How Women Entrepreneurs can navigate funding Pitfalls and Thrive in the Global Tech Ecosystem with Gemma Guerrero

Gemma Guerrero, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years in international business, shared her journey from tutoring classmates in college to leading sales at Chemex International, where she secured 10 accounts in Southeast Asia. She discussed her transition to the bottled water industry, growing a company from a small team to a 16-person operation, and her involvement in VR and AR technology. Gemma emphasized the importance of leadership, consensus-building, and understanding cultural nuances. She highlighted the challenges of funding and corruption in the Philippines, advocating for ethical AI use and the need for educated leadership. Gemma is now focusing on consulting and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Resources:

• You may connect Gemma Guerrero on LinkedIn
• For more Informative Interviews Click Here.

Episode Highlights

Gemma Guerrero's Journey and Early Influences

• Daryl Urbanski introduces Gemma Guerrero, highlighting her extensive experience in international business and market development.
• Gemma shares her origin story, mentioning her father's transition from a corporate job to starting his own advertising company.
• Gemma discusses her early entrepreneurial ventures in college, including tutoring classmates for money and working for a financial insurance company.
• Gemma recounts her first professional role at Chemex International, where she started as a secretary and eventually became a sales account executive.

First Entrepreneurial Ventures and Successes

• Gemma Guerrero describes her initial role at Chemex International, trading plastic resin from countries like Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
• She shares her determination to prove herself in the company, leading to a 10-day trip to Southeast Asia where she secured 10 new accounts.
• Gemma Guerrero discusses the cultural challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame them.
• She highlights the importance of timing and luck in her early successes, including her involvement in the bottled water industry.

Transition to Technology and Marriage

• Gemma Guerrero talks about her transition to the technology industry, working with her husband on VR and AR projects.
• She shares the challenges and lessons learned from their venture into technology, including competition from tech giants like Google and Facebook.
• Gemma discusses her marriage to a Lebanese businessman and how it led to her involvement in the water business in Lebanon.
• She reflects on the importance of timing and the role of luck in her career, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business plans.

Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship

• Daryl and Gemma discuss the common mistakes entrepreneurs make, including overestimating their capabilities and underestimating the competition.
• Gemma emphasizes the importance of leadership, motivation, and building consensus in a team.
• They discuss the cultural differences in the Philippines, particularly the "manana" mentality and the need for urgency in business.
• Gemma Guerrero highlights the importance of working smart and being resourceful, especially in a competitive and fast-moving industry.

Future of Technology and AI in the Philippines

• Gemma and Daryl discuss the future of AI and its impact on the BPO industry in the Philippines.
• Gemma Guerrero expresses concerns about the ethical use of AI and the need for proper training and education to avoid redundancy.
• They discuss the role of government and leadership in promoting and regulating technology to benefit the Filipino people.
• Gemma emphasizes the importance of education and critical thinking in navigating the challenges of AI and technology.

Cultural and Political Dynamics in the Philippines

• Gemma Guerrero and Daryl Urbanski discuss the political landscape in the Philippines, including the influence of dynasties and corruption.
• They highlight the challenges of implementing transformational technology and infrastructure due to corruption and lack of leadership.
• Gemma Guerrero shares her thoughts on the upcoming midterm elections and the need for educated and ethical leaders.
• They discuss the impact of media and social media on public perception and the importance of critical thinking and diverse viewpoints.

Personal Reflections and Future Plans

• Gemma Guerrero reflects on her current role and future plans, including consulting and supporting women entrepreneurs.
• She shares her interest in the food business and the potential for synergies with her husband's technology ventures.
• Daryl Urbanski and Gemma Guerrero discuss the importance of networking and leveraging relationships to support startups and new ventures.
• Gemma Guerrero emphasizes the value of experience and mentorship in guiding entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the challenges of the business world.

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