The Three Secret Ingredients to a Successful Career

Have you met Sarah Machan-De Silva? Not only is she Alorica's Asia-Pacific Chief of Staff, she is the MLBA Philippines’ Program Administrator AND a member of the Board of Trustees for the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines! We know you’re all wondering—how does Sarah do it?! What's her secret? Sarah credits the following: Take risks, change your attitude to gratitude and build a family-like culture.  

Read about Sarah's insanely great professional journey below, and learn how you too can change the game!  

Describe your background and career path
I started on the phones as an agent in 2003, but knew that I really wanted to be a trainer. I applied a few times, and when I finally got the opportunity, it was awesome! Then with some encouragement, I transitioned into operations—first as an Operations Manager—and have since been growing within the organization.  

What’s an example of a choice you made that you are proud of or that served as a turning point in your career?
Taking risks. Too often, we make ‘safe’ decisions—but the times that I have taken risks and embraced opportunities outside of my comfort zone have turned out to be game changers!  

Could you offer any professional advice to employees who are just starting out?
Just be you. You are where you are for a reason, so step up and show up! Work hard and be a good example to others. Don’t hurt others along the way, be grateful and learn from the rough roads. And finally, change your attitude to gratitude.

What’s an example of a challenge you experienced at work? (Any due to being female?) How did you approach the problem and what were the results?
Back in the day, the biggest challenge I faced was not having the appropriate tools and training for the job I wanted. My transition into a leadership role was tough. So, I went ahead and learned how I thought best. I made sure to sit next to a genius workforce person, so I could learn terminology, computations and how to optimize tools. I learned from leaders and my peers around me, and never stopped inquiring. I watched and I asked—and I still do that to this day.   I always look at everyone as my equal, no matter the title or experience. Today, when I present to organizations, I find very few women at the table—but I tell myself that my voice will stand out and be heard no matter what.  

What is your advice on how to make meaningful connections?
Listen and share. The more we listen to one another, the more we learn—and vice versa. And Share what you know, because it makes your environment and support system stronger.  

What is your favorite thing about working at Alorica, and what do you find most rewarding in your role?
My favorite has got to be everyone I interact with—it’s such a family atmosphere! We’ve got the brightest, most creative and hardest-working people at Alorica—and that makes me want to strive to be better every day. The most rewarding part for me is seeing so many coworkers grow within the organization; we’ve all been a part of one another’s success in some shape or form, and we look out for each other.