Bayanihan: Finding success as an entrepreneur and proud Filipina

“Just take a chance and go for it.” While this may seem like a simple, straightforward statement to some, Carmen Booth sees it as a mantra to live by. As the Chief Executive Officer of Booth & Partners, a provider of various outsourcing services, the mentality has not only allowed her to become a successful entrepreneur, it has also helped her navigate two distinct cultures — the US and the Philippines — and stay true to her Filipino roots along the way.

We sat down with Carmen for a discussion on being a Returning Filipino, becoming a successful entrepreneur and the high potential within the Philippines for the future.

From the Philippines to the USA

A true product of two cultures, Carmen was born in the Philippines and relocated to the USA with her family when she was 4 years old. They moved to a small town in Washington state, where she spent her childhood before moving to the bigger city Seattle for university. 

“I have a lot of extremes in my background. I went from a high-density city in a developing country to a very small country town in America, and then to a university in Seattle which is very liberal and diverse. These three different spectrums in my life each had an impact on my own beliefs and culture.”

No matter how much she and her family adapted to life in the States, they never forgot their Filipino heritage, as her parents always ensured the Filipino influence remained strong throughout their time in the States. 

“My parents instilled Filipino pride in me since childhood - using the language, eating the food and keeping cultural traditions alive. As an adult, I am able to wear both hats to my advantage because I can understand and identify with both Western and Filipino culture.”

Booth & Partners at a LETS PLAY event, their corporate CSR

Filipino pride

Carmen’s return has brought her professional success, along with the chance to give back to the Filipino community in a meaningful way through various corporate social responsibility programs at Booth & Partners. 

“I’m proud to be able to come home and create something that employs Filipinos as well as give back through local organizations to help communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to positive changes in the country that has given so much to my family and me.”

Her final advice for returnees? Come back, there are opportunities here.

“Being back, I have found that if you work hard, get your hands dirty and do your work well with focus, you are going to thrive professionally in the Philippines.”

Read more:
How to make a successful career change
Bayanihan: Unexpected Opportunities In Uncertain Times
Bayanihan: Succeeding through active learning and listening