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Who would’ve thought that I am living the life I’m dreaming in the past? I didn’t know back then that at the age of 24, I could go to another country. The first time I heard the news from our CEO Kris Buckham, my heart couldn’t stop jumping because I was so excited. At first, I was just so excited to see the tourist spots in Australia. But when I went to the client office on the first day, I realized that this trip was very meaningful. I was able to see the people behind the emails. Not only that, I also had a chance to interact and engage with them. My impression of them really changed. I saw how much they care for Team Manila by assuring us we are comfortable while we are with them. There are also a lot of meetings that made me understand the client side more – the purpose and the goal that I didn’t know in the past. It helped me understand why I am doing what I am doing and that I am part of the team. We have goals and it will really do come true if we help each other. Of course, fun will always come. Aside from the meetings with our client, we also had a chance to bond with them. The most memorable and best moment was my last friday with them. We prepared a simple “Filipino Program”, we brought Filipino food such as Langka (jackfruit), Dried Mangoes and Polvoron (a type of shortbread made of flour, sugar, milk, and nuts) and of course, we played games that are made popular by filipino noontime shows such as Hep Hep Hooray, Tagalog tongue twisters and Pinoy Henyo. We are so happy to see them enjoying the games, especially the “Hep Hep Hooray”. All of them are so competitive! We are so happy that they really cooperated and spent time with us.I also wanted to appreciate the girls I have been with for the past 2 weeks in Australia. I am so happy that I went there with a great squad. We had a lot of fun while traveling, staying in the hotel and eating in different places. Our bond is so tight that we even created our own taglines. Some examples “Pinoy yern” and “Elen Eleven”. I really loved how we took care of and looked for each other. How we supported each other. Lastly, I want to share how beautiful Australia is. The tourist spots that I was only seeing in pictures were now in front of me. People themselves are also beautiful, they are all kind and always smiling. It gives us good vibes. If you ask me what I miss in AU, my answer will be Chai Latte and their COFFEE! Their coffees are so good and worth buying. All in all, this trip was really a great experience. When I got home, the first thing I said was “It looks like It’s just a dream”. And I hope this will not be my first and last trip to Australia. Kudos Team!

A business trip to Australia was an incredible opportunity, for which I am forever grateful. Not only did I get to visit this lovely country, but I also got a chance to meet our valued client, challenge my assumptions, improve my communication skills, and expand my understanding of their industry. Generosity and Care: From the moment I arrived in Australia, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. The locals went out of their way to make me feel welcome, ensuring that my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. Throughout my stay, I was captivated by Nick and Amie's generosity, kindness, humility, and support, as well as the team Bluetongue Australia and, of course, the Buckhams’. Their genuine care and willingness to help were truly remarkable. This generosity extended beyond personal relationships, as I experienced the country's commitment to the environment. Australia left a profound impression on me with its commitment to protecting its natural beauty and helping its people. Humble Encounters: Meeting our client in Australia was an experience that exceeded all expectations. Despite their success and influence, they displayed a remarkable level of humility. Their down-to-earth nature and willingness to listen and help me made my stay not only productive but also enjoyable. It was refreshing to witness their genuine interest in expanding my knowledge and understanding of the business and finding mutually beneficial solutions. This humble approach fostered a strong sense of partnership and laid the foundation for a successful business relationship. Exploring Sydney's Treasures: During my free time in Sydney, I had the opportunity to explore some of the city's iconic attractions. Madame Tussauds, with its lifelike wax figures, provided a unique and entertaining experience. From posing with historical figures to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, it was a delightful journey through time and pop culture. The Sydney Opera House, a true architectural marvel, left me in awe of its grandeur and significance. The culinary scene in Sydney was a gastronomic adventure. From indulging in fresh meats and seafood to savoring delectable dishes at local cafes and restaurants, every meal was a celebration of flavors. My business trip to Australia was an extraordinary experience that filled me with gratitude. Exploring Sydney's iconic landmarks and indulging in its diverse culinary offerings added an extra layer of joy to my adventure. I am thankful for the opportunity to have visited this remarkable country and for the enriching experiences it provided.

