What People Say About Nina Aguas
Work life can reveal a lot about a person. From talent and efficiency to how a person treats her co-workers, these are tell-tale signs of the kind of person one is. I asked Nina:
FMAG: People who have worked with you have achieved their own success and recognition. As a well-loved boss respected by many, what separates successful employees from mediocre ones?
NDA: I can only be grateful for having been uniquely blessed with generous opportunities and given a platform to open doors for others. Over the years and with practice, it is almost instinctive to spot good and deserving people. Technical competence is basic, but you look for leadership, integrity, determination and empathy. And I appreciate equanimity (as defined - mental calmness, composure, evenness of temper in a difficult situation ) and yes, a good sense of humour. You almost look for people who mirrors who you are. I invest and support their own desire for personal growth and achievement. We all must succeed.
We asked a few of those who have worked with Nina: How do you best remember Nina? Their answers were consistent, thoughtful and yes, a confirmation of our impression about this extraordinary leader.
1.
“Nina was the Asia Pacific Region Director when I first knew her many years ago. I was impressed with Nina’s attitude towards staff as she always had time to spend with them who were not even her direct reports, nor her junior staff. Her attitude towards staff and teamwork was very welcoming for the team.”
-David Hsu, Country Compliance Head of Citibank Hong Kong
2.
“Whenever I see a diamond I am reminded of Nina. Why? She has maintained a very balanced approach to life (professional, family, spiritual and self). A great role model to all who had the privilege of working under her.”
-Noel Paraso, Shared Services Strategic Advisor
3.
“More than a boss Nina was a trusted friend and role model. Here are traits of Nina that I and many others modelled our leadership style after or simply just how to be a better person:
Early to work, starts her day with the Holy mass
Methodical at work
Treated everyone with respect
We never feared her as a boss, we were very comfortable with her knowing that she has our backs covered when we need her to step in in a difficult situation
She is very charming when dealing with people, as the saying goes honey attracts better than vinegar
I have never seen her get condescending at people below her pay grade
She is very humane and sensitive to people’s needs
She knows how to relax, laugh out loud and have fun. She does not get flustered easily by difficult and complicated situations and keeps to her motto: Let Go and Let God
She is a devoted wife and mother. Her motherhood has never taken a back seat to her career. Testament to this is the kind of children she raised who are now making their mark in their respective fields
She knows where she wants to be. During a light moment when she was Audit Director for Citibank covering Asia (quarter century ago) she mused that before she retires, she wants to head a local bank
-Betty Atienza, Nina’s Admin Support and Audit Manager in Citytrust and Citibank from 1991-1997
4.
“Nina brought out the best in you. She modelled excellence and somehow it makes you want to do the same. In addition, her laughter, smile and heart will get to you.”
-Margie Pagdanganan, Investment Centre Head, Citi Private Bank
5.
“Nina was a role model – about over decades ago, we embarked on a pilot for launching paperless system with risk indicator model. She led by example, by piloting the concept in the region. A great life lesson – if you believe in something, be the first to try and improve as things progress. Despite being Senior, she connected with the team irrespective of the level and made them feel part of a family vs team, a principle I have embraced ever since.”
-Prateeek Agrawal, Managing Director, Global Head of Technology Resiliency, JPMorgan Chase & Co
6.
“Nina proves that a woman can have it all – a successful career and a successful family life. She is quick to say it helped that her husband, Mario Aguas, the former audit managing partner at Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co (SGV & Co.) – a leading audit firm in the Philippines – was ahead of his time when he took an active role in parenting their five children. Her children now have their own families, but Nina regularly brings them all together so they stay connected to one another.”
-Noemi G. Azura, President & CEO Insular Health Care
7.
“Nina has exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to care not only about you, but also your family as in my case. She has done exceptionally well in her career and I am proud of her achievements as we worked together for many years.”
-Graham Dickson, Managing Director, Asia Consumer Business Operational Risk and Control Head, Citibank (1974 to present)
8.
“Nina is like a mother to me, that is why I call her “Mom”. She is an exemplary mentor who invested in the careers of countless proteges who had the good fortune of being under her care. With Nina, I learned leadership by example, how to manage conflict, how to build lasting professional relationships and many more.”
-Eugene S. Acevedo, President and CEO of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
9.
“Nina is warm and attentive to staff at all levels. Her focus on people greatly influenced her team to play to win rather than be afraid of losing; they put in their best to achieve important goals. Her continued focus on self and career development with excellent achievements are true inspiration to those around her. A role model of being a leader.“
-Cyrus So, Investment Center Head, Citi Private Bank Hong Kong
10.
“I first met Nina some 38 years ago when I interviewed her for a job at Citibank. I had my doubts about hiring her as she kept giggling through the interview. But behind the giggle was a sharp mind and a strong personality and I chose her for the latter. Since then, she’s gone from job to job – attaining greater heights at each stage, still giggling away. A lovely person who became a good friend. Wishing her greater achievements and more accolades.”
-Khusroo Dastur (Keith Dastur), CEO, Sirrus Advisory
