EPISODE INTRODUCTION

Tina Amper, a pioneer in the Philippine startup ecosystem, shares her inspiring journey. Tina discusses how she founded Geeks On A Beach as a way to give back to the community and foster innovation in the tech space. She recounts her upbringing in Cebu, early exposure to government work, and her academic experience studying engineering at USC San Carlos before moving to the US. Tina’s career in tech began with her work on integrated circuits for the space industry, which led to navigating the challenges of adapting to US corporate culture. She also reflects on her time at Siemens and Western Digital, where she balanced an intense global tech career with her MBA studies. Finally, Tina shares insights on building Cebu’s tech community, growing Geeks On A  Beach, and offers advice for female founders on resilience, grit and long-term vision.

Episode Timeline: 
[00:02:06] -  Introduction of Tina Amper and her contribution to the Philippine startup ecosystem 

[00:04:06] - How Tina started Geeks On A Beach with a drive to give back to community  

[00:06:22] - Tina’s upbringing in Cebu and early exposure to government work and education-oriented career paths 

[00:08:14] - Experience studying engineering at USC San Carlos and later moving to the US 

[00:09:55] - Tina’s early career in tech, working with integrated circuits for the space industry in California

[00:12:01] - Challenges of adapting to a US corporate culture and lessons from management trainee program 

[00:18:01] - Work at Siemens and Western Digital, including MBA journey and balancing global tech career with health 

[00:25:01] -  Decision to take sabbatical and move back to the Philippines to care for mom

[00:31:01] - Building tech community in Cebu and organizing the first Geeks On A Beach event

[00:38:01] - Challenges and successes in scaling Geeks On A Beach into an international conference for tech and startups

[00:45:01] - Advice for Female Founders

"What if I stop the stress? What am I working for? Yes, I get paid, but how many shoes can I wear in a week?" ​ - Tina Amper

Links: 
Tina Amper (LinkedIn):  linkedin.com/in/tinaamper 

Geeks On A Beach: https://www.geeksonabeach.com/ 

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