This month our My Story candidate is Linardo Vizcarro.  Linardo has been working in our Healthwise Division for more than two years and is a popular team member.  At our Alpha's got Talent show in December 2015 Linardo entertained and amused us.  Here is his story as told to Amy Farr.

1. Tell me a little about where you grew up and what it was like.

I was born and grew up in a place 35 km south of Manila – the capital of the Philippines. Our small “nayon” (village) was located at the edge of the largest lake of the country called “Laguna de Bay” where fresh water flows so clear like the New Zealand of today. Families here do fishing, duck raising and shoe making to survive. It was very fascinating to note that everyone living around the lake knew each other, very friendly and hospitable and we are blessed with bountiful fruit bearing trees to enjoy and eat.

2. Why did you choose the career you have worked in?

I had worked in a multi-national food manufacturing company for 33 years where I started as a warehouse shipping/receiving staff, then to Cost Accounting and to Purchasing department, from lower level to upper management before setting up and managed two businesses. I opted to do this career to experience how it feels to do menial jobs, to follow and not to be followed, to obey and not to complaint. Most of all, to eliminate the work stress from the corporate world.

3. What was it about NZ that attracted you?

Kiwis are friendly - they are the most laid back, welcoming and friendly people ever. From the time we arrived here last July 2011, I can’t remember a time where anyone was ever rude to me or to my family. Everyone is just so friendly and it’s nice to feel that we are accepted into the kiwi way of life. The weather - we love winter but it's also awesome during summer.

4. How have you found living and working in NZ?

Living in New Zealand is life changing for me and for my family. We need to adjust to the weather especially during winter, the kiwi accent is another factor since we are American accent oriented at the start of our education in school.

Work - I can't find or get the job that I wanted to do during my corporate life - costing, variance analysis, physical stock taking, or even procurement (purchasing) works. I have to level down my CV just to have that "New Zealand experience" - first requirement of every NZ companies. I ended up as produce assistant (supermarket), line packaging (wine company), cleaner (OCS) and/or volunteering job (government funded).

5. Can you tell me a little about your experience with Alpha, and how we have been involved in your journey?

When I applied with Alpha to be assigned at the Auckland Hospital, my first impulse was to follow everyone advice for me to transfer to ADHB for a permanent position.  But my mind dictates that loyalty is one of the most important factor in employee/employer relationship. I remember, after a brief conversation with Collins a year ago, I felt that we have the same vision with regards to how to manage employees as I was also the manager/owner of two businesses before migrating to New Zealand. I always considered my employees as the best assets of the company. Treat them the best and as humanly as you can and not otherwise.

A big thank you is accorded to Tania for the help that she always extended to me (my timesheet) and kudos to Niamh. You are both very professional and helpful.