Mike Navales

VALUE
PROPOSITION

“Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” — Tony Hsieh

My focus is to bring your vision to life. Partnering with me means embarking on a journey where your goals take center stage, and together, we will navigate the path to achieve them with dedication and excellence. Your vision is my mission, and in its pursuit, we find our truest success.

Personalized Approach

Tailor-fit Solution

Understanding that every client is unique, I tailor my services to fit your specific requirements and vision. This personalized approach allows for a more targeted and effective solution, ensuring that the final product resonates with your unique brand and meets your distinct needs.

Problem-Solving Skills

Solution Strategist

I bring a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to tackle complex challenges. My approach involves deeply understanding the issue at hand, exploring various angles, and strategically crafting solutions that are not only effective but also innovative and sustainable.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Adaptive Versatility

I thrive in dynamic environments, seamlessly adjusting to new challenges and diverse situations. My ability to adapt and evolve ensures that I can meet the needs of each unique scenario with creativity and efficiency. This skill set allows me to confidently tackle a wide range of tasks and roles.

Communication and Collaboration

Attentive Interaction

I make sure to capture every detail and consider every team member’s voice, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive solutions. My focus is on fostering an environment where meticulous attention to detail and open, collaborative dialogue drive successful, well-rounded outcomes.

Long-Term Partnership

Lasting Connection

I strive to build strong, enduring relationships with clients and colleagues. My approach is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to growing alongside those I work with, ensuring that our collaboration is not just for a single project, but for a shared journey of success.

PERSONAL
PROFILE

“Being brave isn’t the absence of fear. Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it.” — Bear Grylls

My journey has been one of continuous self-discovery and learning, transcending the bounds of formal education. I believe in seizing every moment as a learning opportunity, whether it’s through professional experiences, personal explorations, or the simple act of listening to diverse perspectives.

Introvert turned Ambivert

Dynamic and Flexible

I naturally have introverted tendencies but I have developed some extroverted traits over time. A transformation that arose from life experiences, professional demands, and personal growth.

  1. Adaptive Communication: I can adjust my communication style to suit different situations.
  2. Flexibility in Team Dynamics: I am comfortable working in both solitary and collaborative environments.
  3. Balanced Energy Management: I can find a comfortable balance, drawing energy from both social interactions and alone time.
  4. Empathetic Understanding: I possess the empathy of an introvert with the assertiveness of an extrovert.
  5. Versatility in Leadership: I can adapt my leadership style to the needs of the team members.
  6. Resilience to Change: I can handle change in the workplace effectively.
  7. Self-awareness and Moderation: I exhibit a high level of self-awareness, understanding when to step forward and take charge, and when to step back and listen.
  8. Problem-solving Skills: I can approach problems from multiple perspectives. I can brainstorm in groups and work through issues independently, utilizing both creative and analytical thinking.
  9. Strategic Thinking: Because of my ability to see different viewpoints, I am capable of planning and executing projects with consideration for various aspects and potential outcomes.

Autodidact

Self-taught

Driven by innate curiosity, self-motivation, and a strong desire for continuous learning, I independently seek out resources and learning opportunities. My approach to education is marked by resourcefulness, critical thinking, and adaptability, allowing me to acquire a diverse and often unconventional range of knowledge and skills.

  1. Curiosity: I have a natural and strong desire to learn and understand new things.
  2. Self-motivation: I possess a high degree of self-motivation. Without the external structure of traditional education, I must rely on my internal drive to initiate and continue my learning process.
  3. Critical Thinking: Having strong critical thinking skills, I not only gather information but also critically evaluate sources, arguments, and ideas to form my understanding.
  4. Resourcefulness: I am adept at finding online resources and learning materials on my own.
  5. Adaptability: I can navigate and absorb new and complex information quickly. I am comfortable with the uncertainty and challenges that come with learning something new.
  6. Persistence and Resilience: I often face challenges and setbacks in my learning journey. My persistence and resilience enable me to overcome obstacles and continue learning despite difficulties.
  7. Creative Problem-Solving: Without the guidance of a structured curriculum, I often develop innovative approaches to learning and problem-solving.
  8. Passion for Learning: My learning is driven by interest and enthusiasm, not just the necessity of passing exams or completing courses.
  9. Independence in Thinking: I tend to develop independent and often unconventional thinking. Since my learning isn’t confined by the standard curriculum, I often explore diverse and interdisciplinary areas.
  10. Continuous Learning: For me, learning is a lifelong endeavor. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge and skills beyond any formal educational milestones.
  11. Application-Oriented: I often focus on the practical application of my knowledge, looking to apply what I learn in real-world situations.
EDUCATION

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” — Mark Twain

I view every experience, project, and interaction as a valuable learning opportunity, continually expanding my knowledge and skills. My commitment to education is rooted in a deep-seated curiosity and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, transcending the confines of formal schooling to embrace a broader, more holistic approach to learning.

