Ever wondered what it truly means to be a woman of substance?

In this episode of Breaking the Mould, Marie Ampeloquio sits down with Lea Villanueva is VP for HR and ESG of Straive, and Ricelle Matti, CIO of Inspiro, to uncover their journeys as leaders, mothers, and trailblazers.

From navigating corporate hierarchies to leading with authenticity and heart, they share personal insights, strategies for career growth, and the balance between work and life.

Discover how mentorship, intentional programs for women, and staying true to oneself create not just leaders but empowered women who inspire change in their organizations and beyond.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding what it means to be a “woman of substance” in leadership and life.

• How Lea and Ricelle balance demanding careers with family life.

• Lessons on authenticity, self-worth, and embracing one’s unique journey.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple⁠

• ⁠Spotify⁠

Or go watch us on ⁠YouTube⁠

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn ⁠

• ⁠Facebook ⁠

• ⁠Instagram

⁠A Team Dklutr Production

What makes a foreign CEO build a legacy in the Philippines, and call it home for over two decades?

In this episode, Richard Mills, Chairman of Asia CEO, shares the story behind his move to the Philippines, what inspired him to stay, and why he believes the Filipino workforce is the future of global business.

From award-winning events to nation-building vision, we dive into passion projects, people power, and the unique strengths that make Filipino leadership a global asset. If you're ready to rethink what world-class truly means, this episode is for you.

Key Highlights:

• Richard shares the story behind his 22-year stay in the Philippines
• The surprising reason foreign executives fall in love with Filipino teams
• Why Asia CEO Awards was created—and how it champions Filipino excellence

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

What happens when a leader chooses doing the right thing over profit?

In this episode, Tonichi Achurra-Parekh shares her powerful journey from answering phones to calling the shots. She unpacks what it really means to lead people, build an inclusive workplace, and stay grounded in purpose, even when pressure mounts.

This is not your typical corporate success story. It’s a wake-up call for leaders who want to humanize how they lead and create real, lasting impact.

Key Highlights:

• Why Tonichi believes leadership is about service, not status.
• Her personal story of starting as a call center agent — and never forgetting her roots.
• How “doing the right thing” trumps the balance sheet every single time.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

If your company tracks profit, process, and people, but not health… you’re missing the point.

In this episode, Joana Pinon-Bertumen of 360 Fit Teams joins Marie to challenge how we define success in the workplace. They talk about burnout, movement, company culture, and why health and wellness deserve their own spot in your KPI scorecard. From step trackers to office gym design, Joana shares how companies can create sustainable wellness programs that actually engage people—and get results.

Because you can’t lead from burnout—and your people can’t perform from exhaustion.

Key Highlights:

• Movement is a leadership tool and a burnout buffer.
• Wellness must be culture-led, not just HR-led.
• 6,000 steps a day is the new baseline—most employees hit just 1,500.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

What if your daily stress is more than just stress?

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cindy De Lara, MD, MHA, FPCP, FPCC, FACC, a Cardiovascular doctor and wellness advocate, joins Marie Ampeloquio to talk burnout, baseline health, and the invisible signs we all ignore. From subtle symptoms like fatigue and back pain to the life-threatening risks of stroke and heart disease, this is the episode that could literally save your life. We also talk about the power of early detection, the importance of knowing your numbers (yes, waistline included!), and why prevention is the future of leadership and wellness.

More than a health talk, this episode is a wake-up call for leaders and professionals who wear stress like a badge of honor.

Key Highlights:

• Burnout is often misidentified and ignored until it's too late.
• Subtle signs like fatigue, confusion, and body aches can signal deeper health issues.
• Women and men experience heart disease symptoms differently.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

How do you know if your team is burning out—and what can you do about it?

In this episode, Marie Ampeloquio sits down (again!) with Oca Sañez to explore how health impacts leadership, performance, and organizational sustainability. Coach Oca explains that burnout doesn’t always show up loudly—sometimes it’s in absenteeism, low engagement, or background complaints leaders ignore. The earlier we recognize the symptoms, the easier it is to course correct.

From there, the conversation expands into tangible solutions: rethinking food habits, creating mindful eating environments, prioritizing rest and movement, and even advocating for a fifth scorecard dedicated solely to wellness. Coach Oca also introduces the “Intentional Pause” framework and reveals how small daily choices can create a culture of high-performance health.

This isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about building leaders and workplaces that last.

Key Highlights:

• Burnout is often silent—watch for signs like absenteeism, tardiness, and low energy
• Leaders need to recognize and respond to subtle wellness symptoms in their teams
• Addressing poor habits requires empathy, not just discipline

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

What does it take to future-proof an industry employing 1.8 million Filipinos?

In the continuation of this powerful conversation with IBPAP COO Celeste Ilagan, we explore the future of the Philippine BPO industry. From AI disruption and resistance to retraining, to policy gaps and local government barriers—this episode tackles what’s holding us back and what needs to change. Celeste also shares how remote work reshaped the industry and how new laws are paving the way for flexibility. Plus, we end with a powerful look at Celeste’s personal leadership journey and what it takes to rise in your field.

