In the fast-paced world of retail, where targets are tight and competition runs high, few stories shine brighter than that of a woman who began her UAE journey with only one suitcase and a dream. That woman is Riza Fullon, a proud Filipina who turned her humble beginnings into an inspiring success story—rising from earning 1,500 AED a month to becoming an Area Operations Manager overseeing operations across five GCC countries: the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
Finding strength in humble beginnings
When Riza arrived in the UAE in 2014, she had little more than determination and faith. “I was just a woman with one suitcase, a heart full of dreams, and a starting salary of 1,500 AED,” she recalled. Those early days were far from easy. She lived as a bedspacer, carefully budgeting every dirham, often skipping meals so she could send more money to her family back home. “There were nights when exhaustion and homesickness hit hard. But every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself why I came here—to give my daughter and my family a better future.”
Her first job in retail was at the shop floor level—greeting customers, arranging displays, and ensuring every sale counted. While it wasn’t glamorous, it became her training ground. “It taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work,” she said. Observing her supervisors, she quietly promised herself that one day, she would become one of them. Step by step, Riza rose through the ranks: from Department Staff to Supervisor, then Assistant, and later, Store Manager.
Retail, she learned, was never just about selling products. “It’s about people,” she emphasized. “It’s about motivating teams, understanding behaviors, and driving results through collaboration and heart.”
The climb to leadership
Her growth didn’t come overnight. Riza embraced every challenge—trainings, store transfers, and sleepless inventory nights—as essential parts of her journey. “I learned to adapt to different markets, cultures, and management styles,” she shared. “When opportunities came, I didn’t hesitate. I took them as answers to prayers I once whispered in tears.”
Her dedication soon paid off. After just one year in her current company, Riza was promoted to Area Operations Manager, entrusted to lead multiple stores across the Gulf region. It was the turning point that solidified her belief in her capabilities. “When I was entrusted to oversee multiple stores for the first time, it tested not only my operational skills but also my ability to lead diverse teams. That experience made me realize that leadership isn’t just about achieving results—it’s about inspiring others to grow with you.”
Now managing operations across five countries, she leads with a mix of empathy and discipline. “I lead with empathy and consistency,” Riza explained. “I make sure every team member feels valued and heard, regardless of location. Motivation grows when people know you genuinely care about their growth, not just their performance.”
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in humility and people-centered values. She describes her mornings as a sacred time for reflection and gratitude. “It sets the tone for the day,” she said. To stay organized, she practices time blocking—carefully structuring her schedule to balance priorities. But despite her demanding role, one part of her life always takes precedence: her daughter. “I make sure to spend quality time with my daughter through calls. It keeps me emotionally grounded and balanced.”
Lessons in growth, faith, and purpose
Looking back, Riza sees her story as one of faith, patience, and persistence. The UAE tested her strength in more ways than one. “I lost friends along the way and was sometimes judged for being a Filipino rather than a bilingual professional,” she shared. “But those moments shaped my character and fueled my drive to prove that excellence knows no nationality.”
Her experience across five countries also transformed her understanding of teamwork. “Teamwork thrives in diversity,” she explained. “Every country has its own rhythm, values, and work culture. Understanding these differences helped me become more adaptive and respectful as a leader. It reinforced the idea that success is built through collaboration and trust.”
Through the years, she learned that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about people. “Success isn’t about how fast you climb, but how grounded you stay while rising,” she said. “True achievement isn’t measured by titles or salaries, but by the lives you inspire and the growth you ignite in others.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Riza reflected thoughtfully: “Believe in yourself more and don’t rush the process. Every challenge will eventually make sense when you look back. It’s all part of the growth that shapes who you’re meant to become.”
To her fellow Filipinos working abroad, she offers heartfelt encouragement: “Never underestimate your beginnings. Don’t be ashamed of where you started. Whether you earn 1,500 AED or higher, what matters most is the fire in your heart and your willingness to grow. Keep your faith. Work hard, stay humble, and trust that every season has a purpose.”
