Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Harry Guinocor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Harry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
A pivotal moment that transformed the trajectory of my career was when I chose to step far outside my comfort zone by applying for a challenging leadership position. For the majority of my career, I had been deeply engaged in hands-on work with clients as a Physical Therapist. I thrived in that direct, personal approach to care, so when my supervisor suggested I consider a middle-management role, I was initially hesitant. I found myself at a crossroads, weighing the comfort and fulfillment of continuing as a staff member against the unknown challenges of leadership.
Ultimately, I decided to take a leap of faith and applied for a Senior Director position. That decision marked a turning point, one that spurred tremendous growth both personally and professionally. I not only honed my skills in managing and leading a department, but I also learned how to connect with and guide individuals from diverse backgrounds. Each day brought new lessons in empathy, resilience, and strategic thinking.
Taking that risk opened doors to even greater responsibilities, eventually leading me to serve as Vice President of Health, where I managed a $9 million budget. Reflecting on that journey, I see how crucial that decision was—it taught me that real growth happens when we embrace the unknown and allow ourselves to be challenged. That moment of courage reshaped my career, instilling in me a deep belief in the power of adaptability and the importance of continuous learning.
Harry, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and raised in the Philippines, where I earned my degree in Physical Therapy. At the age of 22, I embarked on a journey to the United States with nothing but a one-way ticket, a suitcase of books, a suitcase of clothes, my diploma, and an unwavering determination to succeed. That leap of faith marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Over the years, I’ve earned not one, but two master’s degrees—one in Physical Therapy with a Concentration in Neurology, and another in Business Administration (MBA). And, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I completed my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Balancing a full professional and academic schedule while helping my wife raise our three wonderful children and managing a private practice with my business partner has been a true testament to resilience and dedication. My goal for my clients as their physical therapist is to help them achieve their utmost potential in regaining the functional abilities they may have lost due to an injury or illness, or to learn new skills that help them adapt to their new normal. I also aim to motivate and inspire them to never give up and to keep pursuing ways to better themselves.
Beyond my professional life, one of my deepest commitments has been to FILAMemphis, Inc., a non-profit organization that has been close to my heart for over two decades. This organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions and culture of the Philippines. Leading a non-profit organization like FILAMemphis, Inc. comes with its unique set of challenges, but it is also incredibly rewarding. As an organization entirely managed and run by dedicated volunteers, who give their time and energy without compensation or perks, we demonstrate the power of community spirit. While we’ve been around for nearly 50 years, we currently do not have a physical space of our own, though we hope that one day, we will. Despite these challenges, the commitment of our volunteers and the strength of our mission have kept us moving forward. Balancing my role as President with a full-time job, business, and family responsibilities has certainly been demanding, but it’s been a privilege to help empower our youth, support those facing difficulties, and build meaningful relationships throughout the greater Memphis and Shelby County communities.
One of our organization’s proudest achievements was our sponsorship of the Philippine Fiesta in the City of Memphis. Our goal was to celebrate the rich Filipino heritage by showcasing our culture, dances, and food, while also expressing our gratitude to the City of Memphis for welcoming our community, which has now become our home. Filipinos are naturally very proud of our heritage and culture, and we take pride in who we are. We want to share this with everyone in our community, and this event gave us a wonderful opportunity to do so. It not only strengthened our bond within the Filipino community but also allowed us to share our vibrant culture with our neighbors in Memphis, fostering mutual respect and understanding. It was a particularly proud moment for me, as we began with limited resources—financial, manpower, and time—but everyone on the team worked together tirelessly to make the Philippine Fiesta a success. Our mission is one I hold dear—to embrace diversity and inclusivity while celebrating our heritage. I’m proud of this work because it is about more than just preserving culture; it’s about fostering understanding, tolerance, and unity. In leading this community, I’ve witnessed the strength of cultural pride combined with the power of open-mindedness. It’s a reminder that while we may come from different backgrounds, together we contribute to a richer, more compassionate world.
On a personal note, I take great pride in my ability to balance my time among my commitments to family, work, and community service. I believe it’s possible to manage each of these important areas as long as you have a clear understanding of your priorities and stay true to them.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and technical knowledge, I believe one of the most crucial elements for success in my field is dedicating time for self-reflection. This isn’t just about assessing my technical performance; it’s also about evaluating how I connect with the people around me—both those I work with regularly and those I meet along the way. True success lies in building relationships that go beyond mere cooperation, embracing differences in ideas and personalities, and fostering a culture of mutual respect.
Humility is another essential quality. Recognizing that you don’t have all the answers opens the door to continuous learning—not just from mentors or peers, but also from subordinates and others you might least expect. Being open to feedback, even when it’s unsolicited, can lead to unexpected insights and growth.
Lastly, resilience is key. Maintaining composure and not letting emotions cloud your judgment is essential, especially in challenging situations. The ability to stay grounded, take feedback with grace, and learn from every interaction ultimately shapes not only your career but also your character.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My approach to managing a team and maintaining high morale is rooted in the principles of servant leadership and leading by example. When your team sees you working with integrity and dedication, it builds their confidence in you and inspires them to give their best in return.
Clear communication is also key. By providing precise instructions and setting clear expectations, you help prevent confusion and conflict, allowing everyone to confidently work toward shared goals. Moreover, explaining the reasoning behind decisions and involving the team in the decision-making process fosters a sense of ownership and alignment. When team members understand the “why” behind choices, they feel more connected to the mission and are more likely to offer their full support.
A critical element of this approach is taking the time to understand each team member’s unique personality, strengths, and areas for growth. By aligning individuals with tasks that play to their strengths, you empower them and create an environment where they feel valued and capable. When people know their hard work is appreciated and their talents are recognized, it naturally boosts morale and motivation.
Expressing appreciation to team members is vital. Acknowledging their contributions makes them feel valued and reinforces that their efforts are integral to the organization’s success.
Finally, moments of camaraderie play an important role in fostering a positive team dynamic. Organizing team-building activities, sharing a meal, or bonding over fun moments like karaoke can create a sense of connection, making everyone feel engaged and united. In my experience, a team that laughs together and supports one another is one that thrives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.filamemphisinc.com/
- Instagram: filamemphisinc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/filamemphisinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@filamemphisinc.
- Other: https://issuu.com/bellsouth217/docs/2023_annual_report_3_
Image Credits
Rosalie Lechner & Joseph Lubrico