When Sarah McLeod first set foot in the Philippines in 1997, she saw opportunity; 28 years later she leads it.
As the chairwoman of the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) and managing director of Q2 HR Solutions, McLeod is steering efforts to deepen trade links, attract UK investors and turn the Philippines into a strategic partner for long‑term growth in Asia.
Practical local knowledge is central to her pitch.
McLeod says that British companies succeed here when they partner with firms that understand local laws, processes and networks- and tell the unvarnished truth.
For her, BCCP’s value goes beyond the events that they organize for its members.
“A chamber’s real value isn’t the events totally, it’s the trust, insights, and collective voice it creates.”
With 300 members across diverse industries, the chamber’s job is to listen, integrate member needs, and translate connections into follow-up action that helps firms scale up in the market.
She envisions the Chamber growing to provide greater support for companies.
McLeod views the Philippines not just as a market but as a strategic partner for UK businesses not just within the country but as part of ASEAN and broader Asia.
She highlights opportunities in education, green energy and solar power, infrastructure, hospitality, and BPOs.
With the Philippines serving as ASEAN Chair for 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the country will pursue stronger regional, economic and security ties through roughly 650 meetings.
McLeod views it as a chance to position and leverage the Philippines as a global player.
She believes the British Embassy’s support, the “ease of doing business”, and the high regard for British quality brands help maintain strong bilateral trade relations.
“One of the beauties of doing business here in the Philippines is that you can start small then expand,” she says.
When asked how Filipino‑Chinese enterprises, which dominate many industries, can play a role in UK–Philippines trade, McLeod said they can be powerful partners.
“They have deep local networks with a global mindset- global ambition with local execution,” she says.
Practical initiatives such as business-matching events and targeted networking can help translate those strengths into deeper bilateral commercial links.
As the first woman to chair BCCP, McLeod is candid about the barriers many women face.
According to her, women are not always good at going for what they want.
Her advice: “Be bold- start conversations with management, articulate your aspirations, and get involved in committees to build visibility and experience,” she said.
She is also planning a youth leadership program that would mentor, coach, and give younger professionals a platform to learn, have a voice and opportunities to contribute.
“The Philippines is a young country. Young leaders need encouragement and a push in the right direction,” she says.
When asked about her leadership style, she says: “Wherever you work around the world, one size fits all doesn’t work anymore.”
“Travelling around the Philippines has given me broader insight into what the country is really like-many of our employees are not from the cities, so you must get out and see.” McLeod says.
“Listen before you speak. Encourage team discussions to find practical solutions, and lead with consistency and authenticity.” she says.
As leadership comes with intense demands, McLeod stresses the importance of decompressing and taking care of oneself.
“Take time for yourself. It’s okay to be selfish for your own self. I love diving: when I’m under the sea I can focus on myself and not everything outside it- a very decompressing moment,” she says.
For her, success is measured not only in financial outcomes but also in family well being and the ability to positively impact other people’s lives – doing charity works, creating jobs, helping companies, and leaving positive memories to people.
“Success isn’t all about money but how you uplift the lives of others,” she says.
For those young professionals starting careers or contemplating change, McLeod offers this advice:
“Don’t be afraid to change directions. Don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Continuous learning, a growth mindset, and the courage to rebrand, reset, relearn, and reinvent are central to sustained personal and professional growth. Julie Ann Lope
