From Branding to Belonging: How PSTD Volunteering Transformed Carlo Carbonell’s Talent Development Journey
When Carlo Carbonell, Founder of Spreadsheet Magic, joined the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD), it started with a strategic goal: personal branding. He wanted to show he was part of a credible learning and development organization in the Philippines—a move meant to attract clients and elevate his profile. But what he found was far more meaningful: a tribe of Filipino L&D professionals who shared his passion, spoke his language, and believed in the transformative power of talent development.
“I came looking for clients and found kapa-TDs,” Carlo reflects. “It started as a branding move, but became an emotional connection.”
Today, Carlo wears many hats within PSTD—Chair of the Digital Technology Committee, Membership Lead for South Luzon, and previously a mentee turned mentor in the flagship PSTD Mentoring Program. His journey embodies what it means to volunteer with purpose in PSTD.
Growth Beyond KPIs
Volunteering with PSTD reshaped Carlo’s professional identity. “I don’t just work in talent development—I work with it, and for it,” he says. The experience challenged him to grow not just as a practitioner, but as a leader and community builder. From crafting a sustainability policy for his own business inspired by his work in PSTD's CSR Committee, to mentoring young talent developers, Carlo's impact has created waves.
“Every small effort creates a ripple of impact we can’t always see.”
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
Like many professionals, Carlo faced the universal challenge of time management. Balancing his growing business with his PSTD volunteer commitments wasn’t easy—but he reframed it as a matter of values and priorities. “You make time for what you value,” he says. His advice for those considering to join? “Start small. Join a committee, help at an event. You don’t have to be an expert—you just have to show up.”
A Call to Action for the L&D Community
Carlo hopes more professionals in the Philippine L&D community will discover the “magic of PSTD.” To him, the organization is still one of the best-kept secrets in the talent development space—ready to be shared with the nation and the world.
Whether you’re an experienced corporate trainer, a passionate mentor, or someone new to the training and development programs in the Philippines, PSTD has a place for you. As Carlo's story proves, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about growing forward.
Ready to volunteer with purpose?
Explore PSTD volunteer opportunities and find your space in a thriving community of Filipino talent developers. Join a PSTD committee. Raise your hand. Transform your talent development journey. Contact PSTD Membership Relations Officer Nathaniel Moncera via email membership@pstd.org to learn more about PSTD Committees.