An Interview With People Igniter JV Wong
This interview set us on fire! JV Wong is the woman behind People Ignite, an exciting and innovative training company that offers the best of both worlds – learning in an enjoyable and fun environment.
Tell us more about YOUR job? What does a Chief Executive Igniter do?
I see my work as my mission place.
I share with our people that we are modern evangelists whose purpose is to bring good news of joy, harmony, team spirit, and productivity in the workplace through corporate trainings, teambuilding, business planning and organizational development consulting. For the years I have worked as a consultant for both local and international organizations, I have this one realization: No matter how complex your issues are, the fundamental starting point in resolving them is through people, the most important asset of any company.
Genuine connection with one another is the key towards making any organizational objective work. We build bridges for people to be closer with one another. We believe we are organizational doctors who have been given the talent and responsibility to diagnose symptoms in companies, and prescribe the most appropriate interventions and medications which would make companies become healthier.
Take us back to when YOU were starting People Ignite. What are YOUR key learnings?
I started People Ignite with nothing much in my hand but big passion in my heart. After having worked for Microsoft Philippines for almost 4 years in total, I saw the light and resigned at the peak of my career. The calling to “teach” was too strong for me to resist. I was in a crossroad: Will I teach in the academe, or will I teach as a trainer in the corporate world? I tried both, and ended up loving being in the latter, doing the adult learning method. My capital? I remember pulling about 30K of my money to put up a vision I myself could only clearly see (oh, of course with my husband Wowie too, who gave me my first equipment: a Compaq laptop which made me cry. On it was a note that says: “May this gift help you get closer to your dream.”) My first office was at Wowie’s home in Vista Verde, Cainta. He had modern “office” set up for me so I will be inspired to work. There, I would create my training modules, bind them, sharpen my attendee’s pencils, print their badges and lose hours of sleep because I was a one-woman team. With a handful of clients who took a chance on People Ignite, I made sure I would take care of them and connect with them.
Through the years, one key learning I would always keep to heart is this: We are not here without these customers who have trusted us. They give the lifeblood to our company, and we should work with and serve them to the best of our abilities. Genuine Connection is our guiding light as we engage with our customers.
Is there really a little hero in each of us?
Always! It takes another person, a friend or even a very difficult problem to make us realize that there is a hidden HERO in each one of us. One of the reasons why I stay with People Ignite, through the thickest and the thinnest is because I know I can still be of help to those who have yet to see their heroic potential. I am here to help them realize their shining moments, their milestones and what they can do to make the world a better place to live in. Through People Ignite, I try to fulfill my personal mission, that is, to become a catalyst for others in discovering their truest potential.
How can we be 'heroic' in our daily lives?
We need to appreciate the SMALL: Small acts of kindness. SMALL note of gratitude to those who have helped you. SMALL time to text someone you are thinking of them and you are wishing them safety and health. Small quality time with those you love. SMALL service that stretches through eternity. SMALL steps towards greatness. SMALL, positive wall post in Facebook that could uplift someone from stress or problems. I have always believed that big waves begin from SMALL ripples. The word HERO can be overwhelming you know.. as if you need to save mankind to become one. Of course not. Every person has every opportunity to become a HERO, in our own little, SMALL way, everyday. Every big thing had to start from the small thing.
What do YOU hope to ignite in our country?
I wish to ignite the Global Pinoy Spirit in all of us. I wish to ignite the flame of pride as Filipinos, we could do so many things for the country and for the world by leveraging on our innate ability towards “bayanihan” (or helping one another). We should be proud of our flag badge because amidst the grim news of our country, there are so many Pinoys who selflessly help our fellow brothers and sisters stand up.
What can People Ignite offer communities?
I have always believed that our work in People Ignite is to catalyze excellence of people. Through the gift of speech and facilitation, we could use our talents to provide “emotional relief goods” to people affected by calamities (may this be physical calamity, emotional, or spiritual). As trainers and facilitators, we could help people identify how they can get through crossroads, help employees discover their skills, and guide companies achieve their goals towards performance. As long as there are organizations who see our value in helping them become better and happier employees, we are there with them in their SMALL baby steps.
Think of these four characteristics of entrepreneurs: hearts, smarts, guts, luck. Which one are you?
Both Heart and Smart. I believe in balance. Heart is great, but without being knowledge, experience, and skill – it would be tough to reach your destination and your dream. On one hand, if you are just SMART, without HEART, people would eventually see through your intention. Balance is key.
Who are YOUR personal heroes? Why?
My first hero is my GRANDMA, Nanay Goreng. Much of who I am today is because she selflessly, unconditionally love and has accepted me for who I am – with all of my idiosnycracy. She never dictated who I should be. She allowed me to bloom, gently guided me through the years, and embraced my talents and gifts. I guess, you need that kind of love for you to realize that you are valuable, and that you can significantly contribute to the world. Nanay Goreng, now 85 years old, is the greatest hero in my life.
Second would be my mother, Julie. Her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity opened the doorway for me to discover that I can run People Ignite, founded on passion and a dream. Mommy Julie has always believed in my talents. When I was around 7 years old, she would already teach me how to sell plastic accessories to my grade school classmates. She taught me math and the gift of communication… which I am using as I run the company.
What are YOU hungry for?
I would always crave for a good, plain and classic Vanilla Ice Cream. Hahaha! I have strong preference on the simple things in life, simple pleasures. I was telling Wowie my husband that he should be very happy I am his wife. I am very low maintenance. On another note, I am hungry to help people discover their talents and potential, and I try my best to do this through People Ignite.
How can the HungryPeople blog build a community? How is community different from a tribe?
I can help your community through providing motivational, and enlightening sessions on people development, engagement and customer connection. It would be my honor to be of help grow your community as I share your site, and your mission. I read through your site, and one thing I felt: This is being operated based on passion! (HungryPeople's Note: Thank YOU, JV!)
About JV Wong
JV started her career as a marketing and alliance specialist when she worked for iPHIL Communications, then a pioneer in providing corporate internet solutions. Her role exposed her to the rich dynamics of the IT (Information Technology) Industry. It was her springboard to appreciate the IT realm, which led her to join Microsoft Philippines as a Strategic Alliance Manager, ISV Manager (independent software vendor), and CTEC Manager (Certified Technical and Education Centres). Her work experiences in Microsoft gave her an extensive view of people learning development, business networks, and account relationship management. Through testimonials and achievements, she became a CPE (Customer Partner Experience) Hero Awardee for Q4, Fiscal Year 2003, one of the most renowned awards in Microsoft.
She specializes in culture reformation, cross-collaboration, strategy mapping, business value chain, salesmanship, and customer experience programs. She has served as resource speaker, trainer and facilitator in the following industries: Government, Academe, IT, Retail and Distribution, FMCG, and Services among other industries. Her core competence is customer engagement through customer connection. She is a strong advocate of helping people discover their potential and talents through workshops and seminars. She specializes in instilling positive culture change, bridging communication, career path formation, and individual excellence. Her role as the Managing Director transcends beyond the designation. It’s a way of life for her to be with people and to connect with them through interactive, life-changing sessions.
No comments:
Post a Comment