Strong businesses are built on capability, but exceptional ones are built on relationships.
At VBP, partnerships extend beyond service delivery. They are grounded in trust, shared values and a commitment to people. Across its global client network, this shows up in open collaboration, care and accountability for each other’s success and wellbeing.
When challenges arise, these relationships are revealed.
Following the earthquake that struck northern Cebu in September 2025, the partnership between VBP and Koda Capital became a clear example of this in practice.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
For more than four years, VBP and Koda have built a relationship based on alignment, trust and shared principles.
From the outset, VBP team members were fully integrated into the business rather than treated as external support. As Rachel Frost, Operations Manager at Koda Capital, put it, “The team members that we have through VBP are Kodans. We consider them Kodans and we treat them as Kodans.”
That integration is reflected in how the teams work—collaboratively and with shared ownership. VBP team members are encouraged to understand context, not just complete tasks. As Rachel explained, “They won’t just execute tasks… they want to understand why.”
They are also empowered to contribute ideas and challenge thinking when needed, which strengthens trust on both sides. As Rachel noted, “They’re not afraid to challenge us… it really provides me with the feeling that they’ve got my back and Koda’s back.”
This combination of curiosity, accountability and confidence underpins how the partnership operates in practice.
When Culture Becomes Action
The strength of the relationship became most visible during the earthquake in northern Cebu. Both teams remained closely connected, checking in and ensuring people were supported during an uncertain time.
For Mira-Mae Dimmerling, a Subject Matter Expert working with Koda Capital, that support was immediate and personal as she and her family navigated disruption.
Without prompting, Koda’s leadership reached out to offer flexibility, reassurance and practical assistance during her recovery.
Support also came from across the wider business, reinforcing that care was not limited to direct teams or location. Rachel later described this response as “such an endorsement of the relationships that have been built,” noting it reflected how Koda would respond to any team member.
What defined the response was its simplicity: consistent empathy and a shared responsibility for people’s wellbeing.
One Team, Across Borders
Distance does not define how the teams operate. VBP members are included in meetings, travel to Sydney for Koda Day each year, and participate as full contributors in day-to-day work. As Mira shared, “We can feel that we are part of Koda. We are not offshore [team members].”
That inclusion is embedded in normal operations rather than treated as symbolic. As she explained, “Every Koda meeting… they make sure that we are included. I feel like we are important to them.”
The result is a working model where collaboration is not constrained by geography, and teams function as a single unit.
A Culture of Care Within VBP
VBP’s internal culture reflects the same principles. Following the earthquake, the organisation responded quickly to ensure team members had both emotional and practical support.
Communication was continuous rather than occasional, with leaders staying closely engaged. Mira recalled, “Rach and I communicated almost every day… if I didn’t reply, she would be worried.”
Support also came from senior leaders across the organisation. As Mira shared, “I received so many messages… even from executives… even the CEO reached out.” One message stayed with her: “The CEO himself goes beyond—‘I just want you to know I’m thinking about you.’”
For Mira, this level of care stood out as uncommon in professional environments: “I’ve never experienced that someone is really caring about employees… VBP always goes beyond.”
That care was also reflected in practical actions, including attention to safety, wellbeing and access to healthcare, reinforcing that support was embedded in how the organisation operates.
Redefining What Partnership Means
The VBP–Koda relationship is defined less by outputs and more by how the organisations work together. Collaboration is consistent across teams, supported by clear communication and shared expectations. As Rachel observed, “It’s not just one or two team members… it’s consistent through all of the team.”
There is also a strong emphasis on community and supporting people beyond immediate work responsibilities.
This approach shifts the relationship from a traditional service model to one based on shared accountability and trust.
Moving Forward, Together
As VBP continues to grow globally, the partnership with Koda demonstrates what long-term alignment can look like when people are placed at the centre.
Ultimately, the strength of the relationship is not defined by outcomes alone, but by how people engage with one another over time. As Rachel summed it up, “it’s a lifetime partnership.”
And within that partnership, distance becomes irrelevant, roles become secondary, and what remains is straightforward:
People showing up for people.
