Talent Development at a Glance: A First-Timer’s Empowering Experience with PSTD’s April Tipanan
By: Rosina JoseBusiness Development Officer, Positive Workplacessina.positiveworkplaces@gmail.com | thrive@positiveworkplaces.org
Discovering a New Community
When I joined Positive Workplaces earlier this year, I started hearing about the Philippine Society for Talent Development (PSTD) from our chief officers, John Baluyot and Kevin Nera. Their stories about and shared experiences with PSTD were often filled with admiration for the community and the work they were doing in the Talent Development industry. At the time, I knew very little about PSTD beyond its name. I was not familiar with its programs, its leadership culture, or how it contributed to shaping workplace learning across the country. So, coming into this experience, I had a strong interest in understanding how healthy organizational cultures are built. I also had high expectations of what Talent Development could look like when done well. What I found at PSTD’s Virtual April Tipanan themed Becoming a Talent Catalyst not only met those expectations, but also expanded my perspective in ways I did not anticipate.
PSTD’s Space for Learning and Connecting
There were many valuable sessions led by experienced professionals in the field such as Alpha Aquino and Jane Underwood -- each one offering perspectives, tools, and practices that I could immediately resonate with. I tried my best to take careful notes on the models and case studies presented, especially those that tackled learning integration, organizational alignment, and employee engagement, since I knew that this was a very rare opportunity that I was presented with. The content was practical, thoughtful, and clearly drawn from years of experience. However, what I did not expect was the depth of learning that came from simply being present with the leaders and members in the Zoom room.
In breakout sessions -- even as early as the icebreakers and networking sessions -- I was grouped with long-time PSTD members and volunteers who were generous with their insights and open about their own learning journeys. Many had been contributing to the organization for years, and it showed -- not only in their knowledge, but in how they engaged with others. There was a genuine sense of purpose and mutual respect, as well as an openness that can only be achieved through an understanding of shared advocacies.
This event struck me as one that provided a safe and communal space where people may come back to, in order to refine their practice, stay updated on industry shifts, and exchange support with their colleagues. These intentional interactions -- observing how members spoke to each other, shared feedback, and built on each other’s ideas -- were just as impactful and heartwarming as the formal program itself.
Building Talent through Communities
Beyond the structured learning, what stood out to me was PSTD’s commitment to developing the people who make up their community. Their initiatives not only equip members with technical skills, but also encourage creativity, self-leadership, and long-term career planning. These are critical components of Talent Development that often go unspoken but are vital for retention and fulfillment at work.
Experiences like this highlight the importance of having more awareness campaigns and community-driven events focused on Talent Development. When organizations invest in these kinds of learning communities, they do not just improve training outcomes, but they also help shape healthier workplace cultures. This first encounter with PSTD was definitely more than an introduction. It was a reminder that Talent Development, when done with intention, can be a powerful force for both individual and organizational growth.