CEO Insights Magazine

Effective leadership is essential for a company's success, and Enrique Antonio Reyes exemplifies this with his transformative leadership. With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical, construction, and appliance industries, Enrique's journey showcases his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. Starting as a medical representative at SmithKline Beecham, he rose to Associate Director at Merck Sharp and Dohme, then led marketing for HILTI Philippines. In 2018, he transitioned to the appliance industry with Midea and Toshiba, honing his skills in digital transformation. Now, as Vice President at Converge ICT Solutions Inc., he drives organizational capability development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.

Can you share the unique experiences offered by the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and what you learned from the campus beyond academics?

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) provided an enriching environment extending beyond traditional academics. During my time at UST High School, I served as a non-commissioned officer in the Citizen Army Training Program, instilling discipline, leadership, and service values. I learned to lead by example and promote advocacies for life, freedom, justice, and solidarity. A memorable experience was sharing the stage with Pope John Paul II during his World Youth Day visit as an officer of the Pax Romana club, reinforcing UST's commitment to faith, community, and global outreach. My involvement in Filipino Martial Arts, where I earned an Arnis Blackbelt - Trainer certification under the late Grandmaster Ernesto Presas Sr., emphasized creative thinking and resourcefulness. UST's ethos of servant leadership, communication, collaboration, lifelong learning, and creativity has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life, empowering meaningful contributions to my industry and community.

Can you elaborate on the learning and development framework established within the company and discuss the latest technology trends used to achieve the L&D goals?

At Converge ICT Solutions Inc., our Learning & Development (L&D) framework fosters continuous growth and leadership excellence using a mix of learnings from on-the-job experiences, social interactions and formal training. The Start-Scale- Sustain methodology ensures the initiation, expansion, and maintenance of effective learning programs. We support diverse learning preferences through a self-paced remote learning facility in partnership with LinkedIn Learning.

Change to Our leadership development programs are tailored to different stages, from Frontline Leadership and Emerging Leaders to Key Talents and Company Executives. We leverage technology trends, integrating various learning resources through our Learning Management System (LMS), which tracks progress and provides analytics for personalized learning experiences. Mobile learning promotes flexibility, allowing employees to access training anytime, enhancing engagement and practical skill application.

Additionally, our LOVE (Living Our Values Experiences) workshops reinforce organizational values. By combining comprehensive programs with advanced technological solutions and a strong cultural foundation, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. supports professional growth and drives organizational success.

Can you describe your leadership approach and the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is founded on several core beliefs. Leading by example is essential; demonstrating the behaviors and work ethic I expect from my team sets a standard and inspires others. Continuous improvement and learning are crucial, as leadership is an ongoing effort to better guide and support others. Holistic leadership is another principle, treating individuals as people first and genuinely caring about their well-being and personal development, fostering a supportive work environment. Delegation for development is key; I delegate tasks to provide growth opportunities and help team members develop new skills for greater responsibilities. I believe in leading from the front during times of need and influencing from the side during regular operations, ensuring I actively support my team when necessary while empowering them to execute tasks independently. My leadership methodology revolves around setting an example, continuous self-improvement, holistic treatment of individuals, developmental delegation, and balanced support and empowerment.

How do you stay current with industry trends to guide your organization towards the future?

To stay updated with industry trends and steer Converge ICT Solutions Inc. towards the future, I focus on continuous learning and engagement. I regularly listen to podcasts featuring insights from industry experts and thought leaders, providing diverse perspectives and the latest developments. Engaging in interviews with knowledgeable individuals gives me firsthand insights and practical knowledge. I read relevant books to understand broader industry shifts and utilize online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning for courses on the latest technologies and practices. Participation in industry events and conferences offers networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge innovations. Benchmarking with leading tech organizations helps identify and implement best practices. This relentless pursuit of learning and improvement ensures I can lead effectively in an evolving industry landscape, maintaining our competitive edge.

What future destination are you aiming for?

My current focus is to help Converge ICT Solutions Inc. become a world-leading technology organization by driving innovation, enhancing capabilities, and staying ahead of industry trends. Personally, I plan to revive my passion for podcasting with a new season of The Inspiring Leader Podcast, sharing insights on leadership through conversations with industry leaders. Eventually, I aspire to pursue personal ventures in leadership development and consultancy, leveraging my experience to help organizations and leaders achieve their full potential.

Based on your extensive industry experience, what advice would you offer to aspiring industry leaders?

Each day is a leadership opportunity. Lead by example, inspire those around you, and stay agile by adapting and improving. Challenge the status quo, strive for excellence, and appreciate your team's efforts. Maintain strong relationships with friends, family, and God for support and perspective in leadership.

Enrique Antonio Reyes, Vice President, Converge ICT Solutions

Vice President at Converge ICT Solutions, Enrique Antonio Reyes, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas. He began his career as a medical representative at SmithKline Beecham and eventually rose to the position of Associate Director & Public Sector Lead at Merck Sharp & Dohme. After transitioning to the construction industry, he led marketing efforts for HILTI Philippines before moving to the appliance industry, where he worked with Midea and Toshiba.