Jiggs Lopez not only excels in his team leader role within Client Services at Northern Trust, but he also embraces the challenge of competing in Ironman competitions. You could say he truly epitomizes the balance between professional success and personal challenges. Discover how he juggles his leadership role with the rigorous demands of competing in various sporting events. How he is able to do this is exactly what brought him to Northern Trust, the focus on work life balance and the culture of the organization.

Describe your role at Northern Trust

As Team Leader I have day-to-day front-line supervisory responsibilities for an Investment Operations team providing services to internal and/or external clients.  I organize the work of the team, assign tasks, set short-term priorities, monitor all activities and ensure timely and accurate completion of the work.

A key part of my role is to prioritize assignments and provide feedback to the wider team.

Describe your team

Fun, Energetic, and Talented!

What brought you to Northern Trust?

At first, it was really more of trying new challenges and getting out of my comfort zone. Then eventually, when I had adopted to the environment and culture of Northern Trust, I felt that my lifestyle is suitable and a match.

How has Northern Trust supported your career objectives / development?

Northern Trust has always been supportive of my career objectives/development. They have provided me with the tools I need to learn, grow, and be successful. The management are always there for us and help with any questions we have of them which is greatly appreciated.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust?

I would say that Northern Trust has a great culture and environment. Northern Trust makes sure that there is work life balance for their partners, it is very much a people-centric organization.

Can you describe a particular project you’ve worked on that you loved and what was great about the experience?

Being a sports enthusiast, having the opportunity to lead our team during the recent internal Manila sportsfest brought a lot of excitement. The interaction with our team opened opportunities for me to get to know other colleagues in Manila and build a relationship with them.

Tell us about your hobbies outside Northern Trust.

My first love was playing basketball since childhood, but since 2022 I started doing multisport (Triathlon & Duathlon). I also love cooking.

How are you able to perform your duties to Northern Trust, families and your hobbies?

It is all about time management. During weekdays I need to wake up at 4am to start my training/workouts before going to the office. If I am working from home, I train in the morning before logging on and then after my shift then I do the cooking for the family.

Do you see yourself staying in Northern Trust in the long run?

Well, I’ve been with the company for 5 years now and still have no plans of leaving at all.

I think the main factor that made me stay in Northern Trust is the flexibility that you get with regards to the return to office protocol.  Another factor keeping me here is the culture of the company, it is different from others - less toxic.

Any future races you are planning to join?

A lot! From Sept to Dec, this is also my preparation for my Iron Man next year.

What was the hardest part of your training in your hobby?

Just making a start.

What advice would you have for people either inside or outside the office when it comes to goals?

Plan your goals out, make a start however slow that may be, and be consistent.

Looking ahead to the 10^th year anniversary of the Manila office, what are your reflections on this milestone?

I am truly grateful to Northern Trust, for giving me an opportunity to work and excel as a partner as we enter our 10^th year in operation.  Over the next 10 years I hope to see Manila grow more and achieve greater!

With regards to the anniversary in November I am really looking forward to celebrating with the rest of the team in Manila, we have plenty of celebrations lined up.

Fast Facts

Name – Jiggs Lopez

How long have you been with Northern Trust? - 5 years

Hometown / where are you living now - Paranaque City / Pasig City

Where do you volunteer your time? / Cause that you’re passionate about – Basketball, Running, and Cycling clinics

What are you reading currently / podcast recommendation – all revolve around how to improve in triathlons at the minute

Favorite sports team - 90’s Chicago Bulls

Comfort food - Burgers and fries

Best advice you’ve received (work or non-work related) - The principle is competing against yourself. It’s about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before.

If you could have dinner with any person alive today, who would it be - My brother!

Careers at Northern Trust

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