The Calculated Risk-taker – PJ Gregorio
By: Neil Nepomuceno
PJ Gregorio was a former Citibanker who shifted careers from voice engagement outbound team to taking on various roles before being promoted to a Senior Risk Officer in UnionBank.
From taking calls, to making the right business decisions
PJ joined Citibank in 2010 as a fresh graduate and it was his first job, “I was very idealistic and excited with my new environment, but I guess more than anything else, my stay with Citi helped me to become more disciplined and more professional at work.
Citi provided the exposure that I needed through customer interactions.”
From helping resolve the callers’ problems, PJ learned how to deal with clients. This training helped him a lot in his career as a banker.
PJ then joined UnionBank in 2012. Since his new role at UB is different, he admitted that there was a learning curve, but the good thing is despite the challenges, the transition was easier than he expected.
“Just like in Citi, UnionBank promotes the culture of collaboration (Ubuntu) and it helped me a lot during the transition especially for someone who was totally new in this role.”
– PJ Gregorio
Despite his lack of experience in his new role, PJ persevered and upskilled himself using the resources found at the UnionBank University, along with various seminars and trainings.
“Aside from your teammates who will help you, it (training) equipped me with the tools and the right knowledge for your tasks,” said PJ.
PJ is also aware of the possibility of former Citibankers joining his current team, saying that he is excited to work with them.
When asked about his advice for the onboarding Citibankers, PJ said, “Always give it your best, do your best and never be afraid to fail. There are times that we may fail but the most important thing about it is that we learn.”
Now in his 10th year as a UnionBanker, PJ works with a lot of people from the Consumer Finance Business, including account officers, as well as team leaders and their business heads. Internally, he works with the Loan Operations department and the Credit Operations Department.
As the Senior Risk Officer, PJ said that he provides the right metrics, that would help the decision-makers make the right business decisions.
“One of the things that I enjoy with my Role as a Senior Risk Officer, is that I learn a lot and now, being one of the Senior members of the team, I can share my knowledge with the younger members of the team.”
It’s fulfilling, because you learn along the way as you work, and you get to share that knowledge with your colleagues.” He ended.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Excited for what’s ahead.