Philip Adrian “Chino” Atilano, Founder and CEO, TimeFree Innovations, Inc.

Summary

The speaker shares an inspiring journey from a remote island in the Philippines to becoming a tech company CEO. Born in a place without internet or electricity until 1991, the speaker's curiosity was ignited through workshops on fiber optic networks. With support from Smart and funding from PLDT, the speaker embarked on a sabbatical to start a company that has now served major clients for nearly 11 years, proving Filipinos can develop world-class applications for international brands.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The speaker hails from a remote island in the Philippines called M, emphasizing the humble beginnings of their journey.
• 🏠 Growing up without internet connectivity or electricity until 1991, the speaker's background highlights the stark contrast to their current position.
• 🎓 The speaker's first encounter with technology was in college, where they didn't even know what an email was, showcasing their rapid learning curve.
• 🚀 The speaker became the CEO of a tech company, illustrating a remarkable transformation from their early life to a leadership role in the tech industry.
• 🤝 The partnership with SMART and School of Zanga was pivotal, providing the speaker with opportunities and knowledge in fiber optic networks.
• 🛠️ The speaker's experience as a transport engineer with SMART involved designing and implementing fiber optic networks, building their expertise in the field.
• 💡 The idea to start their own company was inspired by SMART, which offered funding and support, despite the speaker's initial lack of financial resources.
• 📚 The speaker took a paid sabbatical to pursue their entrepreneurial venture, demonstrating the support from SMART in their personal growth.
• 🏆 The speaker's company has been successful, serving multiple corporate and government clients for nearly 11 years, moving beyond the startup phase.
• 🌟 The company's work is evident in various applications and systems used by international brands, proving Filipinos' capability to develop world-class applications.
• 💪 The speaker's story is a testament to the power of opportunity and support in enabling individuals to achieve success beyond their circumstances.

Q & A

Where was the speaker born and what was the condition of the place in terms of infrastructure?

The speaker was born on a very tiny island called M in the Philippines, which lacked internet connectivity and electricity until around 1991.

What was the speaker's first experience with email during college?

The speaker's first encounter with email was during college when a professor assigned tasks to be sent via email. The speaker had to ask a classmate what an email was.

How did the speaker's background influence their journey to becoming a CEO of a tech company?

The speaker's background, growing up without modern amenities, fueled their curiosity and determination to learn about technology, eventually leading to their role as a CEO of a tech company.

What role did Smart and Smart's partnership with the speaker's school play in their life?

Smart's partnership with the speaker's school in Zanga provided a series of workshops that inspired the speaker to learn more about fiber optic networks, which was a pivotal moment in their career.

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the idea of starting their own company?

The speaker was initially hesitant due to financial concerns, but Smart offered funding and support, which encouraged them to take the leap and start their own company.

How did Smart support the speaker in their entrepreneurial journey?

Smart provided funding and allowed the speaker to go on a paid sabbatical to focus on their startup, which was crucial in the early stages of the company.

What is the speaker's current company involved in and how long has it been in the industry?

The speaker's company, which has been in the industry for nearly 11 years, serves multiple corporate and government clients, providing services such as advanced queuing systems and customer retention programs.

How has the speaker's company contributed to the reputation of Filipino developers?

The company's success and the development of world-class applications used by international brands demonstrate that Filipinos can develop high-quality software and contribute significantly to the tech industry.

What was the speaker's advice on taking opportunities and overcoming challenges?

The speaker emphasized the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities and figuring out how to do something later, as it can lead to significant growth and achievements.

What is the significance of the speaker's story in inspiring others from similar backgrounds?

The speaker's journey from a remote island with limited resources to becoming a tech CEO serves as an inspiration and proof that background is not a barrier to success in the technology field.

What is the speaker's view on the role of support systems like Smart in fostering innovation?

The speaker believes that support systems like Smart play a crucial role in providing the necessary push and resources for individuals to innovate and succeed in the tech industry.