Looking at the Finer Details: Cristina Bustamante on Leadership, Teamwork, and Project Management

Cristina Bustamante is a dynamic Chief Project Officer who exemplifies the fusion of visionary leadership and meticulous execution. She steers complex projects to successful completion while fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

In this interview, Cristina shares her journey as an interior designer, project manager, and the trajectory of her career towards becoming Republic’s Chief Project Officer.

Q: Why did you choose interior design?

CB: I’ve always been fascinated by physical space, a curiosity that grew from living in a multi-generational household. We often had cousins and other family members visiting from different parts of the country, so our home was always bustling. I remember my grandmother struggling with the stairs, and my brother who has limited mobility and special needs, which sparked my interest in how spaces function and fit together.

Interior design wasn’t my first choice. My initial exposure to the industry came from my uncle, an engineer and project manager working in Singapore. Watching him use AutoCAD and 3DSMax was captivating. However, in an Asian household, my mother hoped I’d pursue nursing or medicine, but I knew it wasn’t for me.

During the condo boom in Manila, high-rises became popular, and design magazines began featuring condominiums instead of houses. I started thinking about the number of condos I could design. I calculated that I could either work on multiple condo projects or focus on one house at a time. Seeking value, I chose interior design over architecture. I thought I could always transition to architecture if I didn’t enjoy interior design, but that never happened because I love it.

I enjoy focusing on the finer details and understanding how people use spaces. While it’s essential to consider the bigger picture since the process is integrated, I find joy in paying attention to the details.

Q: You’re also a Project Management Professional (PMP). How did you get into Project Management?

CB: From a career perspective, I think I’ve always managed projects. I’ve always worked in smaller firms, and at my first job, there were only three of us. Every person would have specific tasks, but I was always the one managing schedules and interfacing with clients. I think in that sense, I was already serving as a project manager.

Q: What do you like most about your role at Republic?

CB: My role at Republic involves many moving parts, often juggling 10 to 20 projects at a time. This variety means no two days are the same, which I enjoy. The constant change keeps my work engaging and dynamic.

Q: How do you tackle a workday?

CB: I like to start early and prioritize my tasks, but things can change throughout the day. It’s understanding what we can do efficiently in a workday.

It’s also about asking for help. When we spin our wheels on something, it might take acknowledgement that we need someone else’s input or support. So, ask for help when you need it.

Q: What makes a successful Chief Project Officer?

CB: It’s important to recognize that people see you as a leader, and with that comes responsibility. A key part of this responsibility is working with team members to help them understand your recommendations and approach.

I believe that no one should follow directions without thinking critically, so I make sure to be open and approachable. The team should feel comfortable asking me about my decisions because, as Chief Project Officer, my role is to support the team from behind the scenes. While you’re a leader, you’re also there to assist and be an integral part of the team.

I also enjoy working with clients and building rapport with them, which makes a significant difference. We’re all aiming to make our projects successful. By fostering teamwork not just internally but also externally with our clients, we create a cohesive and effective team.

Q: What do you still want to achieve in your current role?

CB: Given our firm’s growth over the past few years, I love that I get to be involved in restructuring some of our current processes to align with this expansion. I want to contribute to enhancing how our project teams collaborate and work together.

Q: Lastly, could you describe what it’s like working with you?

CB: I joke around and take things light-heartedly, but I know there’s a time for fun and a time for seriousness. It’s all about finding that balance. I believe it’s okay to keep things light-hearted—it’s not always personal. We spend a significant amount of our waking hours with our colleagues, even when working from home and interacting virtually. We’re a team, and we’re all in this together, which is something I really appreciate about Republic.