Stepping Into Entrepreneurship, Finding Focus, and Helping Small Businesses Thrive

Amrei Dizon’s Idol sa Negosyo guesting with host - PCCI QC President Atty. Arnel Mateo

Building a business often starts with a simple spark—a knack for creativity, a willingness to adapt, or a desire to address a gap in the market. In the latest episode of Idol sa Negosyo, I had the privilege of sharing how those sparks turned into something tangible with Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS), and later, Introspeck Management Consultancy.

It all began when I was balancing freelance work in graphic design, video editing, and events. Those early experiments grew into a full-fledged venture—VCS—whose core aim is to deliver compelling digital content. We learned through trial, error, and sometimes sheer improvisation. One day, I was a student designing business cards and signages; the next, I was a business owner figuring out overhead costs and how to collect from overdue client fees to fund new projects. These small steps taught me resilience and resourcefulness.

Staying Grounded With ADHD

Part of the discussion includes a look at my experience with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Although managing ADHD can introduce extra hurdles, it also nurtured a sense of creativity and adaptability. Learning to stay calm under pressure, for example, helped me navigate the demands of entrepreneurship.

Championing Diversity

My work reflects a commitment to inclusive leadership, partly due to personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. When people see representation in leadership, it signals that everyone’s voice matters. Such an environment draws out inventive ideas, allowing teams to connect more deeply and serve clients in powerful ways.

Introducing Introspeck Management Consultancy

There came a point when my business partner and I recognized how many small enterprises crave direction in strategy, processes, and growth. That realization led to co-founding Introspeck Management Consultancy. Our aim is to support emerging business owners who need more than just advice—they want practical steps, collaboration, and professional guidance to move forward.

A Quick Look at AI

During the interview, I shared suggestions on how AI can simplify various tasks, from content brainstorming to day-to-day scheduling, while staying alert on ethics and data reliability. Adopting these tools can streamline your workflow without losing the personal touch that distinguishes small businesses.

Key Takeaways

• Being prepared to pivot—whether it’s upgrading your toolkit or exploring new client segments—keeps a venture dynamic.

• Individuals who believe in your vision can transform a small operation into a stable enterprise.

• Welcoming different perspectives leads to richer strategies and a supportive workplace.

• Mentoring and consultancy are powerful ways to strengthen communities of entrepreneurs.

This feature came to life with the help of PCCI QC President Arnel Mateo, who generously gave me the opportunity to share these experiences. Catch the full Idol sa Negosyo video embedded below to see how these principles can guide your next steps, whether you’re just getting started or aiming to expand an existing venture.

Explore how Amrei Dizon balances ADHD, champions inclusive leadership, and uses AI to boost small business growth. Gain practical tips for marketing and team management.

Artwork from the Idol sa Negosyo Facebook Page.

ICSB’s MSME Day Conference Successfully Concludes at AIM Fuller Hall

The AI Panel with the MSME Day conference organizers

The International Council for Small Business Philippines (ICSB PH) proudly announced the successful conclusion of the “Entrepreneurs Implementing Sustainability & Governance in the Age of AI” conference, held on June 27, 2024, at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Fuller Hall. This event, marking UN International MSME Day 2024, brought together leading experts, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss the integration of sustainability, governance, and artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The conference content and framework were meticulously developed by ICSB PH President Eric Caeg and Conference Panel Chair Amrei Dizon, Chief Creative Officer of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions. Their collaboration ensured a comprehensive program that addressed critical issues facing MSMEs today. Richie Cuña, Founder of Milkin Group, the company which houses franchise brands such as Fiorgelato and Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, served as the Conference Chair, overseeing the event’s execution.

Key Panels and Discussions

The event featured four dynamic panel discussions, each focusing on a critical aspect of business management for SMEs:

Sustainability Pioneers

Moderated by Yayu Javier, ICSB PH Trustee and Founder of Avanza, Inc., this panel included Germaine Reyes, CEO/President of Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy; Cecilia Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation; Griselda Gay Santos, SEA Director at Water.Org; and Mariglo Laririt, Director for Sustainability at Ten Knots Philippines, Inc. They discussed how large corporate brands implement sustainability and shared insights on how MSMEs can adopt similar practices, with AI as a supportive tool.

Governance Virtuosos

Moderated by Prof. Ma. Elena B. Herrera, PhD, AIM Adjunct Faculty and ICSB PH Trustee, this panel featured Prof. Olivier Roche, Associate Professor and C.V. Starr Chair in Corporate Governance; Josiah Go, Chairman of Mansmith & Fielders and ICSB PH Honorary Member; and Prof. Enrique Soriano, Managing Director of W+B Advisory Asia and ICSB PH Honorary Member. They provided guidance on forming effective governance structures and highlighted best practices from corporate and family-owned businesses.

AI Innovators

Moderated by Dominic Ligot, Founder, CEO & CTO of Cirrolytix, this panel included Prof. Christopher Monterola, PhD, School Head of Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship; Prof. Michelle Banawan, PhD, Assistant Professor and Academic Program Director of Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Administration; and Donald Patrick Lim, DBA, Chairman of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines and Trustee of ICSB PH. They discussed how AI can enhance sustainability and governance, offering practical advice on integrating AI solutions tailored for small businesses.

Entrepreneurial Leaders

Moderated by Armando Butz Bartolome, ICSB PH Founding Member and Chairman of GMB Franchisers, Inc., this panel featured George Royeca, CEO of Angkas; Pinky Yee, Founder of Pure Essentials; Jose Magsaysay Jr., Founder of Jose Biz Co.; and Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay, Founder of Carmen’s Best Ice Cream. They shared their experiences of implementing sustainability, governance, and AI best practices, highlighting how these practices propelled their businesses to success.

