CEO Insights Magazine

The construction retail industry serves as a cornerstone for providing materials and tools necessary for construction and renovation projects. Traditionally, this sector has been heavily male-dominated, presenting formidable barriers for women seeking to carve out and progress in their careers within this realm. Despite these barriers, women leaders like Rosemarie Bosch Ong, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilcon Depot, have not only entered this competitive arena but have also excelled and set new standards of excellence.

An MBA graduate, Rosemarie is a talented, results-oriented, and dynamic professional with over four decades of experience in the retail sales of the construction industry. Starting her journey as a purchasing assistant, she quickly moved up the ranks, showcasing her expertise in product development, sourcing and sales & marketing. Over her impressive career, Rosemarie has not only navigated but thrived in this field, earning numerous accolades and becoming a pivotal force in Wilcon's growth and expansion.

Walk us through some of the memorable milestones you cherish in your journey?

I began my journey at Wilcon in 1984. Starting as a purchasing assistant when Wilcon had just two stores, I quickly rose to purchasing manager, overseeing stocks, warehousing, dispatching, and the supply chain. By 1988, I became EVP for Sales and Marketing, eventually advancing to Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In the male-dominated construction industry, I faced many challenges but proved that women can excel regardless of gender. Over my four decades at Wilcon, I’ve played an integral role in our success and strategic execution.

One of my proudest moments was being honored for 38 years of service during Wilcon’s 40th anniversary. I've also received numerous awards, including the World Women Leadership Congress 2023 Philippine Woman Leader Hall of Fame, the Women of Substance Excellence Award from the Manila Times, and the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation Award in 2018. These achievements reflect my dedication to both Wilcon and my broader advocacies.

Tell us about the leadership approach you follow in shaping innovative policies for the company.

I follow a transformational leadership approach, which focuses on inspiring and motivating employees to think creatively and take risks. I foster a culture of innovation through open communication and collaboration, believing in a 360-degree approach where feedback flows from top-down and bottom-up.

We regularly assess our processes and gather feedback from employees, stakeholders, and customers to drive efficiency and innovation. A key event for us is the annual sales kickoff, which encourages openness and empowers everyone to share their ideas and concerns. This helps us refine our policies to meet everyone’s needs.

As a leader, I believe in empowerment through shared power, ensuring that even those with less influence have a voice. Integrity and honesty are core to our company values, and we emphasize these in all our initiatives, ensuring we stay true to our commitments.

How do you lend your guidance to employees to meet the company’s goals and how do you measure their progress?

I believe in the adage 'teamwork makes the dream work', and this principle guides how we operate at Wilcon Depot. We place great value on employees' growth and well-being, understanding that their dedication is essential to achieving our goals. It's always about 'us' and 'we', not just 'me' and 'I'. To help employees understand their role in the bigger picture, I set clear, attainable objectives known as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. These are broken down into manageable tasks to ensure success. I also emphasize shared knowledge and mentorship through our coaching and mentoring programs, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.

We regularly review performance against these SMART goals and provide ongoing feedback to keep everyone on track. Additionally, investing in the next generation of leaders through our mentoring programs is crucial. These future leaders are vital to carrying out our mission and ensuring continuity in our company's success.

What is your anticipation on the market, going forward?

The retail market is always evolving, and we've seen significant changes, especially after the pandemic. Consumer behavior and market dynamics have shifted dramatically, pushing us towards a more digitized and sustainable approach.

At Wilcon, we recognize the need to be vision-focused to thrive in today's competitive environment. Innovation and technological advancement are core to our strategy. We continually improve our offerings to meet the changing demands of our customers, ensuring that our products and services remain relevant and cutting-edge.

Sustainability is also a key focus. We aim to minimize our carbon footprint by installing solar panels and promoting energy-efficient products. This not only helps the environment but also ensures cost efficiency and long-term business viability.

Moving forward, we anticipate that customers will seek innovative, relevant, and sustainable solutions. We are committed to staying ahead by tailoring our products and services to meet these evolving needs, maintaining our relevance and consistency in delivering the best to the market.

Going forward, what is the future roadmap you have envisioned for your journey?

Change is inevitable, especially in the dynamic retail market. As we move forward, it's essential for emerging leaders to anticipate these changes and remain proactive in adapting to them, particularly with advancements in technology. Our roadmap emphasizes understanding the evolving needs of the market and addressing them effectively. Future-proofing our business involves diversifying not just our product range, but also our services. This means fostering innovation and cultivating strategic partnerships to stay competitive.

Collaboration and inclusivity are fundamental values guiding our approach, both internally and externally. By working closely with stakeholders, including customers, professional groups, and suppliers, we aim to maintain a competitive edge and enhance our market position. Sustainability is a core aspect of our strategy, driving us to innovate sustainable products and integrate eco-friendly practices into our operations.

To navigate the challenges ahead, we prioritize maintaining focus, vision, and agility. By staying adaptable and resilient, we can swiftly respond to market shifts while continuing to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders.

Rosemarie Bosch Ong, Senior Exec VP/COO, Wilcon Depot

With over four decades of experience at Wilcon Depot, Rosemarie has shattered barriers, championed gender equality, and fostered a culture of empowerment and excellence. Her integrity, leadership, and strategic foresight have propelled both Wilcon and the broader industry forward.