ABOUT THE VA & Client Relationship Manager
Maan Gutierrez
What’s your superhero origin story? How did you become the General Manager at Advice2Talent?
I started in humble beginnings. I began as a call center agent, taking calls and helping people fix their internet connection or cable problems. From there, I became a Subject Matter Expert, and that’s when my career started to grow. Eventually, I became a supervisor, and when I entered the VA world, my title changed from Supervisor to Success Manager and now to Relationship Manager.
Share your professional journey in a fun, narrative style.
I relate my journey to the short story Jonathan Livingston Seagull. In the story, Jonathan was taught that seagulls could not fly high and were destined to fly low. However, he proved to his flock that he could soar high and even teach others to do the same. Similarly, I did not finish college—I was in my fourth year when I got pregnant and couldn’t complete my degree. In the Philippines, having a college degree is essential for joining the operations team or becoming a supervisor or manager.
Despite this, I have proven that no diploma or degree can teach someone to become a true leader. A leader is a teacher and a servant. The most valuable “diploma” is one’s attitude toward work and how they treat and inspire people, which no formal education can surpass. Nevertheless, I understand the importance of education and plan to return to school to finish my degree. I am currently saving money, and once I have enough funds, I will resume my studies and earn that degree.
Maan Gutierrez
VA & Client Relationship Manager
What’s your secret sauce for keeping everything running smoothly? Any quirky rituals or go-to productivity hacks?
I pray the rosary twice a day, at 3:00 AM and 8:00 PM. This practice is my secret sauce. It keeps me sane, grounded, and constantly reminds me that I am nothing without my God.
Highlight your unique methods and tips for staying organized and efficient.
I always make sure to schedule important details in my business email calendar. Additionally, I maintain my own tracker, especially for recurring tasks, to ensure I don’t miss anything. For my personal life, I use a calendar on my mobile phone. If I ever forget something, I hold myself accountable by informing everyone and committing to improve. My philosophy is not just to keep commitments to my boss but, most importantly, to myself.
How did you get started in the virtual assistant industry, and what drew you to it?
I started as a Success Manager in my previous company and later applied as a Relationship Manager at Advice2Talent. While the roles have different titles, their purpose is the same: to inspire virtual assistants (VAs) and help them perform at their best.
Discuss your background in the VA industry and what sparked your interest in this field.
Honestly, I have never been a virtual assistant in any capacity. I have no background in the field. However, my strength lies in managing people and inspiring them to perform their best.
If your job came with a theme song, what would it be and why?
Colors of the Wind from the movie Pocahontas has always been my life’s theme song. It represents fairness, not only in the human world but also in nature. As beings endowed with wisdom, we are not just here to prosper but to ensure that everything—big or small—is treated with respect.
Add a personal touch by sharing a song that represents your role or work ethic.
Colors of the Wind emphasizes fairness and respect for all. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we have as leaders to ensure fairness, wisdom, and respect in all aspects of life and work.
What’s one unexpected skill or talent you bring to the team that people might not know about?
Singing.
Reveal a surprising aspect of your personality or abilities that adds value to your role.
Singing. Music is powerful; it mirrors our emotions, transcending color, genre, and gender. For me, the key attitude in my role is ensuring that everyone feels heard without judgment. Listening to people and making them feel they are not alone makes a significant difference. As they say, people may come and go, but your favorite song, band, or singer stays with you, even in your darkest moments.