For Jasmin Castillo, becoming an HR leader wasn’t just about managing policies or overseeing processes—it was about creating a workplace people actually want to be part of. As a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) with a background in Clinical Psychology, Jasmin has used her deep understanding of human behavior to shape culture, drive engagement, and lead transformation from the inside out.
“My journey into Human Resources began after completing a degree in Clinical Psychology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines,” Jasmin shared with Financial Adviser PH. “With a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, I was naturally drawn to roles that allowed me to help people succeed within organizations.”
Starting as an HR Generalist, Jasmin climbed the ranks across several industries, eventually becoming Head of HRAD at Wills International Sales Corp. But her path wasn’t built on titles alone—it was driven by a mission to make workplaces better for people.
“It was the desire to make a meaningful impact on employees’ lives and organizational culture,” she said. “HR offered a platform where I could influence both people and processes, shaping workplaces where individuals thrive and businesses grow.”
That dual focus on empathy and execution became her edge—and nowhere was it more evident than in her work at Wills International, where she led a full-scale HR transformation.
“Turning around a non-performing HR department into a high-performing, strategic unit at Wills International Sales Corp. was a major milestone,” Jasmin recalled. In just a year, she not only restructured systems and strengthened compliance—but also helped lead the company to be certified as a Great Place to Work.
“That achievement affirmed my strategic HR leadership,” she added. It also underscored her ability to combine psychological insight with organizational strategy.
While Jasmin always leaned toward people-centric roles, her path into HR wasn’t entirely planned.
“My path into HR was shaped organically through opportunities where I found myself taking on more responsibilities related to talent, engagement, and organizational development,” she explained.
Over time, these roles revealed where she could make the most impact—not just on policies, but on people’s day-to-day experiences at work.
“Always lead with empathy but act with structure,” Jasmin said, reflecting on the leadership lesson that continues to guide her today. “Balancing compassion with consistency has allowed me to maintain credibility and effectiveness in driving people initiatives.”
Whether navigating complex employee relations or launching learning and development programs, that approach has helped her gain trust across departments—from frontliners to senior leadership.
As someone who has successfully transformed company culture and earned industry recognition for it, Jasmin is quick to highlight that HR is about more than checklists and KPIs.
“HR is not just about enforcing rules—it’s about building relationships, shaping environments, and helping people and organizations grow together,” she said.
Now, as a certified HR professional, she leverages her CHRP training and psychology background to champion inclusive leadership, drive performance, and support long-term employee retention.
“The combination of psychology and strategy has helped me design not just systems—but cultures people believe in,” she said.
For aspiring HR professionals, Jasmin’s advice is to focus not only on skills and compliance, but on connection.
“Never underestimate the power of empathy in leadership. But match it with clarity and direction. That’s how you earn trust—and keep people engaged.”
