Lopez Learning Synergy Summit makes it personal

Lopez Learning Synergy Summit makes it personalAS businesses continue to rapidly evolve and innovate, and as today’s workforce becomes increasingly diversified, finding the best ways for each unique individual to contribute, be engaged and not be left behind should be given focus.

In this emerging scenario, it is becoming clear that there is no “one size fits all” approach—and that agile and personalized solutions are indeed needed.

The 2019 Lopez Learning Synergy Summit, which was held at Rockwell Business Center on November 22, 2019, recognized and tackled this issue of finding personalization in an always-changing setting.

With the theme “Heart and Relevance: Creating Impact Through Personalization,” the Lopez Group HR Council and the summit organizers aimed to increase awareness of the importance of personalization in a technologically-enabled world.

Importance of sustainability

Aligned also with the Lopez Group thrust of sustainability, the summit highlighted its importance as a means of humanizing the workplace. Likewise, the gathering showcased companies that have successfully integrated their sustainability programs to drive employee engagement.

The Lopez Group companies that were the sponsors and lead organizers of the 2019 summit were Energy Development Corporation (EDC), First Gen Corporation and First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH).

In her welcome remarks, Lopez HR Council chairperson Mercedes “Cedie” Lopez Vargas (MLV) recognized that the current business environment is fast becoming more technology-driven.

Push for technology

She cited in her message a number of examples of the strong push for technology in the Lopez Group, such as the introduction and eventual use of the Workday Human Capital Management platform by companies under FPH, and the growing use of e-learning courses in an ever-increasing number of Kapamilya companies.

MLV however warned that growing dependence on technology may also lead to reduced opportunities for actual human interaction in companies. “This is why our focus for this summit is to have increased awareness about the importance of personalization, so we will have a chance to learn how this concern is being addressed through programs such as employee engagement,” she said.

Seasoned industry experts

The summit proper boasted a lineup of seasoned industry experts to share their expertise and knowledge on personalization and other emerging trends to the Lopez Group employees and guests.

IBM Philippines president and general manager Aileen Judan-Jiao spoke about personalization in the Philippine and global context, while sharing some impressive technologyenabled best practices in her company. Cooee Inc. cofounder Pia Buckham next gave an enriching talk about conversations on being human.

The relevance of the topic of personalization was further discussed during a panel session with Cornerstone Performance Inc. board chairman Denis Nixon, Dexcom HR director Michelle Garcia and Sitel Philippines chief HR officer Haidee Enriquez.

Colorful picture

More sharings awaited the participants in the afternoon as Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines Inc. vice president Johnson Ongking painted a colorful picture of how his company drove employee engagement by way of personalized sustainability programs. Coca-Cola Philippines vice president and chief people officer Drew Fernandez, meanwhile, shared how Coke takes care of its people’s welfare and well-being.

ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. cluster manager Mik Dizon showcased the inspiring story of Lola Sayong Surf Camp, an achievement which was recognized with a Lopez Achievement Award for Public Responsibility in 2019.

Rounding out the day’s speakers, Bantay Bata 163 program director Jing Castañeda talked about the challenges, successes and continuing efforts of the Bantay Bata program.

Practicing mindfulness, empathy

Giving the last word during the summit with her closing remarks was EDC HR head Beth Nasol. Nasol imparted some practical advice to the attendees on keeping one’s “personal touch” in the workplace. These include practicing mindfulness by being attentive to what is happening in the present, practicing empathy to get the best results from workplace interactions and taking responsibility in recognizing areas for improvement in personalization and fostering open communication towards building and strengthening relationships.

The personalized aspect of the summit was also felt during the celebrity performances and post-event cocktails. “The Voice Kids” Season 2 grand champion Elha Nympha wowed everyone with her singing voice at the opening of the summit. Meanwhile, during the fellowship night which was hosted by DJ Jai Ho and FPH’s Ayie Volpane, the employees in attendance cheered for their colleagues who joined the Lopez Group KapareWho contest, competed against each other in a pub quiz and watched the thrilling performance of BoybandPH.

(Story/Photos by: Dimpy Jazmines)

Lopez HR Council chairperson Cedie Lopez Vargas