Adam Široký
Czech Republic · Head of Portfolio Risk · Based in Manila
“Over time, the Philippines has become a second home.”
Why I went
In October I was a comfortable employee in a Czech corporate environment. A friend who had just moved to the Philippines told me Home Credit was looking for a Head of Risk Portfolio. My experience abroad had been tourism, so negotiating a contract 10,000 kilometres away sounded like science fiction. Then I thought: why not at least have a conversation?
What surprised me
My biggest worry was the culture, the team and building a social life. The reality exceeded my expectations: Filipinos are incredibly friendly, relationships form naturally and quickly, and within a short time I had a strong social network. There is also a small Czech community inside the company, and many colleagues have become friends.
What I learned
The work is dynamic and gives me far more space for initiative and personal growth than I had in a traditional corporate environment back home. The atmosphere is positive and supportive.
How it changed me
From October to December I went from a comfortable job to a signed contract in Manila. Over time, the Philippines has become a second home.
How it happened
- 1
The first conversation
It started with a message from a friend already living in the Philippines. The first meeting with the Talentfinder team was a casual chat over a beer, and the priority was clear within minutes: not closing a deal, but making sure the opportunity genuinely made sense. It covered the country, the culture, the company and the role itself.
- 2
The selection process
After sending a CV and motivation letter came knowledge tests and three rounds of interviews. Before every step there was a call about what to expect and how to prepare.
- 3
Contract negotiation
It wasn't only about salary: housing, living costs, insurance and the practical side of relocating were all on the table. Questions were answered from firsthand experience, and when needed, confirmed quickly with the right people at Home Credit.