Because the future isn’t in the future—the future is NOW!

Key Highlights:

• Upskilling and reskilling are non-negotiables in a post-AI world
• The industry can’t guarantee jobs—but it can provide strong L&D opportunities
• Government programs must supplement company-led training

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

What does it take to turn a few hundred call center jobs into a powerhouse industry employing over 1.8 million Filipinos?

Season 2 opens with industry icon Celeste Ilagan, COO of IBPAP, as she joins host Marie Ampeloquio to explore the game-changing growth of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines. From a few hundred jobs in 2000 to 1.82 million today, Celeste walks us through the movement that shaped towns, created careers, and put the country on the global professional services map. They also tackle urgent challenges like the talent-skills gap and readiness for AI disruption.

This episode sets the tone for a season focused on innovation, transformation, and building future-ready industries.

Key Highlights:

• The IT-BPM industry grew from hundreds to 1.82 million Filipino jobs in two decades.
• BPO helped transform cities like BGC, Iloilo, and Davao into economic hubs.
• Talent is both the industry’s greatest strength—and its biggest challenge.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

I can’t believe we’re wrapping up the very first season of Breaking the Mould!

This journey has been all about challenging norms in HR and finding innovative ways to truly take care of our people. In this episode, I look back at the powerful conversations and game-changing insights shared by our incredible guests. From redefining wellness and leadership to uncovering the impact of metabolic health, this season has been an eye-opener. Stick around as I give you a sneak peek into Season 2—it's going to be even bigger, bolder, and packed with fresh ideas to reshape HR!

As we close out this season, I’m reflecting on everything we’ve learned together. This season, we dove deep into the heart of HR—wellness, leadership, talent acquisition, and performance management. I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with brilliant minds who’ve shared actionable advice and inspiring stories.

From Ian and Jeng unpacking wellness versus well-being to Randy reminding us of leadership fundamentals, every conversation reminded me why I love this field. Nichole’s story of thriving at work while navigating motherhood stuck with me, and Rylle’s no-nonsense approach to organizational development was a game-changer. We even tackled metabolic health with Oca, showing how employee well-being fuels productivity.

This season proved one thing: HR isn’t about policies—it’s about people. I can’t wait to dive into Season 2 and explore even more ways to break the mold in HR!

Key Highlights:

• Reflecting on HR Evolution: I revisited the standout themes of the season—wellness, leadership, and how HR can drive meaningful change.
• Wellness vs. Well-being: Ian and Jeng helped me understand that real employee support is about sustainable solutions for every part of life—physical, emotional, and even financial.
• Leadership at Its Core: Randy reminded me that great leadership is built on discipline, trust, and habits that inspire accountability.
• Balancing Motherhood and Career: Nichole’s story of navigating pregnancy while starting a new role was so inspiring—it proves flexibility and trust go a long way.
• Simplifying Organizational Development: Rylle made OD practical, showing me how digging into data and focusing on long-term results solves big challenges like attrition.
• The Power of Voice: Tasia reminded me how much tone and intention matter, especially in a digital-first world.
• Why Metabolic Health Matters: Oca blew me away with his insights on how health impacts productivity and how small changes in diet can lead to big results.
• Looking Ahead to Season 2: I’m thrilled to bring you more groundbreaking topics next season—get ready for bigger ideas and bolder discussions!

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production

Can food truly be medicine?

In this episode of Breaking the Mould, Marie Ampeloquio is joined by certified nutrition coach Oca Sañez to explore the transformative power of food and lifestyle. They discuss how nutrition impacts chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s, while debunking myths about fats and cholesterol. Learn practical strategies for taking control of your health and creating a life free of reliance on maintenance meds. Oca also shares his inspiring journey from corporate leadership to wellness advocacy. Tune in to discover how intentional food choices can shape your future.

Oca Sañez, a former corporate executive turned certified nutrition coach, is on a mission to educate people about the transformative role of food in health and wellness. With certifications from the globally renowned Nutrition Network, Oca leverages his leadership background and personal passion to inspire lasting change. This episode delves into the concept of "food as medicine," highlighting its role in reversing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Oca’s insights underscore the importance of intentional food choices and lifestyle adjustments in achieving metabolic health and a fulfilling life.

Key Highlights:

1. "Food as Medicine": The Basics - Oca Sañez explains how intentional nutrition can reverse chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, offering a natural alternative to medications.
2. The Myth of Cholesterol - Oca debunks misconceptions, highlighting cholesterol’s critical role in health and the benefits of natural fats for the brain and heart.
3. Industrial Oils and Their Hidden Dangers - Industrial oils in processed foods are major health risks, producing toxins that damage cells and contribute to chronic conditions.

SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on:

• Apple
• Spotify
  
  

Or go watch us on YouTube

Connect with Team Radix HR

Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates and insights:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

A Team Dklutr Production