On November 28, the BSDSBA students gathered at the Stephen Fuller Hall for an Alumni Hour session with Dale Cuaycong, AIM alumnus from MBM 2000 and the former Chief Operating Officer of McKinsey & Company in the UK. Currently leading enterprise AI and digital transformation for a major Philippine bank, Dale returned to AIM to share career insights, lessons, and personal stories with the undergraduate students.
4 Letters, 4 Lessons, One Journey
Dale framed his talk around four principles—Grow, Know, Raise, and Choose—drawn from his own career.
- Grow Yourself
“Make sure that in everything you’re doing, you’re growing. Each day should be a learning experience—and not just another day you get through.”
He encouraged students to experiment, try new approaches in class, and use AIM as an “accelerator,” adding:
“Here, it’s risk-free to try different things. Out there, the implications are bigger—so take advantage of this time.”
- Know the World
In a rapidly changing landscape, especially with AI, he urged students to stay curious and informed.
“There are developments every day. Don’t be afraid—just try to stay at the center of things.”
Understanding industries, knowing how they evolve, and studying leaders they admire are essential, he added.
- Raise Your Standards
Dale highlighted the importance of giving one’s best in every output—no matter how small.
“Everything you deliver is your standard. Make sure it’s something you’ll be proud of. It compounds into a habit.”
- Choose Boldly
Encouraging students to take risks, he reminded them that real growth lies beyond comfort zones.
“Choose learning over comfort. The choices that stretch you are the ones that will make a difference in your career.”
Navigating Careers, Leadership, and AI
A lively Q&A followed the talk, with students asking about work, life, and their future in an AI-driven world. Dale reassured them that while AI will automate specific tasks, the real differentiators remain human—how they think, structure problems, communicate, and execute. He also shared practical examples of AI use in fraud detection, employee insights, and learning design, emphasizing that technology should enhance, not replace, human capability.
Drawing from his early challenges at McKinsey, he encouraged students to voice their ideas, recalling how a mentor once told him, “We didn’t hire you because of your degree. We hired you for what you can contribute to the discussion.”
He also discussed what makes an effective leader—empathy, communication, and genuine care for people—and reminded students to pursue sustainability in their careers. Work-life balance, he noted, is about knowing one’s capacity and focusing on the value you bring rather than the number of hours worked.
A Final Reminder for Students
As the session ended, Dale encouraged everyone to be intentional about building networks and staying connected:
“If you’re not on LinkedIn yet, please go. It opens doors. If you want to link up with me, feel free—I’m happy to help.”
After the talk, the Alumni Relations Office (ARO) raffled off five premium tumblers, much to the students’ delight. To cap off the evening, food and drinks were served to everyone’s satisfaction.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dale Cuaycong for generously sharing his insights, experience, and encouragement with the cohorts of our undergraduate program, BSDSBA. His insights provided practical guidance and inspiration as students navigate their own professional journeys.
