We had the good fortune of connecting with Emmanuel Damian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emmanuel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m a very busy guy and it takes a lot of courage to multitask a lot of activities. What I usually do is to make a checklist and plot all my meetings in the calendar. In between, I would insert blogging and social media time during my breaks. I make sure I prioritize my work first before I go to social media. Engagements and events are usually scheduled at least one week prior. I always update my tracker to ensure I’m following my daily schedule. I remember last year, I started graduate school. I was juggling it with my full time work, blogging, personal and social time. It was so difficult but I managed to fit it all! I guess it’s all about time management and also prioritization. You need to know what really matters the most. Since I have more time now, I want to pick up more hobbies so I won’t get bored.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the endless support and mentorship of my former bosses. It was tough yet there are a lot of learning. I started my Regulatory Affairs career at Metro Drug Inc. Slowly, I got to be more confident with my craft. I helped established a start-up pharmaceutical company and registered more than 100 products in a span of 1 year. I took a jump into Pharmacovigilance for few years and honed my operational and people management skills. Simultaneously, I took two masters degree to help me achieve the positions that I have now. Last year, I got a change to set up another regulatory sciences business in the country and I got to travel to develop my skills. Along the way, it was not easy. There were a lot of doubts, failures and discouragements but knowing my “ultra competitive” spirit, I took all negative words into positive ones and take that as an opportunity to improve myself. As a breadwinner of the family, I made sure I excel in my career as it is the primary source of my income. I always remember to put my career and family first above myself. With that kind of attitude, I got promoted several times. At a young age, I got to fast track my career and be the best at my chosen field. I got invited to several lectures and talks which gave me more confidence. I want the world to know that it doesn’t hurt to be a good person at the office and make sure to put the interest of your people first. As a leader, you need to be a great example to the team and serve as an inspiration to them. I want to be known as a fair person and someone who gives opportunities to people. It doesn’t cost any so why not share it to your team?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Me and my best friend travel and eat a lot. I would definitely take her to our favorite Xiao Long Bao restaurant and do some shopping after. We love to walk and chat. We spend a lot of time together so if we are apart, we always call each other even of we are overseas. I would also take her to museum. We both love to immerse ourselves to the local culture and embrace the rich history of the place. We will also play tennis during the week and do yoga + massage after. I think a balance schedule of gastronomy, sports, culture and wellness are keys to a healthier friendship. This is our typical itinerary for the week. We also like to keep it spontaneous as long as we are together no matter what! Love you friendy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the countless support of my parents. All the success, achievements or whatever award I get, I always dedicate to them. I really believe that they have molded me into a better person. Through wise judgments, my dad really strengthened my mental fortitude. With infectious smile, my mom helped me to become more sociable and people person. Her kindness and meekness are some of the values I got. My ultra competitiveness and initiatives, I got it from my dad. The Shoutout series is what I offer to both of you. I love you both!

Website: www.thetennisfoodie.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmandamian
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanueldamian/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/damian_emman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetennisfoodie
Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/damian_emman

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