JOSEPH P. AZUCENA
CEO
Global Quest Consulting Group, Inc.

Education:

AMA Quezon City - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

How’s your industry doing these days?

It has become more competitive compared to what we’ve seen five years ago though I believe Global Quest still commands a lion’s share of the industry.

What is it like handling and organizing people?

Fun. You get to know yourself more through different people. Your staff usually mirrors your leadership. Each and everyone have their own strengths and weaknesses. I [nurture] the team with their distinguished strengths while recognizing and respecting their weaknesses. I’ve seen a lot of people developed into a better and more functional employee with our team throughout the years. Global Quest is a place where either you are discovered or re-born.

What are the challenges facing your industry right now?

Most of our talented IT professionals are seeking greener pastures abroad, ergo; this has become a very big problem for all of the players since this is the very resource that we depend on. Some of them, although not all, are demanding salaries that are unbelievable. The good news however is that every year a new batch of equally competitive IT professionals is entering into the foray.

How do you respond to the challenge?

By redefining the industry, you will be able to set realistic goals based on a realistic time frame. It’s a continuous re-assessment and adjustment of tactics and strategies. You’ve got to be exceedingly dynamic and responsive.

What is your main concern right now?

Global Quest will expand its operations to Singapore by 2008. I am looking forward to that. I want to emulate our massive success to other regions mainly offshore.

How did it all start? Please tell us about your career path.

I was a former IT consultant from an old and aging IT manpower firm. I’ve managed to talk to their strategic employees about the business and they helped me put up this company. At that time I believe that the industry needs an alternative IT service company that would deliver a trilateral win situation suitable for all parties concerned. As an IT consultant myself I completely understand these needs. I founded Global Quest Consulting Group with a vision to lead the industry in the right way, in the right direction.

What is your most fulfilling experience so far?

Beating the competition again and again in their own backyard. I always take care of the big fish as well as the little fish.

How would you describe your management style?

It’s a subtle combination of Western methodologies and Eastern discipline. I’m a hands-on type of manager and it doesn’t matter where I am; with the communications technology that we have right now, the beat goes on.

How do you remain competitive, as a leader in the industry?

I always believe that one should not be left behind. Respond quickly to the competitions’ movements. Suppress their advancements with what you have. But to answer your question in one word… INTEGRITY.

What’s it like coming to work every day?

Depending on what type of news that I might get at the early hours of the day. If it’s good news I’m taking it slow. If it’s bad news, I’m all keyed up and eager to tackle it until it has been taken cared of. True leaders welcome conflict.

What advice can you give to the young professionals who want to be leaders themselves?

Get plenty of cash first because you’ll really need it. Encourage yourself. A lot of discouragements and frustrations will come your way especially at the very beginning. This is very natural. Be realistic about your goals. A lot of people make the biggest and costliest mistakes by dreaming with their eyes closed. The rest… will be your saga.

Can you give us an idea of a day in a life of Mr. Joseph Azucena?

A brief 30min. workout at the treadmill before breakfast. Meeting and collaborating with key people in my organization at the early hours of the morning or as soon as I arrive. Making decisions directing the course of the team with our current objectives in line. Update mid-day’s accomplishments comparing it with our current objectives. Sign contracts, approve/disapprove requests. Check Accounts Receivables if any. Check each and every team members’ needs before I leave the office particularly on issues concerning our clients. Dinner and play with my kids at home. And finally before retiring, thanking God for giving me another day worth living.

Who is Mr. Azucena outside the office?

A very simple, ordinary person who loves eating and going to malls with my family. I prefer wearing jeans and a comfortable t-shirt for strolling.

Who or what keeps you going? What inspires you to do all these?

My precious family and my highly dependable team. I share my success with each and everyone of them. It feels good to see other people being happy to be a part of what you’re having right now. On the other hand the very catalyst which inspires me to do all of these is that I view this whole thing as a live game… like a big toy that I really want to play. Incidentally, it earns money.

What for you is success and contentment?

Success is something that you earn. It is achieving your goal through hard work and perseverance and then being happy with it. Contentment is accepting what you have, what you cannot have, what you’ve accomplished and what you cannot.

Success and contentment simply means happiness.