In a recent episode of the Culture and Career Corner podcast, Sunny Kaila, CEO of IT By Design, hosted two dynamic system engineers from the ITBD Philippines team—Patrick Ilagan and Nathan Guiang. Together, they shared their thoughts on the unique culture at IT By Design and their personal life lessons that have shaped their careers.
Defining Culture at IT By Design
As the conversation kicked off, Patrick and Nathan offered their perspectives on what makes ITBD’s culture stand out. For Patrick, the word awesome summed it up: “I like how it’s well-established, and how everyone here motivates each other to be a better person than they were yesterday.” This emphasis on growth and support was echoed by Nathan, who described ITBD culture with one word—companionship. He spoke of how he never felt alone since his first day, thanks to the camaraderie of both peers.
Sunny encapsulated these sentiments perfectly, stating that the ITBD culture is a result of collective effort: “It’s not one person’s job; it’s that collective effort that creates collective feeling.”
Key Life Lessons from Patrick Ilagan
When asked about the greatest life lessons he’s learned, Patrick highlighted three powerful principles:
- Take Ownership of Your Work: Patrick emphasized the importance of being accountable for both successes and failures. “This fosters trust and credibility with your team,” he noted, stressing how vital ownership is to building trust within an organization.
- Be Patient with Success: Recognizing that great careers are built over time, Patrick urged his peers to be patient in their pursuit of success. This perspective aligns perfectly with long-term growth mindsets, particularly in the professional sphere.
- Build Meaningful Relationships: Relationships are key to navigating the challenges that come with a career. Patrick underscored the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and colleagues who will support you through those challenges.
Confidence: The Cornerstone of Nathan Guiang’s Journey
Nathan’s life lesson centered around the value of confidence, offering a profound reflection on what it truly means to be self-assured. He shared a saying that has guided him: “Confidence isn’t walking into a room thinking you’re better than everyone; it’s walking in and not comparing yourself to anyone.”
Nathan spoke to the importance of internal validation, encouraging professionals to acknowledge their progress and successes without falling into the trap of constant comparison. His message was clear: by focusing on your own unique journey, you can unlock your true potential without being distracted by external pressures.
Sunny’s Reflections: Patience, Ownership, and Self-Awareness
Sunny expanded on these life lessons, weaving together themes of trust, patience, and self-awareness. He reminded us that true success doesn’t happen overnight, likening quick wins to lottery victories that often end in loss without proper stewardship. “It’s about progress, not the destination,” Sunny emphasized, encouraging professionals to focus on the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
He also reinforced Nathan’s message of self-awareness and confidence, highlighting the importance of celebrating uniqueness rather than engaging in constant comparison. “If you get into a race with others, you lose your uniqueness,” Sunny remarked, driving home the point that embracing your individuality is key to professional and personal fulfillment.
Conclusion: Fostering a Culture of Growth and Ownership
The conversation between Sunny, Patrick, and Nathan was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a culture where growth, ownership, and companionship thrive. Their shared wisdom serves as a valuable guide for leaders and professionals alike.
At IT By Design, the emphasis on taking ownership, cultivating patience, and fostering meaningful relationships creates an environment where team members are encouraged to be their best selves. It’s a culture where unique strengths are celebrated, and confidence is built from within—not from external comparisons.
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