Reflections on a Life Across Three Continents

Living and working across three continents—starting in the Philippines, establishing my career in Australia, and then leading and scaling fintechs in Germany—has been a journey of resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery.

Each phase of my life has tested and strengthened me in ways I never could have predicted, shaping my perspectives on career, personal growth, and the delicate balance of parenting while building a future.

Resilience & Adaptability: Thriving Amidst Uncertainty

Moving from the Philippines to Australia in my early twenties, alone and eager to carve a path for myself, was a leap of faith. Adapting to a new culture, a different professional landscape, and the challenges of postgraduate studies required resilience. The transition from student life to building a career in recruitment demanded even more—navigating visa restrictions, workplace expectations, and proving my worth in an industry where networks often trump skills.

Germany brought an entirely new level of challenge. Scaling three fintechs in a market with different business norms, cultural expectations, and regulatory frameworks meant I had to continuously learn, unlearn, and re-learn. The ability to pivot, stay open-minded, and embrace discomfort became my biggest assets. I learned that adaptability is not just about surviving change—it’s about thriving in it.

Confidence & Self-Belief: Owning My Space

In each stage of my career, I’ve had moments of doubt—wondering if I was good enough, if I belonged, if I could lead and scale companies in industries I didn’t initially specialize in. But time and experience have taught me that confidence doesn’t come from external validation; it comes from showing up, taking risks, and proving to myself that I am capable.

Building my own recruitment consultancy now is a testament to that belief. After years of working in corporate environments, I now have the confidence to define success on my own terms. Self-belief is cultivated through experience, but it’s also a choice—choosing to trust in one’s abilities even when the path isn’t clear.

Grit & Intention: The Power of Persistence

Nothing about this journey has been easy. There were setbacks, rejections, and moments when quitting seemed like an option. But I’ve learned that grit—the ability to persevere despite obstacles—is the true differentiator in long-term success.

Intentionality has also played a key role. I’ve made conscious choices at every stage—choosing roles that align with my growth, saying yes to opportunities that stretch me, and now, intentionally designing a career that aligns with my values and lifestyle. Success isn’t accidental; it’s built through deliberate choices.

Parenting & Career: Building Without a Safety Net

One of the hardest parts of my journey has been balancing career ambitions with parenting, especially without family support nearby. In cultures where extended family often plays a role in raising children, doing it alone in a foreign country adds another layer of complexity.

Motherhood has reshaped my priorities and leadership style. It has taught me efficiency, empathy, and the importance of boundaries. It has also made me deeply aware of how workplaces need to evolve to support working parents. I’ve felt firsthand the guilt, the exhaustion, and the impossible juggle—yet, I’ve also seen the rewards of building something meaningful while raising a child.

From HR to Entrepreneurship: Finding a Career That Aligns

HR, and specifically recruitment, has been my foundation. It has given me a front-row seat to the evolving world of work—how companies grow, what makes talent thrive, and how cultures are shaped. But beyond placing people in roles, I’ve always been drawn to the bigger picture—how careers are built, how leaders are developed, and how companies scale.

Starting my own consultancy is a natural evolution. It’s about creating something that aligns with my expertise but also my personal needs. It’s about using my experience to shape better workplaces while designing a career that truly works for me.

Burnout & Flexibility: Post-COVID Realizations

Like many, I’ve experienced burnout—especially in fast-paced industries where the expectation is to always be "on." The pandemic was a turning point, highlighting how unsustainable traditional work models are, especially for parents. It reinforced the need for flexibility—not as a perk, but as a necessity for long-term success.

Flexibility is not about working less; it’s about working smarter. It’s about recognizing that people do their best work when they’re trusted to manage their time, energy, and priorities. This realization has shaped not only how I approach my own work but also the kind of workplace culture I want to foster in my consultancy.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, my journey across three continents has shaped how I approach challenges, adapt to change, and build a career that balances ambition with well-being. It’s shown me that success isn’t about following a set path—it’s about staying open to new opportunities and learning along the way.

Now, as I step into entrepreneurship, I do so with the confidence that every experience—both the wins and the setbacks—has prepared me for this moment. I hope to use what I’ve learned to help others navigate their own careers, whether that means making a big transition, embracing flexibility, or redefining success on their own terms.

There’s no magic formula—progress comes from putting in the effort, overcoming obstacles, and staying committed. But no one has to figure it out alone. If you’re feeling stuck—whether it’s landing your next role, securing a promotion, aligning your career with your values, or balancing work and parenthood—know that the next step is within reach. With my background in Talent Acquisition and career coaching, along with my own personal journey, my goal is to help others move forward with confidence.

At my core, I believe in taking action, staying consistent, and showing up even when things get tough—values instilled in me by my parents and reinforced by the different places I’ve lived. But no journey is truly solo. The support of my husband, family, friends, colleagues, and the networks I’ve built across countries has been invaluable. Success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s also about the people who support, challenge, and uplift you along the way.

About the Author

Clarice, Founder of The Talent Seed

Clarice is a seasoned HR leader with a proven track record of scaling teams from 20 to 5000+ employees. With over 18 years of experience across Asia, Australia, and Europe, she's built high-performing teams for industry leaders (Shell & PwC) and FinTech (N26, Billie & Solaris) startups.

As a certified career coach, Clarice helps individuals reach their full potential, guides leaders and organisations, attracts top talent, enhances employee retention, and navigates the evolving talent market.

The Talent Seed is a cutting-edge recruitment consultancy revolutionising the way companies hire by combining the power of human connection with advanced recruiting technology. Dedicated to empowering hiring leaders to navigate growth with confidence. Contact The Talent Seed today and discover how we can help you unlock the full potential of your talent acquisition efforts.

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