Katarzyna Supa: Gomez & Gomez Funeral Services is the first local funeral company in El Nido, founded by you and your sister Jessa, but your roots in the funeral industry spans a generation. That must make for an interesting mix of innovation, knowledge and experience. What does generational change look like in your country, in your company?

Joana Marie Gomez: Generational change at Gomez & Gomez Funeral signifies a symbiotic shift towards a modern approach still rooted in tradition. As second-generation funeral business owners in the Philippines, I, Joana Marie Gomez, and my sister Jessa Ann Gomez, bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and a deeper understanding of contemporary needs while upholding the legacy of compassionate funeral service established by our parents. This evolution may manifest through updated funeral practices, enhanced customer experiences, and a renewed commitment to community engagement, reflecting the changing demographics and preferences within both the company and society.

The generational handover is a crucial and pivotal moment in any given company. Still, the trust and confidence reposed in the younger generation, combined with the guidance of the previous generation, make it easier for both parties to embrace change.

In any given set-up, change is daunting, and stepping out of one's comfort zone can probably be a bit overwhelming, especially for the younger generation to take over the business since the pressure to do good and live up to the name of the company carries a heavy weight on its shoulders. Still, with the guidance and wisdom from the previous generation, this burden can very well be unloaded.

K.S.: How does the heritage of tradition relate to the modern approach to business? Is it easy to hand over management of the company to the younger generation? Why is it difficult?

J.M.G.: In the Philippines, considering that we are a country deeply rooted in traditions, letting go of past experiences, unlearning traditions and adapting to modern changes presents a conflict. However, in my opinion, conflict is an opportunity to sit down, engage in dialogue, learn and grow for both younger and previous generations.

The transition from our parents' traditional funeral company to a more modern approach was a challenge for my sister and me. Deeply respecting our parents' heritage, we both struggled to adapt our innovative and larger vision to our parents' business. Given that they had started from scratch and built it through their hard work and perseverance, giving up the family company and passing the company to us was a difficult journey that they were not yet ready for.

Recognizing the generational gap and differing philosophies, we courageously decided to forge our own path, which led to the creation of a separate funeral company. At Gomez & Gomez Funeral Services, we focus not only on traditional funeral services and the manufacture and delivery of caskets, but also on the repatriation of human remains and cremation worldwide, meeting the changing needs of a globalized society.

K.S.: What do you, as the next generation, bring to the funeral industry - what attitude, skills?

J.M.G.: I think we and others of the new generation bring a mix of innovation, empathy and adaptability to the ever-evolving funeral business. With a fresh perspective, we embrace technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Our empathetic approach allows for more personalized services, catering to diverse cultural and spiritual needs. Additionally, our adaptability enables Gomez & Gomez Funeral Services to navigate the changing trends and societal expectations, ensuring our funeral business remains relevant and responsive to evolving preferences. Overall, we also infuse the industry with creativity, compassion, and a forward-thinking mindset, ushering in a new era of funeral service, especially in the islands of El Nido and Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

Moreover, networking and relation building are skills that can help take the funeral industry to the next level. Therefore, I encourage the next generation to join funeral organizations, meet people and broaden their horizons, as it will give them a new perspective on effective management and business strategy, and learn the business ethos.