Zorayda “Dada” Rosanes never expected her biggest leadership transformation would come from shifting her focus—from herself to others.
Now an Associate Financial Planner and Executive Vice Chairman at International Marketing Group (IMG), Dada leads a growing network of financial educators. But in a candid interview with Financial Adviser PH, she admitted that empathy wasn’t always her strong suit.
“Dati ang nasa isip ko, nabuhay ako maayos ng wala ka, ngayon ka lang dumating, huwag ka magpasaway,” she said. “But IMG is a very humbling experience.”
That blunt, self-sufficient mindset was rooted in her early success. As a licensed doctor from a financially stable family, Dada was used to forging ahead without depending on others. But working in the “people business” changed everything.
“I realized how crucial it is to recognize diverse perspectives,” she said. “Every individual approaches challenges differently.”
At IMG, leadership isn’t just about hitting targets—it’s about understanding people’s backgrounds, fears, and motivations. And that requires empathy, patience, and adaptability.
“Leading others taught me a lot about myself,” Dada said. “Especially about adaptability and empathy.”
She learned that the real power of leadership isn’t found in being right or rigid—it’s in listening, adapting, and helping others rise. That transformation allowed her to become a more effective mentor and team builder, especially in an industry where trust is everything.
In the past, Dada focused on what she deserved. Today, she focuses on how she can serve.
People’s business is different,” she added. “You have to be mentally, physically, and emotionally tough. But more than that, you have to be compassionate.”
And in a field where financial literacy is often a life-changer, that compassion can be the difference between someone giving up—or breaking through.
For Dada, leadership growth wasn’t just about building skills. It was about breaking old mindsets—and growing from the inside out.
