Jeannie Pilapil: Corporate matchmaker

There is a fine line between being a recruiter and being a headhunter. Jeannie Pilapil defines the starting point as getting the mandate from the client first.   A need for a chef or a manager would be sourced out to her company, Transitions, and that would set the executive screening process onto high alert. 

Her clients include hotels like Dusit Thani, Manila Peninsula, Kamayan Cove, Thunderbirds Resorts, and Nabasan in Subic who rely on search groups to help them gather the most suitable candidates. 

Yes, a performance index helps to establish credibility and Jeannie records her success rate by how quickly she presents a shortlist, her repeat client business of over 50 percent, and the length of time that her referrals stay on their job.

It all started when our bachelorette realized that the hospitality industry in the Philippines needed help to get the right staff. Jeannie was shy but she sent an initial mailshot to 600 potential applicants. As Transitions developed, the 5’4” entrepreneur noticed that her e-mails were being forwarded. Encouraged by this movement, which she monitored online, Jeannie focused on being a matchmaker. 

The quest for an events organizer, for example, could mean that Jeannie would immerse herself in getting to know the dynamics of the team already working in that department; a forceful group would need more than a quiet leader. The candidate would have to suit the chemistry of the group. It’s a gut feel which, as president, Jeannie understands.

While she dreams about her travel to Peru, Jeannie Pilapil reflects here on being a good listener and challenging herself to swim. 

One of my goals this year is to travel to Peru. I want to visit Machu Picchu.  

My personal style signifier  are my dark-colored clothes. I like wearing black. 

What makes me happy are good food and good company. I can eat Japanese food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

I get inspired to wake up when it’s a good day for tennis. I play at Shangri-La once or twice a week.  

For grooming and style, I rely on Chiyo, my Japanese hairstylist who has a shop in Legazpi Village. 

I work best after having a good workout at the gym.  

The last meal that truly impressed me was my Italian lunch at Bottega, Napa Valley.   Michael Chiarello is a celebrity chef and his show is on the Food Network. He served cream of asparagus soup, pan-fried scallops on risotto and the dessert was profiteroles. 

Some of my fears are swimming because I almost drowned during a company outing. I was in a crowded pool and no one noticed that I was sort of drowning. I willed myself to save me. 

What helped me to conquer fear are two years of swimming daily. I had to practice swimming one foot at a time, daily covering bigger and bigger distance and now I conquer the entire lap of the hotel’s pool!

Best quality about me is that I am a good listener. You talk to me and I can recap what you told me verbatim. 

Worst quality  is that sometimes I can be OC (obsessive-compulsive). In the office, I am OC about how reports should be done, how they should be filed, monitoring interviews. I follow up from step one to the final step. 

The last thing I bought and loved are perfectly fitting pair of stretch jeans by Michale Kors in Las Vegas. Oh, and my Mac makeup brushes.

If I had to limit my travels to one city, it would be Vancouver, BC. I lived there for five years. I love the government there. I also love the weather — it is the tropical place of Canada. The city is beautiful and the gastronomic choices are plenty. The mountains are right next to the city and the water serve as the backdrop. I go yearly and love the people.

The souvenirs I choose to bring home are Fridge magnets — they’re practical and I use them daily. By the time I go home, my suitcases are full so I decide to go for small and light souvenirs that can fit in the nooks and crannies.

The best gift I have given recently is the model jet plane for Iona, my seven-year-old nephew. He guided me on how to go on the website and order from the airline museum. He knows everything about airplanes. 

In my fridge you’ll always find pomelo fruit (suha) and milk,

My favorite website is Youtube.  

I am proud of my perfect matches for my hotel clients and the candidates I present to them.

Beside my bed are books. A pile of different books from spirituality, to business and magazines. Now I am reading The Snowball — Warren Buffet and the Business of Life.

I remember an embarrassing moment at work when my shoe flew in the hotel lobby. I was on my way out to a sales call with my flat shoes and in front of so many guests my shoe flew. My embarrassing moments always involve shoes. 

The way I plan my day is online. A weekly schedule for interviews and appointments. My assistant helps me fill in my Google calendar. He inputs in my calendar and we coordinate online. 

The last time I cried was last week. I cried a bucket over the movie Nights in Rhodante. I have watched it about four times and I challenge myself not to cry again and yet it is so emotionally charged. Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Be ready with a tissue box when you watch it 

A good advice I have given is the mantra “Always choose something you are passionate about and you don’t have to work a day in your life.  

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E-mail aurorawilson@gmail.com.