When Gerry Louis Gallano entered the field of tourism education, he already had what many believe is the starting point for success: a degree. But it did not take long for him to realize that credentials alone were not enough to earn credibility, influence, or trust—especially in an industry defined by people, pressure, and constant change.
Now a Certified Tourism Professional (CTP), Gallano traces his career growth not to titles, but to a commitment to continuous learning, service values, and the discipline to translate theory into practice.
Learning what really matters in a people-driven industry
Tourism and hospitality, Gallano explains, demand more than technical knowledge. Working with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and expectations quickly exposes what truly matters.
“The most essential skills include customer service excellence, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills,” he says. In environments where professionals interact constantly with guests and stakeholders, respecting differences and delivering consistent service become non-negotiable.
Beyond interpersonal skills, he points to time management, problem-solving, and adaptability as critical. These are the skills that allow professionals to function effectively in “dynamic, high-pressure situations,” where no two days look the same.
Why learning did not stop after graduation
Early in his career, Gallano received advice that would shape his long-term mindset. Someone once told him, “Your degree gets you started, but continuous learning defines your impact.” The message stayed with him.
Rather than relying on his academic background alone, he invested deliberately in further development. He earned his Certified Tourism Professional designation in 2024, completed additional certifications such as the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and a Professional Front Office Course, and remained active in research and community extension work.
For Gallano, these efforts were not about collecting credentials. They were about staying relevant. Engaging with professional organizations like the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators and the Alliance of Tourism and Hospitality Movers of the Philippines helped him stay connected to industry trends and innovation, reinforcing the idea that learning must evolve alongside the field.
Growing into leadership—and earning credibility
While Gallano has remained in academia since 2018, his transition from fresh graduate to college instructor—and eventually to program chairperson—was a major pivot in itself. The challenge was not the workload alone, but credibility.
Earning the trust of senior colleagues while balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities required consistency. He addressed this by focusing on professionalism, discipline, and delivering results over time.
That experience reshaped how he viewed leadership. “Leadership is not about titles but about influence and responsibility,” he says. Remaining humble and open to learning—from peers as well as students—became part of his leadership identity.
Translating theory into real-world impact
According to Gallano, what separates standout professionals from the rest is not academic excellence alone. While strong theoretical grounding matters, what truly sets people apart is the ability to apply knowledge meaningfully.
“A standout candidate demonstrates service orientation, professionalism, cultural adaptability, and leadership potential,” he explains. The real value lies in translating theory into practice, mentoring others, and upholding the core values of service.
This belief guides how he approaches both teaching and leadership—ensuring that learning remains practical, relevant, and connected to real industry demands.
Leading with empathy and accountability
In service-driven industries, Gallano believes leadership must balance empathy with decisiveness. “Empathy, adaptability, and decisiveness are essential traits,” he says, particularly in fast-paced environments where leaders must understand people’s needs while still upholding standards.
When conflicts arise, he prioritizes open communication and mediation. Rather than reacting to behavior at face value, he focuses on identifying root causes and aligning individual goals with team objectives. During his time as Tourism Program Chairperson, he practiced what he describes as a balance between empathy and accountability—resolving issues constructively without losing sight of expectations.
Inspiring teams, for him, starts with clarity and example. He sets a clear vision, recognizes individual contributions, and models the service values he expects. Empowering colleagues to be creative—especially in designing programs with academic rigor and community impact—helps foster ownership and motivation.
Making tough decisions under real constraints
Leadership also meant learning how to make difficult choices. Some of the toughest decisions Gallano faced involved choosing between ideal plans and what was feasible within institutional limits.
“There were moments when I had to prioritize certain projects due to limited resources,” he shares. Those situations required strategic compromise—finding ways to advance program goals without overextending people or budgets.
Balancing organizational objectives with employee well-being remained central to his approach. He believes that goals are best achieved when people feel valued. Promoting flexibility, recognizing achievements, and distributing workloads fairly help sustain both morale and performance.
Standing out beyond the degree
Looking back, Gallano sees a clear pattern in his career. The degree opened the door—but what allowed him to grow was a commitment to learning, service, and responsibility.
In an industry that continues to evolve, his experience offers a grounded reminder: credentials may start a career, but continuous learning and people-centered leadership are what allow it to stand out—and last.
