Not all careers begin with a plan. For Alyana Gutierrez, her journey into human resources started with a role she never intended to pursue long-term.
“My journey into HR began in an unexpected way,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH. “Initially, I was applying for a secretarial role—a temporary position as I transitioned back into the workforce after a gap year.”
She saw it as a stepping-stone, something to fill the gap. But as she worked her way through daily tasks, something shifted.
“I found myself drawn to the human dynamics within the workplace—resolving concerns and ensuring processes ran smoothly,” Alyana recalled. “That curiosity soon evolved into a passion for people management.”
From there, her responsibilities expanded organically. She embraced opportunities in employee relations, policy implementation, and organizational development—functions she had never originally trained for, but grew to love.
“What started as a placeholder turned into a fulfilling profession where I could make a meaningful impact,” she said. “I realized I could foster engagement, guide workplace culture, and help individuals unlock their potential.”
Interestingly, Alyana didn’t come from a traditional HR background. Her original focus was legal compliance.
“My primary focus was solely on handling legal concerns—ensuring compliance and navigating regulatory matters,” she explained. “However, as I became more involved with HR processes, I found myself increasingly drawn to the intricacies of people management.”
Rather than choose between law and HR, she integrated both.
Now serving as Legal Services and Human Capital Management Officer at the Guanzon Group of Companies, she brings a rare blend of structure and empathy to her role. Whether navigating workplace conflicts, aligning policies with corporate values, or guiding teams through change, Alyana uses both her legal credentials and people-first mindset to drive impact.
“It’s this dynamic blend of structure and people-centered problem-solving that continues to inspire and drive my HR journey,” she said.
Her story proves that sometimes the most rewarding careers aren’t planned—they’re discovered through experience, curiosity, and the courage to follow where your strengths lead.
