Knowing Your Leader:
Anton
By: Diana Rosete
Beneath the mantle of each organization lies more than policies and procedures but also the leaders who shape its culture and core values. Some of them manage but then we have Anton, who moves people through empathy, creativity, and vision. Much like a painting with hidden layers, Anton’s story unfolds the longer you take a look and appreciate.
The epitome of our institutional goal to place the right people in the right seats, Anton looks beyond credentials, taking time to understand each candidate’s aspirations and potentials, unlocking great talents, and creating space for meaningful growth and success.
Known for a leadership style that blends emotional intelligence with creative problem-solving, Anton brings a strength and artistic flair to the business as usual’s corner. Whether guiding teams, cultivating culture, or curating talent, his work reflects both purpose and understanding.
Anton surely is a quiet architect of our ever diverse yet inclusive organization but he isn’t just who you see in every company event and email memos—there’s more to his story behind the pages! Let’s uncover the fun, curious, and inspiring sides of him that don’t always show in the spotlight.
QUESTIONS
If you were a character in a sitcom, who would you be and why?
I think I would be Jack McFarlane from Will and Grace. He’s a free spirit who doesn’t take life too seriously.
What’s your go-to karaoke song when you’re stressed?
Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had before entering HR?
At some point in the past, I used to be a DJ for a local FM station in Baguio City
What INSBOSS Core value resonates to you the most?
Genuine Care because it should be at the core of everything we do.
What’s a cultural tradition from another country that you admire and wish to adapt?
The practice I admire is the Wai from Thailand. It’s their form of greeting that involves pressing palms together and bowing, indicating respect and politeness.
If you will describe your journey with InsBOSS using a song title, what would it be and why?
It would be God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts. I love it’s message that life’s hardships, detours, and heartbreaks can ultimately lead you to where you’re meant to be.
What’s your favorite local delicacy from your hometown that you would give to someone feeling burnt out at work?
The empanada from Laoag City. Vigan Empanada is more popular but I want people to try our Empanada in Laoag. It’s the perfect snack at the end of a long day.
Tell us your story on how you ended up pursuing a career in Human Resources
I worked in Corporate Communications for many years and while it was a fun gig, I never found satisfaction and fulfillment in it. I wanted a challenge, I wanted to do more, I wanted to do something that made me feel alive. Then one day, in one of the companies I used to work for, they opened a brand new role for an Organizational Development Specialist in the Human Resources Department. They needed someone with a strong background in communications. I applied and thankfully I got the job. The rest, as they say, is history.
What’s a piece of career advice you received that stuck with you and had a significant impact in your career journey?
“You’re only as good as your last project”. This advice has stuck with me for most of my career because it reminds me to not be complacent.
How would you describe InsBOSS’ culture when you were hired compared to now that you are already a Senior HR Manager?
I think it’s more defined now with our LTIW and LTIW+ program. The leaders and POCs also seem to have a deeper and well rounded understanding of our VMPCV.
How do you unwind after a stressful day at work?
I play video games to unwind and decompress. I’ve always had a preference for RPG games because it’s a good way to escape from reality for a few hours.
What’s a fun fact about you that surprises people?
I can read Tarot Cards.
If you had a time machine, would you go to the past or the future?
I’d probably want to go to the future. I do not see the point in visiting the past because I believe that everything I’ve experienced, good or bad, has led me to where I am and the experiences I have now will lead me to where I’m supposed to go. If I had a time machine, it would be nice to have a glimpse of the future.
What’s a guilty pleasure TV show or movie you enjoy?
I usually watch the Final Destination movies to fall asleep. Does that count?
How do you foster strong relationships within your team?
I don’t want to take credit for the relationship the HR team has with one another. I think it was a matter of choosing the right people who share the same values and understand the vision we are aiming for. I believe that was enough for them to gravitate towards one another.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’d like to think that my leadership style is a mix of Servant Leadership and Transformational Leadership.
What’s the best strategy that you can recommend to other leaders to motivate and engage with their team?
Knowing how to effectively communicate with your team members is a good way to keep them motivated and engaged.
How do you approach change management within the organization?
I always try to approach things with an open mind. I believe that we cannot push the boundaries and innovate if we do not open our minds to different possibilities.
What hobbies or activities help you unwind after work?
Playing video games and cooking.
How do you identify and nurture high-potential employees within the organization?
