What is the secret to her success? A deep dive into her personal motivations and journey to a fulfilling life. And it has something to do with connecting the dots…
PRAGUE – Every great success story begins with overcoming struggles. The greater the struggle, the more significant the rewards on the other side. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Meta (previously Facebook), was known to have started the app in his dorm at Harvard.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in a garage. And many other notable figures who made it to the top has the same story of where they started.
In a special episode of Pinoy Care podcast interview, we introduced an exceptional guest whose journey embodies resilience, leadership, and the power of dreams. This episode, held in celebration of International Women’s Month, featured Kristine Matei, whose story is nothing short of inspiring.
For Kristine Matei, success is about determination and pushing your limits to the fullest. As a proud Pinay Lady Boss, she continues to break barriers, proving that no matter where you start, you have the power to achieve greatness.
Let her story inspire you!
WATCH THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE HERE:
Childhood and the Challenges of Being a First-born
Born in Negros and raised in Cagayan de Oro, Kris shared how her upbringing shaped her. Being the firstborn, she bore the weight of expectations.
However, she emphasized that her struggles didn’t define her but rather shaped the person she became.
“My childhood was not really bright or memorable. It was all about studies and responsibilities. In our culture, if you’re the eldest, regardless of gender, you carry responsibilities. But if you’re a girl, you have to double it to prove you’re better.”
An Unexpected Turn: From Nursing to Window Cleaner
Her journey to success took unexpected turns. “My educational background has nothing to do with what I’m doing now. I studied Bachelor of Nursing in the Philippines,” she admitted.
“But it wasn’t my dream, it was someone else’s.” Instead, she had longed to pursue law, business, and corporate leadership, a vision she had since childhood. “I always saw myself in a big organization, leading people, handling contracts, and making decisions.”
Her first job? “I was a window cleaner,” she revealed. It was a humbling start, followed by roles as a nanny and caregiver. “I started with 7,000 crowns salary, and I thought, ‘What in the world am I doing here?’” she laughed. Despite the hardships, she stayed, drawn by her desire to help her family back home and provide.
Despite straying from her original aspirations, Kristine’s current role ultimately aligned with what she had envisioned as a child. She reflected, “When you dream of something, every little decision leads you closer to it.
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The Power of Self-Belief and Resilience
Kris’ leadership skills became evident early on. Even in the Philippines, she had managed a small business, leading at least 30 caregivers. When a former colleague reached out about an opportunity in a corporate setting, she seized it. “This is what happens when you have good connections. If people know you for being good, they will find you.”
From being a caregiver, she transitioned into the corporate world, where she now thrives. “I changed things for the better, made processes more efficient, and I surprised myself with what I could do.”
Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of believing in oneself. She emphasized, “Be careful with what you tell yourself as a child, because that’s what you’ll become.” Her journey, from a window cleaner to a corporate manager, is proof that dreams, no matter how distant, can come full circle.
Her final message? “Keep pushing forward. You never know when your dreams will find their way back to you.”
Indeed, Kris is a Pinay, an inspiration to Filipinos striving for success in foreign lands. Her story is a reminder that no matter where you start, determination and passion can lead you to where you’re meant to be.
