Breaking the Mould

What if your workplace could be a safe space for everyone, even those silently struggling with mental health? In this episode of Breaking The Mould , Marie Ampeloquio sits down with psychologist Trish De Guzman and HR leader Sly Arinto to uncover how companies can genuinely support mental wellness. From identifying early signs to implementing inclusive programs, they explore actionable strategies...

Why is mental wellness still a taboo topic in workplaces? In this episode of Breaking The Mould, Marie Ampeloquio and co-host Randy Lobiano sit down with Sly Arinto to tackle misconceptions surrounding mental health. Sly bravely shares her personal journey from denial to acceptance of depression and anxiety, revealing how stigma can affect even the strongest leaders. Randy emphasizes why mental we...

Ever wondered what it truly means to be a woman of substance? In this episode of Breaking the Mould , Marie Ampeloquio sits down with Lea Villanueva is VP for HR and ESG of Straive, and Ricelle Matti, CIO of Inspiro, to uncover their journeys as leaders, mothers, and trailblazers. From navigating corporate hierarchies to leading with authenticity and heart, they share personal insights, strategies...

What makes a foreign CEO build a legacy in the Philippines, and call it home for over two decades? In this episode, Richard Mills, Chairman of Asia CEO, shares the story behind his move to the Philippines, what inspired him to stay, and why he believes the Filipino workforce is the future of global business. From award-winning events to nation-building vision, we dive into passion projects, people...

What happens when a leader chooses doing the right thing over profit? In this episode, Tonichi Achurra-Parekh shares her powerful journey from answering phones to calling the shots. She unpacks what it really means to lead people, build an inclusive workplace, and stay grounded in purpose, even when pressure mounts. This is not your typical corporate success story. It’s a wake-up call for leaders...

If your company tracks profit, process, and people, but not health… you’re missing the point. In this episode, Joana Pinon-Bertumen of 360 Fit Teams joins Marie to challenge how we define success in the workplace. They talk about burnout, movement, company culture, and why health and wellness deserve their own spot in your KPI scorecard. From step trackers to office gym design, Joana shares how co...

What if your daily stress is more than just stress? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cindy De Lara , MD, MHA, FPCP, FPCC, FACC, a Cardiovascular doctor and wellness advocate, joins Marie Ampeloquio to talk burnout, baseline health, and the invisible signs we all ignore. From subtle symptoms like fatigue and back pain to the life-threatening risks of stroke and heart disease, this is the episode th...

How do you know if your team is burning out—and what can you do about it? In this episode, Marie Ampeloquio sits down (again!) with Oca Sañez to explore how health impacts leadership, performance, and organizational sustainability. Coach Oca explains that burnout doesn’t always show up loudly—sometimes it’s in absenteeism, low engagement, or background complaints leaders ignore. The earlier we rec...

What does it take to future-proof an industry employing 1.8 million Filipinos? In the continuation of this powerful conversation with IBPAP COO Celeste Ilagan, we explore the future of the Philippine BPO industry. From AI disruption and resistance to retraining, to policy gaps and local government barriers—this episode tackles what’s holding us back and what needs to change. Celeste also shares ho...

What does it take to turn a few hundred call center jobs into a powerhouse industry employing over 1.8 million Filipinos? Season 2 opens with industry icon Celeste Ilagan, COO of IBPAP, as she joins host Marie Ampeloquio to explore the game-changing growth of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines. From a few hundred jobs in 2000 to 1.82 million today, Celeste walks us through the movement that sh...