If you talk to a current and a former One to Watch Award winner, what insights about professional success could you glean?
Joselito Ereño is the manager of HR development at the Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies based in Manila, Philippines, and this year's One to Watch Award winner. "Coming from a developing country, I am well aware of our challenges in terms of learning opportunities and resources, but at the same time, I have never seen this as an impediment to [becoming] better," shares Ereño.
In his work, Ereño created the organization's first talent development learning pathway, focused on learning by doing alongside community. He also led efforts to assist employees with development opportunities from elite training providers at minimal or no cost.
Given Ereño's work in the social sector, his values are rooted soundly in human potential. "My success stems from my personal belief that all human beings are capable of learning and becoming better in their life," he says. "This is a principle that I strongly believe and have used in developing all programs and projects that I created and implemented. I am a strong advocate of lifelong learning and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our programs."
Ereño advises other TD practitioners to assess who they are, their strengths, and their non-negotiables and to "look for organizations that will nurture your true self and potential." Don't hesitate to rely on the support of others, he adds, and make time to reflect on your career and life decisions.
Keith Lillico likewise believes having a supportive network is key to attaining and sustaining career success. He has worked more than a decade in talent development, earning numerous awards, ranging from the 2019 One to Watch Award to the 2024 Talent Development Outstanding Professional Award.
If he's struggling with something, Lillico knows to whom he should turn for support and help, he says. There are times, however, when things don't go exactly as planned. Lillico says that happened when he lost his job. "After being laid off, I realized that I needed to make myself valuable not only to my current organization but also to the L&D industry as a whole. I began to focus on growing and sharing my knowledge and building my personal network." He also began to mentor those who were new to the industry.
As an associate director of global L&D for a US-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Lillico is responsible for employee professional development; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and company culture. He adds that to be successful in the talent field, have confidence in yourself and your abilities and be a disruptor.
"You have to be the one who stands up and says, 'I have an idea that is so crazy it just might work,' then you go out and do it," he explains. Further, know where your skills are and then build a personal brand.
Knowing your strengths, turning to others for help, and getting through the challenges are some of the hallmarks of successful TD professionals.
