At Macro, we believe our people are what make the difference — and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to Joan Tagg. Known by her team as the "cornerstone" of operations, Joan brings dedication, resilience, and a calm, problem-solving mindset to everything she does.

Her journey has taken her from the Philippines to Dubai, Doha and the Netherlands, and along the way, she's faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and found purpose in both her career and family life.

We sat down with Joan to learn more about her role, her motivations, and what drives her every day at Macro.

Tell us about yourself and your role.

I'm Joan Tagg from the Philippines. I’ve worked as a Project Coordinator in Dubai and Doha, and in 2018, I relocated with my family to the Netherlands. I joined Mace (now Macro) in 2020 as a Facilities Administrator, where I help ensure our operations run smoothly for our clients.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day starts by checking emails and service requests to make sure everything is on track. I keep our clients updated through Service Channel and Microsoft Teams. When I’m not speaking with vendors over the phone, I’m following up with them on Teams to make sure any issues are resolved quickly.

How do you manage pressure or stressful situations?

I believe staying calm and focused is essential. I also value the advice of experienced colleagues — their insights often help navigate challenges more effectively.

Who has influenced you the most?

My parents have been my strongest influences. My father, an architect, and my mother, a teacher, taught me the importance of continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and perseverance.

What led you to your current career path?

My background in project coordination gave me a solid foundation in managing end-to-end delivery. Facilities management has been a natural progression, providing me with valuable insights into the post-construction phase of projects.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Balancing a fulfilling career while supporting my son with his special needs brings me immense joy and purpose.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Living and working in different countries and navigating multi-cultural environments has been both the biggest challenge and a rewarding part of my journey.

If you could do something differently, what would it be?

Honestly, nothing. Every experience brings its own lessons and opportunities — it's how you handle them that shapes your journey.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned?

Stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new skills, and moving into new communities have taught me resilience and adaptability.

What’s something about yourself you want to improve?

I’m working on managing my time better and becoming more comfortable with saying no when necessary.

What do you want to do next?

I’m excited about learning new skills, particularly in contract management and health and safety.

What do you like about Macro?

I appreciate Macro’s professionalism, its commitment to equal opportunities, and its focus on employee wellbeing.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Problem-solving. I enjoy analysing issues, developing solutions, and seeing the positive impact of my work.

How do you drive for a better way?

I focus on removing obstacles and finding more effective ways to support our clients.

What has been your proudest achievement at Macro so far?

Being recognised as the team's cornerstone has been incredibly fulfilling. It reflects not just my work but the amazing teamwork that drives our success.