As we celebrate National Women’s Month this March, eWalkthrough, through its #WomenWednesdays series, shines a spotlight on the women of First Balfour. Since 2020, we have highlighted women making a difference across departments and disciplines by sharing their stories, insights, and journeys.
This week’s feature is the third in this year’s series, featuring T1 Rentals Account Manager Claire Buhion and T1 Transport Account Manager Gladys Vinluan, whose dedication, courage, and persistence guide them in building trust, nurturing relationships, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
T1 Transport Account Manager Gladys Vinluan (left) and T1 Rentals Account Manager Claire Buhion (right)
Tell us about your role and what a typical day at work looks like for you.
Claire: I’m an Account Manager for T1 Rentals, primarily covering the joint venture accounts. My main responsibility is to ensure that the revenue target is achieved while also making sure that collections are completed on time. A typical day for me involves a lot of fieldwork when I’m not in the office. I visit and manage the accounts under my portfolio, maintain strong relationships with clients, and address any concerns they may have. I also spend time generating new leads and identifying potential business opportunities to help grow our customer base.
Gladys: My role is similar to Claire’s but for T1 Transport. Of course, one of the responsibilities is to understand what the client needs and what other requests there may be, especially since transportation involves a lot of coordination and planning across different teams. My typical day usually starts with a cup of coffee, followed by listing all my tasks for the day and making calls to clients.
What inspired you to pursue this field, and how did your journey lead you to where you are today?
Claire: My journey in sales started by chance. After college, I applied for a role without really knowing what to expect—but it ended up shaping my career. I spent several years in the FMCG industry (noodles, chips, coffee), which built my foundation in sales and client management. Over time, I explored different industries, from construction materials to precast solutions, before eventually finding my way to T1 Rentals. Looking back, every step helped me grow into the role I have today.
Gladys: I was inspired to pursue sales because I wanted to learn how to communicate better with people, especially in a business setting. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and helping them find solutions—even though I’m naturally shy and sometimes feel intimidated, especially when speaking with people in higher positions. My journey was shaped by my experiences working with different teams and clients. I also came from the operations team, which helped me understand the flow of work better. Along the way, I realized that I enjoy building relationships and solving problems, and that’s what led me to where I am today.
T1 Rentals Account Manager Claire Buhion during a site inspection at the Levi Mariano Pumping Station and Reservoir in Taguig.
What challenges have you encountered as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?
Claire: Working in a male-dominated industry, there are moments when I feel the need to prove myself a little more. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of reading the room, adapting, and staying confident in what I do. Being on the front line has taught me to balance approachability with professionalism when dealing with clients and partners. The role can also be physically demanding, especially with fieldwork and site visits, so I make it a point to take care of myself by resting, recharging, and enjoying small rewards like travel or downtime after busy days.
Gladys: One of the challenges I’ve experienced is being underestimated. As someone who is naturally shy, facing clients—especially those in higher positions—can feel intimidating at times. Instead of letting that hold me back, I focused on preparing thoroughly by familiarizing myself with the client, the project requirements, and how we can best deliver for them. Over time, I realized that when you know your work and deliver results, confidence follows and so does trust from clients.
What part of your work gives you the most pride or fulfillment?
Claire: What gives me the most pride in my work is knowing that what I do contributes to the overall success of the team. Delivering on both revenue and collection targets isn’t just about numbers—it’s about knowing that you’re helping the team move forward together. When those goals are achieved, it’s very fulfilling.
I also find great satisfaction in seeing a customer’s project come to life. Knowing that T1 Rentals played a part in that journey and that our services supported something meaningful for the client is something I’m truly proud of.
Gladys: For me, one of the most fulfilling parts of my work is winning a big project. As someone who is naturally shy, especially when dealing with clients in higher positions, it isn’t always easy at first. But when a project is awarded to me, it feels like a personal win—not just professionally, but for my confidence as well. It’s a reminder that I’m capable and can deliver results despite my fears.
T1 Transport Account Manager Gladys Vinluan working on client requirements at the office.
What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a career in this field?
Claire: Sales can be demanding, but it’s also very rewarding. Being in the field, meeting different people, and building relationships with clients are aspects I’ve come to really appreciate over time. It may not feel natural at first, especially if you’re not naturally extroverted, but with the right mindset, passion, and willingness to learn, your confidence will grow. In the end, it all comes down to persistence, integrity, and continuously improving yourself.
Gladys: My advice to all women is to stay confident, keep learning, and face challenges with courage. I know it’s not always easy, especially when self-doubt creeps in, but believing in your capabilities can open countless opportunities. Kasi sa totoo lang, once you start believing in yourself, mas marami kang nagagawa at mas maraming doors ang nagbubukas para sa’yo. (Honestly, once you start believing in yourself, you can achieve so much more, and many more doors will open for you.) I also want to share a quote by Elizabeth Cady Stanton that really resonates with me: “The best protection any woman can have is courage.”
Claire and Gladys’ stories highlight the realities of working in sales, where challenges are constant, but so are opportunities to grow. Through preparation, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership in their work, they continue to build trust with clients and contribute to the success of their teams. More importantly, their journeys show that confidence is something that can be developed over time through experience, effort, and the courage to step forward.
Claire (rightmost) with her high school friends in Vietnam.
Gladys (sixth from left) with her close friends in Bukidnon.
Both of them are passionate about traveling whenever they get the chance outside work. Claire enjoys exploring both local and international destinations, from the beaches of Boracay, Palawan, Guimaras, Cebu, and Iloilo to trips abroad in Singapore and Vietnam. Gladys, on the other hand, tends to explore local destinations, combining her love for the mountains and the sea. She has hiked peaks like Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Mt. Pamitinan, and Mt. Pulag, and enjoyed beach getaways to Calaguas, Caramoan, Ilocos, and La Union, as well as trips to Palawan, Bicol, Cebu, and Bukidnon.
As we celebrate the women of First Balfour, their stories serve as a reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone—and that with determination, every challenge can become an opportunity.
