Pioneering Next-Generation HR Practices
As the economy expands and the business landscape flourishes, the role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) becomes increasingly vital in spearheading an efficient and engaged team. Calvin, with his extensive background in psychology research and HR consultancy, is exceptionally equipped for the role of CPO at Aboitiz Data Innovation. His strategic acumen is sharpened by a diverse career across public service and consultancy, empowering him with the critical insights and skills needed to tackle complex HR challenges effectively.
In an insightful dialogue with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Calvin unfolds the compelling nuances of his professional milestones, growth strategies and future roadmap for Aboitiz Data Innovation. Here's an excerpt from the intriguing conversation.
Can you provide insights into the essence of Aboitiz Data Innovation as an organization and its standing within the market at present?
We are a dynamic startup with over two years of expertise in data science and AI, dedicated to delivering transformative AI-powered products and capabilities across various industries. Our approach combines a strong commitment to research and a human-centric focus, aiming to revolutionize how businesses operate.
Rooted in the heritage of the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group and headquartered in Singapore, we are ideally positioned to cater to clients in industries such as banking and financial services, power, and smart cities—including real estate, airports, construction, land, and food sectors. As AI continues to become a critical element across all sectors, we are at the leading edge, equipping companies with cutting-edge solutions.
Could you elaborate on the significance of aligning HR operations with an organization's strategy?
Aligning HR operations with our organizational strategy is vital, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of data science and AI, where top talent is rare and competition is intense. Our progressive approaches in people management, have been crucial for overcoming these challenges. Our adoption of remote work gave us access to a global talent pool have enabled us to secure critical roles with leading talent worldwide. From hiring to employee retention, we focus on attracting and keeping the brightest minds in the industry. Our commitment to talent density and meritocracy guides our development of policies and strategies that ensure sustained productivity and effectiveness among our diverse team.
By aligning HR operations with our organizational strategy, we are able to quickly respond to evolving requirements, scale our operations effectively, and sustain our leadership in the data science and AI sectors.
What recent industry trends and methodologies has your company embraced to enhance employee training and development, aiming to optimize their potential?
We have embraced microlearning as a core component of our training strategy. This approach involves delivering content in small, focused chunks that are easier for employees to absorb and apply immediately. With the shift towards remote work, we have significantly invested in robust digital learning platforms that allow employees to access training resources anytime and anywhere. These platforms support a range of multimedia content, including live sessions, videos, podcasts, and interactive modules.
Recognizing the value of collaborative learning, we encourage knowledge sharing through social learning tools by sharing insights, asking questions, and collaborating on projects. We have also shifted from traditional annual reviews to a continuous feedback model that helps align learning more closely with day-to-day performance.
Describe your leadership philosophy and strategies. What are the methodologies that guide your actions?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment, transparency, and continuous growth, guided by several key principles and strategies that shape my approach. These include empowerment and delegation to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. I strive for open lines of communication, ensuring that team members are well-informed about organizational goals and their roles in achieving them and adopt a servant leadership approach. Recognizing that change is the only constant, I emphasize the importance of being adaptable and flexible. I am committed to continuous learning and prioritize building strong, trust-based relationships within the team to align the team with a clear, strategic vision of organizational objectives.
What is the envisioned future direction for your organization?
As the newly appointed Chief People Officer, I am poised to build on our foundation where HR drives our organization's growth and effectiveness. My vision is to further elevate this role by harnessing innovative HR strategies and practices that not only support but actively propel our business objectives. I aim to deeply integrate HR with our core business strategies to ensure people management strategically meets current and future needs.
HR is a central to the success of an organization and we need to constantly evolve our practices to meet the diverse needs of today's workforce.
Leveraging data analytics by analyzing workforce data, we can gain deeper insights into employee productivity, engagement, and talent gaps to make informed decisions. We also aim to prioritize a holistic employee experience that fosters productivity, efficiency, well-being, and satisfaction. I am committed to enhancing our diversity and inclusion efforts to enrich our organizational culture and drive innovation. Lastly, we plan to implement upskilling and reskilling programs, and leveraging AI and automation to complement our human workforce, improving efficiency and innovation.
