A Six-Year Turning Point: How Nadine Claridad Built Her Career and Community at Creative Media Marketing

Funny how life works. The moments that completely change a trajectory show up when the map ahead feels completely blank. That is exactly where Nadine Clarisse Claridad found herself a few years ago. “My story with CMM started at the height of the pandemic, during a time when I was at a crossroads, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” she recalls. Then came a tip from her former supervisor, Sir Carlo Jiff, mentioning CMM was looking for a graphic designer. What started as a simple job referral during a chaotic time turned into a major turning point.

Nadine stepped through the doors of CMM as a novice book layout designer, hungry to learn, a little nervous, and ready for whatever came her way. Back then, her main goal was simply to hone her craft. She had no idea she was laying the foundation for a whole new chapter. “Looking back, I had no idea where that opportunity would lead me,” Nadine smiles. “Over the years, I kept learning, took on new responsibilities, and eventually grew from being a designer to becoming a supervisor, and now a manager leading the very team I once started in.” Her growth was the result of curiosity, late nights, a willingness to step out of her comfort zone, and a persistent belief that there is always room to level up.

While title changes and promotions look great on paper, Nadine will be the first to tell you that the best part of her job lies beyond an email signature. It is the people beside her. “One of my most unforgettable memories isn’t just a single moment, it’s seeing the people I started with grow alongside me,” she shares. Together, the team rode the rollercoaster of high stakes deadlines, celebrated the big wins, dusted each other off after mistakes, and evolved together. Those shared late night stress sessions and triumphs built a bond tighter than standard workplace camaraderie.

As her role shifted, so did her mindset. CMM offered her space to push her creative boundaries while teaching her how to lead with empathy, trust, and real collaboration. For Nadine, stepping into leadership was always about becoming the kind of person who empowers others to find their own answers. Over time, the company became a core chapter in her personal story. “CMM has helped me grow in ways I never expected, both personally and professionally,” she reflects. “It became more than just a workplace. It became an extension of my support system.”

During her time with the team, Nadine hit major personal milestones, from buying her first home to starting a family of her own. Through every major life pivot, the support from her colleagues reached far beyond office walls. “Professionally, CMM gave me opportunities to grow from a beginner into a leader. Personally, it introduced me to people who became more than coworkers. They became friends, mentors, and a source of encouragement,” she says. “The lessons they have shared, both in work and in life, are things I will always carry with me.”

As Creatives Manager, Nadine leads the exact team where her journey first started. Looking back at the winding path that brought her here, her overwhelming feeling is pure gratitude. “I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and the people who have been part of my journey,” she says. What began as a simple referral during an uncertain season turned into a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and community, showing just how far one small open door can take someone willing to walk through it.