In this episode of Founders & Empanadas, I was joined by Brett Doyle, Founder & CEO of Mosaic Solutions.
Brett's been leading Mosaic in the Philippines, helping businesses in the food, beverage, and retail sectors get smarter with data to boost their profits. From optimizing inventory to managing entire restaurant operations, Mosaic’s platform has become a key player in Southeast Asia.
What really stood out in our conversation is how Brett has embraced the unique strengths of Filipino culture to fuel Mosaic’s success. By leaning into family values, building personal connections, and adapting to the more subtle aspects of communication, Brett has built a company that doesn’t just solve problems with technology but also taps into the power of relationships.
Watch the full episode to learn how Brett’s willingness to learn and respect Filipino culture has become central to building a strong, lasting business in a global market.
Read a breakdown of some key moments in our conversation below:
Strengthening Teams with a Personal Touch
Brett’s leadership has evolved by embracing the deeply rooted family values at the heart of Filipino culture. Rather than diving straight into business, he starts meetings by connecting with his team on a personal level, a shift from the more transactional approach he was used to in the U.S. This sense of connection extends into the company's culture, where celebrations and small gestures—like trivia games with simple rewards—play a key role in building morale. While these activities might seem small, Brett recognizes their impact on strengthening relationships and fostering long-term trust within the team.
Blending Work and Social Life for Better Results
One thing Brett quickly realized in the Philippines is how much work and social life are connected. Casual lunches, coffee breaks, and informal chats aren't just downtime—they’re key to building trust and relationships within the team. In the U.S., these personal moments might be seen as separate from work, but in the Philippines, they’re often where collaboration happens. Whether it's solving a work issue or just getting to know each other better, these everyday interactions make a big difference. By embracing this social side of Filipino work culture, Brett has built stronger connections with his team, making it easier for them to share ideas and tackle tough challenges.
Tackling Hiya and Opening Up Communication
One of the first challenges Brett faced in the Philippines was navigating hiya—the cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation or saying “no.” In sales, this meant that politeness or agreement didn’t always translate to real interest, which left Brett wondering why deals would suddenly go cold. To adjust, he built in clear checkpoints to measure actual interest and moved on more quickly when communication faded. Inside the company, Brett also noticed that Filipino engineers work more collaboratively than independently, with a strong respect for hierarchy. This sometimes made it harder for team members to speak up or challenge decisions. Brett responded by creating a culture that encourages open dialogue while still respecting the local norms of hierarchy and teamwork, which has improved both sales processes and internal communication.
Empowering Teams By Restructuring
After tackling communication challenges, Brett knew that empowering his team meant rethinking the company’s structure too. He moved away from more rigid hierarchies and introduced a pod-based approach, where cross-functional teams could collaborate more freely. This setup let engineers, product managers, and others work side-by-side, sharing ideas without worrying so much about traditional reporting lines. Brett also shifted his hiring focus to find people who fit the culture and had the potential to grow, building a team that’s both aligned with the company’s values and ready for the long haul. By making these changes, he’s created an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and take ownership of their work without disrespecting the culture.
Building Businesses That Last
Brett isn’t after quick wins or short-term gains—he’s about building sustainable, long-lasting businesses. In the Southeast Asian startup scene, many founders and investors are chasing fast exits. Brett’s approach emphasizes creating $50 million to $250 million businesses that are built to last, rather than aiming for flashy valuations that might not hold up. He’s seen firsthand how focusing on sustainable growth, rather than rushing for exits, leads to stronger companies and better long-term success.
How Brett Doyle Grew Mosaic by Embracing Filipino Culture
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In this episode of Founders & Empanadas, I was joined by Brett Doyle, Founder & CEO of Mosaic Solutions.
Brett's been leading Mosaic in the Philippines, helping businesses in the food, beverage, and retail sectors get smarter with data to boost their profits. From optimizing inventory to managing entire restaurant operations, Mosaic’s platform has become a key player in Southeast Asia.
What really stood out in our conversation is how Brett has embraced the unique strengths of Filipino culture to fuel Mosaic’s success. By leaning into family values, building personal connections, and adapting to the more subtle aspects of communication, Brett has built a company that doesn’t just solve problems with technology but also taps into the power of relationships.
Watch the full episode to learn how Brett’s willingness to learn and respect Filipino culture has become central to building a strong, lasting business in a global market.
Read a breakdown of some key moments in our conversation below:
Strengthening Teams with a Personal Touch
Brett’s leadership has evolved by embracing the deeply rooted family values at the heart of Filipino culture. Rather than diving straight into business, he starts meetings by connecting with his team on a personal level, a shift from the more transactional approach he was used to in the U.S. This sense of connection extends into the company's culture, where celebrations and small gestures—like trivia games with simple rewards—play a key role in building morale. While these activities might seem small, Brett recognizes their impact on strengthening relationships and fostering long-term trust within the team.
Blending Work and Social Life for Better Results
One thing Brett quickly realized in the Philippines is how much work and social life are connected. Casual lunches, coffee breaks, and informal chats aren't just downtime—they’re key to building trust and relationships within the team. In the U.S., these personal moments might be seen as separate from work, but in the Philippines, they’re often where collaboration happens. Whether it's solving a work issue or just getting to know each other better, these everyday interactions make a big difference. By embracing this social side of Filipino work culture, Brett has built stronger connections with his team, making it easier for them to share ideas and tackle tough challenges.
Tackling Hiya and Opening Up Communication
One of the first challenges Brett faced in the Philippines was navigating hiya—the cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation or saying “no.” In sales, this meant that politeness or agreement didn’t always translate to real interest, which left Brett wondering why deals would suddenly go cold. To adjust, he built in clear checkpoints to measure actual interest and moved on more quickly when communication faded. Inside the company, Brett also noticed that Filipino engineers work more collaboratively than independently, with a strong respect for hierarchy. This sometimes made it harder for team members to speak up or challenge decisions. Brett responded by creating a culture that encourages open dialogue while still respecting the local norms of hierarchy and teamwork, which has improved both sales processes and internal communication.
Empowering Teams By Restructuring
After tackling communication challenges, Brett knew that empowering his team meant rethinking the company’s structure too. He moved away from more rigid hierarchies and introduced a pod-based approach, where cross-functional teams could collaborate more freely. This setup let engineers, product managers, and others work side-by-side, sharing ideas without worrying so much about traditional reporting lines. Brett also shifted his hiring focus to find people who fit the culture and had the potential to grow, building a team that’s both aligned with the company’s values and ready for the long haul. By making these changes, he’s created an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and take ownership of their work without disrespecting the culture.
Building Businesses That Last
Brett isn’t after quick wins or short-term gains—he’s about building sustainable, long-lasting businesses. In the Southeast Asian startup scene, many founders and investors are chasing fast exits. Brett’s approach emphasizes creating $50 million to $250 million businesses that are built to last, rather than aiming for flashy valuations that might not hold up. He’s seen firsthand how focusing on sustainable growth, rather than rushing for exits, leads to stronger companies and better long-term success.
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