrina Rodriguez shares two key insights: “Not changing who I am to fit the ideal ‘leader’ of other people, and acknowledging that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In my early leadership days, I often tried to shoulder every responsibility alone. But over time, I realized that true leadership involves sharing the load and leveraging the strengths of your team.”
Words of Wisdom for Future Women Leaders
The women of Reliasourcing have valuable advice for young women aspiring to take on leadership roles.
Katrina shares a powerful message: “Fake it till you make it. I know it may sound bad or cliché, but taking that leap of faith is essential for growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone, even when you feel underprepared, will allow you to gain the experience and confidence you need to thrive. Embrace challenges, learn continuously, and be the leader you aspired to have when you were starting out.”
Rizzy believes in leading by example. “For anyone aspiring to be a leader, work hard now. Be committed and passionate. Learn different skills, acquire knowledge, and build strong human relationships.”
Hazel stresses self-confidence. “Believe in yourself and never underestimate your potential. I’ve seen that developing strong communication skills, building a supportive network, and being open to learning are key to success.” She also reminds young women that leadership is a journey, saying, “Be patient with yourself—each step you take builds the foundation for the next one.”
Michelle emphasizes responsibility. “Being a female leader comes with great responsibility. You change your company’s culture, you shape your teams’ lives.”
Regina champions resilience. “Women can actually lead. You just need to trust yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of success, and it will help you become a strong leader someday.”
Moving Forward: A Future Led by Women
At Reliasourcing, diversity in leadership proves itself an asset. The LeadHers campaign celebrates our women leaders’ achievements and inspires the next generation of women to lead with strength, empathy, and resilience.
This Women’s Month, we celebrate the power, passion, and perseverance of women who are shaping the future of our company and beyond. The stories of these great women remind us that leadership is not defined by gender but by courage, competence, and character.
To all aspiring women leaders: your voice matters, your contributions are invaluable, and your leadership has the power to transform workplaces and communities alike.
Let’s continue to support, uplift, and champion the women who make Reliasourcing a force to be reckoned with. Happy National Women’s Month to all!
About Reliasourcing
Reliasourcing is a premier outsourcing solutions provider in the Philippines, delivering tailored services that help businesses across industries achieve operational efficiency and scalability. With a strong focus on customer experience and innovation, Reliasourcing continues to be a trusted partner for companies looking to unlock their potential through outsourcing.
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