MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
DANG GODINEZ
Country Head, Philippines
Global Payments
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
It may be cliché to say, but definitely my mom. She was the epitome of grit, always chose kindness, and impressed upon me the importance of having the right foundations in any undertaking. When things would get tough at work or otherwise, I’d think about all the hardship she underwent to help me power through.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
Hard work and luck always go hand in hand in my book. I believe luck is rarely random – it comes from the opportunities we pursue. The more doors you open, the more chances you have to get lucky. But opening those doors takes hard work.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
Impact. When you reflect on how finite our time really is, it creates a strong sense of urgency to use it well. That perspective has always shaped my career decisions. Each step forward is not about the title, but about increasing the scale of the impact I can have – improving how things are done, building stronger teams, and contributing more meaningfully to the organizations I serve.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
Early in my career, I had this incredibly inspiring mentor who took the time out of her very busy schedule to help me think through what I wanted to do next. Our conversations were always thoughtful and gave me clarity and confidence at a formative stage of my career. When her assignment in the Philippines ended, our mentoring relationship naturally came to a close, and one thing I wish I had done differently was to make a more deliberate effort to stay in touch.
That experience taught me the long-term value of sustaining relationships with the people who invest in your growth. It’s also shaped how I approach mentorship today – I try to be intentional about both maintaining those relationships and paying that investment forward.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
This role – without question. It brings together the things I find most meaningful in leadership: the opportunity to grow Global Payments’ business through strong partners, help our customers create better experiences for their own customers and most importantly, develop the next generation of leaders in the payments industry. Being able to drive impact across the business while shaping future leaders is incredibly rewarding.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
My favourite motto comes from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I’m not particularly sporty, but the message has always resonated with me. Whenever I feel uncomfortable about stepping into something new, I remind myself of that quote – and of my mom, who always encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. It’s a simple reminder to keep pursuing opportunities rather than letting hesitation hold you back.