With 19 years of experience living and working in the UAE, Eloisa Oximina has become a formidable force in the world of human capital development and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Shelberg Technical Services LLC and IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy FZE LLC, she has built a career dedicated to empowering others—particularly Overseas Filipino Workers and aspiring professionals. Her leadership style blends compassion, vision, and strategic impact, making her a beacon for transformative leadership in the region. Learn about her inspiring journey through our interview below
Living with Purpose
What motivated you to take on your current role, and how has it shaped your career?
When asked what inspired her to step into her current leadership roles, Eloisa Oximina reflected on a vision much bigger than herself.
“My journey has always been rooted in a purpose far greater than personal success—it’s been about creating lasting impact. Having lived and worked in the UAE for 19 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the untold stories of dreams, resilience, and potential, especially among Overseas Filipino Workers and aspiring professionals from all walks of life. This inspired me to take bold steps and transform challenges into opportunities. Founding Shelberg Technical Services LLC and IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy FZE LLC was not just a business move—it was a mission.
Through these ventures, I’ve bridged gaps across industries such as recruitment, business consultancy, civil construction, technical maintenance, fit-outs, and facilities management. More importantly, these roles have shaped me into a purpose-driven leader, a mentor to the next generation, and a visionary strategist. They’ve taught me that leadership is not about titles—it’s about influence, service, and the courage to lift others as you rise,” said Eloisa Oximina.
The Leap of Faith
Can you share a moment when you took a big risk in your career and what you learned from it?
Reflecting on a major turning point in her professional life, Eloisa spoke about stepping out of comfort into conviction.
“The biggest turning point in my career began in 2006 when I left the Philippines and took a leap of faith to start a new life in Dubai. I arrived with nothing but determination in my heart, deep faith in God, and a dream to build something bigger than myself. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had a vision, and I held on to that vision even when the road was uncertain. That bold decision became the seed for everything I’ve built today.
In 2014, I took an even greater risk. I left behind the comfort and security of a steady job to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. It was a leap into the unknown, filled with challenges I never imagined—struggling to find the right team, building trust, managing limited resources, and facing the pain of setbacks. I failed more times than I can count. There were moments when giving up felt easier, but I never did. I chose to rise every time I fell.
Each failure taught me something deeper about business, about people, and, most importantly, about myself. I realized that true growth doesn’t happen in comfort; it is born in the fire of persistence and faith. Every obstacle shaped my strength, every closed door redirected my purpose, and every fall prepared me for a greater comeback. Through it all, I held on to my dream and kept moving forward.
By 2021, with renewed clarity and courage, I founded Shelberg Technical Services LLC and IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy FZE LLC. These companies were not just born out of business goals but from a desire to serve, uplift, and lead with integrity. I discovered that every risk carries the power to transform not only our careers but also our lives and the lives of others we touch along the way.
Today, I lead with a heart full of gratitude and a mind focused on purpose and impact. I’ve come to understand that success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about how many times you rise after every fall, how strong you stay in your mission, and how gracefully you turn pain into purpose. I’ve failed, I’ve stumbled, but I’ve never stopped. And through it all, I’ve learned to believe in myself, even when no one else did, and to have plenty of patience—because real growth takes time, and every season has its purpose.
I hold on to my faith as my greatest compass. One verse that has carried me through is from Isaiah 60:22: “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” It reminds me that everything unfolds in God’s perfect timing, not ours.
My journey is living proof that with faith, courage, patience, and a heart that refuses to give up, even the greatest risks can turn into life’s most meaningful victories.”
Integrity at the Core
We further asked, “What’s one major principle or value that guides your work every day?”
Eloisa Oximina replied, “Integrity is my compass. It’s the foundation of every decision I make, whether I’m serving clients, mentoring my team, or building international partnerships. In recruitment and consultancy, trust is the currency, and that trust is earned through honesty, consistency, and the courage to always do what’s right, even when no one is watching.
My team believes in me, and that belief carries great responsibility. I know that every action I take and every promise I keep reflects not just who I am but who we are as an organization. That’s why I lead with integrity at the core. When a leader leads with values, the entire company shines with purpose, credibility, and strength.
True success is not only measured by achievements but by the principles we stand for, and integrity will always be my strongest foundation.”
Building Projects That Change Lives
Our next question was, “Can you tell us about a project or initiative that has been particularly meaningful to you?”
When asked about initiatives that hold special meaning for her, Eloisa highlighted two key projects across her companies.
“At Shelberg Technical Services, we’ve proudly deployed hundreds of skilled and unskilled construction workers across vital projects in Sharjah, UAE, empowering them with meaningful work, professional growth, and the dignity they deserve. Each deployment is more than just manpower; it’s a lifeline to families, a path to stability, and a step toward a brighter future for every worker we support.
Meanwhile, at IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy, the project closest to my heart is our Global Expansion Plan—a bold initiative to connect qualified Overseas Filipino Workers with trusted employers across the GCC and Europe. This is more than a business strategy; it’s a heartfelt mission to uplift lives, bridge global opportunities, and champion ethical, transparent employment practices.
