Loi Concepcion- de Guzman : A woman takes the wheel

MANILA, Philippines -  “Women are taking key positions already not only in marketing but in the field of leadership. From women drivers to CEOs, women are evolving,” says Loi Concepcion-de Guzman, the vivacious assistant vice president of Viking Cars. This blooming 29-year-old (who is three months pregnant with her first child) has changed the face of Volvo by conquering the traditionally male-dominated business and transforming it with her unique feminine touch. “Women bring a certain touch to the field. We listen carefully and we bring an emotional aspect to the brand. We have that innate passion to care,” explains Loi.

After graduating with honors from St. Scholastica’s College, Loi thought of teaching theater as she was an active thespian during her college years and passed the licensure exam for teachers. But as fate would have it, she was blessed to have landed her first job at Volvo, where she learned the ropes working in sales and customer relations and marketing. 

Now, nine years later, Loi cannot think of a better place to be. She admits that in the beginning, “I wasn’t what you would call a car chick. I wasn’t interested in cars. For me a car was a car.” But she soon discovered how the values of Volvo resonated with her own values and beliefs. “Volvo is not about flash. It’s style and substance, passion and compassion, form and function and individuality all together. We don’t just consider Volvo to be a luxury car, we believe it to be a premium car. They get more value for their money.”

Aside from delivering more than what is asked from her, Loi describes herself as being “detail-oriented to a fault. Because of my OC-ness, it takes me a while to make decisions.” But this flaw also serves as her strength as this meticulous workaholic makes sure that no detail gets past her and everything is done according to her standards. 

Blessed with good looks and great genes (she doesn’t go to the gym!), Loi is ecstatic about starting her own brood and the whole experience of pregnancy — maybe except for the morning sickness and the fact that she won’t be able to wear newly bought Michael Kors heels until after giving birth.

“My husband (photographer Jason de Guzman) had just bought me these brown Michael Kors heels for my birthday. But then the next day I found out I was pregnant!” she laughs. “Sayang yung heels, comfy pa naman,” she adds. But she admits that she was happy to have at least tried the heels on once for the photo shoot.

The face of Volvo may have the sweet charm and alluring glance of an angel but Loi has proven that she is built of premium stuff, not only being able to play in the same field with the big boys but redefining the rules as well with her womanly touch. 

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Styling by Corine Alegre • Makeup by Pia Reyes for Lancome • Hairstyling by John Valle for Loreal Professionel • Jewelry by Miladay