CEO Insights Magazine

Playing a crucial role in a business, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) serves as the strategic leader responsible for managing and overseeing the organization's human capital. CHROs align a firm’s human resources strategy with its overall business objectives while creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and fostering employee engagement and development. An industry leader, Lea Wong, Chief Human Resources Officer at Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), brings over 35 years of experience in the field.

Lea's journey in human resources began as a Training Clerk and has evolved through various roles, including Training Assistant, Training Of­ficer, Employment and Training Manager, and now serving as the CHRO. Having celebrated her 20th work anniversary with MPTC in September 2023, Lea started with the Tollways Group as the Head of Human Resources and Administration. Her leader­ship experience spans Compensation, Organization Development, and Business Partnership functions in different companies.  Lea's comprehensive understanding of HR func­tions, gained through her diverse experience, has been instrumental in her current role as the Chief Human Resource Officer. Her daily motivation stems from a desire to contribute meaningfully to the business, and her passion for excelling in every role assigned reflects her commitment to making valuable and impactful contributions throughout her professional journey. Her leadership and dedi­cation highlight the critical role of a CHRO in driv­ing organizational success through effective human resource management. Let’s hear more from Lea in this one on one interaction.

How would you characterize Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and its market position?

MPTC stands as the foremost toll road company in the Asia-Pacific Region, extending its toll road investments and operations into Indonesia and Vi­etnam. In the Philippines alone, the organization boasts a workforce of over 4,000 employees. With a strong emphasis on people, MPTC is notably people-focused. NLEX Corporation, the flagship company in the Philippines under MPTC, has achieved the prestigious Investors in People Platinum accredita­tion, the highest recognition bestowed by IIP. This accreditation serves as a testament to the exception­al people practices within the MPTC Group, aligning with the highest global standards.

MPTC's commitment to workforce development and the creation of an empowering work environ­ment is evident, showcasing a dedication to enabling employees to thrive in their careers. The engage­ment level among MPTC's employees, spanning the entire group, is remarkably high. Not only does it surpass the already elevated Philippine National Norm, but it also outperforms all Global Industry Norms. This emphasizes MPTC's steadfast commit­ment to cultivating a workplace culture that exceeds expectations, establishing new benchmarks in em­ployee satisfaction and involvement.

Express the significance of aligning HR operations with an organization's strategy.

It is crucial for HR not only to synchronize with the organization's strategy but to actively propel it for­ward. At the heart of any organization are its peo­ple, and HR assumes a pivotal role in molding and nurturing the workforce to harmonize with strate­gic objectives. HR professionals play a vital role in translating the broader business strategy into tangi­ble HR initiatives. Recognizing the pivotal role that people play in organizational success, HR emerges as a key facilitator in guiding the organization to triumph in the market. By implementing strategic HR practices, a high-performing and engaged work­force is cultivated, proving essential for attaining and maintaining a competitive edge.

In your role as CHRO, what attributes do you seek in new candidates?

While skills are teachable, I prioritize attitude over skills when assessing fresh candidates. What I val­ue in new candidates are resilience and adaptability, the capacity to collaborate effectively within teams, diligence and attention to detail, and a strong 'hun­ger' for achievement. This 'hunger' signifies a can­didate's ambition, motivation, and drive to excel in their role.

Share insights into your leadership philosophy. What principles or approaches guide your leadership style?

I believe in empowering my team members, provid­ing them with direction and guidance while grant­ing them autonomy in determining how to achieve their goals. In fostering inclusivity, I involve my team in the formulation and execution of strategic objec­tives. This not only harnesses the collective exper­tise within the team but also cultivates a sense of ownership among its members. To maintain a con­sistent flow of information and reporting within the HR functions, I conduct regular meetings with my team. This not only ensures alignment but also pro­motes the exchange of best practices, contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What were the primary hurdles you faced in establishing yourself as a successful leader initially? How did you surmount these challenges to achieve professional success?

One significant challenge was navigating the di­versity of personalities within the organization, a common issue in many workplaces. Managing individuals with diverse work styles, communica­tion preferences, and problem-solving approaches presented considerable difficulty. Additionally, I en­countered resistance from those unaccustomed to having strong women in leadership positions.

To overcome these challenges, I remained focused on my responsibilities and consistently performed my job well. I believe that dedication and competence can help overcome biases and challenges. It's crucial to maintain authenticity and professionalism, stay­ing true to oneself even in the face of adversity, as these factors are vital for personal and professional growth.

What lies ahead as your future destination?

My focus is on giving back to my profession. I aspire to actively contribute to the growth and develop­ment of the HR field by engaging in knowledge shar­ing. This may include activities such as mentoring, conducting workshops, seminars, or participating in educational initiatives designed to assist fellow professionals in enhancing their skills and under­standing of Human Resources. I am committed to offering mentorship and guidance to those entering or advancing in the HR profession, leveraging my ex­periences to support others in their career journeys, helping them navigate challenges, and providing val­uable insights to foster their professional growth. Ul­timately, my goal is to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of HR professionals, leaving the field stronger and more enriched.

Lea Wong, Chief Human Resources Officer, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation

Lea Wong is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), boasting over 35 years of experience in HR. With a focus on empowering employees and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, Lea drives MPTC's commitment to workforce development and high engagement levels. She navigated challenges, including managing diverse personalities and biases against women in leadership, to become a successful leader, aiming to give back to her profession by mentoring and sharing knowledge in the HR field.