2 days ago
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National Women’s Month is coming to a close, yet it’s never too late to shine a spotlight on the women who are making remarkable strides in their respective fields. At the helm of Sun Life Philippines are two women whose vision and leadership are not only transforming the organization, but also making an impact on the lives of many Filipinos. Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Chief Human Resources Officer of Sun Life Philippines, and Kristine Millete, Executive Director of Sun Life Foundation, exemplify the power of purpose-driven leadership, each navigating their unique paths with a commitment to making a difference.
Michelle Cordero-Garcia: Cultivating Culture, Driving Impact from Within
For Michelle Cordero-Garcia, her career is a journey fueled by a passion for people and culture, recognizing that a strong internal foundation is crucial for external impact. “What drew me to Sun Life was its alignment with my personal mission: to create meaningful impact through HR,” she shares. “Throughout my career, I've been drawn to organizations with meaningful purposes, allowing me to infuse my HR work with greater significance.”
Michelle approaches her leadership without focusing on gender differences, choosing instead to focus on self-mastery and aligning herself with organizations that value diversity. “By choosing companies that align with my values and truly embrace diversity, my gender has never been an issue,” she states. “This self-awareness and deliberate choice of workplace have been key to overcoming potential challenges.”
As a leader, Michelle fosters inclusivity by encouraging her team to bring their whole selves to work, creating a judgment-free environment where everyone can thrive. Her goal for Sun Life Philippines is to navigate change while preserving its core values, ensuring every employee contributes meaningfully to the company’s mission. “There must be a good balance between delivering business results and taking good care of our people,” she emphasizes.
Michelle’s advice to aspiring women leaders is to focus on self-development and strive for excellence, not out of competition, but to realize their full potential. “True leadership starts from within, and true success is not about how high you can climb up that corporate ladder, but how much of a difference you can make – whether at work, in your community, or at home,” she concludes.
Kristine Millete: Transforming One’s Values into Community Empowerment
Kristine Millete’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose, taking the strong internal culture of Sun Life and translating it into tangible empowerment for communities across the country. After a successful stint in the corporate world, a volunteer experience opened her eyes to a more meaningful path. Kristine recalls, “Watching the kids’ faces light up gave me a sense of fulfillment I hadn’t felt in a long time.” This pivotal moment led her to the non-profit sector, where she collaborated with the Sun Life Foundation, and she was eventually invited to join the team.
In her role, Kristine acknowledges the challenges of imposter syndrome, a common experience for many women in leadership. This is something she has experienced in the boardroom when she’s surrounded by seasoned leaders and in the field with community leaders who have overcome incredible adversity. However, she overcomes these hurdles by seeking mentorship from other women and embracing the mantra, “You can never really be ready. Just do it and give it your best.”
Looking ahead, Kristine aims to scale the Sun Life Foundation’s projects. Over the years, they have identified initiatives that align with Sun Life’s mission and contribute to its the country’s sustainable development goals. “I want to see Sun Life Foundation continue to lead the charge in financial education and inclusion for vulnerable communities,” she shares. “I also want to ensure that we’re supporting holistic health programs that address the full spectrum of well-being.”
Kristine’s advice to young women aspiring for leadership roles is profound: “It begins from within. Know yourself, believe in yourself, and trust in the value you can contribute,” she says. When it comes to the foundation of good leadership, she has learned that self-mastery and self-management are what young women should focus on before managing others.
Michelle Cordero-Garcia and Kristine Millete show the power of women leading with vision and purpose, starting with a strong foundation of employee empowerment and extending outwards to create meaningful change in the communities Sun Life serves. Their dedication to empowering others and creating positive change resonates throughout Sun Life Philippines, as they aim to create a brighter future for all.
