Life in Dubai wasn’t easy for a young father trying to secure a future for his family. Struggling to find his footing in a foreign land with no prior work experience, Charles Razo, 35, faced countless challenges, from walking under the sweltering summer heat to submitting CVs to groceries, restaurants, and offices, hoping for a chance to prove himself. Now a Filipino entrepreneur based in Dubai, he serves as the Head of Commercial Technology for WebBeds in the Middle East and Africa, where he leads a team that leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline connections in the travel sector.
Building a career from the ground up
Charles’ journey began with a deeply personal motivation—his family. Becoming a father at just 18 years old, he embraced the responsibility of providing for his wife and son, a task that led him to seek opportunities abroad. “My family has always been my greatest inspiration,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. “I made the decision to look for a job in Dubai to secure a better future for them.”
Arriving in Dubai with no prior work experience, Charles faced significant challenges. “I couldn’t afford to be selective,” he recalls. “I spent days in the summer heat, going from building to building, submitting my CV to groceries, restaurants, and various offices, hoping for an opportunity.” His perseverance paid off when a travel agency offered him a chance to start as a travel agent, marking the beginning of his career in the travel industry.
Over the years, Charles climbed the professional ladder, taking on roles such as Revenue Management Executive, Integration Specialist, and Connectivity and Optimization Manager. Each position expanded his knowledge of the industry, ultimately preparing him for his current leadership role at WebBeds. “Starting young was a challenge, but it became my greatest advantage. It allowed me to lay a strong foundation for my family’s future while still in my prime,” he reflects.
At WebBeds, a global leader in B2B travel services, Charles oversees system performance, IT development projects, and process optimization to enhance connectivity in the travel industry. “My role involves ensuring optimal system performance for hotel booking and management, solving technical challenges, and designing processes that improve productivity,” he explains.
What Charles enjoys most about his work is the dynamic nature of the industry. “Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate. Collaborating with a talented team and implementing solutions that make a tangible impact on our partners’ success is incredibly fulfilling,” he shares.
His commitment to innovation has driven technological advancements that benefit both businesses and travelers. “Technology has revolutionized travel by automating processes, improving accuracy, and enhancing accessibility,” he explains. “For businesses, it simplifies operations and expands market reach. For travelers, it offers smooth booking experiences, personalized recommendations, and real-time updates, making trips more convenient and enjoyable.”
Mentorship and leadership
As a leader, Charles values mentorship as a critical aspect of professional growth. “Mentoring is important to me because it allows me to share knowledge, guide others, and help them unlock their full potential,” he says. Charles often advises his team to “stay curious, embrace innovation, and focus on creating solutions that bring value to both businesses and travelers.”
He also emphasizes the significance of building meaningful relationships through mentorship. “You never know whose life you might impact or how those connections might positively influence your own journey in the future,” he notes. For Charles, mentoring is more than a professional duty—it’s a way to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
A family-driven entrepreneur
Outside of work, Charles prioritizes spending quality time with his family, which he describes as his primary source of motivation. “My favorite way to recharge is by building routines that help my family and me stay healthy and active,” he shares. His hobbies include playing online games, watching anime, and exploring the latest technology trends. “These activities not only keep me grounded but also inspire me to work harder, think creatively, and continue learning,” he adds.
As a father of two sons, Charles is focused on ensuring a secure future for his family. His journey from a young father struggling to make ends meet to a respected leader in travel technology is a testament to his determination and resourcefulness. “When my income improved, I started investing in stocks and later in properties to ensure financial stability for my family and my retirement,” he reveals.
Throughout his career, Charles has received accolades for his contributions to travel, technology, and business development. These recognitions reflect not only his professional accomplishments but also his dedication to making a meaningful impact in his field.
“My family has always been my driving force and continues to inspire me every day,” he says. As he continues to innovate and mentor others, Charles remains grounded in the principles that have guided him from the start—curiosity, collaboration, and the drive to create solutions that bring value to others.
