by Jan Dolalas
Transformation doesn’t happen in workshops or memos, it happens in the middle of the workday, between deadlines and deliverables. For ICFG, the GT Cup became proof that you can chase growth while keeping BAU on track — and still come out on top.
Now recognized as the Top Team of the first Quarter of GT Cup, they showed that the secret to winning isn’t about doing more, but about doing things smarter.
Making It Count
For Jennalyn Tan, Corporate Finance Specialist and ICFG’s GT Cup Lead, balancing BAU with GT Cup challenges was all about structure and support.
“I made sure our team was always updated—what the challenge was, how to approach it, and when to do it,” she shared. “We scheduled huddles, aligned strategies, and kept the leaderboard in sight to build a winning mindset. That way, GT Cup never felt like extra work—it felt like part of our growth.”
Challenges That Stick
For the team, the most valuable activities weren’t the ones that took the most time, but the ones that made work easier.
Kristel admits she was initially skeptical about using Gemini. But the 20-Day Challenge changed her perspective: “It gave me small, daily wins and showed me how AI could actually help draft emails, summarize documents, and brainstorm ideas. It proved me wrong in the best way possible.”
Gabbie, who’s new to AEV, enjoyed how GT Cup became an avenue to explore AI while also helping her connect with new colleagues: “It was an enjoyable way to learn and start building relationships across the Group.”
Instead of treating GT Cup as something outside their work, the team leaned into challenges that directly improved their BAU: activities that saved time, boosted skills, and made collaboration easier.
From Competition to Collaboration
Naturally competitive, ICFG admits they loved the gamified format. But for them, the Cup became less about winning and more about learning together.
As shared by Jennalyn, “What’s important is that everyone was willing to exert their best effort… The points, prizes, and recognition were great, but what really mattered was seeing the value in how the GT Cup improved the way we work.”
Advice for Other Teams
Asked how others can engage more deeply with GT Cup, Jennalyn offered this:
“There has to be a shared understanding of what GT really means. When people believe in its value, they’ll find the time and energy for it. Embedding transformation goals into everyday work makes it natural, not an add-on.”
Everyday Wins, Shared Success
ICFG’s journey shows that transformation doesn’t require setting aside your BAU—it can live within it. By treating GT Cup challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, they’ve shown what’s possible when teamwork, curiosity, and a little healthy competition come together.
Their formula for winning? Keep it simple, stay connected, and make every challenge count.
