Globe Business’ KD Dizon on how the uniquely Filipino concept of ‘malasakit’ can create the workplace that shapes women leaders.
By KD Dizon, Head, Globe Business
“Being a woman leader isn’t easy, KD.”
That’s what I kept hearing as I was moving up in my career, and as a result, I had this thought at the back of my mind for years. I wanted to unpack this mindset for the longest time, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to do so—and appropriately, right as the world celebrates International Women’s Month.
Initially, the idea of leadership seemed straightforward: making decisions, managing teams, and crafting strategies to propel growth. And the media consistently portrayed it as a male-dominated domain. But that idealized version didn’t reflect the nuanced reality of being a woman leader. I realized early on that there was an opportunity for me to forge a different path, one that acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities women face. I was not just an observer; I recognized that I was in the best position to actively reshape what leadership means and create a space where women can truly thrive.
Let me tell you my story.
The Value of ‘Malasakit’
I first started at Globe 24 years ago, during a time of significant growth and change in the Philippine telecommunications industry. It was a period where the focus was very much on mastering the latest technologies and delivering innovative solutions, which Globe did remarkably well. I learned a great deal from my talented colleagues, but I also began to realize that something more was needed.
While I appreciated the drive and dedication, I felt a pull towards cultivating a deeper connection and a sense of shared purpose that went beyond just hitting numbers.
I recognized a need to bridge the gap between professional excellence and genuine care and understanding. Instead of searching for someone to show me the way, I began to see the opportunity to weave the values I held dear, especially 'malasakit,' into the fabric of my work. I understood that navigating the complexities of corporate culture required a more compassionate approach, and that I could be the one to foster that shift.
‘Malasakit’ is a Filipino value that’s difficult to translate and condense into a single word. Some directly translate it into compassion, but it’s more than that; it’s a holistic approach to caring for another’s wellbeing, from their physical health to their mental state, from what they plan to do that day to what they hope to achieve in the future. ‘Malasakit’ is about sharing their successes and failures and propping them up to stand confident as they face challenges in their corporate and personal lives.
While I built my skills and expertise as I went through the different stages of my career, I also made sure to build a strong foundation of empathy. I didn’t want to lose the value of ‘malasakit’ whenever I encountered hurdles in the workplace. Early in my career, I was shown that it’s possible to be both competent and compassionate—and that’s exactly what I want to continue doing.
Not Just a Boss
Being a woman in the telecom and tech industries means working doubly hard to prove my mettle. Keeping up with the highly competitive telco market in the Philippines requires not only innovation, but also an unrelenting drive to deploy solutions and exceed customer expectations. And when I was appointed to a leadership position, I had to redefine my concept of what a leader is—and more importantly, what kind of woman leader I wanted to be.
Over the years, I've learned that true leadership isn't just about being “the boss”; fundamentally, it’s about empowering my team to reach their full potential by guiding them through challenges and ensuring their work aligns with their values and personal lives. A woman leader’s mission is not only to bring excellent people together and optimize their performance but, more importantly, to influence positive change within the team, the workplace, and the communities she moves into. As a woman leader, I wanted to rely on what was formerly thought of as mere soft skills—resilience, empathy, and adaptability—which have the power to transform people and industries.
Women as Catalysts for Transformation
As women, we have unique perspectives and skill sets we can bring to the table. I’ve observed that we’re more open to collaboration and more invested in our colleagues' holistic growth, however, we need to find the courage within us to challenge the status quo, which can open the door to discoveries and opportunities. The “soft skills” often associated with us—'malasakit,’ resilience, and adaptability—are our core strengths, which we leverage to keep up with the rapid pace of the tech industry.
In business, women leaders can help shape a stronger, more diverse workforce that can create insight-driven, consumer-centric, and built-for-purpose solutions for our customers. In my corner at Globe, I want to create a space where people feel empowered to contribute their best ideas. It’s always a pleasant surprise to hear a multitude of voices contributing to a common goal: to find the best fit for the evolving needs of Filipinos.
Our responsibility as women leaders doesn’t stop at our personal success; we must strive for courageous transformation where everyone, not just women, can feel empowered and valued.
We must nurture this culture of courage and inclusiveness from within and in everything we do. As leaders, we’re best positioned to uplift other women to become leaders themselves. More women leaders mean employing more empathy and collaboration to shape our businesses, industries, communities, and countries for the better.
Lastly, I know many of us are more determined to prove ourselves in the workplace. When others work hard, women work harder. So, to my fellow women, my advice is this: give yourselves permission to pause, to recharge, and to be kind to yourselves. Only by allowing ourselves grace can we replenish our proverbial cup to give more of ourselves to others.
Being a woman in leadership isn’t easy. But with the right support, seeking and giving mentorship, harnessing the power of collaboration, and ‘malasakit,’ the journey becomes transformative.
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