By John Mark V. Tuazon

To whom much is given, much is also expected. So goes an old adage that resonates throughout industries and generations, sifting drivers from simple players, leaders from mere followers.

This is the philosophy that drives Marianito Alveniz, current IT head of the Information Systems department of First Life Financial Company, in going through his career that spans 15 years with the same company.

Starting out as a junior programmer for the company in 1994, Alveniz says his passion was immediately awakened by the different technological innovations he had to deal with. “This post served as a gateway for all the amazing discoveries, knowledge and fulfilling career that I am now enjoying as a key practitioner in my field,” he adds.

After seeing his dedication at work, Alveniz’s employer eventually promoted him to become a computer programmer post in just two years. Since then, he worked his way up the corporate ladder, assuming posts such as IT services specialist (2001), network systems administrator (2003), IT operations administrator (2005), supervisor (2007), and assistant manager – IT head, his current position.

“[As IT head], I learned the value and challenges of being a leader knowing that management has put their trust not only in my expertise, but in my opinions as well,” he relates. Alveniz surely delivered on this thrust, if his 2003 Employee of the Year award is to be considered.

Because his superiors have rested their valuable trust upon Alveniz’s capable shoulders, he made it a point to pay this gratifying gesture forward by showing the same trust to his employees, especially when teaching them essential skills for the profession. “Management trust and support especially through the leadership of our CEO and president has greatly contributed to my success,” he notes.

In motivating his IT staff, Alveniz says he makes it a point to not just let them think out of the box, but be out of the box as well. “My staff, other than sbeing trained to be experts in the technological field, is also being coached and guided to develop their interpersonal skills,” he says.

But the 39-year old IT practitioner says soft skills need to be grounded on a few factors in order to be effective. “Interpersonal skills will only work if the relationship of the IT leader and staff is anchored in a strong foundation of trust, effective communication and mutual agreement,” he explains.

This environment of trust that is given and received is where Alveniz draws the motivation to work, aside from the satisfaction he gets from applying his knowledge to workable pursuits, and the generous compensation for his hard work.

And because much trust has been given to him, he is neither afraid nor hesitant to give it out as well, as evidenced by the loyalty he has showed to his first—and hopefully last—company. “Being exposed in the life insurance industry for most of my career, I also see myself as a proponent of this business,” he shares. “I believe that both industries—IT and Life insurance—have an identical mission, and that is to create a better life for its customers.”

Throughout his career, Alveniz picked up some valuable nuggets of wisdom which he says helped him wade through turbulent times. “Don’t give up easily, always work hard, and know that there will always be a better way,” he quips, adding that he has personally committed himself to learn continuously and improve on every aspect of his profession.

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