For Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, success in the workplace is no longer defined by credentials alone. In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, employers are searching for people who possess character, resilience, and the ability to grow alongside the demands of modern business.
As the founder and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc., Sarah has
spent three decades connecting people with opportunities and helping companies
build stronger workforces. During the company’s recent 30th Anniversary and
Employees Summit, she reflected not only on her inspiring entrepreneurial
journey, but also on the qualities that make employees truly valuable in the
eyes of employers.
“In every challenge, every crisis, and every season of
growth, one thing remains true—people are the heart of every organization,”
Sarah shared during her emotional speech titled “Legacy and Leap: A Storyof 30 Years, Told from the Heart.”
Having built SPD Jobs from a modest ₱50,000 dream into a
nationally respected manpower and recruitment company, Sarah understands
firsthand what separates exceptional employees from the rest. According to her,
employers today are looking for five essential qualities: positive attitude,
reliability, willingness to learn, synergy, and agility.
“A positive attitude matters because skills can be
taught, but mindset shapes how people face pressure and challenges,” she
explained. “Employees who remain professional, motivated, and
solution-focused become valuable assets to any company.”
Sarah also emphasized the importance of reliability and
accountability in the workplace. She noted that employers highly value
individuals who show up on time, meet deadlines, and take ownership of their
responsibilities.
“Integrity is doing your best even when no one is
watching,” she said. “When people become dependable, they build
trust—and trust is the foundation of every successful organization.”
Equally important, Sarah highlighted the value of continuous
learning. In an age driven by technology and constant change, she believes
employees must remain curious, adaptable, and open to growth.
“I stopped asking, ‘Can I do this?’ and started
declaring, ‘I will do this,’” she recalled, referencing one of the
defining lessons that shaped her leadership journey after reading The Power
of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy.
For Sarah, teamwork—or what she calls “synergy”—is
another essential ingredient for success. She believes organizations thrive
when employees communicate well, collaborate effectively, and support one
another toward shared goals.
“Your discipline built our reputation. Your curiosity
sparked our innovation. Your kindness gave our brand a soul,” she told the
SPD workforce during the celebration.
Lastly, Sarah underscored the importance of agility—the
ability to adapt quickly to new systems, environments, and challenges. As
industries evolve, she believes employees who embrace change rather than fear
it will continue to stand out.
Beyond business achievements, Sarah’s story remains a
testament to perseverance and leadership in an industry traditionally dominated
by men. From working sleepless nights as a young respiratory therapist to
leading a company recognized with ISO 9001:2015 certification and the
Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Level 2, her journey reflects resilience, faith,
and unwavering purpose.
“S means Strength. P means Purpose. D means Destiny,”
she proudly declared. “Strength through resilience, Purpose through
service, and Destiny through the brighter future we help create for others.”
Thirty years after SPD Jobs began with only three believers
and a dream, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo continues to inspire not only employees and
entrepreneurs, but also the next generation of leaders determined to succeed
with heart, integrity, and purpose.

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