The Risk-Taker Who Found Her Ikigai
Giselle Geronimo is not your typical leader. She’s the kind of person who dives headfirst into life’s uncertainties, armed with passion, determination, and a strong faith. Her journey has been a wild ride filled with highs and lows, all of which have led her to discover her true calling—her ikigai—after years of learning, building competencies and soul-searching.
“Life is about taking risks and diving into the journey while keeping balance,” Giselle reflects. For her, there’s no handbook for life; it’s about knowing where your ikigai—your reason for being—lies. Finding this balance wasn’t straightforward for Giselle. She pursued passions only to find they weren’t her strengths, and she excelled in areas where there was no market, turning those pursuits into hobbies. However, through heartbreaks and financial losses, she ultimately discovered her ikigai at Shearwater Health, where she now plays a key role in helping to improve healthcare outcomes globally.
The Vision Behind Shearwater Health
Shearwater Health, known as the Home of the Clinicians aims to improve healthcare outcomes globally. With over 5,000 clinicians globally who supports medical and administrative solutions 24×7, the goal is to be a leader in efficient, scalable, and accessible healthcare solutions.
Giselle enjoys working with the passionate teams and leadership within Shearwater Health which helps ignite her passion and advocacy in creating something worthwhile, not only in the industry they operate in but also in impacting the lives of the employees and their families. Without the opportunities provided by Shearwater and our investors, partners, the industry support organizations and clients, with highlights to the strong support system of competent Shearwater Health leaders both in the US and PH, Giselle wouldn’t be able to shine and showcase the Filipino talent and the faith she is passionately pursuing and advocating.
Hard Work Over Luck: The Path to Success
After over 20 years of navigating the ups and downs of various companies, she finally found her home at Shearwater Health, a place she fondly calls “the Home of the Clinicians.” Reflecting on her past experiences, Giselle recalls feeling stuck in a rat race at companies that lacked growth and creativity.
“It’s real hard work to understand the activity, processes, dynamics, culture, and people and creating that link through collaboration and partnership to make the bigger picture goals possible” she explains. However, Giselle doesn’t attribute her success to luck; instead, she believes in being in the right place at the right time and seizing the opportunities that come with it.
Passion and Purpose: The Driving Forces
Giselle’s passion is a powerful fusion of faith and a deep belief in the untapped deep potential of Filipino talent. She’s driven not just by professional ambitions but by a personal mission to showcase the brilliance of her people on the global stage. For Giselle, creating a legacy means more than just success; it’s about living a testimony worthy of our Creator and proving that with the right mix of passion, learning, and experience, Filipinos can shine brightly worldwide. “Our caliber is commendable when we ignite the passion within,” she emphasizes, making her journey as much about purpose as it is about achievement.
“I believe in standing and fighting for what’s right, for my advocacy, and pursuing those things that are meaningful to me,” she states. For Giselle, being a tiger, rather than living in a rat race, means having the courage to pursue what’s important, based on her values, while making an impactful difference wherever she is.
Achievements and Legacy
Giselle’s professional achievements are reflected in the success of her teams and the careers of her mentees. Some of the notable platforms where Giselle has showcased her advocacy include Global Vista and conferences produced by organizations such as CXOCIETY, Trueventus, Common Sense Conferences, Digital CFO, Accounting and Business Show, and Fortinus Events. These platforms have allowed her to elevate the profile of Filipino talent on a global stage.
On a personal level, Giselle takes pride in her work supporting underprivileged communities, sharing the Gospel, keeping a healthy lifestyle, and raising her two children with her wonderful husband, surrounded by their families and friends. These personal achievements are just as significant to her as her professional successes.
Servant Leadership
For Giselle, leadership is about servant leadership, competence, and transformation. “Creating more leaders than followers is the goal,” she affirms. She believes in leading by personal example, thoughtful mentorship, and guiding her teams through tough experiences toward independence, all while strategically supporting them to achieve company goals and thrive in the industry.
Final Thoughts: Be a Game Changer
Giselle’s parting advice is simple but powerful: “Know yourself and find that space that aligns with your values and competencies and supports your advocacies.” She encourages everyone to be game changers, regardless of the circumstances or emotions, because “changing the game is a choice that we decide on and work hard for every day in this meaningful & beautiful life.”
