Originally published in Aboitiz Eyes.
What does it look like to leave everything you studied behind and still find your purpose? One UBx team member did just that, trading a background in chemistry for a career in innovation. Her story wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it stayed with Moubee Tumanguil long after their interview.
It reminded her that transformation doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it begins in the quiet choice to grow. At Aboitiz, transformation isn’t just a strategy—it’s a shared experience. And for Moubee, it’s also a story worth telling.
From the development sector to Corporate Communications and now Employer Branding, Moubee has always believed in the power of communication to spark change. But in telling other people’s stories, she began to write her own—shifting from observer to participant, from communicator to culture-shaper. What started as a passion for meaningful writing became a calling: capturing everyday transformations across Aboitiz.
For a time, she led storytelling efforts through the GT Storytellers campaign, partnering with the Culture Pillar to bring everyday growth to light. It became a canvas for the work she had always hoped to do—real, reflective, and impactful.
“Even before I joined AEV, I felt myself gravitating toward stories that matter. With GT Storytellers and its mission to highlight personal transformation across the Group, everything clicked. So when the opportunity came to drive it, I immediately jumped in,” says Moubee.
Telling Change, One Story at a Time
Moubee didn’t set out to be a storyteller—it evolved over time. Through GT Storytellers, she found space to spotlight the quiet, everyday changes that often go unnoticed but carry weight. It shifted her role from just sharing stories to actively shaping culture from the ground up.GT Storytellers began under the Culture Pillar as a way to spotlight real transformations across the Group. Like our own TED Talk, it gave A-People space to reflect on how the Great Transformation shapes their daily work and lives. Through Aboitiz Eyes, Moubee helped make these moments more personal, inclusive, and relatable.
Many expected dramatic narratives. But Moubee discovered that simple changes—like refining a process or shifting a mindset—could be just as impactful, and often more relatable.
Over time, she collaborated closely with the People Team, who witnessed transformation in motion. Together, they surfaced stories of personal progress that might have gone unnoticed but left lasting impact. This led to a more grounded, people-first lens in the stories they told.
What Makes a Story Matter
Moubee always began with the usual questions. But what she really looked for was the “so what.” Why did this change matter, and why might others see themselves in it?
She learned that the most relatable stories come from real struggles—navigating a career shift, simplifying a task, or pushing through uncertainty. By showing the effort behind the growth, the stories become less about success and more about being human.
“Showing the struggle behind the progress makes it less intimidating and more empowering. It helps people realize, ‘Hey, transformation is already happening, and I’m part of it,’” she reflects.
When the Story Changes You
Some stories leave a mark long after the conversation ends. For Moubee, one story in particular sparked a personal shift—the same one that opened this piece.
Hearing a UBx team member talk about trading chemistry for innovation wasn’t just inspiring—it was a mirror.
“That story really stuck with me,” Moubee shares. “It showed me that reinvention is always possible. I realized I’d been playing it safe in the roles I chose or the stories I pursued. Since then, I’ve pushed myself to explore, speak up, and lead differently. That shift led me to a new role with a different team.”
It also helped her recognize the power of cross-functional stories. When people across teams share experiences, connection deepens and conversations grow. The collective understanding of transformation expands.
From Patterns to Progress
After two years of storytelling, Moubee noticed a pattern: transformation often begins with a gap—something missing or not working—followed by a choice to act.
“They’re not always big decisions. Sometimes, it’s a quiet shift in mindset. But those moments can reshape a person’s trajectory,” she points out.
Though she has since moved to a new role under the People Team, she continues to carry that lens of transformation. She remains passionate about sharing stories that show how growth happens, one moment at a time.
She’s especially excited about team-based stories, like the collaborative work of BehAEVior Talks in AEV, where change is shaped not just by individuals, but through shared accountability and intention of squads.
Making Room for Real Stories
To those unsure about sharing their story, Moubee offers a simple message. Every transformation matters. Even small shifts can have a lasting impact. Someone else may need to hear what you have experienced.
And for those writing stories, she shares this:
Be honest. Show what truly changed. Let the story speak—because the goal isn’t just to share, it’s to spark change.
And if there’s one thing her own story proves, it’s that change doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing. By sharing their own narratives, GT Storytellers like Moubee show us that every data point has a human story behind it.
