Marilou Lagman Gilfillan, SPHR

My success is fueled by an unwavering combination of tenacity and courage. My approach has always been to boldly embrace opportunities: I say 'yes' first, and then activate the resourcefulness and strategic insight needed to execute quickly and successfully. This drive was honed by my professional journey, starting with my migration from the Philippines. I embraced the challenge of cultural and linguistic assimilation, mastering American business communication to ensure my strategic voice was always understood and impactful. This experience instilled in me a unique foresight and adaptability essential for global leadership.

Throughout my career, I have consistently championed innovation, pioneering solutions that redefine the employee experience. I was never afraid to implement transformative changes, whether it was creating one of the first online career sites in the early 2000s when paper applications dominated, converting complex vacation and sick time into simplified PTO systems, or introducing strategic benefits like 401K profit sharing.

Most importantly, my ability to grow stems from doors that were opened for me. Because someone offered me a hand up, paying that forward has become the defining theme of my leadership. My success is built on embracing the discomfort of learning, committing to continuous growth, and focusing relentlessly on opening pathways and providing opportunities for the next generation.

Say 'Yes' first, and then immediately summon the resourcefulness to figure it out. This mindset is about boldly embracing new opportunities, even if they initially feel daunting, and trusting your ability to learn and lead through the challenge.

Don't shy away from discomfort! Embracing the unfamiliar is a vital part of your journey, and what some refer to as "imposter syndrome" is actually just the natural sensation of rapid learning and growth. That feeling of newness doesn't define you or signal that you don't belong; it's simply the feeling of stretching your resilience and gaining knowledge. My advice is to accept that we are all learning, enjoy the process, and trust that the discomfort you feel is proof that you are becoming better at what you do.

One of the most fascinating conversations right now revolves around AI adoption. Leaders across industries are understandably eager to jump onto the AI journey, because it’s exciting, and it’s top of mind for everyone. However, as People and Culture professionals, our biggest advisory role is to help shift that enthusiasm into tangible, strategic action. When I hear leaders aiming to be 'AI first,' I encourage us all to pause and ask: What does 'AI first' practically mean for our business model and our people? Are we truly changing how we operate, or are we just pursuing the latest technology without a clear return? For any successful AI integration, a robust governance framework is non-negotiable, and HR absolutely must be seated at that table. The truth is, many organizations are captivated by the technology: thinking of specific tools like Claude, Gemini, or ChatGPT, without mapping out the 'final destination' for their business and realizing what true change is required.

My gentle reminder to leaders is to prioritize the human element. Before we consider resource reallocation or potential structural changes, are we fundamentally investing in and supporting our people? This critical investment ensures that the people strategy is aligned with the technology strategy, moving us toward genuine business transformation rather than simply chasing a technological fantasy. It is essential to fully consider the people implications before taking that crucial leap into AI adoption.

Integrity is the absolute cornerstone for me. It’s a principle I was raised with, and I believe that being authentic and true to yourself in everything you say and do is vital for building trust, not just at work, but in every personal connection as well. This commitment to truthfulness fosters clarity and strengthens relationships.

Equally important is humility. I strive to approach every challenge and opportunity with humility, which allows for continuous learning, open collaboration, and genuine partnership. Together, these values guide how I approach my work in HR, helping me navigate complex organizational dynamics and build resilient relationships. They are truly non-negotiable guides for how I live my life.