Off The Record with Ann Kristine

AJ may have only spent a few months in the call center, but that doesn't mean it didn't give him the lessons that he needed. AJ shares his remarkable journey from starting a career in the BPO industry at just 18 to becoming the CEO of a virtual assistant agency. He discusses his early experiences in the call center, the challenges he faced, and the skills he gained that helped him transiti...

Switching call center jobs aren't necessarily job hopping. you'll learn from Precious. Precious shares her experiences working on a seasonal Mother's Day account, her journey through different roles like inbound sales and technical support, and the challenges she encountered. Precious talks about the pros and cons of working in the BPO sector, even with challenges like account dissolut...

LA worked in one of the biggest BPO companies, yet she felt small. Bakit kaya? LA shares her BPO career journey, starting as a call center agent and evolving into the co-founder of The VA Hub. She discusses her motivations, challenges, and the valuable lessons learned from her BPO experience, including dealing with stressful commutes (and falling hair!), strict work disciplines, and building resil...

Bakit nag-call center si Nica kung ang goal niya sa life ay mag-barko para mag-travel? Discover how Nica started her career in 2010, balanced work and studies, and navigated various roles and challenges over the span of 7-8 years. Learn why she eventually transitioned to freelancing, how she managed work-life balance, and her thoughts on the future impact of AI on the call center industry. Plus, g...

Effie shares his serendipitous start in the BPO industry back in March 2006, spurred by an online ad while gaming at a computer shop. With no solid career plans post-graduation, Effie's spontaneous application led to a long and eventful career in various call centers before transitioning to a virtual assistant role. He discusses the highs and lows of his journey, from quick promotions and robu...

As a young mother, paano nag-thrive si Mia sa call center? Mia discusses her career progression, from an agent in 2005 to a team lead. She discusses the industry's toxic culture, illicit relationships, mentorship, and AI's impact on call center jobs. Mia also discusses the balancing act of work, education, and family life, highlighting the importance of support systems. Inspiring ang episo...

In this episode, we meet Ilonah, who started her call center career in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit. She shares about her training and onboarding experience, at noong maiwan siya ng shuttle papunta sa work noong lockdown! Ilonah shares her resilience during COVID-19, from training processes to managing customer cancellations. Tune in for her stories of balancing work and personal li...

Friends from work ang episode na ito! Joyce and Kat discuss their experiences, workplace challenges, and the lifelong friendship they've formed. They discuss AI's impact on BPO, pandemic career changes, and advice for those entering call centers. 00:26 Starting Careers in the BPO Industry 02:14 Career Progression and Company Experiences 07:35 Building Friendships at Work 12:56 Pros and Con...

Ang saya ng buhay ni Mika sa Japan, pero bakit siya umuwi para mag-trabaho sa call center? Mika shares her journey of starting her career in the call center industry in 2011. She discusses her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in the BPO industry, including the development of her communication skills and the strict work routines. Mika also opens up about her transition from the call cen...

Ehdina began her call center career in 2012 to support her family and transitioned to a digital marketing agency owner during the pandemic, showcasing her resilience. Ehdina discusses her call center experiences, including rotating schedules, high pressure, and office politics. She also highlights the benefits of robust training, stable income, and the vibrant call center culture. Discover how her...

Yes, you read the title right. Sa pangalawang try niyang mag-call center, Gracey discusses the work environment, challenges, and the impact on her health, including developing PCOS due to stress and inadequate sleep. Gracey shares her personal experiences navigating a decade-long career in the call center industry - the pros and cons of call center work, the skills she gained, and how she managed...

Off The Record Podcast with Ann Kristine host shares the unique journey that led to the creation of this podcast. Malalaman mo na ang dahilan sa likod ng mga untold stories of former call center agents and how their experiences reveal important social and economic issues in the Philippines. Paalala lang ha: Wala talagang naging karanasan si Ann sa call center. Ever. Pero ang curiosity niya - plus...

Mary shares her call center journey from starting her call center career in 2006 to becoming a successful virtual professional. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including career setbacks, personal struggles, and the transition from BPO life to working from home. Ikinuwento din niya ang isang ex na hindi pala single, ang pagbibenta niya ng baked mac that "tastes better than your ex...

Khate shares her experiences and challenges throughout her career in the BPO industry. Starting as a call center agent in April 2009 (take note: pinuwersa siya ng kapatid niya), Kate details her journey through different companies, the pressures she faced, and her eventual transition to freelancing in 2018 (pinuwersa din siya ng kapatid niya!). She highlights the importance of discipline, the impa...

Jon-Yel shares his comprehensive journey through the BPO industry, starting from his beginnings in a project-based role at 1-800-Flowers.com (gustung-gusto niyang sinasabi ito!). He discusses the challenges of balancing education and work, the stability and opportunities provided by the BPO sector, as well as the pitfalls such as becoming stagnant and developing bad habits. Jon-Yel also touches on...

Lauren recounts her journey from a pioneer member of an Alabang contact center to roles in quality assurance and vendor management over nearly a decade. Lauren discusses her reasons for choosing a career in BPO and the competitive salary and benefits. Take note: nakapag-uwi siya ng dining set! She also delves into the challenges of night shifts, long commutes, and peer pressure, perhaps? 00:00 Int...

Teacher si Nin, pero bakit siya nag-shift sa pagiging call center agent? One year lang agent si Nin, as she applied for a Quality Auditor position, which she held for 7 years. Nin explains the impact of KPIs, the personal sacrifices made for the job, and the one "iconic" moment where she started to question her company's leaders. 00:08 Starting a Career in BPO 00:34 Experiences in Online Teaching...

Lian shares her experiences starting in the BPO industry in 2005, initially working part-time while in college. Ang desisyon niya na mag-full-time as a call center agent ang nagbukas sa kanya ng benefits (financial support sa family) at drawbacks (less social life). Lian values the network she has created from her BPO career, her decision to explore other industries (including gaming), and reflect...

Lyra's interview is an insightful conversation about transitioning into the BPO industry right after college graduation. May naghihintay na trabaho para sa kanya, pero bakit siya nag-call center? Listen as Lyra shared ang mga nagustuhan at hindi niya nagustuhan sa kanyang call center stay, pati na ang kanyang journey post-BPO lalo na noong pandemic. One Advice: Lakasan ang loob. 00:00 Starting a C...

To start this podcast, Off The Record host Ann Peñaredondo, a seasoned podcaster, takes the mic to discuss various aspects of podcasting. She shares insights on DISC personality types, especially how being an 'I' influences her approach. Ann offers valuable tips for those who aren't naturally bubbly on how to prepare and succeed in podcasting. The conversation includes anecdotes about...