Nikita Mercado

  One question I occasionally get is why we make an effort to celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries. After all, we're a remote company. We don't share an office. We don't see each other every day. So why does it matter? Because behind every employee is a person. A person with dreams, challenges, milestones, and a life outside of work. When you're building a remote company, it's easy to focus only on productivity. Projects. Deadlines. Metrics. But people are more than the work they produce. Birthdays remind us to celebrate the individual. Work anniversaries remind us to celebrate the journey. They give us an opportunity to pause and recognize someone's contribution, commitment, and growth. Some team members have been with us through major milestones. They've helped build systems, support clients, solve problems, and contribute to the company's growth. That deserves recognition. Not because it's required. But because appreciation matters. I grew u...

A great workplace is about more than compensation. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. In this series, we’ll explore the role of leadership, culture, employee wellbeing, recognition, and healthcare in building stronger teams and healthier organizations. Because behind every company are people. And when people thrive, businesses thrive. — Nikita Mercado

  Growing up in a rural area, you learn to appreciate things that others might take for granted. Reliable healthcare. Stable income. Educational opportunities. The ability to plan for the future. I watched families work incredibly hard just to get by. I saw parents sacrifice everything for their children. I saw resilience long before I understood the word. Those experiences shaped the way I lead today. They remind me that behind every employee is a person with dreams, responsibilities, and people depending on them. It also reminds me never to forget where I came from. Because the farther we go in life, the more important it becomes to remember the people and experiences that helped shape us. — Nikita Mercado Founder, Konektao

  Over the past four weeks, we’ve talked about communication, trust, professionalism, career growth, and what it takes to thrive in global teams. But if there’s one thing I hope you take away from this series, it’s this: Your value is not defined by where you live. Some of the most talented, hardworking, and resilient professionals I’ve met are right here in the Philippines. I’ve seen Filipino professionals support startups from idea to acquisition. I’ve seen virtual assistants become operations leaders. I’ve seen remote work create opportunities that changed the trajectory of entire families. The future of work is changing rapidly. AI will continue to evolve. Technology will continue to transform industries. But the qualities that make people great to work with remain the same. Integrity. Adaptability. Curiosity. Empathy. The ability to communicate clearly and build trust. These are not just professional skills. They are human skills. And they are the reason Filipino talent contin...

When I was younger, I thought success was about titles, revenue, and achievements. Build the company. Hit the milestone. Reach the next goal. And while those things still matter, becoming a wife, a mother, and a founder changed my perspective. Today, success looks different. Success is being present for my son. Success is creating opportunities for Filipino families. Success is seeing someone on our team buy their first home, support their parents, or send their children to school. Success is building a company that people are proud to be part of. The older I get, the more I realize that the most meaningful accomplishments are rarely the ones listed on a resume. They’re the lives we impact along the way. That’s the kind of success I’m chasing now.  — Nikita Mercado Founder, Konektao

 “The people who advance the fastest are not the ones who know everything. They’re the ones who take ownership.” — Nikita Mercado, Founder of Konektao Founders notice energy before they notice experience. That may sound surprising, but after years of hiring and working with remote teams, I’ve found it’s true. Of course, skills matter. Experience matters. But what often stands out first is how someone shows up. Do they respond thoughtfully? Do they take initiative? Do they look for solutions instead of waiting for instructions? Do they take ownership of their work? The people who advance the fastest are rarely the ones who know everything. They’re the ones who make life easier for the people around them. When a founder delegates a task, they’re not just looking for someone to complete it. They’re looking for someone they can trust. Someone who can identify problems before they become bigger issues. Someone who communicates clearly. Someone who follows through. One of the most valuab...