Spotlight on Dora Teodoro

When did you join BA & what is your role?

I started working for Brand Architekts as part of the merger, but I have worked for InnovaDerma since 2014. I am the admin manager for the group, based in the Philippines, and my role includes responsibility for D2C related customer service/logistics, system integration and system administration.

What did you do before?

Prior to my current role, I used to work as a Product Trainer. I also did Customer Service training and worked with HR & Recruitment.

Tell us about a recent project you are proud of

Coming out of 2023 in one piece. Joke aside, I’ve always been guided by a mindset that everything is “figureoutable”. So, for whatever I am faced with daily, being able to figure it out and finding the best possible solution is I think something to be proud of.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

I’ve always had this love/hate relationship with working from home because I’ve been doing it even before it was a thing. However, when Covid hit, almost everyone else had to work from home and struggling to adapt to the new norm. Suddenly I found myself being the one advising people on how to best approach it. And I started to have a better appreciation of how I have dealt with it for so long. And for me, that redefined outlook has made a huge difference on how I approach every day.

What is the greatest influence on your professional life?

I have been blessed with really good bosses throughout the years but if I had to pick one, I’d say Haris Chaudry, the founder of InnovaDerma. He always had this remarkable level of dedication which was contagious. He also gave me a great deal of trust & confidence that in effect, made me think & believe that whatever it is that needs to get done, I can do it and if I do not know how to, I can find the best resources and learn how to do it.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town in Cainta Rizal east of Manila. I have three siblings: 2 brothers and 1 sister. We were quite a handful; I still don’t know how my mum managed it all.

Can you share a childhood memory

My dad passed away when I was 18 so when I think of a good childhood memory, I always think of him. He was a big Beatles fan so on a typical Sunday morning, he would make us breakfast & he plays his guitar on the background as we eat and with his impeccable John Lennon impression (sometimes even Paul), he would sing the Beatles’ songs.

What is your main hobby?

I find watercolour painting quite calming; I particularly like painting clouds, flowers & landscapes. I also write short stories/anecdotes when I have the time and I hope to collate them someday into a little book for my 2 boys to read in the future.

Favourite dish or cuisine?

I love Japanese food, especially Tantanmen, sashimi and a plump shiny gyoza.

TV Shows you love?

I like period pieces like Peaky Blinders which is about a family of gangsters set in Birmingham in the 1920’s. Another one is Mad Men which is about Ad agencies in the 60’s and 70’s. I find it interesting when a show can transport you back to a different era.

What is your #1 go to beauty product?

I am really into Vitamin C Serums.

Favourite book?

I am a big JK Rowling fan, so I love all the Harry Potter books and I also enjoy other fantasy series books like Wheel of Time. But if I had to pick one book, I’d choose “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum. It’s something I can go back to at any time in my life and still get some form of enlightenment.

An item you would never part with?

I always wear this necklace that my husband gave me with my 2 sons’ names engraved.

Do you have a favourite quote?

It isn’t really a quote, but this phrase has helped me through a lot. “This too shall pass”. It’s a great reminder that if you are going through something difficult, it is not permanent and eventually it will pass. Same goes when you are experiencing moments of joy, if you remember how fleeting it is, then you would have a deeper appreciation of that moment and be more grateful for it.

Final thoughts to conclude this interview?

I really appreciate being selected for an interview and I had fun doing it.

Thank you Dora for sharing with us!