For Hanah Beth Manalaysay, a Certified Human Resource Professional, being in HR has never been about enforcing rules—it’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. But one of the most defining moments in her career came during a time when everything felt uncertain.
“One pivotal moment was leading a major organizational change during a time of uncertainty,” Hanah shared with Financial Adviser PH. “Navigating layoffs, restructuring, and morale challenges tested not just my strategic thinking, but my humanity.”
For many companies, layoffs are treated strictly as financial decisions. But for Hanah, it was personal. With a background in Clinical Psychology and a deep-rooted passion for understanding human motivation and behavior, she saw the emotional toll restructuring could take on both those who were leaving—and those who were staying.
“I learned that being transparent, compassionate, and present—even when the answers aren’t easy—builds trust and strengthens culture,” she said. Instead of retreating into policy and procedure, Hanah leaned into vulnerability. She held honest conversations, listened without judgment, and led with empathy.
It was in that moment of crisis that something unexpected happened: trust deepened, resilience grew, and a stronger culture began to emerge.
“The experience taught me that HR’s true power lies in its ability to be human first. That’s how we earn the right to lead, especially in hard times.”
Before her HR career, Hanah’s path was anything but traditional. She didn’t set out to become an HR leader—but instead followed what she described as a calling rooted in her love for people.
“My journey into the HR profession wasn’t a straight path—it was a calling that found me through my deep-rooted passion for people,” she said. “I started in a completely different field, but I was always drawn to understanding what motivates individuals, how teams thrive, and how workplaces could be more than just places we go to earn a paycheck—they could be communities.”
Her early exposure to leadership dynamics—both inspiring and damaging—lit a fire in her to become the kind of HR leader who could influence culture from within. She pursued further education, sought mentorship, and eventually transitioned into HR, beginning in talent development and evolving into broader strategic roles.
Hanah credits much of her growth to key experiences like launching diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentoring future HR professionals, and fostering safe spaces for employee dialogue.
“Listening to employees’ stories, confronting uncomfortable truths, and collaborating across departments taught me the power of creating safe spaces and the importance of equity in every decision we make,” she reflected.
One of the guiding principles that has shaped her journey is deceptively simple: listen first, act second.
“In HR, where decisions can deeply affect people’s lives, taking the time to truly listen—to understand someone’s experience, perspective, and unspoken concerns—can make all the difference,” Hanah said. “That lesson continues to shape how I approach every situation—from conflict resolution to culture change—because when people feel heard, they also feel valued.”
For Hanah, the title of HR leader isn’t about authority—it’s about responsibility. It’s about building bridges between people and purpose, especially when the business landscape is shifting.
“Growth in this field is constant because people are complex—and that’s what makes this work so meaningful,” she shared.
