Some moments remind you exactly why you do what you do.
I recently had a conversation with three amazing team members from our IT By Design Philippines family: Ninna Dela Rosa, Allaine Banaag, and Jeanelyn Saladaga. What began as a lighthearted discussion evolved into a profound analysis of the values, culture, and resiliency that make ITBD more than just a place of employment.
It reminded me of the first time we arrived in the Philippines. We were a group of 15 professionals driven by opportunity and passion. We currently have close to 150 members and are still expanding. But it’s not simply the numbers that really define us. It’s the people, the culture, and the common conviction that growth is something we live every day rather than only something we strive for.
A Culture That Feels Like Family
I asked them a simple question:
“If you had to describe ITBD’s culture in one word, what would it be?”
Their answers made me pause and reflect on the values we’ve successfully cultivated at IT By Design.
Ninna: “Growth.” ITBD isn’t just a job—it’s a place where people evolve, step up, and discover what they’re truly capable of.
Allaine: “Diversity.” Although our origins, experiences, and viewpoints are diverse, we are united by a shared goal.
Jeanelyn: “Inclusion.” There were no borders or hierarchies, just a team that supported one another, and she felt like she belonged right away.
I always felt that strategy alone isn’t enough to achieve success, and hearing this confirmed my belief. It is founded on people.
Hearing this reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: success isn’t built on strategy alone. It’s built on people.
The Lessons That Shape Us
I love asking our team about their biggest lessons because real growth comes from real experiences. Their responses were pure gold.
Ninna’s wisdom:
- Resiliency is key. In a fast-changing world, resilience sets you apart.
- Feedback isn’t criticism—it’s fuel. Those who embrace it are the ones who grow.
- Enjoy the process. Work hard, but don’t forget to celebrate along the way. If you love what you do, your journey will be smooth.
Allaine’s insights:
- Gratitude changes everything. It shifts your mindset and unlocks new opportunities.
- Failure is a necessary component of success. Setbacks teach us the most valuable lessons.
- Know yourself. Being self-aware is pivotal to becoming a transformational leader.
Jeanelyn’s takeaways:
- Comfort zones kill potential. Real growth happens when we push beyond our comfort zones.
- Feedback is only useful if we act on it. Change comes from action. Work on feedback to achieve incremental growth.
- Sharing knowledge multiplies impact. When we uplift others, we grow in the process as well.
These aren’t just lessons—they’re the foundation of success. I’m so happy that we, as a family, imbibe these vital traits in our employees. This augurs well for the future of the company and reaffirms the belief that we are embarking on the right path.
Gratitude: The Heart of IT By Design
Before we wrapped up, I asked them one final question:
“What are you most grateful for?”
Ninna: “My team. The bond we’ve built, the way we support each other—it’s everything.”
Allaine: “Every new day. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Jean: “The chance to be part of something bigger. To contribute, to evolve, to belong.”
Their words struck a chord with me. It echoes the sentiment I hold very dearly.
At IT By Design, gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you—it’s about showing up for each other, growing together, and creating a culture where everyone thrives.
IT By Design: More than a Workplace
As I reflect on this conversation, one thing is crystal clear—this is more than a company. It’s a movement. A family. A place where people don’t just work; but build careers, forge lifelong relationships, and uplift their peers along the way.
Like I always say, “Life is about learning. The more we learn, the more we grow.”
If the values that we cultivate interest you, and you want to be part of something bigger, please subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates.
