By Sophia Alcaraz, Digital Content and PR Specialist

Strong agencies evolve when their people do. At VCS, that means making decisions that protect both the work and the team behind it.

Designed for leaders navigating real-world complexity, the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) offers programs that challenge participants to explore how strategy, systems, and human dynamics intersect in day-to-day decision-making.

At VCS, this learning journey was taken on by two leaders from different disciplines: Executive Creative Director Jan Agulto, who completed the Advanced Leadership and Management (ALMa) Course, and Finance and HR Manager Noemi Borrinaga, who took the UP ISSI Manager’s Course. Coming from creativity and operations, respectively, both entered their programs with distinct goals but shared a desire to lead with greater intention, insight, and impact.

*With guidance and support: Jan and Noemi with VCS CCO and MP, Amrei Dizon, after a day of insights and inspiration.*

From Expectations to Eye-Opening Insights

Jan Agulto engages in discussion with classmates, exchanging ideas and insights during the UP ISSI program.

When they enrolled in the UP ISSI programs, Jan Agulto and Noemi Borrinaga brought different goals to the table but both were driven by a desire to grow as leaders.

As Jan mentions, the focus was on bridging creativity with structure: “Even topics that initially felt ‘non-creative,’ like finance or quality management, were framed as leadership tools, which made them immediately relevant.” Coming from a creative background, he wanted tools and frameworks that would sharpen his strategic decision-making, helping him align teams, processes, and vision more effectively.

*Jan Agulto with fellow participants of the UP ISSI Advanced Leadership and Management (ALMa) program.*

Noemi, on the other hand, sought a broader, system-wide perspective. While her day-to-day role involved managing operations and HR, she wanted to see how each part of the organization connected, enabling her to make decisions that were more holistic and forward-looking.

Throughout the course, both realized that true leadership is about integrating diverse skills, balancing perspectives, and applying insights in ways that empower people and drive meaningful outcomes.

*Noemi Borrinaga with fellow participants of the UP ISSI Manager’s Course.*

Immersive Learning: Theory Meets Real-World Application

Jan’s biggest challenge was a mindset shift. Coming from a creative background, he had long seen structure and creativity as opposing forces. “The biggest challenge was shifting mindsets, especially letting go of the idea that creativity and structure are opposites. Some frameworks initially felt rigid, but over time I learned to see them as enablers rather than constraints,” he recalls.

“How could this actually help our people do better work?” The work became clearer after Jan realized how these theories can be applied to VCS. Reframing vision as a future state, applying the 4D Change Leader framework, and embracing co-creation became driving forces to lead meaningful change with people rather than imposing it.

“I managed this by being more intentional with my time, working closely with my group, and constantly reminding myself why I enrolled in the course. The encouragement and support from my classmates and our coach also played a big role in helping me push through,” Noemi shares.

The practical modules on marketing and finance stood out for her, allowing a more holistic understanding of challenges and interdepartmental dynamics. The IOSA real-company evaluation made theory tangible, showing how lessons could be applied to real-world situations at VCS.

From Learning to Leading: Practical Applications at VCS

The true value of the UP ISSI programs revealed itself in how its lessons began shaping everyday leadership at VCS. For both Jan and Noemi, learning quickly translated into action.

For Jan, frameworks are now seen as lenses that sharpen perspective. “I’ve started applying the frameworks as lenses rather than rigid rules—using tools like the Strategy Map, STaRS model, PDCA, and Design Thinking to guide conversations, diagnose issues, and align decisions across teams.” The program also deepened his approach to balancing external client demands with internal sustainability, prompting clearer thinking around priorities, capacity, and long-term impact. Financial and quality management concepts have since become part of how initiatives are evaluated, ensuring that creativity is supported by sound strategy and structure.

Noemi’s application of learning shows up in the details of daily operations. “I pay closer attention now to processes, documentation, and how different teams are aligned with each other. I also find myself asking better questions—looking beyond the surface of an issue and trying to understand the root cause before jumping into solutions.” This shift has helped her approach decisions with a long-term lens, strengthening how finance and HR support both people and business goals at VCS.

Together, their applications reflect a shared evolution: leadership that is thoughtful, integrated, and grounded in both people and purpose.

Continuing the Learning Journey Beyond the Course

*Jan and Noemi proudly holding their certificates, ready to turn learning into leadership at VCS.*

Beyond the course, both leaders share the belief that learning continues in daily work, in conversations with teams, and in the choices made under pressure.

As VCS moves forward, Jan’s vision of a human-centered culture that balances creativity and strategy and Noemi’s commitment to enabling sustainable growth through people and systems reflect the same principle: meaningful leadership is built over time—through curiosity, trust, and the willingness to keep learning.