For many professionals, climbing to the top of the corporate ladder is the ultimate career goal. But for Jasmin Castillo, a seasoned Certified Human Resource Professional and current Head of HRAD, success isn’t about the title—it’s about the people she helps rise along the way.
“Seeing employees grow within the organization and knowing that HR played a part in that journey—that’s the most fulfilling part of this role,” she told Financial Adviser PH. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness improved retention and morale after implementing strategic initiatives. That’s when you know your work matters.”
With a career that spans recruitment, learning and development, policy transformation, compensation structuring, and even fleet and admin operations, she leads the HR department with both vision and discipline. Her day-to-day work involves not just managing, but strategically shaping how HR supports the entire business.
“As Head of HRAD, I lead strategic planning, employee engagement, policy development, and compliance,” she explained. “I also oversee recruitment, L&D, compensation structuring, and administrative functions. It’s a comprehensive role, but every piece connects back to people.”
What sets her apart is a deep-rooted passion for employee engagement, learning and development, and culture-building—areas she believes are the foundation of long-term success for both companies and individuals.
“I find deep satisfaction in designing programs that improve culture, retention, and overall performance,” she said. “Whether it’s launching a buddy system or refining our training matrix, I always aim to create opportunities for people to grow and connect.”
Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, structure, and example-setting. Instead of relying solely on authority, she chooses to build trust through consistency and visible care for employee well-being.
“I believe in leading by example, creating a supportive and inclusive environment, and continuously recognizing contributions,” she shared. “People management isn’t just about policies—it’s about building relationships.”
One of her proudest achievements was leading the company through a policy transformation that significantly boosted engagement and reduced attrition. By implementing strategic programs tailored to employee needs, she helped foster a workplace that people not only stay in—but grow in.
“It’s not about keeping employees longer just for the sake of retention—it’s about helping them find purpose and growth in their roles,” she emphasized.
Despite her seniority, she remains passionate about continuous learning—a mindset that led her to pursue the CHRP certification even after reaching leadership level.
“I wanted to formalize my knowledge and gain credibility in the profession, especially after reaching senior HR roles,” she said. “The CHRP aligned with my goal of being a trusted HR leader.”
As HR continues to evolve, she finds digital transformation—particularly HRIS integration and data-driven decision-making—both exciting and essential. However, she also recognizes the growing challenge of maintaining connection and engagement across hybrid work environments.
“Adapting to remote work dynamics and keeping people engaged in hybrid setups is a real challenge,” she admitted. “But that’s where HR needs to be most creative and most human.”
For her, the metrics that truly matter aren’t just retention rates or compliance scores—they’re the career stories she’s helped shape. When former employees reach out to say thank you, or when team members take on leadership roles of their own, those are the moments that validate her work.
“The title matters, but it’s not the reason I stay in this profession. I stay because I get to watch people evolve and succeed—and know I played a part in that,” she said.
