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VOL.14 ISSUE 253 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022 VOL.14 ISSUE 253 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022
EDGEDAVAO
EDGEDAVAO
WOMEN
ONE CLASS ACT Nicole Hao Bian – Ledesma talks about navigating an academic career and how the pandemic is reshaping education. the meetings—from matters about academic and curriculum to accounting, audit, human resources, quality assurance, and even building and maintenance. Eventually, I introduced some innovations to improve our school operations.”
NICOLE NIÑA HAO BIAN – LEDESMA is an icon in the business community and academic sphere. This smart, stylish, and pretty lady is the Chief Operating Officer of the Joji Ilagan International Schools (also known as JIB), which owns and manages the following: Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism, Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHef), The International Management School, JIB International School of Hotel and Tourism Management in General Santos City, and Stockbridge American International School in Davao and General Santos. You also see her at the forefront of various tourism and economic forums—taking part in Davao City’s continuous progress and post-pandemic recovery and paving the way for a wealth of opportunities for future graduates. Nicole explains, “Being involved in various business and trade organizations also allows me to share the work that I do, meet entrepreneurs and leaders from other industries, and discover best practices I can bring into our company.” “As a leader, educator, and businesswoman, I learned how important it is to evolve constantly. You have to step out of your comfort zone and industry and be multifaceted. In our case, as educators, we go beyond the four walls of the school so we won’t get stuck in our bubble. We stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the business community and the global arena and learn from other industries. By doing so, we are preparing students to succeed beyond the corners of the school and make informed business decisions.” Learning the ropes The love for learning is ingrained in Nicole. She credits her mother, Joji Ilagan Bian—a cham-
Stepping into a leadership role As Chief Operating Officer, carrying out the company’s mission to provide high-quality education, Nicole takes the lead in planning and executing strategies. “My priority areas are innovations in curriculum, instruction and classroom management; strengthening international partnerships and industry linkages; establishing quality assurance systems; and obtaining national and international accreditations.” “Our school prepares students to have global knowledge and develop their competencies, personality, and
Nicole Hao Bian - Ledesma. pion of education and founder of othJIB—for inspiring her to find her ers passion and live purposefully. Nicole “I knew I wanted to become a with her husband businesswoman like my mom. As Josef and a child, I played dress-up in her daughter closet. I would wear her blazer and Cheska. pair it up with a pencil-cut skirt, a scarf, and high heels. Growing up, she would always bring me to her to reach their work. I remember running in the ambitions.” hallways of the old JIB building Nicole firmly believes in Anda Street and exchanging that passion can only take one pleasantries with her colleagues, so far and that she needs to put staff, and even some of her stuin hard work to succeed in her dents. Back then, my mom’s career chosen field. “I began teaching a seemed so exciting to me as she course on Personality Developalways met with different kinds ment to kids, teens, and corporate of people, traveled, and looked clients as early as my college days. fabulous every day.” I also took post-graduate educa“It was only in high school and tion and professional training. college when I truly understood Add to that a series of on-the-job what it meant to be in business training at the JIB school durand be an educator. During family ing my summer and semestral dinners, my mom’s eyes would breaks. My immersion in the always light up when she would company included mentorship share with us a typical day in programs and meetings with my school—from connecting with mom, her colleagues, and staff.” teachers and students to meeting This young COO finished a contemporaries and partners in Master of Arts degree in Internathe industry. She would talk about tional Hospitality Management in how she was able to help a stuSwitzerland. “After which, I went dent or community by giving free back to Davao and formally joined trainings. It was during those our company. I was given freemoments when I realized how a hand to be involved in all departcareer in the academe would allow ments to learn the ins and outs of me to share myself and empower running a school. I sat through all
confidence to succeed beyond school and as they enter the hospitality and tourism industry. As a business, we ensure our systems and processes are exemplary through quality assurance measures and external accreditations. We also make sure that we remain relevant to the times by having international partners and linkages.” Nicole is currently taking the Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management program with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Bridging the distance The education system evolved dramatically at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels, schools invested in educational technology and deployed distance learning programs using various formats
and online platforms. Nicole played a significant role in helping their schools navigate the new normal. She kept the team abreast of the latest advancements during this pivotal stage in education—all while adjusting to her new role as wife and mom. “Our schools, from K12 to college levels, were quick to shift to online learning. We invested in technology and systems needed to ensure students will still get the most out of their educational experiences. Teachers were immediately given proper equipment and professional development sessions to handle online classes efficiently. Moreover, we enhanced our internal and external processes and shifted to contactless transactions.” Nicole is optimistic about the future and stresses the need to adapt and keep up with the needs and demands of the times. “The education landscape will never be the same again. We have seen how students were able to thrive and continue learning online. So, we will still have flexible learning options even after the pandemic. Schools need to strengthen their student development programs and give importance to socioemotional development.” “Education, from now on, will be borderless, and students can study in international schools in the comfort of their homes. They can learn from professors across the globe and network with other international students through an online format. The world will become the student’s classroom. There will also be a demand for short courses or micro-credentials. These ‘stackable’ micro certificates will allow one to be proficient in a specific competency and be employable after.” Fulfilling moments Nicole’s list of credentials and achievements is nothing short of impressive. Asked what makes her work more rewarding, she answers, “It’s when I meet any of our JIB alumni during my travels or visits to restaurants and hotels, and they share with me their success stories. It is always so humbling and nice to hear how our school helped them reach their dreams and become managers and leaders in the industry. I also find fulfillment in seeing my colleagues challenge themselves and achieve what seemed to be a difficult task. I am constantly training our staff to become leaders in their respective departments.”