London, United Kingdom – With the Chief of Staff Association (CSA) celebrating the successful graduation of its 5th Oxford cohort, the organization is setting its sights on Asia for expansive growth, identifying the Philippines as a potential major hub. Trent Smyth, CEO of CSA, envisions a more diverse and globally interconnected community of Chiefs, emphasizing the association’s commitment to fostering leadership excellence across the continent.
Boasting a presence in over 50 countries, CSA stands as the preeminent professional body for chiefs of staff in various sectors. The completion of the CSA program at Oxford University is a pivotal step toward obtaining the esteemed “Certified Chief of Staff®️” title, reflecting not only academic achievement but also a commitment to professional advancement.
Known for its comprehensive training programs, both online and on-campus, CSA strategically aligns itself with influential institutions such as Harvard Business School and Oxford Said Business School. Smyth underlines the organization’s strategic intent to establish a robust presence in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, recognizing Manila as an ideal gateway to key Asian regions.
“Manila is a fantastic jump-off point to many other strategic areas in Asia. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan are all nearby. We’ve been fortunate enough to have the pleasure of welcoming Brian Poe-Llamanzares into our organization. Moreover, Brian has volunteered to act as an OIC regional director based out of Manila to help us connect with more people in the region,” Smyth stated, highlighting the strategic importance of the Philippines in their expansion plans.
Poe-Llamanzares, the first Filipino representative and the youngest graduate in his Oxford cohort, sees this move as a transformative opportunity for the Chief of Staff profession in Asia. “There is a growing demand for skills training in the region, especially in emerging markets like the Philippines. In the coming year, I hope to set up a small regional office here in Manila and invite over the leadership of the chief of staff association to meet with local executives,” Poe-Llamanzares shared.
Fresh from completing the Oxford Program, Poe-Llamanzares is eager to share his knowledge and experiences, ensuring that fellow Filipinos benefit from the valuable insights gained. He assures the community of regular updates on the expansion plans for the Philippines through his social media channels.
As CSA charts its course for expansion in Asia, the Philippines emerges as a key player, poised to become a major hub for the growing Chief of Staff profession, linking professionals across the continent in a shared pursuit of leadership excellence.
For more information on the Chief of Staff Association, please visit their website: https://www.csa.org