I try to look beyond the person’s CV because technical skills can be learned over time. I look at their aspirations and character because there has to be a good balance between both. I want to know what their motivations and aspirations are because it’s important to know what their driving force is. But it’s also important to know what’s in their heart. Do they have a good head on their shoulders? Do they have humility? Are they gracious enough to accept corrections and criticisms when needed? I’ve always believed that there are so many people with the potential to do great things but are not given the right opportunities because they are judged based on what’s written on their resume. I try to give everyone a fair shot.
What InsBOSS core values guide your decision-making as an HR leader?
I apply both Core Values because in order for us to deliver quality service, we need to treat their business like it’s our business and it should be done with genuine care.
What leadership lesson did you learn the hard way?
I learned to be very careful with who you trust.
Who was a role model for you growing up, and what did you learn from them?
My Mom. She taught me the value of independence and the importance of working hard for the things you want in life.
What guiding principle do you live by, and how has it shaped your journey?
The universe will always provide you with what you need when you need it the most. I believe that you will receive the things that are meant for you when you are ready to receive them. So I take every experience I have, I learn from both the good and the bad, because I am certain that there is a reason for all of it. It may not make sense at the moment, but at some point it will.
What is your childhood dream?
Like most kids from my generation, I wanted to be a Power Ranger. Specifically, the Red Ranger.
What does self-care look like for you amidst a busy schedule?
My version of self-care are what I call the 3 D’s. Disconnect, Decompress, and Disengage. It’s knowing that while there are many things that are important and/or urgent that needs to be done, it is also important to take a breather every now and then.
How do you maintain meaningful connections in your life?
I specifically choose people in my circle who understand the challenges, intricacies, and quirks of having a friend like me.
What have your relationships taught you about yourself?
Self love is very important. I’ve learned that relationships are meant to empower you, not limit who you are supposed to be. Your partner should be the person who celebrates you for who you are, not change you to fit whatever mold they have.
How do you balance your passions with your professional responsibilities?
I try my best to keep them separate. The hobbies I am passionate about are my escape from my daily work life.
How do you celebrate your individuality in a conformist world?
By knowing who I am and being comfortable with that. I do not let anyone define me or dictate what I can or cannot do with my life. But I also remind myself that I am responsible and accountable for myself and my actions.
What specific experience as an HR Manager that significantly changed your perspective in life?
I don’t think there’s one specific instance that changed my perspective in life. It’s more of the combined experiences I’ve had with different companies and different people that changed how I view things.
What’s your comfort food, and is there a story behind it?
Jollibee cheeseburger and spaghetti. I don’t think there’s a deep meaning to it. It’s just what I would eat when I need to lift my spirits up.
If your life were a movie, what would be the title and who would play you?
I’d probably call it Running Against Rain. I’m not sure who’ll play me in it lol.
How do you keep your sense of wonder and curiosity alive?
I remind myself to not take life too seriously all the time. There’s a big world out there to explore, to enjoy, and to experience.
What inspires you to envision a better future for InsBOSS?
The promise of Freedom. The promise of creating jobs for Filipinos all across the country. Our company has the potential to change the landscape of the BPO and Remote working space because our business model focuses on being people and culture centric.
How do you integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into HR practices?
By ensuring that our policies and processes do not discriminate against anyone based on race, gender or sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Everyone deserves a fair shot at all the opportunities this world has to offer.
What emerging trends do you foresee impacting HR in the next five years?
The integration of AI and automation to streamline the traditionally manual HR processes.
How do you handle good bye’s?
I’m never good with good bye’s. But I handle them as objectively and as rationally as I can.
If you could have dinner with any leaders ever existed in history, who would it be and why?
Miriam Defensor-Santiago. I have always respected her for feisty personality and intellect. I would love to have a conversation with her over dinner.
What do you enjoy the most doing in your free time?
Playing video games, reading books, and fixing stuff around the house.
If you could give advice to people who want to try working from home, what would it be?
Create a separate space for work. Back when we worked on-site, it was easier to leave our personal struggles at home. When you work from home, it’s harder to draw the line between your personal space and professional space. That’s why it’s important to compartmentalize and create a space that’s dedicated just for work.
Would you rather meet a 5-year-old you or 5 you’s?
I’d like to meet 5-year-old me. I just want to tell him that he doesn’t have to be afraid and that he doesn’t have to hide who he is and that the things that people said were wrong about him were that things that made him special.
What’s your most fulfilling experience as a leader at InsBOSS?
As a leader, the most fulfilling experience for me so far is to see the members of my team get promoted. My mission has always been to create success stories – to take people out of their comfort zones and challenge them to bring out their potential.
Source: Rosete, D. “Knowing Your Leader: Anton” InsBOSS, Insights Magazine Volume 5 (Pages 42-46).
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