Myljoy Polestico, a Filipino entrepreneur, is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s heritage, integrating diverse cultures, and following one’s passion. With a remarkable career spanning over 15 years abroad, Myljoy has navigated through different countries and industries, ultimately finding her true calling as an international executive coach and the founder of Samariy, a unique coaching company that combines traditional coaching competencies, ontological methodologies, and shaman energy practices.
Born in Cebu City, Myljoy’s early years in the Philippines shaped her values and ignited her love for exploration and adventure. Moving between Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol, she experienced the contrasts of bustling city life and the tranquility of rural provinces, fostering a deep connection to nature and an appreciation for diverse ways of living.
“There was always so much movement, adventure and change in my life, which exposed me to different ways to live, the hustle of the city, the humbleness of the provinces, the connection and abundance to nature,” she told The Global Filipino Magazine.
Her parents’ relocation to Australia propelled her into a new chapter, where she discovered her affinity for connection and technology.
From her first job as a telemarketer in Sydney, Myljoy realized the power of connecting with people and utilizing technology to reach individuals from all walks of life. This early experience set the foundations for her future career endeavors. Riding the wave of the dot-com boom in the early 2000s, she ventured into the tech industry, specializing in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Marketing Technology. Myljoy’s work in an Australian company called Hitwise, which was later acquired for a significant sum, fueled her passion for connection and technology.
Seeking further career growth, Myljoy made the bold decision to move to Singapore, a place she knew little about but felt an instant connection with. Over 13 years, she worked for both Fortune 100 companies and innovative startups, gaining invaluable experience in sales, marketing, and management. Her trajectory in the corporate world seemed promising, but she soon realized that something was missing internally.
A transformative moment came during a retreat in 2016, where Myljoy participated in an Ayahuasca ceremony. This profound experience led her to reassess her career path and rediscover her love for building businesses. After a year, she took the leap and founded her own Sales and Marketing company, simultaneously delving into the world of coaching. Through The Coach Partnership, Myljoy obtained her coaching certification and began her journey as a coach, embracing her newfound purpose.
However, embracing her coaching practice was not without its challenges. Myljoy initially faced shame and confusion as she transitioned away from the corporate world she had once admired. But her determination and passion pushed her forward, and she gradually built her coaching practice, working with executives and witnessing the invisible energy they created and attracted. This curiosity led her to explore Shaman energy practices and integrate them into her coaching methodology.
The pivotal moment arrived when Myljoy stumbled upon a book called “The Four Insights” by Alberto Villoldo, a modern-day Shaman. Intrigued by the practices presented in the book, she embarked on a journey to Chile to attend The Four Winds Energy Medicine School by Alberto Villoldo. Despite facing visa complications, Myljoy’s detour to Brazil became a serendipitous experience, where she reconnected with nature and immersed herself in Ayahuasca retreats. Eventually, she received her Chile visa and continued her education, learning Shaman energy practices and expanding her knowledge in Bahia, Brazil.
Returning to the Philippines due to her grandmother’s illness, Myljoy witnessed the power of energy practices for healing, clearing, and releasing, reigniting a sense of connection to her forgotten roots.
“Using energy practices for healing, clearing, and releasing has always been something I had in me, and seeing this made me feel I had reconnected to something I had forgotten a long time ago,” she added.
Today, as a digital nomad based in Singapore, Myljoy’s company, Samariy, combines her expertise in coaching, ontological methodologies, and shaman energy practices to empower her clients and help them create limitless lives.
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to remain authentic, as originality lies within themselves. Her mantra, “Bring in the fun, wonder, and magic into the work,” resonates with her commitment to embracing challenges with laughter and using joy as a catalyst for growth.