It showed in her childhood ambitions – Kat Luna-Abelarde has been a go-getter all her life. Armed with the discipline, grace and courage that it would’ve taken to become all the things that she had once aspired to be, she now leads the corporate relationship management group of PLDT and Smart, jet fighters of the communications industry, to soaring heights.

What was your dream job as a kid?
I recall having a multitude of ambitions, depending on critical experiences during my childhood. I recall wanting to be a pilot after a plane ride at the cockpit at five years old. Then, I wanted to become a prima ballerina after being exposed to the daily rigors of a dancer’s life in CCP. I also wanted to become an open heart surgeon after successfully dissecting a frog and bringing it back to life! All this was interspersed with my ultimate dream of flying a jet fighter Aircraft.

When did you start building a specific career path?
From Day 1. I have always had the knack for looking at things in the long term – As early as job no.1, I knew that I had to land a job which would allow me to capitalize on my distinct characteristics – and make these qualities work for me, career wise.

What is your designation now and how did you land your current job?
PLDT invited me to join them seven years ago to lead a start-up Sales Team. I was not looking for a job at that time so the offer came as a surprise. A number of people were advising me against the move considering how stable my career was but I followed my gut feel and plunged in – looking back, I have no regrets whatsoever. I head Corporate Relationship Management for the PLDT and Smart Corporate Groups. However, I have recently been tasked to develop a Group that will deliberately focus on building and growing our SME Portfolio.
What does your job entail?

I manage a team of 60 people with an Annual Revenue Target-Turnover of P5Billion. Our clientele base consists of Multinational and Local Conglomerates, Banks and Financial Institutions and Outsourcing and Offshoring Corporations. My prime responsibilities can be summed up as follows: 1) Achieving Revenue Targets and Maximizing Revenue Opportunities from my portfolio; 2) Setting of Quality Standards and Processes and ensuring that these are implemented, exercised and monitored across the organization; 3) Mentoring, coaching and developing Leadership and Relationship Management Skills; 4) Sales Strategy Formulation and follow-through.

With all the responsibilities attached to my post, it is incumbent upon me to multitask heavily and work Smart (pardon the pun) in order to run the business effectively and efficiently. I depend heavily on my Smart Mobile Phone, Smarter Blackberry, WeRoam and myDSL to keep me connected 24x7. My “virtual office” allows me to be out on business, spending quality face time with my clients with the assurance that I do not miss out on anything urgent and/or important. It also allows me to stay vigilant on financials, and keep close coordination with my team.

How is it related to your major/course?
I graduated from the Ateneo in 1996 with a degree in AB-Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Management and Communications. Most of what I apply today in running the Business are disciplines and techniques which I picked up on-the-job. I thank the Ateneo however for instilling the values of discipline, hard work, accountability, teammanship, and working for a greater cause.

What job hunting techniques did you employ during your own job search that you can share with jobseekers today?
Your work history will always speak for itself and such track records are not built overnight. They are results of cumulative, consistent success stories over time. If you want a “Better Job with Better Pay” make sure that you exceed the expected caliber because it is a very competitive world out there. During any interview – arm yourself with Confidence, Character and Substance.

Now that you have your own team, what characteristics do you look for in employees?
Given the significance and influence of Information and Communications Technology to the social fiber of this country, and, the PLDT Group’s relevance in this Industry, we will always have room for people who will ensure that we keep our stakeholders – Stockholders, Equity Partners, Management, Employees and Customers – pleased and content, and who will carry the company into the next generation and ensure its long-term strategic viability.

Characteristics? – Dedicated, Self-Motivated and Business/Results-Oriented, Agile, Determined, Driven to Succeed. Did I mention good looking? ?

What is your dream job now?
I can’t ask for anything more as of now.