The face of success: Alden Richards for Convergys
MANILA, Philippines – Instead of doing the usual press releases to announce Alden Richards as the newest member of the Convergys family, they first posted behind the scenes videos of a photo shoot on their social media accounts with the tagline teaser, “What is the face of success?”
It’s Not A Secret
At the giant launch of the opening of thousands of job opportunities in Ayala Center Cebu, where there was a giant party, Alden told his screaming, patient fans, “Convergys called me because of my story. You know that hard work, determination and goals will lead to success. It’s not a secret!”
To non-Alden fans, who merely know him from his ubiquitous billboards, they might wonder what caused this massive overnight success. But as he himself said, he had to do his time in the business; even being rejected from a popular reality show back in 2010. He starred in various shows, some that were ratings winners but some that were not. He himself thought of giving up. But there was a deep, deep motivation at hand. “My childhood dream was to be a pilot. Showbiz was my mom’s dream for me. So when she passed away, I couldn't stop. I had times when I wanted to, of course the doubt would still be there. But then I would think, would any good come out of quitting?”
This same spirit of determination reflects the ethos of Convergys, the nation’s largest private employer with 13,000 employees and growing. Everyone who has worked with Alden marvels at his cheery demeanor and marvelous talent for making all those around him feel important and valued. At the press and blogger conference, which had to be cut short, Alden said, “It’s about the same values.”
Success Stories
Pandemonium erupted and piercing, ringing screams filled the air, when Alden finally walked out on stage at the launch at Ayala Center Cebu. The first words he uttered were, “Sorry for the delay! Thanks for waiting!” He then sang two songs from his album, and while seated among the fans, I could tell that they all memorized the lyrics. When asked to speak to the fans, he simply replied, “Be part of the family! As can be seen from my story, your hard work and persistence will be rewarded. Oh, and faith, above all! Don’t forget that!”
Alden’s manager and handler tried to rush him from the backstage to his waiting vehicle. He had to rush back for the midnight flight and then he would be on a 7a.m. flight to Japan. But a reporter from a Cebuano TV station who claimed to be his biggest fan called out and asked for an interview. And he stopped to answer her questions. He did the same for the writers and bloggers who all wanted pictures with him. He has a true understanding of the value of the person to person connection and he doesn't just rush through his interactions.
On the kalyeserye, Alden had to revert to the old style of courtship, with doing errands for the lolas and relying on signs and love letters. Even in his role as a brand ambassador, Alden is a throwback to the traditional values. But in a way that works for today.
