CAREER GROWTH and getting promoted to Unit Manager has always been one of the primary career goals for me. I was already able to prove to myself that I am capable of becoming a National Achiever and a Million Dollar Round Table qualifying member, and agency leadership is the most logical step.

Being a Unit Manager is not just a career goal though.

By leading a team of my own allows me to create more passionate and purpose-driven financial advisers who are eager to financially secure more Filipinos and educate more Filipinos in terms of financial literacy.

Let me tell you a little back story below and allow me to say my words of gratitude.

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF LIFE!

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF GRIT!

For those who knew me from my childhood, leadership is a part of me. I was always asked to lead groups in school, I was appointed as Corps Commander in CAT, I grew into leadership in DLSU-NROTCU as the adjutant, I led a 300-strong gaming community, and I led small teams when I was in IT.

Moving up into a management role in IT was elusive to me. It was one of my frustrations during my 18-year stint in the industry even if I had been tasked to give talks and be an expert in my field.

And I made it my personal mission to grow in leadership here in the insurance industry.

This is my first step.

If you're reading up to this point, I invite you to keep going.

CAREER GROWTH AND SUCCESS

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF SUCCESS.

This is the first seal as evidence of my commitment to grow stronger in this industry and help more people become successful and purpose-driven leaders in their own right.

Backed by almost 35 purpose-driven people and growing to almost 50 by end of year, we want to make a mark and be effective in the mission to secure more Filipinos' futures.

I sign this agreement not only as a piece of paper.

This is my commitment to God, to my family, to my leader, to my team, and myself that I will work for a better tomorrow for everyone around me.

View Image: Picture of the entire team as of June 2023, which is made up of over 35 financial advisors who are purpose-driven and passionate about their mission in helping more Filipinos with their finances.

MENTORSHIP FOR CAREER GROWTH

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF MENTORSHIP.

Since the time I started in PruLifeUK, my goal has always been to grow my career and be part of the leadership team.

And I wouldn't be here if not for my mentors and the people who supported my drive to leadership.

I wouldn't be here if not for those who believed in me.

To my UM partners Arnold, Enrica, Verna, Deth, and Fritz, thank you for always having my back. You never failed to push me forward even to the point I was already stumbling forward. But you never allowed me to trip and fall. In the short time we've known each other, you guys were always there.

To my industry mentors, Maximo Joaquin, Chito Montemayor, Patrick So, thank you for all those times when you gave me a piece of your wisdom and your stories. I value each and every moment.

To my UM mentors Cristina Velasco, Florence Herrera, and BM Raul Coronado, you always believed and supported me, and you never failed to reach out and ask how you can help.

My career growth story wouldn't be this way if not for my forever mentors Sherwin Pelayo, Rene Canlas, Len Canlas, Dave Aguila, Theresa Aguila, Chona Ahorro, and Veck Montaray. We were all together in those 15 years, some of you more than the others, but you were always there to pick me up when I fell. You were there to guide, and you were there to also coach me. You never told me what to do, but you always whispered the right words to lead me. I kinda miss our every day moments at work.

To you who's reading this, thank you and I invite you to keep reading. 

GETTING SUPPORT FOR CAREER GROWTH

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF LOVE AND SUPPORT.

My journey here would have never been fruitful, enjoyable and exciting if not for my primary mentor in the industry. Thank you to my leader, my mentor, my coach, my business partner, mother DM Teri Rombaoa.

Your style of leadership is the kind that makes people want to follow you. Inspiration and motivational leadership is what I've always wanted to have.

I'm the type of person who knows my goal, I have strategies in my head already, I have plans and programs, and you readily figured out that all I needed was someone to listen, to help me choose, and to help me discern. I always thank God for leading me to you.

Thank you Lord for my family, Myla and Calli. You have been my core, my source of love, and my reason to keep going. Thank you always for being there every time I'm tired and need some love and care.
Thank you also to my one and only super supportive brother, Jeps, especially for all the support and help with my video content. Thank yooou!

Of course, my mom Ellen and dad Nonoy as my primary life mentors. Thank you ever so much! Thank you so much for always supporting me and believing in me. Kahit na merong times na busy ako, you always took care of everything else. Your unconditional love will always be that version of love language that I aspire to be consistent with.

Last, but definitely not the least.

View Image: Coach Mike signing with his mentor and direct leader, DM Teri Rombaoa.

THANK YOU LORD FOR THE GIFT OF BUSINESS.

Thank you so much to my core team, my partners! Thank you Jemila Sibal, Japhet Segubre, Arlene Jimenez, Abby Figueroa, Anjel Jeresano-Cruz, and Beth Alumbro for sticking with the plan through and through and helping me grow the business. Thank you also to new partners Nelson Velez, Khar Yboa, Riza Badua, Gichelle Adarayan and to my angel staff Crizzle Bea. We wouldn't have gotten here without you.

Thank you to all the purpose driven and passionate members of the team! You guys know who you are and I will always do my best to help you grow into your dreams and aspirations. Hindi ko lang kayo ma-tag lahat here. We'll celebrate soon!

And to my clients. My always supportive and trusting clients. When I knock on your generous hearts, you were there to refer me to your family and friends. Many of my business here are because of your trust and belief that I will be your long term partner.

And I AM.

This is Coach Mike.

Officially, the Unit Manager of the purpose-driven financial coaches of Lazurite Capstone.

We are at your service.

Cheers and God bless!

Conclusion

Going up the corporate ladder was a dream, but going up that ladder was usually for the purpose of having better compensation. Leading people was second to my purpose back when I was still in IT.

Being a leader and career growth in this line of business is different.

By leading more people and helping them succeed in this industry, I get to help more Filipinos with their finances, especially retirement and legacy planning. It becomes more meaningful, and I welcome the responsibilities of this role wholeheartedly.

That's why: If you're looking for a business or a part-time career with a purposeful mentor and coach who will aid you in your career growth, then you will find it worthwhile to do it with us in our team.

I make it my life's mission to help people succeed in this business, because, by doing so, I get to help the Philippine society and future generations of Filipinos.

Get in touch with me below or contact me here.

You can also check out our career openings.