Team-Building in Sydney: Louie’s Visit to Australia

A year ago, I ventured into the Philippines for the first time, looking to build an offshore centre of excellence for Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing. While my first search didn’t yield the results I hoped for, my persistence paid off in my subsequent visits, and it was during my third trip that I met Louie Rosales. Louie’s strong background in data and finance, combined with his business acumen and impressive communication skills, made him an ideal candidate for the Manager role I needed. We hit it off right away, and I knew he would become an integral part of the team.

Over the next nine months, Louie took on his new role with enthusiasm, becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in a fraction of the time we had anticipated. Our professional relationship evolved rapidly, and soon enough, our personal bond grew just as strong. When the opportunity arose to bring Louie to Australia for a two-week visit, we were excited to introduce him to the extended team and show him a bit of our Australian culture. His wife, Maitha, was able to join us too, working remotely while we spent our days in the office.

We packed in a lot of sightseeing during Louie’s time in Sydney, making the most of his visit. We made sure to catch the magical Vivid Sydney Festival, enjoying an evening by the Opera House before taking a Vivid Cruise for a stunning view of the city at night. The Corporate Box experience at ANZ Stadium was another highlight, where we watched my beloved (albeit sometimes disappointing) Eels play. We also took a day trip to the Blue Mountains, soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

This trip marked a defining moment in our professional relationship, solidifying the bond we had developed over the months. The two weeks were a mix of hard work, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. The memories from this trip remain with us, a testament to the connection we forged and the strength of the team we built together.