Beyond the Title: Bryan Cayabyab

Bryan Cayabyab (Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American leaders, 2022) is building a  new entrepreneurial venture after several years as human resources director at food and beverage manufacturer JBS USA in Green Bay, where he managed the human resources needs for a staff of more than 1,200 employees. He’s worked his way up to that position since he joined the company as a training and development manager in 2014. Cayabyab began his career in nursing, volunteering at the Dagupan Doctor’s Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Philippines and working in memory care at Tender Rose Home Care in San Francisco, before transitioning to human resources there in 2013. He holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Springfield College.

What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?

For me, presence before performance means leading from awareness, not anxiety and being present. When I’m centered, I make better decisions, listen more deeply, and connect more authentically. I stay grounded through early-morning reflection, meditation, deep breathing and movement. It reminds me that leadership isn’t about speed, it’s about clarity of mind, being present and heart before action.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

One of my mentors once asked me, “What’s the difference between a forest and a tree?” That question has stayed with me ever since. It taught me that leadership requires both perspectives, the ability to be present in the details while still seeing the bigger picture. If you only focus on the trees, you’ll miss the forest; but if you ignore the trees, you’ll never understand what makes the forest thrive. That balance of detail and vision guides how I lead and make decisions every day.

Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?

There was a project I was tasked to lead by our General Manager focused on transforming our culture and how we operate. Through research and experience, I knew that introducing a new software could help us visualize performance, track goals, and strengthen accountability. But when I first proposed it, the response from senior leaders was skeptical, it seemed costly and unnecessary. Still, I believed in its potential, so I kept pushing, refining the pitch, and highlighting the long-term value. Eventually, I was invited to present the idea to corporate IT and several VPs. Months later, the company not only adopted the system but hired full-time data scientists to scale it across all business units. If I had stopped when I first heard “no,” we would’ve missed a major opportunity for growth. What gave me the courage was conviction, knowing that clarity of vision sometimes has to lead before consensus follows.

What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?

The most important question is, “What’s my why?” Knowing your purpose, why you’re here, what drives you, and what you hope to create, anchors everything that follows. When you’re grounded in your why, clarity and direction come naturally. It fuels the hard days and shapes how you lead, not just what you do. Without it, the journey becomes heavier and the results less meaningful.

Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?

My family, especially my wife and parents, are at the center of my circle. I also have a few close friends and my faith that keep me grounded. They remind me of who I am beyond the title or the work. I build and protect that circle by staying connected, being honest, and allowing myself to be vulnerable. I’ve learned that real strength comes from being willing to ask for help and letting people in.

Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?

I’ve been burned out before as a leader, and I learned that recovery starts with honesty, with yourself. You have to recognize when you’re running on empty and be willing to pause. The pressure will always come from the outside, so you need to be mentally tough on the inside. What keeps me aligned is my morning meditation, connecting with people who ground me, and spending time with my family. They’re my reason for doing what I do and the reminder that purpose matters more than pace.

Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?

I’ve learned that calling really does last longer than clout. Early in my career, I chased recognition, the promotions, the titles, the accolades. But as I grew and reached higher levels, I realized that being on top can feel lonely if it’s only about achievement. Reading What’s Your Dream? by Simon Squibb shifted my perspective; it reminded me that we’re meant to follow our purpose, not just our plans. Anchoring myself in impact means asking, What’s my purpose? Why am I doing this? Who am I serving? Those questions keep me grounded in meaning, not status.

What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?

For me, it’s having a people-first mindset. It’s not always easy, especially in environments where business decisions often center on profit. However, I’ve learned that leadership starts with people, not numbers. There are moments when it would be faster or simpler to make a decision without considering its full impact, but I choose to pause, ask questions, and be present with my team. Once I understand how a decision affects them, I move forward with clarity and a plan to support those impacted. Putting people first may take more time, but it always builds stronger trust and better results in the long run.

What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?

“Clarity comes when purpose is stronger than pressure.” Simon Sinek

When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?

For me, it’s cooking. I love being in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors, and feeding people. There’s something grounding about preparing food. It brings me back to the present.

Who is your favorite sports team?

I’ve never really been into sports or played much growing up, but living in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it’s hard not to get caught up in the Packers’ energy. The excitement here is infectious. It pulls you in whether you plan on it or not. Go Pack Go!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

For me, it’s Christmas. It’s all about family, celebration, and sharing good food and moments together. It reminds me to slow down and appreciate the people I love.