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Remote Teams 2025: Is the Philippines Still the Best Bet for SMEs? [TBS 29 ft Nicolas Bivero]

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Remote teams aren’t just a trend—they’re the backbone of modern businesses. But how do you really build one that works—especially in the Philippines, one of the world’s most dynamic talent markets?

Joining us is Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, a veteran expat with over 22 years in Asia. He moved to the Philippines in 2011 and co-founded a company that now employs over 1,300 people.

We uncover:

  • The surprising and underrated talent pools in the Philippines you probably haven’t considered
  • Why the Philippines has become a global hub for more than just virtual assistants
  • The cultural nuances that can make—or break—your remote team strategy
  • And the one big legal hurdle every Singaporean business owner needs to know before they even think about hiring.

If you’ve ever wondered whether scaling with Filipino talent is still worth it—or how to do it right—this conversation will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Tune in, because this one goes beyond the usual “remote work playbook.”

What We Discuss:

  • 04:22 - How did you come about building your business today?
  • 08:44 - When do you start hiring senior people?
  • 09:40 - Why do you hire senior people, and at what point do you know it’s necessary?
  • 12:23 - Why the Philippines? What makes it stand out as a destination for remote teams?
  • 13:35 - Do you think the Philippines is still the best option for remote teams, or has the market changed?
  • 15:11 - Is the talent market in the Philippines becoming more competitive? How has the salary growth impacted hiring?
  • 18:35 - What skill sets in the Philippines are underappreciated or not fully explored by employers?
  • 20:12 - Can you elaborate on the opportunities around data visualisation in the Philippines?
  • 22:53 - What are the challenges companies face with data visualisation, and what kind of data roles are emerging?
  • 23:57 - What is the salary range for roles like CRM administrators in the Philippines?
  • 25:31 - How does inflation affect salary expectations in the Philippines, and what adjustments do employers need to make?
  • 28:26 - What’s the process like when scaling a team in the Philippines? How does hiring evolve as the company grows?
  • 30:26 - What are the cultural nuances foreigners should be aware of when working with Filipino teams?
  • 32:14 - How does the Filipino approach to confrontation affect the working environment?
  • 33:59 - What are the labour laws and termination practices in the Philippines?
  • 37:33 - Are long probation periods common in the Philippines, and how does it affect hiring practices?

Episode Resources:


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