CEO Insights Magazine

A CFO plays a crucial role in ensuring financial stability and sustainability. By leveraging their financial acumen, a CFO can help the company optimize its financial resources, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate potential risks. An experienced Finance professional with nearly three decades of expertise in diverse industries, including over 15 years in the BPO sector Manny Jao, CFO for Asia-Pacific and Africa, TELUS International is a business leader that drives the company and its management team to desired financial results. CEO Insights Asia engaged in a one on one interaction with Manny Jao, let’s hear from him.

Could you briefly describe your professional background and experiences? What motivates you in your daily routines?

As a Certified Public Accountant, I began my career as an auditor at a leading firm in Manila. I later transitioned to corporate finance, specializing in strategic finance, treasury management, procurement, risk management, and funding strategy. For the past 17 years, I have worked at TELUS International. The company’s values and goals motivate me to perform at my best every day. I am passionate about helping the business grow profitably while enhancing client service efficiencies and prioritizing the well-being of our team members. Sharing knowledge and skills with my finance and management teams is another source of motivation. I’ve worked closely with our training teams to develop a financial leadership program - this program gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and our company’s financial best practices to leaders and team members in the organization. I take each day as a challenge and a new opportunity to continuously balance the interests of shareholders, stakeholders, and team members.

How would you describe TELUS International Philippines as an organization and its current market position?

TELUS International is an exceptional organization driven by dedicated and compassionate team members who surpass expectations to provide outstanding services to our valued clients worldwide. Our company culture serves as our key differentiator. We recruit exceptional individuals, and provide them with personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we also actively invest in the communities they call home. In return, our team members are loyal and committed as they advance their careers with us. I have had the honor of being part of TELUS International for more than 17 years, and I am privileged to watch our team thrive in our #HappyHere culture. I'm excited to continue working with our incredible team members for many more successful years ahead.

As the CFO of TELUS International Philippines, how do you apply your long professional experience in this domain?

My time at TELUS International Philippines has provided me not only with valuable historical perspective, but has also equipped me to contribute to the continuous  growth and evolution of the organization, both locally and globally. Embracing rapid growth, innovation and continuous improvement have always been an integral part of my strategy. My goal is to make a positive impact on the business by working closely with the leadership team and key stakeholders to find solutions to problems and mitigate future risks. Additionally, I continue to utilize my expertise to build high-performing finance teams, mentoring and training our future leaders, and addressing outsourcing market pressures while delivering longterm value.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is adaptable and situational, considering the diverse geographies I oversee. I value cultural differences and employ a combination ofleadership styles based on each situation. Embracing diversity and inclusion, including diversity of thought, is a fundamental value in our company. Encouraging collaboration and diverse perspectives enhances decision-making and fosters the development of future leaders. I prioritize active listening to gather a wide range of viewpoints before making critical decisions.

As CFO, I emphasize clarity in communicating our strategic goals and financial directions, challenging the team to deliver on commitments through insightful financial reports and analytics. Additionally, I embody an accountable servant leadership style, taking command responsibility for my team's performance and the company's financial outcomes, fostering a solution-oriented culture and promoting organizational learning from mistakes.

What are your plans ahead ?

I am constantly driven by new challenges and a desire to shape future leaders in our industry. Teaching and mentoring others is my true passion. By doing so, I hope to inspire younger professionals to support their colleagues and cultivate new leaders. Witnessing our team members reach new heights and achieve their dreams brings me immense joy. It is my way of giving back to those who have contributed to my personal and professional growth. I acknowledge that my success in the corporate world is not solely my own; it is a result of the collective effort of my team and industry colleagues. I am forever grateful for their support in shaping me into the CFO I am today.

What advice would you give to the upcoming financial leaders in the industry?

To become a successful finance professional, commit to Excellence and continuous development. It’s important To remember that patience is key and good things take Time. Seek to understand not only your current role But also the future career path you aim to conquer. Acquire knowledge about all facets of the business, not Just finance. Uphold integrity and never compromise It, as your reputation holds great value. Advocate for What is just and right for the business, your team, and The organization. Show respect and fairness to others, But recognize that it is impossible to please everyone. Treat the company you work for as if it were your Own, ensuring sound decision-making and earning Appreciation in the long run.

Manny Jao, CFO (Asia-Pacific & Africa), TELUS International

Manny Jao is an experienced Finance Professional with nearly three decades of Expertise in diverse industries, including over 15 years in the BPO sector. As the CFO for Asia-Pacific and Africa at TELUS International, He plays a crucial role in steering the company And its management team towards achieving Their financial goals. Manny imparts knowledge On various finance topics, including business Acumen, financial analysis, personal finance, And financial markets.