Leah Gayatin Gatchalian

Meet Leah Gayatin Gatchalian, a distinguished member of the International Trade Council and the accomplished General Manager and CFO of S AND L GLOBAL COMPANY INC. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Leah’s profound expertise, commitment to innovation, and dedication to empowering others have made her a trailblazer in the realms of international trade and business development.

Leah’s journey into the world of international trade was ignited by a culmination of experience and training in Europe, where she gained invaluable insights into international marketing sponsored by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). This exposure laid the foundation for her multifaceted career spanning diverse industries.

Leah’s academic background in food science, coupled with extensive international marketing training, equipped her to handle a spectrum of industries including food, construction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and chemicals. Over the years, her role encompassed every facet of international trade, import/export, logistics, and supply chain, enhancing her skills and contributing to her remarkable career trajectory.

Beyond her role as a business leader, Leah’s proudest accomplishments extend to mentoring social entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs, in her country. For Leah, true success transcends monetary achievements; it lies in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences with those who aspire to make their mark.

Leah has been a witness to the evolving landscape of international trade. From the technological transformations of the 80s to the dawn of digitalization, she has championed the adaptation of new technologies while navigating through challenges such as pandemics.

Leah’s excitement for the future resonates with the application of cutting-edge technologies. She envisions the incorporation of AI, blockchain, supply chain innovations, and automation, signaling a shift towards a more interconnected and technologically advanced international trade landscape.

Leah’s sage advice for newcomers in the industry reflects her ethos of knowledge-sharing and adaptability. She urges them to share experiences, mentor beginners, and embrace emerging technologies with unwavering enthusiasm.

In Leah’s world, setbacks and challenges are stepping stones to growth and innovation. Embracing these challenges with positivity and a forward-looking mindset has been instrumental in her relentless pursuit of goals.

Outside her professional realm, Leah finds solace and joy in the arts of cooking and music. An avid traveler, she explores the world to enrich her perspectives and seek inspiration.