“In Hebrew, the word dabar means both word and also deed. A word doesn’t merely say something, it does something. It brings something into being.” ―Frederick Buechner
Allan Catli has been doing just that for the past seventeen years of his career: bringing something into being through his words and his deeds.
His vast experience in retail, telecommunication, content delivery and software development companies has brought various brands, products and services into life.
His degree in mass communication from Adamson University gave him the training ground in which he honed his gift for words. His MBA courses from the same university turned this gift into passion.
“My passion is building strong brands through market research. Along with it is crafting the best customer experience and making it your single differentiator in the market.” He explains.
It is no wonder that he started his career as the Call Center Operations Supervisor of Eastern Telecom Phils. Inc. where he ensured that customers received consistent quality standard of service. Being the young, hungry-for-challenge person that he was back then, he was also the Head of Alumni Relations at his alma mater where he discovered the thrills of marketing as he spearheaded countless programs and events for fund-raising, capital development and endowment.
He decided to pursue marketing to develop his creative mind and thus moved to Level Up! Games Inc. as Brand Activation Supervisor where he sharpened his skills in creating overall customer experience for different brands.
The allure of technology eventually led him back to Eastern Telecom as Product Manager for Prepaid Internet Card & CoLocation where he developed his business acumen and technical expertise. He wanted to further expand his product knowledge to include not just hardware but also software. That is why he moved to A. Magsaysay Incorporated as Product Manager for Human Resources and Shipping Systems.
His leadership in-depth knowledge in both hardware and software industries have prepared him to be the Group Product Marketing Manager for Wireline and Solutions of Globe Telecom Inc, under the small and medium business group.
Tao Corporation have then appointed him as Head of Brand & Marketing Services of Allphones where his extensive experience in the IT & telco industry enabled him to launch the biggest mobile retail brand in the Philippines in the year 2014. Last year, Allan was invited to spearhead the Marketing team of Techbox, another subsidiary of Tao Corporation where he launched the Smart-Techbox postpaid partnership.
Despite the level of success he has had in climbing up the corporate ladder, Allan found his passion still insatiable.
“My exposure in leading cross-functional groups to create brands has awakened in me the desire to build my own brand. This is why I have decided to start a company with a few of my trusted colleagues. Being part of Muovere Veloce Consultancy Inc. has widened my reach like never before. I don’t just create my own brand, I help countless others to have their own. ” He exclaims.
As if he is not busy enough with consultancy work, he also writes for local agencies engaged in public relations. He even does pro-bono for non-government local and international organizations with intent to do or currently doing volunteer works in the Philippines.
“My family is very supportive especially my beautiful wife, Jing. She knows that pursuing my passion in this way is honoring God and inspiring our two sons to grow up as men who will dedicate their lives in doing what they believe is right and good.” Allan adds.
He has recently started a blog www.mydailygrind.ph where he keeps a repository of his previous projects, customer insights, promotions, and life stories. Indeed, true to his word, Allan Catli is now bringing to life his greatest brand of all: his own.
Contributor:
Faith Deborrah J. Pagulayan – Accounts Director of Muovere Veloce Consultancy, Inc. with almost 10 years of experience in product and brand management for corporate and non-profit organizations.