Tags: academic career business school digital learning Edge Davao education educator JIB Joji Ilagan Bian Joji Ilagan School Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma Online Learning school school in Davao tourism and hospitality school
Nicole Hao Bian – Ledesma talks about navigating an academic career and how the pandemic is reshaping education.
Nicole Niña Hao Bian – Ledesma is an icon in the business community and academic sphere. This smart, stylish, and pretty lady is the Chief Operating Officer of the Joji Ilagan International Schools (also known as JIB), which owns and manages the following: Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism, Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHef), The International Management School, JIB International School of Hotel and Tourism Management in General Santos City, and Stockbridge American International School in Davao and General Santos.
You also see her at the forefront of various tourism and economic forums—taking part in Davao City’s continuous progress and post-pandemic recovery and paving the way for a wealth of opportunities for future graduates.
Nicole explains, “Being involved in various business and trade organizations also allows me to share the work that I do, meet entrepreneurs and leaders from other industries, and discover best practices I can bring into our company.”
“As a leader, educator, and businesswoman, I learned how important it is to evolve constantly. You have to step out of your comfort zone and industry and be multifaceted. In our case, as educators, we go beyond the four walls of the school so we won’t get stuck in our bubble. We stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the business community and the global arena and learn from other industries. By doing so, we are preparing students to succeed beyond the corners of the school and make informed business decisions.”
Nicole with her mother and mentor, Joji Ilagan Bian (left).
Learning the ropes
The love for learning is ingrained in Nicole. She credits her mother, Joji Ilagan Bian—a champion of education and founder of JIB—for inspiring her to find her passion and live purposefully.
“I knew I wanted to become a businesswoman like my mom. As a child, I played dress-up in her closet. I would wear her blazer and pair it up with a pencil-cut skirt, a scarf, and high heels. Growing up, she would always bring me to her work. I remember running in the hallways of the old JIB building along Anda Street and exchanging pleasantries with her colleagues, staff, and even some of her students. Back then, my mom’s career seemed so exciting to me as she always met with different kinds of people, traveled, and looked fabulous every day.”
Smart and stylish.
“It was only in high school and college when I truly understood what it meant to be in business and be an educator. During family dinners, my mom’s eyes would always light up when she would share with us a typical day in school—from connecting with teachers and students to meeting contemporaries and partners in the industry. She would talk about how she was able to help a student or community by giving free trainings. It was during those moments when I realized how a career in the academe would allow me to share myself and empower others to reach their ambitions.”
Nicole firmly believes that passion can only take one so far and that she needs to put in hard work to succeed in her chosen field. “I began teaching a course on Personality Development to kids, teens, and corporate clients as early as my college days. I also took post-graduate education and professional training. Add to that a series of on-the-job training at the JIB school during my summer and semestral breaks. My immersion in the company included mentorship programs and meetings with my mom, her colleagues, and staff.”
This young COO finished a Master of Arts degree in International Hospitality Management in Switzerland. “After which, I went back to Davao and formally joined our company. I was given freehand to be involved in all departments to learn the ins and outs of running a school. I sat through all the meetings—from matters about academic and curriculum to accounting, audit, human resources, quality assurance, and even building and maintenance. Eventually, I introduced some innovations to improve our school operations.”
Nicole is currently taking the Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management program with
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Stepping into a leadership role
As Chief Operating Officer, carrying out the company’s mission to provide high-quality education, Nicole takes the lead in planning and executing strategies. “My priority areas are innovations in curriculum, instruction and classroom management; strengthening international partnerships and industry linkages; establishing quality assurance systems; and obtaining national and international accreditations.”
“Our school prepares students to have global knowledge and develop their competencies, personality, and confidence to succeed beyond school and as they enter the hospitality and tourism industry. As a business, we ensure our systems and processes are exemplary through quality assurance measures and external accreditations. We also make sure that we remain relevant to the times by having international partners and linkages.”
Nicole is currently taking the Doctor of Hotel and Tourism Management program with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Nicole at work.
Bridging the distance
The education system evolved dramatically at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels, schools invested in educational technology and deployed distance learning programs using various formats and online platforms.
Nicole played a significant role in helping their schools navigate the new normal. She kept the team abreast of the latest advancements during this pivotal stage in education—all while adjusting to her new role as wife and mom.
Nicole is optimistic about the future and stresses the need to adapt and keep up with the needs and demands of the times. “The education landscape will never be the same again. We have seen how students were able to thrive and continue learning online. So, we will still have flexible learning options even after the pandemic. Schools need to strengthen their student development programs and give importance to socioemotional development.”
Nicole is optimistic about the future and stresses the need to adapt and keep up with the needs and demands of the times. “The education landscape will never be the same again. We have seen how students were able to thrive and continue learning online. So, we will still have flexible learning options even after the pandemic. Schools need to strengthen their student development programs and give importance to socioemotional development.”
“Education, from now on, will be borderless, and students can study in international schools in the comfort of their homes. They can learn from professors across the globe and network with other international students through an online format. The world will become the student’s classroom. There will also be a demand for short courses or micro-credentials. These ‘stackable’ micro certificates will allow one to be proficient in a specific competency and be employable after.”
Nicole with her husband and daughter.
Fulfilling moments
Nicole’s list of credentials and achievements is nothing short of impressive. Asked what makes her work more rewarding, she answers, “It’s when I meet any of our JIB alumni during my travels or visits to restaurants and hotels, and they share with me their success stories. It is always so humbling and nice to hear how our school helped them reach their dreams and become managers and leaders in the industry. I also find fulfillment in seeing my colleagues challenge themselves and achieve what seemed to be a difficult task. I am constantly training our staff to become leaders in their respective departments.”
This story is also published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper. All images courtesy of Nicole Hao Bian – Ledesma.
