In this edition of our People Spotlight series, we meet Eddie Suerte Felipe, IT Manager at Uptown Tower in UAE. With a background spanning E-commerce, healthcare, and real estate, Eddie brings a unique blend of technical expertise and problem-solving grit to the world of facilities management.

From developing custom IT solutions to integrating smart building systems, Eddie shares how he navigates the demands of a fast-paced environment, what drives his passion for technology, and why collaboration and communication are at the heart of his success.

Tell me about yourself and your current role.

I am a Filipino IT professional with a strong foundation in technology infrastructure and software development. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience across diverse sectors, including E-commerce, healthcare within the UAE, and real estate operations. My expertise lies in aligning IT systems with property and facilities management to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency.

In my current role, I am responsible for supporting the IT infrastructure and operations of Uptown Tower’s common areas. This includes maintaining high system availability, optimising the performance of smart building technologies, and delivering reliable, business-aligned technology solutions that enhance both tenant and visitor experiences.

Describe a typical day in your work life.

Each day is a mix of technical hands-on work, coordination with stakeholders, and strategic decision, making to ensure technology continues to support the smooth operation of Uptown Tower and its community.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Working in a fast-paced environment like Uptown Tower naturally comes with pressure and unexpected challenges, especially when managing critical IT systems that support residential, commercial, guest and public services.

I manage stressful situations by staying calm, prioritising tasks based on impact, and relying on a structured approach to solve problem.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

My strongest influence is my family, especially my wife and children. They are my biggest motivation and the reason I strive to do my best every single day. My wife has been my constant support system, especially during tough times when I’ve had to balance demanding work responsibilities with personal challenges.

What led you to your current career path?

Growing up, my dream was to become a pilot. I was always fascinated by technology, systems, and how things worked, especially in aviation. However, as life unfolded and I explored different opportunities, I discovered a strong interest in electronics and information technology, which offered the same sense of structure, complexity, and challenge that originally drew me to fly.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

My biggest challenge was working solo as the sole IT professional is when I joined in the medical industry with around 35 thousand clients, handling all IT tasks in a high-pressure, health and government compliance-driven environment. An experience that sharpened my problem solving and prioritisation skills.

If you had a chance, what would you do differently?

If given the chance, I would focus on establishing a sole partnership with Macro to develop a Global Macro Application for enterprise solutions like building management and asset management. This would enable us to deliver a unified, scalable platform that can be deployed for Macro on a global scale, improving operational efficiency and integration across diverse markets and properties.

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

As an IT professional, I’ve learned that adaptability, clear communication, and patience are key to success. Technology changes fast and working well with others while staying persistent makes all the difference.

What’s something about yourself that you want to improve?

One area I’m actively working to improve is my level of communication. Specifically, making technical information clearer and more accessible to non-technical stakeholders to ensure better collaboration and understanding.

What do you want to do next?

I want to develop enterprise systems that integrate key functions like building management, asset management, valuation, business development, tenant services and others such as a modern Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) platform.

My goal is to create scalable, efficient platforms that streamline operations and deliver real business value across large developments or organisations like Macro International.

What do you like about Macro?

The ability to communicate directly with everyone, from the lowest to the highest levels of leadership within the Macro family, fosters transparency, swift decision-making, and a strong sense of trust. This open line of communication enables us to address challenges efficiently and work as one cohesive team.

How do you drive for a better way?

At Macro, I drive for better by continuously seeking opportunities to streamline processes, leverage new technologies, and improve system integration

What has been your proudest achievement at Macro so far?

One of my proudest achievements at Macro is leading the development and implementation of several custom IT systems at Uptown Tower such as an online access permit system, carwash request platform, store inventory management, and an Islamic Prayer Time (Adhan) system.

Even though these projects were technically beyond my typical scope, taking initiative to deliver these solutions helped streamline operations, improve tenant convenience, and support the community’s cultural needs, showcasing how going beyond defined roles can drive meaningful impact.

What motivates you every day?

What motivates me every day is the fact that every day brings a new challenge; whether it’s solving a complex IT issue, implementing a new system, dealing with clients or improving operations. This constant variety keeps me engaged, sharp, and eager to learn, driving me to deliver the best results for Macro and the communities we serve.