Life-long Learner

Always Curious and Willing to Learn

My curiosity drives me to explore new ideas, embrace challenges, and continually seek out opportunities for growth and improvement. This unending willingness to learn has shaped my personal and professional journey, keeping me adaptable, knowledgeable, and perpetually engaged with the ever-evolving world around me.

Problem-first Approach

Challenge-Led Learning

I believe that real learning starts with facing a problem. This is where we begin to explore and learn through experience. The heart of learning lies in tackling real-world challenges and finding solutions. It’s in solving these practical problems that we truly learn and grow.

EXPERIENCE

“Mistakes and failures are my most valuable teachers, each one a lesson in disguise guiding me towards greater wisdom.”

Each challenge I’ve encountered has been a teacher, and every mistake is a stepping stone to greater understanding. In my professional journey, I embrace each experience as an opportunity to grow, evolve, and innovate.

2015 – Current

Automation Builder / Tech VA

  • Built automation through Zapier and developed custom applications or custom google apps features through Google Apps Scripts.
  • Developed websites and provided tech support or maintenance.
  • Configured and managed web hosting services through cPanel.
  • Configured and managed CRMs and Project Management Tools.
  • Provided tech support for any software or tech-related issues/concerns within an organization.
  • Helping small teams and businesses:
    • by improving their workflows and processes through automation.
    • by increasing their marketing/sales results through the improvements of their websites, landing pages, etc.
    • by developing custom and internal tools based on their needs.

2020 – 2021

VP for Tech, System Admin, Project Manager

  • Led the Tech Team to improve the technology backbone of Virtualahan.
  • Managing I.T. resources (Microsoft 365, Azure servers, Helpdesk & Knowledge Base System, LMS, etc.).
  • Setting up automation using Microsoft Power Automate.
  • Leading the development team in terms of improving the current websites to make them fully accessible.
  • Planning web development projects, including defining the scope, allocating resources, setting deadlines and timelines, laying out communication strategies, and indicating monitoring/maintenance.

2018 – 2020

Volunteer Coach

  • Taught students, mostly Persons With Disabilities (PWDs):
    • about Google Applications (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Calendar, Apps Scripts, etc.)
    • about some popular online productivity tools. (Trello, Asana, Lastpass, Grammarly, Slack, etc.)
  • Provided descriptive instructions so students could follow the online training, especially for people with visual disabilities.

2014 – 2015

Internet Service Provider Tech Support

  • Assisted customers by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues/concerns regarding their internet connection.
  • Empathized with the customers and provided clear information with easy to follow instructions.

2008 – 2014

Antivirus Tech Support

  • Assisted customers by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues/concerns regarding their computer which is infected by viruses.
  • Empathized with the customers and provided clear information with easy to follow instructions.
PROFESSIONAL
PROJECTS

“For every problem, there is a unique and fitting solution.”

I approach each challenge with a belief that tailored strategies are key to effective problem-solving. My focus is on understanding the nuances of each issue, allowing for the creation of solutions that are not just effective but perfectly aligned with the specific needs and context of the problem. This approach ensures that every solution is as unique as the challenge it addresses, providing optimal results and innovative pathways to success.

NOTE: Currently, I’m in the process of creating demo versions of my portfolio projects. While the actual apps and automation solutions are not directly accessible because of NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreements), these demos are designed to showcase the functionality and innovation of my work. Please stay tuned for these interactive demonstrations, which will give you a glimpse into the practical application and effectiveness of my projects.

HOBBY
PROJECTS

“Hobby projects are the bridges fathers build to connect with their children, teaching life’s lessons not just through words, but through the joy of shared creation and discovery.”

I focus on involving my children in these projects as a way to impart valuable lessons. Through hands-on involvement, they can also get an early introduction to the principles of entrepreneurship. This approach allows them to understand the value of creativity, perseverance, and innovation from a young age, setting a foundation for their future endeavors in the business world.

Nut School

nutschool.com

Many education systems around the world can be rigid and outdated, often not addressing practical life skills that are crucial in today’s world. This is an educational app that focuses on areas not typically covered in traditional school curriculums, such as financial literacy, practical life skills, emotional intelligence and mental health, digital literacy, and more.

Macky Toys Shop

mackytoys.com

A specially curated collection that focuses on nurturing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children, blending fun with educational value. A treasure trove of innovative puzzles, engaging STEM kits, and creative playsets, each designed to challenge young minds and foster a love for learning.

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