In the first week of November 2023, five members of the Whale Manila Team were given the opportunity to visit Whale Australia at its Sydney office. On our first day, we were given a chance to speak of our goals for the week, and one of those is building relationships with the onshore team. As a Filipino, it is in our culture to be shy, and it takes a lot of courage to speak up and ask questions. As we were given the opportunity to visit the Whale Australia team, we were challenged to step out of our comfort zone and make sure to have a conversation with each member to have a better understanding of each role. Here in Cooee, we believe that human connection fuels the world. In a world where working virtually is a trend, nothing can beat the power of having face-to-face conversations. It was great to see in person those people behind emails and chats. It was indeed a wonderful and dazzling week that’s filled with learning and enjoyment.

Embarking on a professional journey to Australia opened not only doors to new opportunities but also a window to the unique Australian culture. In this piece, I'll share my personal experiences navigating client interactions and immersing myself in the vibrant Australian way of life during my first trip down under. As I engaged in client interactions, I quickly realized that Australians appreciate directness and authenticity. My approach of actively listening, asking pertinent questions, and tailoring solutions to meet client needs seemed to resonate well. The Australian business landscape values transparency and a solution-oriented mindset. These values became my compass, steering me towards successful client relationships built on trust and satisfaction. Australia's cultural tapestry is rich and diverse, and immersing myself in it was a delightful experience. They are renowned for their friendly and easy-going nature, which was evident in both personal and professional settings. From casual chip sauce chats to shopping or tours I can try, even though they are, I can say, workaholics, there are still some jokes and chit-chats on the side. The initial meeting with the AU team was a memorable occasion, blending excitement and a tinge of nervousness. What struck me was the warmth and inclusivity with which the team welcomed me. The meeting didn't kick off with a barrage of business jargon but with genuine conversations, where everyone shared a bit about their lives. The simple act of giving us a quick tour of the pantry, the washroom, and even giving us candies and chocolates and a cup of water when we get thirsty. Additionally, I quickly picked up on the Australian commitment to punctuality and reliability. Keeping to schedules and delivering on promises became not just professional habits but ingrained aspects of my journey through the Australian work culture. One happy and memorable experience was attending the Christmas Party, where the festive spirit and Aussie camaraderie were in full swing. The celebration featured a unique twist on Secret Santa, where participants could "steal" a gift that someone else had picked. This added an element of fun and surprise to the gift exchange, fostering a lively atmosphere and creating lasting memories of shared laughter and camaraderie among the team. And as my last day went on, I was surprised that there was a roulette of prizes specifically for November birth month babies. Although I'm not a November baby, the thoughtful gesture from management to celebrate team members based on their birth months added a delightful touch to the celebration. It made the event not only joyful but also underscored the management's commitment to creating inclusive and appreciative experiences for the entire team. As I continue to navigate this dynamic landscape, I am filled with gratitude for the personal connections formed, the cultural nuances embraced, and the memorable moments shared with the incredible team. This journey has not only enriched my professional growth but has also left an indelible mark of appreciation for the diverse and welcoming spirit of Australia. I eagerly anticipate more adventures, insights, and shared experiences as I continue to thrive in the ever-evolving tapestry of the Australian professional landscape.

Visiting Australia, also known as “The Land Down Under," was such a memorable experience for me. It is not just their blue skies, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to see wild animals that excite me, but also the opportunity to know more about the diverse culture the Aussie people share. As soon as we arrived, I immediately experienced the Australians' vibrant spirit, friendliness, and contagious smiles. Even when I walked into a store, hotel, or neighborhood café, I was provided with a friendly greeting and a cheery "G'day!" This small gesture set the tone for a pleasant and welcoming experience throughout the journey. The hospitality was also present during our meetings with our partners; they were all welcoming, which eased my worries knowing that I was meeting them for the first time. At every meeting, our client ensures we feel at home. They all offered us refreshments, introduced us to the rest of their team, and also gave us a tour of their offices. Our partners even recommended the best places and cafes to visit during our stay. Thanks to them, I was able to taste the very good coffee that Melbourne has to offer. I’ve also felt more comfortable talking to them because they collaborate and share their feedback and business stories with us with ease. Furthermore, because of this exceptional opportunity to visit Australia, I have had the chance to learn more about our clients' businesses and gain insights that can only be obtained through face-to-face conversations. With this, I could really say that nothing really compares to the power of in-person connections in this age of virtual meetings. This was absolutely an enlightening experience for me. I’ve been inspired by how passionate our partners, as well as Cooee, were about their businesses, and it made me proud to be part of their successful journeys. Upon my return home, I’ve carried with me the memories of a successful trip filled with laughter, learning, and collaboration. As an ambassador of Cooee, which values diversity and embraces different cultures, this trip served as a testament to our commitment to building bridges across borders.

