Cebu is regarded as one of the most desirable locations in the country for outsourcing companies. Indeed, according to a recent Colliers Philippines analysis, BPOs in Cebu would continue to boost office space demand in Q4 2023. With the city’s rapid expansion, it is critical to create a varied and inclusive BPO place where everyone can feel secure and supported. To assist reach this aim, global finance services business Payoneer recently hosted the WOMENtrepreneurs Meetup at the Dusit Thani Mactan in Cebu, where industry professionals addressed inclusive leadership in the outsourcing sector.

“When we started WOMENtrepreneurs Meetup earlier this year, our goal was to support women leaders in the outsourcing industry. But when we saw how empowering that event was, we knew we needed to reach more BPO leaders especially in other growth centers like Cebu and together, build a more diverse and inclusive BPO space in the country,” shares Payoneer Country Manager Monique Avila. 

Inclusive leadership in BPOs 

In her talk, Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Managing Director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership in the outsourcing industry. She emphasized the need for a diverse workforce for success, fostering revenue growth, innovation, employee satisfaction, and harmony. Cajucom-Bradbury also emphasized three key elements of inclusive leadership, namely: integrity, curiosity, and respect. She has been proactive in advocating for policymakers to institutionalize equity policies for all genders, especially as the BPO industry continues to grow in the Philippines. Microsourcing CEO and CCAP HR Council Haidee Enriquez emphasized the industry’s critical contribution to the Philippine economy, stating that it is crucial for the industry to adapt to achieve unparalleled success.

Strong enthusiasm for outsourcing industry in Cebu 

The appetite for growing the outsourcing industry was apparent in the recently held WOMENtrepeneurs Meetup in Cebu wherein BPO leaders shared inspiring stories during the panel discussion. 

“Establishing a business wasn’t easy, especially during the height of the pandemic, but my drive towards my goals keeps me going. Through the years of my experience, leading my company and my people towards success is what makes my work incredibly fulfilling,” shared Zana Gawan-Taylor, CEO and Founder of Great Place To Work® certified company BSA Solutions. 

Meanwhile,  2XYou founder and 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in LinkedIn awardee Le-an Lai Lacaba said, “I started my business at a very young age. Right now, my focus is to grow 2xYou to its full potential and to start a series of businesses all over the world.” She also added that expanding her business would also provide more opportunities. Resonating with Lacaba’s insight, Aleph Talent Founder Connie Barrientos-Carey emphasized the value of her company to its customers that aside from helping them grow, they also provide more opportunities for the community by providing them with several services.

With growth-oriented innovation at its core, Payoneer is committed to strengthening the outsourcing industry in Cebu and in the country by helping shape a diverse and inclusive industry that will propel BPOs to thrive in multiple markets. “By providing reliable products and services and with one WOMENtreprenreurs Meetup at a time, we at Payoneer are determined to bring out the best in the Philippine outsourcing industry- both in business performance and workplace culture,” said Avila.