This training and consultancy firm empowers companies with programs, seminars including a '5-Day MBA'

Starting with two training programs during its inception, the Makati-based firm already has 120 programs and other human resources solutions catering to over 15,000 companies, including ones in the global leaderboards.

Its programs are delivered as either public seminars in its headquarters—which freelancers and entrepreneurs may also opt for—or as in-house training of client companies not only in the Philippines but also in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Clients are from industries like manufacturing, food and beverage, logistics, business process outsourcing, fintech, and even nonprofit and government.

“As long as there are businesses or organizations, there will always be a need for continuous learning and improvement, which we strive to address,” Ralph Guzman, a Guthrie-Jensen consultant for over 15 years, told PhilSTAR L!fe. “Professionals must continue leveling up.”

Guzman noted that they constantly update their programs to keep them “comprehensive, learner-friendly, and engaging.”

“There have been a lot of changes in how people are led, there are new concepts in leadership. We do continuous research and we’re using the necessary technology,” he said.

They also avoid programs that are trainer-centered or those that are anchored on an individual boasting of certain credentials and experience.

“While those are important, we do not sell celebrities but rather substance through content and methodology,” he said, adding that they’re always participant-centered. “We do not just sell programs for the sake of it.”

Guzman noted that companies usually inform them about what they want, and the approach is to match them to the right program, even giving recommendations as to what suits their needs best.

“Clients would ask for certain kinds of customizations and adaptations. The formula is quite simple: we listen, and we respond accordingly,” he said.

It’s with the best hope that the companies would then be equipped with the knowledge, skill, and mindset following the Guthrie-Jensen branding.

“The learnings help our participants shape or alter the future of their organizations. We do not take credit for their success,” Guzman said, “but knowing that we have helped in some way, we’re proud.”

What makes the Guthrie-Jensen training impressive, according to Guzman, is that participating companies tend to become networks and learn from each other. Former client companies also return after some time to retake programs or avail of other offerings.

5-Day MBA

One of Guthrie-Jensen’s signature programs is its so-called “5-Day MBA” (Master of Business Administration), a weekday-long seminar that captures the essence of the postgraduate degree lasting at least two years and costing hundreds of thousands of pesos—sans the exams, papers, and theses.

“What people are most surprised, intrigued, and amazed with is that it’s possible,” Guzman said. “[5-Day MBA] may not be a degree that merits a diploma, but you’d still get the [necessary] skills.”

Guthrie-Jensen’s 5-Day MBA, according to its website, aims to make participants manage their organizations more effectively, analyze their businesses’ financial health, gain insight into the local and global economy, develop a sound business strategy, communicate the language of business to any audience, and gain fundamental skills in accounting and finance, strategy, marketing, and management.

“The way we present it is that you learn from each subject and how they align with each other, how you can use them together so that any executive can make the right decision,” Guzman said.

The program, which is conducted monthly in Manila and Cebu, is recommended for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals groomed for leadership positions.

Broaden perspective, invest in people

Guzman noted that leaders, or those who are aspiring to become one, must broaden their perspective to make better decisions on behalf of the company.

“As you go up the corporate ladder, the challenge is for managers to move from specialists to generalists,” he said. Citing an example, Guzman said a would-be president hailing from the finance department must know not only finance but also sales, marketing, human resources, management, and others.

“An executive will need to be able to think of all these things in making complex decisions,” he added.

But at the end of the day, Guzman said leaders must also invest more in their people, as change cannot happen from the top alone. “The people are the glue that makes an organization function like a well-oiled machine.”

Leaders must also acknowledge the diverse makeup of their company, i.e., the different generations present. Despite concerns regarding the generation gap, Guzman advised against stereotyping because people aren’t necessarily defined by what generation they belong to.

“What is important is to recognize and respect what each generation brings to the table,” he said, adding that private organizations especially need to be profitable.

“We’re now in a post-pandemic economy. We are now living in a fast-changing, highly competitive landscape,” he said. “We cannot deny that cash is king. Without it, an organization cannot start and survive. Therefore, businesses must have the necessary financial acumen supported with the right strategy.” 

As regards the future of the Philippine workforce, Guzman said there are exciting times ahead and that firms like Guthrie-Jensen have to be prepared.

“I hope we’ll still be around by then. When that time happens, there will be more opportunities for more Filipinos,” he said. “Organizations have to be empowered.”

“There’s a saying that the truth sets us free,” he added. “A part of the truth is knowledge and skills. They will also set you free. That’s what we look forward to doing in the decades to come.”

Guthrie-Jensen is located at 4F ACE Building, 101 Rada Street, Legaspi Village in Makati. For inquiries, reach out to them at 288161610 and [email protected].