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1.14.26 “From Stability to Strategy: How Businesses Win in 2026” Part 2

01.14.2026

PART 2 - Operational Excellence in Action: Turning Discipline Into Competitive Advantage

Strategy only works when operations support it. In 2026, operational excellence isn’t about cutting costs blindly — it’s about building smart, efficient systems that scale with the business.

Where Operational Excellence Shows Up

  • Clean financial reporting
  • Clear accountability
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Smart use of automation
  • Proactive risk management

Shirley Quitugua, VP, Branch Manager & Operations, shares:

“The businesses that operate best have clarity — they know where money flows, where decisions are made, and where improvements matter.”

Efficiency as a Growth Tool

Operational discipline allows businesses to:

  • Move faster
  • Borrow more effectively
  • Reduce friction internally
  • Improve customer experience

Hitesh Bajaria, SVP, Relationship Manager, explains:

“Strong operations give businesses flexibility. When opportunities appear, they’re ready — financially and operationally.”

Actionable Takeaways

Identify one operational bottleneck to fix this quarter

Automate at least one manual process

Tighten internal reporting cadence

Improve communication between finance and operations

TASI Takeaway:

Operational excellence isn’t an expense — it’s an investment in agility.