It was ASPLI's 2nd Learning Session for 2013. ASPLI or the Association of Service Professionals in Life Insurance is composed of different life insurance companies such as AXA Life, Sunlife, Cocolife, Manulife, BPI Philamlife, Prulife, Asianlife, Insular life, and others. It is dedicated in uplifting customer service here in the Philippines.
Before entering the conference center of Asian Institute of Management, I was expecting to see a small crowd of young professionals, but as I opened the door, I saw a big crowd of old people in suits and dresses. I saw a photo of me in a pull up banner next to photos of the other speakers: the COO of AXA life, the president of SmartQ System Corporation, and a senior manager of Eastwest Bank Corporation. I felt like running away from the building. HAHAHAHAHAHA.
I tried to compose myself by thinking about my past encounters with different people: the head honchos that I negotiated with, the demanding business owners that I closed a deal with, the big names that I have been given a chance to discuss matters on business expansions, and even the old owners who frown upon seeing how young I look. I was able to calm down.
My peace didn't last long when Sir Ariel "Ton" Magtoto (COO of AXA Life Philippines) started his speech, I was swept to my feet. The best practices he shared were things that only someone who has dedicated his life for his craft can share. I was so engulfed in thinking that IF I stay in the corporate world, then this is the kind of person that I would like to be.
Sir Ton finished his speech, and there I was - rattled. How could I match that?! There was no way. I drank a glass of water and gave myself a goal:
Well, that worked. And I was so thankful that I didn't do anything that would bring disgrace to myself or the company I was representing (or did I? HAHAHA). The audience were also very gracious. And it's true, "The audience almost always want you to succeed. Unless you're a politician, chances are, you are facing a nice crowd."
They were answering my questions, laughing at my jokes, and participating in the discussion. Sir Ton was even so nice to congratulate me after the event, while Sir Jim (senior manager of Eastwest bank) talked with me regarding how we might be able to help each other in the industry.
It was a very insightful event and an inspiring experience for me. In the future, however, I know I will not get away with only humor. I need to have more substance as I grow older. For that, I have to learn KPIs, finance, systems and tech, etc. There's just so much to improve on that it becomes very exciting!
Cheers!
Arlet
I tried to compose myself by thinking about my past encounters with different people: the head honchos that I negotiated with, the demanding business owners that I closed a deal with, the big names that I have been given a chance to discuss matters on business expansions, and even the old owners who frown upon seeing how young I look. I was able to calm down.
My peace didn't last long when Sir Ariel "Ton" Magtoto (COO of AXA Life Philippines) started his speech, I was swept to my feet. The best practices he shared were things that only someone who has dedicated his life for his craft can share. I was so engulfed in thinking that IF I stay in the corporate world, then this is the kind of person that I would like to be.
Sir Ton finished his speech, and there I was - rattled. How could I match that?! There was no way. I drank a glass of water and gave myself a goal:
"Arlet, your only goal now is to not trip, not puke, not swear, and deliver your point about your company. Absolutely no one is expecting anything from you, no one is expecting for you to match a COO's speech. Don't fret, Arlet. Don't fret."
Well, that worked. And I was so thankful that I didn't do anything that would bring disgrace to myself or the company I was representing (or did I? HAHAHA). The audience were also very gracious. And it's true, "The audience almost always want you to succeed. Unless you're a politician, chances are, you are facing a nice crowd."
They were answering my questions, laughing at my jokes, and participating in the discussion. Sir Ton was even so nice to congratulate me after the event, while Sir Jim (senior manager of Eastwest bank) talked with me regarding how we might be able to help each other in the industry.
It was a very insightful event and an inspiring experience for me. In the future, however, I know I will not get away with only humor. I need to have more substance as I grow older. For that, I have to learn KPIs, finance, systems and tech, etc. There's just so much to improve on that it becomes very exciting!
"Even if you are the youngest person at the table, you're at the table. Don't be afraid to make your voice heard. Make it count"
Cheers!
Arlet
Wow! I am SO proud of you, Arlet! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ate Judy! I actually remembered Dr. Sarile, and I was thinking she'd disown me if I do something wrong. HAHAHAHA
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