Organizing Team and Support

The conference was organized by a dedicated team including Eric Caeg, President of ICSB PH; Richie Cuña, Conference Chair; Amrei Dizon, Conference Panel Lead; Bryan Sy Lato, Event Director; Faith Abano, Master of Ceremonies; Kimberly Lim, Marketing Manager at iPay88; Joyce Co-Yu, Treasurer and ICSB Cares Lead; and Rose Concepcion, Executive Officer of ICSB PH. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth execution of the event, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and networking among participants.

Contract Signing Sessions

In addition to the panel discussions, the event featured significant contract signing sessions with key partners, including the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, PCCI QC, BNI, and Barangay San Lorenzo. These partnerships aim to support MSME empowerment and foster collaborative efforts for sustainable and ethical business practices.

Inspiring Keynotes and Support

The event was graced by virtual messages from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, ICSB PH Honorary Member, and Vicki Stylianou, Incoming Chairman of the International Council for Small Business. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean of AIM, also delivered a compelling keynote address, setting an inspirational tone for the day’s discussions.

The “Entrepreneurs Implementing Sustainability & Governance in the Age of AI” conference highlighted the crucial need for SMEs to prioritize sustainability and governance, with AI as a supportive element. The success of this event underscores ICSB PH’s commitment to fostering responsible and innovative business practices among SMEs, setting a benchmark for future initiatives.

As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge, ready to implement the strategies discussed to drive their businesses forward sustainably and ethically.

Expanding Horizons: Navigating Global Markets with Strategic Insight and Adaptability

The event, "Uncharted Territories: Reaching New Markets and Customers," hosted by StartOut, brought together a diverse panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of global expansion. The panelists shared their experiences, insights, and strategies for navigating new markets, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal, cultural, and financial barriers. Here's a summary of the key points shared by each speaker:

Romika Devi, co-chair for StartOut's growth stage and founder of Next Level Sobriety, introduced StartOut and its mission to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. She highlighted the organization's achievements and thanked the sponsors for their support.

James Kinesic, co-chair with Romika on the growth programming board for StartOut and founder of Buy the Job, Inc., emphasized the significance of expanding businesses globally and the challenges that come with it, such as legal issues, cultural barriers, and managing work across time zones.

Ethan Mayers, connecting from Tunis, Tunisia, shared his journey as a startup entrepreneur and corporate innovation cell CEO. He stressed the complexities of setting up a business in a foreign market, including legal and financial hurdles, and highlighted his recent book on innovation.

Oscar Pedroso, founder and CEO of Thimble.io, discussed his company's success in the US and its expansion into international markets like Kenya and India. He underscored the importance of education and adapting to different cultures.

Remy Martini, based in Mexico City, shared his experience in the European and Central and South American markets. He discussed the challenges of entering the US market and the importance of understanding local regulations and competition.

Amrei Dizon, from Manila, Philippines, founder of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions, shared her company's approach to global expansion, emphasizing the importance of resonating with diverse audiences through creativity and strategic insight.

The discussion then opened to questions about the unexpected challenges of global expansion, adjustments for international workforces, and the importance of face-to-face meetings in building offshore relationships. The panelists also discussed the importance of understanding local regulations, culture, and the necessity of having a strong local presence or partnerships.

The insightful event "Uncharted Territories: Reaching New Markets and Customers" featured a comprehensive Q&A session that illuminated the diverse experiences and strategies of entrepreneurs navigating global expansion. Among the distinguished panelists, Amrei, from Manila, Philippines, shared valuable insights from her journey with Vitalstrats Creative Solutions, providing a unique perspective on reaching new markets and customers. Here’s a detailed look into the Q&A session, with a special focus on Amrei's contributions:

Q: What were some of the unexpected challenges you encountered with global expansion?

Amrei highlighted the challenge of adapting to different market segments and communication channels. She emphasized the importance of understanding and resonating with diverse audiences through strategic creativity. Specifically, she pointed out the need for thorough market research to understand the customer journeys and platforms used in different countries, underscoring the significance of adapting marketing strategies and creative solutions to meet the needs of global clients.

Q: How have you adjusted your schedule, workday, or business model to accommodate an international workforce or market?

Amrei shared her experience transitioning from a physical office to a remote-first approach, which allowed her company to embrace a more sustainable model and tap into the global market and a more geographically diverse talent pool. She discussed the challenges of managing time zone differences and adapting to various work cultures. By focusing on digital products and marketing consultancy, Amrei’s team has navigated language barriers and tailored their services to English-speaking countries, prioritizing effective communication and solid processes to align with clients across different time zones.

Q: Were there any markets you tried to pursue but decided against due to legal, financial, or cultural differences?

Amrei recounted an opportunity in China that her company had to forego. The primary reasons were the significant language barrier and differing work expectations. She underscored the importance of aligning with partners and clients who share similar values, particularly emphasizing excellence over speed. This experience led to the decision not to pursue the Chinese market, as it conflicted with their commitment to quality and their core values.

Throughout the Q&A session, Amrei’s insights shed light on the nuanced considerations of global expansion, from the importance of market research and adapting business models to the significance of cultural alignment and the challenges of navigating international markets. Her experiences underscored the strategic thinking and adaptability required to succeed in global expansion, providing valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to explore new markets.

In conclusion, the event provided valuable insights into the complexities of global expansion, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation, understanding local markets, and building strong local partnerships. The experiences shared by the panelists underscored the potential rewards of global expansion while cautioning against the risks and challenges that come with it.

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