As is well known, the only thing that is permanent in our world is change. Nonetheless, a person's ability to embrace change can greatly impact the course of their life. My story of change began when I met Cooee, it was amid the pandemic, when a lot of things were uncertain. I was hired as a customer service representative for one of their partners. I eventually got the chance to manage the CS team, and two years later, I'm thrilled that I got the chance to lead Cooee's HR team.  Although it is a fantastic chance for me to develop, I must admit that there are challenges. I've struggled with fear and doubt over the unknown aspects of my new role. It can be difficult to adjust to changes in a new work environment, team relationships, and duties, not to mention the skills gap I need to fill. Despite these difficulties, thinking back on my journey and reflecting, gave me the confidence and open-mindedness to trust that I can overcome this role transformation. I started communicating openly by asking our Cooee management for mentorship, and they have given me full support all throughout. I’ve also gotten to know my new team, create engagement with them with an attempt to understand how our dynamics would be and then I’ve learned to adapt to it. As it turned out, when I transitioned into a new role, I found that having strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills was essential. Even though this transition can be scary at times, I'm happy that I’ve made the decision to embrace the unknown challenges that lie ahead and tackle the change head-on, knowing that Cooee will always be there to support and motivate me in venturing outside of my comfort zone. Change is an inevitable part of progress, and at Cooee, it was embraced wholeheartedly.

I'm excited to share how I went from being a distant member to winning the Q3 2024 Appreciation Day. When I was introduced to the IT team, I didn't speak up much. But over time, I found my voice by joining in discussions and sharing my ideas. Things really changed when I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I started actively participating in huddles and expressing my thoughts with more confidence. Taking charge of projects showed me and others that I could lead and inspire. This transformation wasn't just about me – it affected the whole team. I encouraged everyone to share ideas and work together better. It was rewarding to create a friendly and engaging atmosphere. The big moment came on Q3 2024 Appreciation Day when I was recognized not just for my work but for the journey of personal growth that inspired the team. Being honored filled me with gratitude and showed me how engagement and leadership can make a difference. In summary, going from timid to winning is about growing and trying new things. I'm thankful for my team's support and the chances I got to improve. Looking ahead, I'm eager to keep growing, being engaged, and contributing more. Thank you for recognizing my efforts.

The youngest daughter of the family just got her degree with flying colors. The path that I walked through was not easy, just like others. I had my first heartbreak when I failed my first course in college. I dreamed of being an accountant, but it redirected me to another path where I found solace and gratitude. Failures never hinder me for my betterment; hence, they're my inspiration to be the better and bolder person that I am now. An Antiqueña who dreamed of having my school in the city, becoming independent, meeting new friends, and found a family. A woman who strives to be one of the best students because being the achiever makes me proud and, most importantly, makes my parents proud and feel that all their sacrifices have been paid off. My college life failures and achievements have sharpened my personal and professional mindset. I learned to let go, move on, and move forward in whatever circumstance I am in. I always do what’s best for me without neglecting others. Life after college is beyond my knowledge. However, I promise to never turn down any opportunities that are given to me. Upon entering my journey at Cooee, I was greeted with an abundance of opportunities and gratitude. Their values are what I am clinging to at the moment. Be Authentic, Empathetic, and believe in Potential.

It was a mix of emotions when I heard my name being called for the Walk the Cooee Way award. At first I was confused as to why I was being called. When I was handed the appreciation certificate, I was greatly moved. As I read why Miss Meiko nominated me, I felt a huge sense of comfort. She told a story about how I was honest and vulnerable at a time where I needed help, and that I wasn't afraid to ask for it. It's nice to know that somebody appreciated that moment of openness. As I go through my Cooee journey, I'll still strive hard to embody empathy, authenticity, and continue to believe in the potential of others, and it's one great unexpected achievement for me.

