Loading ...By Tom S. Noda
Published in the March 2009 print edition of Computerworld Philippines
April 13, 2009
Anyone can be a follower but not everyone can be a leader. And Victoria “Vicky” Agorrilla believes if you want to become a leader, you have to start acting like one and prove yourself.
“If you want to scale the corporate ladder, you have to prove your worth by being a good role model,” says Agorrilla, who currently serves as country general manager (CGM) of Lenovo Philippines.
Yet Agorrilla cautions in conditioning oneself in taking the leadership role. “You may start thinking and acting like a leader from the early stages of your career but should be careful not to give the wrong impression of being arrogant.”
An IT veteran for two decades, Agorrilla has been Lenovo’s CGM for almost four years now. She was even elected recently as president of the Information & Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) for 2009. She is also a member of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) since 2007.
Agorrilla notes “focus, good communications skills, and relationship building” are some of the elements for a successful professional career.
She says focus applies very much for sales people. She advises them not to spend too much time celebrating a successful deal since tomorrow is a new battle. “You can definitely have your 15 minutes of fame but every minute counts and someone is always waiting to outdo you.”
Agorrilla explains it is important to have good relationships with stakeholders, which includes business partners, customers and internal employees. “It is essential that we act in a professional manner. There should be a mutual understanding and respect for one another and in all circumstances.”
Having spent many years working with leading multinational IT companies, Agorrilla has equipped herself with a vast knowledge of the Philippine PC industry.
The executive shares “good education, experience and relationships” are the factors that contributed to her success.
“I’ve been through good times and bad times. And as the saying goes: ‘tough times never last but tough people do.’ And I am still here,” she quips.
Agorrilla adds good relationships are keys in any business and this applies especially if one’s job requires a fair amount of selling.
“Sometimes it is who you know that would help you seal that important deal,” she says. “If you’re an IT person looking to make a purchase, instead of approaching someone you’re not familiar with, it is only natural that you would go to someone you have dealt with before—be it your existing supplier, through referrals or even word of mouth.”
A graduate of prestigious schools in the country, Agorrilla toiled her way in finishing her studies at the St. Paul College of Manila and De La Salle University, along with some financial help from friends. She holds a degree on Industrial Communication and Public Relations as well as Bachelor of Arts in Economics, respectively.
Yet she says most of what she learned and applied in her career came from on-the-job trainings she received. “They provided very valuable lessons that I treasure.”
Prior to joining Lenovo, Agorrilla was with IBM PC Division as channel manager for distribution. She also served as PC business manager of Digital Equipment. She also worked with Compaq Corporation in various senior positions as dealer sales manager in ASEAN, Philippine country manager for Consumer Business, and Philippine country manager for Access Business Group. Agorilla also did a stint with HP Philippines as country channels manager.
“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work in a number of fantastic IT companies, allowing me to accumulate solid experience in the IT sector,” Agorrilla says.
Prior to her experience in the IT industry, Agorrilla spent five years working in a non-IT environment in the field of insurance and advertising sectors. She says the experience gave her the foundation for working in a corporate environment as she held roles ranging from personnel and HR (human resources), to treasury and marketing, and also insurance sales.
Tidbits:
Hobbies and interests:
“Music. I want to be a theatre actress or sing in the opera. In fact, I have considered volunteering to put up performances for a good cause such as providing entertainment for the less fortunate especially the aged people.”
Role Model:
“I admire philanthropists and the commitment and passion they put in their work. I hope to be able to do my part and help the poor and in the process get an opportunity to enrich my life as well.”
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