In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we are thrilled to shine the light on Mylene Manalo, our superb Senior Talent Manager here at Esmos Recruitment.
Mylene’s journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring, and her passion for the events industry is truly contagious.
Join us as we explore Mylene’s career path, her role at Esmos, and what keeps her both motivated at work and in her personal life.
From Sales to Talent Management
Mylene’s career in talent management began somewhat unexpectedly. Coming from a sales background in events, she initially had no recruitment experience. However, her love for the events industry and connecting with people quickly made her realise that talent management was her true calling. Starting as a researcher focused on candidate management, Mylene eventually embraced the challenge of interacting with both candidates and clients, a transition that has become a key aspect of her role at Esmos.
Reflecting on this journey, Mylene said, “When Mark offered me the role, it was a fantastic opportunity to experience the full spectrum of recruitment. Events is a niche industry, and while it’s challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Thriving as a Senior Talent Manager
As a Senior Talent Manager, Mylene’s day revolves around understanding clients’ needs and finding candidates who not only have the right skills but also fit culturally within the company. She describes her role as being the crucial link between candidates and clients, ensuring a smooth and successful hiring process. The challenges are significant, but Mylene’s passion for the industry and her commitment to excellence keep her motivated.
“Being a Senior Talent Manager means being deeply involved in both client and candidate interactions. It’s about making sure that the match is perfect on all fronts,” she explains.
Her Time at Esmos
Mylene’s time at Esmos has been a period of growth and fulfilment. She appreciates the trust and autonomy the management team offers, which allows her to be creative and work in a way that suits her best. The recognition for good work further adds to her sense of satisfaction.
“At Esmos, we are acknowledged for our good work, and I find that very fulfilling. It’s been a great opportunity, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here.”
Making an Impact from Day One
As one of the first employees at Esmos, Mylene has had the unique experience of witnessing the company’s growth from its early days. This foundational role allowed her to build strong relationships with both new and long-standing clients, which has been instrumental in the company’s success.
In addition to her contributions, Mylene has continuously expanded her skill set, particularly in negotiation and headhunting. The support she receives at Esmos has been crucial to her professional development, ensuring she remains equipped to meet the challenges of her role.
“There are of course challenging days, like any role, but I feel fully supported, and there’s always room for growth,” Mylene adds.
Balancing Work and Life
Mylene believes in the philosophy of “work hard, play hard.” While her role sometimes requires long hours, she makes sure to recharge by spending time with family, travelling and enjoying new experiences.
“I love to travel at least once or twice a year, and it really helps me reset,” she notes.
The Power of Teamwork
What Mylene values most about working at Esmos is the strong sense of teamwork. Despite the competitive nature of sales and recruitment, the supportive environment at Esmos makes all the difference.
“We’re a small team, but we all band together to ensure everyone is doing well. That’s something I really enjoy about working here,” she says.
Looking Ahead & Advice for Aspiring Talent Managers
For Mylene, the future is all about continuous self-improvement and exceeding her targets. Whether it's bringing in new clients, finding the perfect role for a candidate, or focusing on personal growth, she’s always striving to outdo herself.
Mylene also offered some valuable advice to those considering a career in talent management: “Be fully committed to the lifestyle. It’s essential to be a people person and to genuinely love what you do. There’s a saying, ‘Find a job that you enjoy, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I couldn’t agree with this more.”
Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, Mylene enjoys spending time with family, travelling and exploring the vibrant social scene in Dubai. Brunches, cocktails and meeting new people are some of the activities that keep her inspired and creative.
She describes herself as someone who enjoys being active, and thoroughly enjoys doing so when in Dubai’s lively environment, which offers endless opportunities for new experiences and connections.
As we conclude our September edition of Employee Spotlight, it’s evident that Mylene plays a crucial role at Esmos Recruitment. Her journey from sales to Senior Talent Manager highlights her adaptability and passion for the events industry.
Keep following our Employee Spotlights for more inspiring journeys from the Esmos team!
Until next time