I've seen a lot of different touch points in my profession that have formed and influenced my outlook in life. "Unexpected blessing" is how I would characterize my beginnings with our partners. Although it was a journey for which I was unprepared, it helped to shape who I am now. Working with amazing people like our partners hasn't made it difficult for me to interact with them completely. They were incredibly accommodating and friendly when I had concerns regarding the tasks at hand. Among all the interesting things we do with our partners, I really enjoy our weekly team catch-up, where everyone shares the highlights and stumbles they had over the week, whether it was personal or professional. The benefit of this catch-up is that, once you tell your story, anyone from the team can offer their insights. If something is amusing and relatable, we can sometimes chuckle together. This allowed us to openly communicate with each other and gauge how we could improve our productivity at work. I've only recently begun attending team meetings, but of all the highlights and stumbles I've shared, one that remains out in my mind is one I mentioned just a few weeks ago. I expressed my joy that my elder sister had returned from overseas to surprise our mother on her birthday, which is something personal. I told the team about how much fun we had at the amusement park. We started chatting about our experiences and laughed. I highlighted the merger's impact on myself at work. I discussed the lessons I learned when deduping duplicate contacts, as well as the difficulties I encountered. It wasn't easy to integrate thousands of contacts. Our partners were aware that the manual deduping process would take a while to complete. Our partner told me that after the team has resolved everything on their end, they will assist me with the contacts, which was a sigh of relief. From there, I understood how fortunate I am to be partnered with these folks who are so kind and understanding. I think one of the most satisfying elements is having to collaborate with our partners, a bolt from the blue. I've learned a ton of new things in the brief time I've been working with them. The succeeding days that I will be working with them are something I'm excited about and something I look forward to because I know I'll learn and grow more from them.

Coming from another partner and jumping into a new one, initially, I was kind of curious to see how things would play out, but I was cautiously optimistic about our partner. Thankfully, their approach aligned perfectly with our expectations, and I felt more confident in my ability to meet our partners' needs effectively. Over time, our relationship with our partner has evolved into a strong and collaborative partnership. Initially, there was a learning curve as we adjusted to working together and understanding each other's processes. However, as we continued on various projects, our communication with each other improved, our trust deepened, and we developed a shared understanding of our goals and expectations. There have been several memorable experiences that have strengthened our collaboration with our partner. But one stood out the most: when we faced a big submission that we aren’t familiar with because it's the first time that we are gonna do it and it's got a tight deadline so we had to work closely together to meet it, if not we could lose an important client. We had to figure out how we were going to do the project together, so our partner would tell me what their ideas were and let me execute it. We had to exchange messages, emails, and comments back and forth as I revised and updated our project with such precision and at a pace, with no room for errors. Despite the challenges, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication and our partner showed gratitude and appreciation with my help in doing this project and how well I executed what they wanted, if not, more impressed about how well we did in the project, which not only strengthened our collaboration but also reinforced our trust in each other. For me, that project was both stressful yet it was fun to do, because I find great fulfillment in the opportunity to demonstrate my capability in delivering exceptional results and contributing positively to our client's projects. Each project presents a chance for me to grow and learn, and I'm grateful for the trust placed in me to make a meaningful difference. It's truly rewarding to see the impact of our collective efforts unfold and knowing that I've played a part in it. To overcome such adversities, I think it is important to have clear and open communication to ensure that expectations are effectively communicated and any issues are addressed promptly. Also, regular check-ins and status updates help keep everyone aligned and informed. Reflecting on my journey with our partner, the most rewarding aspects have been the successful outcomes we have achieved together and the growth of our partnership. Seeing the positive impact of my help on our clients' projects, as well as the development of a strong and trusted partnership, has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that they can rely on us to deliver exceptional results fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction in my work.

When we first engaged with our offshore partner from Australia, our initial impressions were met with a sense of optimism and readiness. Fortunately, our partner's professionalism and expertise aligned seamlessly with our expectations, laying a solid foundation for collaboration. As time progressed, our relationship with our offshore partner deepened. Initially, there were challenges typical of any new collaboration, such as adjusting to different communication styles and workflows. One significant aspect was adapting to their specific processes and procedures, which required a learning curve on our part. However, our dedication to understanding their needs and providing reliable assistance helped bridge this gap, earning us their trust and appreciation. Through consistent collaboration and mutual respect, we worked together effectively towards shared objectives. Maintaining open lines of communication and adapting to each other's working methods were key in fostering a sense of unity despite the physical distance. Our willingness to understand their needs and provide reliable assistance solidified our role as trusted allies in their success. Reflecting on our journey, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the growth of our partnership. While the road had its challenges, our commitment to collaboration and mutual success has been unwavering. As we continue to navigate this journey together, we're excited about the opportunities to further strengthen our bond and achieve even greater heights as a unified team.