What we do changes lives. We don’t just move talent; we build dreams, strengthen communities, and become part of the success stories of countless families around the world. Knowing that our efforts support local economies while creating a global impact is one of the most meaningful rewards of my journey,” replied Eloisa.
Balancing Innovation with Humanity
What are your thoughts on adapting to AI in the current business landscape?
Discussing technology’s role in modern business, Eloisa shared her perspective on leveraging AI.
“AI is no longer just the future; it’s the present, and it’s reshaping the way we do business on every level. In both Shelberg and IMC, AI has become a powerful ally. It helps us streamline recruitment, automate screening processes, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. But perhaps one of the most impactful benefits we’ve experienced is how AI helps us detect fraudulent inquiries or potential scams—something that has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced digital world. With AI, we can protect our people, our clients, and our reputation with far greater accuracy and speed.
However, while AI brings efficiency, we must never lose sight of what truly drives business forward: human connection, empathy, and integrity. Technology can analyze data, but it cannot replace compassion. It can sort resumes, but it cannot understand the dreams behind each application. That’s why I believe the future of business lies in balance, embracing innovation while holding firmly to our values.
For me, adapting to AI isn’t about replacing people; it’s about empowering them. It’s about giving our teams better tools so they can serve others more effectively. When used wisely, AI doesn’t distance us…it brings us closer to excellence, protection, and purpose.”
Navigating Tough Realities with Grace
To understand her recent challenges, we asked, “What’s a challenge you’ve recently faced, and how did you navigate it?”
Eloisa Oximina mentioned, “In the construction industry, challenges are constant—but some test you on a deeper level. As a subcontractor through Shelberg Technical Services, we specialize in civil finishing works, and while we are often the ones completing the final, most visible part of the project, we are also—far too often—the last in line when it comes to payment. It’s frustrating and disheartening at times, especially when our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver quality results on tight deadlines. We fulfill our commitments, yet we’re treated as an afterthought. Navigating delayed payments from main contractors has been one of the toughest realities of running this business. But I’ve learned to turn pain into purpose and frustration into fuel to fight for fairness, build stronger terms, and remain committed to excellence no matter what.
On the other hand, managing IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy’s expansion across borders brings a different kind of complexity. Adapting to evolving labor laws and compliance standards in multiple countries has demanded intense research, building strong legal partnerships, and establishing a proactive compliance team. Each country has its own unique framework, and as a responsible employer, I take it as my duty to ensure that our practices align with both the letter and spirit of those laws while protecting our workers’ rights and dignity.”
“These experiences have taught me that agility, resilience, and readiness are not just business strategies; they are survival tools. But above all, they reminded me that leadership is not about avoiding difficulty; it’s about facing it with strength, faith, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people who depend on you.” she further added.
Empathy: The Leadership Superpower
What do you believe is the most important quality for a leader in today’s world?
When it comes to defining essential leadership traits, Eloisa pointed to empathy as a defining force.
“For me, the most powerful quality a leader can have today is empathy: the ability to truly see, hear, and understand the people you serve and lead. Leadership is no longer just about giving directions or achieving targets. It’s about connecting with real people, recognizing their struggles, appreciating their efforts, and standing beside them, not above them.
I’ve learned that when you lead with empathy, you create a culture of trust and belonging. People don’t just work for you; they believe in you. And when your team believes in you, they give their best not because they have to, but because they want to. That’s where real transformation begins.
There were moments in my journey when all I needed was someone to understand me—and now that I lead, I make sure I’m that someone for others. In both Shelberg Technical Services and IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy, I strive to be the kind of leader who listens with compassion, leads with heart, and uplifts others, even in the toughest of times.
In today’s fast-changing world, empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a survival skill. It’s the bridge between vision and action, between success and significance.”
Envisioning a Sustainable Future
To understand her priorities, we asked Eloisa, “If you could achieve one major goal for your company in the next year, what would it be?”
“My greatest goal for the year ahead is to establish long-term projects and a stable, sustainable income for both of my companies—Shelberg Technical Services and IMC Employment Agency & Management Consultancy. Stability is not just about numbers; it’s about creating the kind of foundation that allows a business to operate peacefully, grow purposefully, and make a lasting impact without the constant pressure of uncertainty.
In Shelberg, that means securing reliable projects where we are paid on time and valued for the quality of work we deliver. In IMC, it means finding and partnering with the right employers and ethical companies—those who truly value the people we deploy, treat workers with respect, and are committed to long-term collaboration. The right partnerships are key to sustaining our mission and protecting the dignity of the workers we represent.
I believe that when we have stable income, the right partnerships, and a clear purpose, we can operate from a place of peace, not pressure. We can focus on growth, service, and excellence. This is the kind of future I envision: one where both companies thrive not just in profit, but in purpose… uplifting lives, empowering communities, and building something that lasts far beyond today,” she concluded.
Connect with Eloisa Oximina on LinkedIn or visit https://www.shelbergtechnical.com/ and www.imcmanpower.com
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