Tech-smart, business-savvy, down to earth and blessed with boundless energy, Gina Romero is that rare combination of creativity and logic – balancing inspired and instinctive business strategies with common sense.
A cool head and some swift decision making was called into action early in Gina’s life, when at age 15 she was plunged headlong into running the family business in the Philippines. In 1996 Gina returned to the UK and landed herself a job with British Airways, as air cabin crew.
Her new career couldn’t have taken her into a world more removed, introducing her, as it did, to cross global travel, swanky hotels and different cultures. Gina, with 110% enthusiasm embraced all the opportunities of broadening her horizons, meeting new people, experiencing different countries and learning the benefits of great customer service.
It was, in fact, on a trip to the US in 2001, that Gina’s interest in technology was ignited, along with her talent for spotting new trends. She saw how wireless technology was impacting on the world of business communications and immediately appreciated all the myriad implications for the future. Back in the UK, she and her partner began to develop communications solutions, and before long found they had a rather successful, completely innovative IT solutions company.
It was at this point, they approached the MD of St. George Plc and convinced him to let them pilot wifi in 100 of their luxury residential units. Not only did this provide an opportunity to test, perfect and carry out market research on the new technology, but at the same gain enormous expertise and credibility. It was an object lesson in how a small start up company can have the imagination, ideas and expertise to make even the biggest companies sit up and listen.
“My love for technology is not about the hardware and software but the potential to connect people. For me technology is all about creativity and productivity – and the freedom to do the things that we do best and the things that we enjoy most.”
In a relatively short time the company had made the leap from a garage workshop to a boutique technical solutions company in Mayfair, by this time, servicing small, high revenue clients, including investment banks, oil and gas, and climate change mitigation companies – a diverse database of around 250 customers worldwide. Their business was built entirely on word of mouth referrals and the benefits of Gina’s strategic links made through membership of The Athena Network, the women’s networking association.
After 6 very intense years in IT and having made the journey from fascinated but frustrated computer user to honorary girl geek, Gina was ready for a career change. As a steadfast member of Athena since its inception in 2005, she accepted the offer from Athena founder, Jacqueline Rogers to establish, define and grow a new role of Athena Operations Director. Reporting directly to the CEO,
Gina liaised with and supported 30+ Regional Directors and their Regional teams. Defined and implement systems and processes for the UK and International franchise operation as well taking on UK Head Office functions, improving and implementing IT infrastructure and data management procedures. In addition, Gina took ownership of the North London area, becoming a Regional Director and facilitating strategic networking meetings for professional business women.
“As a member of Athena I was very passionate about sharing my success at generating larger contracts and a quality client base, through my networking activities. I was determined to dispel the myth that business networking is just for small businesses to generate small contracts from other small businesses.”
In 2010 a once-in-a-lifetime chance arose for Gina’s partner to take on an exciting new career, in Singapore. This was, unsurprisingly, taken in her stride by Gina who immediately saw the move as a whole new opportunity to launch herself into Singapore’s business and networking arena.
Tech geek, rock chick businesswoman and entrepreneur, Gina’s no nonsense, pragmatic and down to earth leadership style, together with her ability to take reasoned decisions, not risks, has led to her successes within her own and other people’s businesses. Her profound belief is that if you don’t go with your ‘gut feel’ you’ll never know whether it would have worked!
Gina lives and breathes business concepts and is able to find inspiration for great leadership and business wisdom in the most unlikely of sources making for quirky but relevant commentary.
And now … launching The Athena Network in Singapore alongside her brand ‘Business Rocks!’ Gina brings resources, training, events and expertise to start ups and small business owners in Singapore.
Clients Gina has worked with include: The Athena Network, Rawlinson Partnership, Brendon Street Investments, The Priory Collection, Sindicatum Climate Change Foundation, Sindicatum Carbon Capital, Canamens and St. George Plc.
(You can read Gina’s personal intro here)
