Innovation and Leadership: JR Tolentino's Role in Driving Technology Success
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses must adapt and innovate to stay competitive. For JR Tolentino, Head of Technology at GLC and the visionary behind VirtuEdge.ME, this challenge is an opportunity to lead with purpose and passion. With over a decade of experience in IT consulting, training, and advisory, JR has consistently demonstrated how technology can bridge gaps and unlock growth for businesses in the Philippines, Calgary, and beyond.
Empowering Businesses Through Innovation
As the Head of Technology at GLC, one of the fastest-growing telecommunications distributors in the Philippines, JR Tolentino has redefined how businesses leverage technology. Under his leadership, GLC transitioned from a fragmented system of tools like QuickBooks, SAP, and Excel to an integrated platform powered by NetSuite. This transformation resulted in:
- A 30% increase in customers
- Doubling of recurring revenue
- Tripling of outright sales
JR’s focus on innovation extends to developing new products like Telavi Cloud, a minimum viable product that integrates seamlessly with NetSuite to deliver personalized customer experiences. His commitment to creating scalable, cloud-based solutions ensures businesses can operate efficiently while reducing costs.
“[As a CIO] you have to be a strong communicator and it’s also important that you can influence a team.”
JR Tolentino
Head of Technology, GLC
Q&A
The CIO's Role: A Balance of Vision and Execution
For JR Tolentino, the role of a CIO goes beyond managing IT systems—it’s about driving business strategy through technology. He emphasizes the importance of:
- Strong Communication: Bridging the gap between technical teams and business leaders to execute a shared vision.
- Innovation: Continuously exploring new technologies like cloud computing, automation, and solutions architecture to meet evolving market demands.
- Customer-Centricity: Ensuring every solution aligns with customer needs while enhancing their experience.
JR’s ability to balance these priorities has positioned him as a trusted advisor for both internal stakeholders and external partners.
Cloud Technology: The Future of Business Operations
JR is a strong advocate for cloud-based solutions over traditional on-premises systems. He highlights three key benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Cloud solutions reduce capital expenditure by eliminating the need for expensive servers and maintenance.
- Scalability: Businesses can adopt a pay-as-you-go model, scaling features and licenses as they grow.
- Mobility and Security: Cloud platforms enable secure access from anywhere, ensuring businesses remain agile and responsive.
Through his work with NetSuite and Telavi Cloud, JR has demonstrated how cloud adoption can streamline operations, improve collaboration, and drive efficiency.
Advice for Aspiring CIOs
JR believes that aspiring CIOs must cultivate both technical expertise and business acumen. He advises:
- Developing a deep understanding of how businesses operate to design profitable solutions.
- Building strong communication skills to influence teams and stakeholders effectively.
- Maintaining a passion for lifelong learning to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
As JR puts it, “The role of CIO is a lifelong learning journey.”
Looking Ahead: The Evolving Role of Technology Leaders
The role of CIOs will continue to evolve as technology advances. For JR Tolentino, this means staying proactive in identifying emerging trends and creating innovative models that support business growth. His leadership at GLC—and his work through VirtuEdge.ME—serve as a blueprint for how technology leaders can drive meaningful change in their organizations.Through his expertise in IT consulting, training, and advisory services, JR Tolentino is not only empowering businesses but also shaping the future of technology leadership. Whether in the Philippines, Calgary, or globally, his vision remains clear: harnessing technology to deliver transformative results.
Reference: Official Oracle Netsuite page.