Some management consultants build their careers advising from the sidelines. Others are forged inside the most demanding systems—where failure is visible, timelines are unforgiving, and decisions carry real-world consequences.
For Alistaire Remetir, a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®), consulting was never an abstract career choice. It emerged naturally from years of operating inside complex, regulated, and high-stakes environments—long before he ever carried the title of consultant.
“My professional journey has provided a diverse and robust foundation across various sectors,” Remetir says, describing a career that spans engineering, real estate, BPO, non-profit humanitarian work, and banking.
Learning Leadership Where Systems Cannot Fail
Remetir’s early leadership experience began in technology operations. He first served as IT Manager for Philippine Operations of a Japanese electrical contractor, followed by roles as Assistant Manager for a Cebu-based realty developer and Site Manager for a BPO in Quezon City.
But the defining chapter of his career came in 2018, when he became IT Head of the Philippine Red Cross—a role that would later place him at the center of one of the country’s most critical infrastructure efforts during the pandemic.
“That role was pivotal,” he recalls. During the crisis, Remetir was instrumental in establishing interconnected laboratories across the country’s provinces, under extreme time pressure and logistical constraints.
More recently, he applies the same discipline and rigor as Head of IT Security Operations & Asset Management within the Aboitiz banking system, where precision, governance, and resilience are non-negotiable.
A Career Built Across Borders and Standards
Remetir’s exposure extends beyond local organizations. Early in his career, he worked as a Field Engineer for an Internet Service Provider and a Service Desk Engineer for AT&T, before taking part in the startup phase of a BPO.
A major turning point was his ten-year tenure with a United Nations Agency, where he gained exposure to international best practices and large-scale project governance. That experience culminated in a consulting engagement for a large American bank based in Upper McKinley.
“These experiences have instilled in me a highly adaptable consulting approach,” he explains—one that emphasizes global standards, strong governance, and the ability to operate under pressure in regulated environments.
Why Structure Became His Consulting Advantage
Unlike consultants who rely primarily on intuition, Remetir’s consulting practice is grounded in formal frameworks and disciplined execution.
His expertise includes:
- PRINCE2 (Project Management)
- COBIT 5 (IT Governance and Management)
- ITIL v4 Asset Management Specialization
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt
“These frameworks provide me with the structured methodology, governance principles, and specialized knowledge necessary to effectively analyze client issues, design scalable solutions, and ensure disciplined execution,” he says.
For Remetir, structure is not bureaucracy—it is what allows organizations to move faster, not slower.
Where Consulting Is Headed—and Why Specialization Matters
Remetir sees management consulting evolving into a technology-driven, project-based partnership model, both globally and in the Philippines.
“Consulting is no longer just about strategy,” he explains. “It’s about leading and implementing digital transformation—including AI integration, cloud migration, and cybersecurity resilience.”
He also sees a clear shift away from generalist consulting.
“As organizational challenges become more complex, clients seek consultants with deep, specialized domain expertise,” he says, especially in areas like financial services, IT security, compliance, and digital infrastructure.
This evolution aligns naturally with his background in PRINCE2 project management and COBIT-based governance, where outcomes, speed, and accountability matter.
What Truly Sets Consultants Apart Today
In a crowded consulting market, Remetir believes success depends on more than intelligence or experience.
“What truly sets a successful consultant apart is a combination of deep analytical rigor and superior soft skills,” he explains—specifically, the ability to act as a trusted change agent.
He emphasizes three differentiators:
Outcome-driven mindset: “Not just recommending solutions, but seeing them through to implementation.”
Change leadership: Communicating clearly across executives, technical teams, and frontline staff.
Rapid adaptability: Applying frameworks without forcing them onto cultures where they don’t fit.
“The best consultants remain nimble,” he says, ensuring solutions are “practical, efficient, and truly customized.”
Leadership Under Pressure: DOPE in Action
Remetir describes his leadership style with the acronym DOPE: Deterministic, Optimistic, Passionate, and Energetic.
These traits were tested most during his time at the Philippine Red Cross.
Under extreme conditions, his leadership approach was hands-on. He personally traveled to provinces, modeled urgency, and kept geographically dispersed teams aligned.
“When faced with supply chain issues or connectivity gaps,” he says, “I focused the team on creative, localized solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.”
Most importantly, he aligned teams around purpose.
“I utilized the mission’s life-saving importance to unify NGOs, local government units, and technical teams under a single, compelling goal.”
The result: critical laboratory infrastructure deployed in time—directly supporting nationwide testing efforts during a national crisis.
Why Communication Is a Consultant’s Hidden Asset
When asked what advice he gives aspiring consultants, Remetir’s answer is simple but firm.
“Over-communicate,” he says. “Never assume alignment.”
He emphasizes regular meetings, clear agendas, and—most importantly—delivering visible results in every interaction.
“Shift meetings from discussing work to discussing outcomes,” he explains. “Even small wins build trust exponentially.”
Why CMC® Was About the Next Chapter
Remetir pursued the Certified Management Consultant (CMC®) designation not as a credential, but as a transition point.
“The CMC represents the pinnacle of professional standards in the industry,” he says. “It affirms adherence to the highest global benchmarks for ethical conduct and consulting excellence.”
More than recognition, the designation formalizes his shift toward coaching, mentoring, and long-term consulting impact—helping organizations build sustainable systems rather than temporary fixes.
“I see the CMC as the crucial step that formalizes my desire to focus entirely on consulting,” he explains, ensuring his experience continues to deliver value well into the future.
