Leading with Grace: Exemplifying the Strength of Women Leaders

Just like her name, Grace exemplifies kindness, empathy, competence, grit, and strength— hallmarks of women leaders.

“Tomorrow is another day!”

If there was a single motto that could describe my outlook in both my professional and personal life, it would be this. In fact, with how much I say this in the office, my staff often poke fun at me. “Miss Grace, ang tagal naman po ng tomorrow!

And yet, whether it’s a client issue, workplace incident, or personal problem, there’s always tomorrow: even if you end up tackling the same problem the next day, your incremental steps matter. It’s a reminder of hope and resilience: that at the end of the day, no matter how much it feels like an endless challenge, you’ll always get a chance to recharge, rest, and tackle another day renewed.

In my 25-year journey at P&A Grant Thornton, from a fresh graduate to one of the Firm’s woman leaders, there were times I cried and thought of giving up. I remember that in one instance, it came to the point where I considered quitting. When I told my manager at the time, instead of letting me go, he told me this: “Kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan mo ngayon, pause and recharge. After 1 month, bumalik ka dito: reassess and see if you still want to apply for another job. No matter what, I’ll support you.” It turns out, a moment to rest and reflect was what I needed: after this moment, I progressed greatly in my career.  Choosing P&A has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I take great pride in it.

When I look at all of the certificates, awards, and photos displayed in my office, I fondly recall the support I received throughout my career, from internal and external training, to mentoring and coaching. Now that I’m a Principal and one of the leaders in charge of P&Antay, one of P&A Grant Thornton’s sustainability pillars committed to ensuring fairness and equal treatment for everyone, I’m doing my best to give back: not just to the Firm and people that accompanied me in my journey of growth, but to the next generation of aspiring women who deserve all the support they can get.

As we culminate International’s Women’s Month, I think back to my motto, “Tomorrow is another day”. While we should be confident in the fact that we take steps every day towards gender parity, it does not mean that we should get complacent. More intentional, impactful initiatives are on the way: all towards empowering one and all.

To all the aspiring women out there: continue to dream big, work hard, and inspire others along the way. After all, if they can, she can too!