Peak Support Q&A: Jim Ray Gacita

Jim is a senior team leader for one of Peak Support’s longtime clients. He hails from Cagayan de Oro, or also known as the “City of Golden Friendship” – a town that’s famous for its whitewater rafting. His biggest celebrity crush is Drew Barrymore, and his favorite movie is “The Proposal” starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. When he’s not busy working, he spends quality time with his family by completing puzzles, playing board games, and watching movies with them. He describes himself to be optimistic, trusting, helpful, confident, and considerate. Fatherhood has made Jim more selfless, and he now works hard to make sure that his wife and daughter are well-provided for. An interesting fact about Jim is that he’s actually a pastor for a church in his hometown. You can learn more about Jim by reading this month’s Peak Support Q&A blog.

What’s the best customer service lesson you’ve learned?

Humility and Empathy. Having worked in the BPO industry for almost 5 years (outside of Peak Support) taught me that regardless of what the customer says to you and about you, you don’t have to retaliate. Instead, you must learn to be humble and explain yourself in a manner that is not condescending or offensive. Empathy is putting yourself in the customer’s shoes.

Who among your friends knows you the best?

I guess Roland. He knows how to figure me out most of the time. Also, I don’t have a lot of friends, so he’s the only one who knows me the best.

What food aren’t you allowed to eat, but you still eat anyway?

Thankfully, none.

When was the last time you were really disappointed with something?

Just this month. I was disappointed at how I handled my finances, and how it affected my family’s savings.

Which one of your scars do you have a story to tell about?

Honestly, all my scars don’t have a unique story to tell. Most of them, if not all, are simply a result of my carelessness during my childhood.

What fact about yourself do think your friends wouldn’t believe is true?

That I’m handsome. Because to believe is to see. Kidding aside, I think they find it hard to believe that I am a serious person because I often laugh about things and difficult situations. However, when I’m alone, I think deep most of the time.

If you could create a new smartphone feature/app, what would it be?

A remote control app for motorcycles. There have been many instances where I left my key plugged in the keyhole of my bike. So, I guess having a remote control app that can turn on and off my motorcycle from my phone would be great.

How many hotdogs will you be able to eat at a hotdog eating contest?

Two is my limit. In fact, it’s one and a half. So, I guess I’ll lose if ever I joined one.

What material thing are you willing to part ways with forever?

I guess anything (except if my wife says no because she gave it to me). In general, I’m not very attached to the things I own, so parting with them is not a problem.

Is there something you wish you could unlearn?

I believe that all the things I’ve learned have a purpose, either in the present or in the future. So, I don’t regret if I’ve learned something because I know it will be of use in the future.

Who is the most honest person you know?

My wife. She doesn’t know how to hold back in telling what she knows – which is a good thing. Aside from her, John MacArthur who is the author of the books I’m mostly reading is the second most honest person I know.

What’s something that you wish you did more of when you were younger?

I wish I took my analytical chemistry subject more seriously back in college, and my studies in general. I ended up taking it twice because I wasn’t serious about it.

When was the last time you bought something expensive for yourself?

Just this month. I bought a new pair of mags (magnesium metal alloy wheels) for my motorcycle so it will look cooler.

What is something that you wish you knew more about?

I wish I knew how to handle difficult conversations and conflicts better. I am not a confrontational person especially when others make a mistake and as a result, I sometimes struggle with starting a difficult conversation. So, I wish I knew more about how to handle those types of situations, and to have the courage to act on them too.

Give us your top 5 tips for living a happier life.

• Be contented.
• Share your blessings.
• Love your wife.
• Love God.
• Care for the people around you.

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Maria Cecilia Acido

Peak Support Q&A: Manuel Co Jr.

Peak Support Q&A: Bianca Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Shirleen Telis

Peak Support Q&A: Roland Allan Papa

Peak Support Q&A: Marichel Natividad

Peak Support Q&A: Hannah Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Carlos Cornista

Peak Support Q&A: Francis Eronico

Peak Support Q&A: Raezalaine Tayag

Peak Support Q&A: Bryan Rosario

Peak Support Q&A: Patrick Pilares

Peak Support Q&A: Honey Faith Belnas

Peak Support Q&A: Jonathan Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

Peak Support Q&A: Kevin Calatrava

Peak Support Q&A: Leizl Joy Yee

Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

Peak Support Q&A: Kaci Barker

Peak Support Q&A: George Tillotson

Peak Support Q&A: Mark Pabriaga

Peak Support Q&A: Iar Indus

Peak Support Q&A: Mimi Abelarde

Illustration by Rhea Avanceña