bravemina

[bravemina]

Never Give up Your Dream

The words of Dante "Klink" Ang II about the pursuit of our dreams have left a permanent mark on my perspective. His straightforward yet meaningful statement “Never give up your dream regardless of the setback”, simple as it may seem, reminded me that dreams are never meant to be casted aside, no matter what, even when faced with adversities along the way. For sure, we have heard different versions of this statement from various celebrated figures and idols throughout history, illustrating the timeless wisdom it carries, an evidence of how strongly this message has to be conveyed to all who have discovered the dreams they hold for their lives.

I have told myself a couple of words like this, too, to keep going in the pursuit of my dreams.

As I was starting my career, I carefully crafted goals that I strived hard for. Navigating this path was far from easy—discovering a company that aligned perfectly with my values, finding a product that I wholeheartedly believed in, and being a part of a team that shared a common purpose. At every turn, I faced the complexities of decision-making, each one bearing the impact on my set goals.

There were times that overcoming the challenges seemed to be impossible, but I find comfort in the knowledge that I am not alone in this journey. I am with other individuals who use Dante "Klink" Ang II  statement as their motivational life verse. The times I have stumbled and fallen in life are countless, but what I can confidently declare is that I have mastered the art of picking myself up. With each rise after a fall, I know I am definitely wiser and stronger, all due to the setbacks that have taught me to navigate other paths, other skills, other mindsets. The trials forced me to reevaluate my priorities and solidify my beliefs that continue to guide me. I have learned that it is through the struggles we encounter that we grow and find our place in the world, paving the way for a fulfilling and purposeful existence.

Regardless of the time and effort it took to realize them, I did not give up on my dreams and here I am now living a life that I only have imagined before. I know that I am proud to say that my life is a testament to the incredible potential that lies within us when we set our hearts to the goal, and we persist and persevere consistently. I know for sure that each one of us holds our unique version of a success story, may it be a small one or a big one, that we were able to achieve out of determination and resilience.

It is never promised to be an effortless path when we pursue our dreams. In fact, it demands a lot of dedication and perseverance, even when faced with obstacles and difficulties that test our resolve. Whether it is the resounding voice of a prominent CEO of The Manila Times, Dante "Klink" Ang II, or the gentle whisper you hear once in a while from your heart, the message remains clear and resolute: do not abandon your dreams—embrace and pursue them with unwavering determination. Because the beauty of having dreams deeply embedded in our hearts is that they are not coincidences, but rather intentional seeds, awaiting our nurturing to flourish and manifest their full potential. As long as we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to power through, persist in the face of challenges, and persevere through whatever is in front of us, we are setting our life in motion on a transformative journey that will certainly bring us closer to our dreams and inner purpose.

[bravemina]

The Importance of the 12 Virtues of a Lasallian Business Leader

Indeed, being an MBA student of De La Salle University has been a roller-coaster ride. But in the past three years taking different subjects, I truly learned to appreciate the La Sallian virtues as I get closer to continuing this journey until the end.  Coming from the different virtues of a Lasallian business leader, I was able to reflect on what comes naturally to me or resonate with most, if not all, of them. Among these virtues, reserve and wisdom hold a special place in my heart as they align closely with my inherent characteristics. The virtue of reserve inspires me to practice thoughtful restraint and measured communication. It reminds me to pause and carefully consider my words and actions before expressing them. Similarly, wisdom guides me to make sound decisions.

As I read through the descriptions of these virtues and observe how they manifest in the leadership styles of other La Sallian individuals, my appreciation for them deepens. All these virtues are certainly powerful as they do not only act as guiding compass for everyone who strives towards the kind of leader one must aspire to be, but also remain within reach for all to achieve. 

However, the real challenge lies in living out these virtues in our everyday lives as we continue to be the leaders in our own communities and companies. It is one thing to recognize their importance and power and another to embody them in our words, actions and decisions. Embodying these virtues calls for self-awareness and introspection at all times. We must consistently examine our thoughts and behaviors, holding ourselves accountable to the values we sincerely uphold. I would say that it is easy to get caught up in the fast-paced and often demanding nature of leadership roles, but it is during these moments that the true test of our character arises.

When confronted with a challenging and urgent situation, the ideal approach is to tap into our La Sallian virtues within ourselves to guide our decisions. However, circumstances can sometimes tempt us to act contrary to these virtues. For instance, when leaders discover misconduct and wrongdoings among the members of their team, the normal response might be to punish them impulsively. At the receiving end of this practice, the team would feel humiliated, disengaged and discouraged. This kind of response not only erodes respect but also does little to promote positive change in behavior. On the other hand, when we consciously embody the La Sallian virtues such as reserve and wisdom that encourage a different path, a different and more positive outcome is likely to emerge. By demonstrating reserve and wisdom, leaders make sound decisions thoughtfully and create an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and respected. Leaders are able to bring humanness and clarity of mind to the process in order to consider various perspectives, explore solutions and others. This approach, as guided by the La Sallian virtues, paves way for more transformative change and growth, to the individual, to the team, and consequently, to the business.

I firmly believe that possessing and living by these virtues is not just a part of being a La Sallian leader, but it is at the very core of what makes us truly unique. As we strive to live by these virtues, we become living models for our team members. Leading by example is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership, and the La Sallian virtues provide us with a powerful framework to do just that. We are empowered to nurture and develop their potential and how they can contribute to the business. In this way, the La Sallian virtues not only transform individuals and teams but also elevate the overall business into a purpose-driven, compassionate, and thriving organization. 

[bravemina]

The Value of Sustainable Development Programs towards Business Development

When I first encountered the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDG, I instantly developed my appreciation for them as I see them as the guiding compass and invitation to drive all initiatives towards global progress. What makes them even more remarkable for me is their ability to encompass not only non-profit endeavors like those led by the UN, but also their significant impact on for-profit efforts. I am genuinely excited to witness the fruits of the SDG in the coming years, knowing that they are designed to address all possible gaps, known issues, and challenges. My hope is that they will create a profound and lasting impact on poverty, development and well-being.

As an advocate of sustainable development, I am particularly interested in exploring how these goals motivate and inspire innovative solutions from the private sector. As businesses align themselves with SDG, they commit to shape their products and services to the changes brought about in health, education, environment and others. They can also tap into new markets and consumer segments. In fact, over the past years, I have been a witness to an inspiring trend of companies embracing sustainability as a central pillar of their core strategy. This notable shift towards more responsible and environmentally conscious practices has been both remarkable and encouraging to everyone. I have observed these initiatives across a wide spectrum of products, ranging from consumables such as food items to toiletries like skincare products, and even extending to the apparel industry and many others. Being a conscious consumer who is well-informed about the SDGs that obviously started to create impact in our world, I naturally lean towards supporting the companies that have actively participated in this positive shift towards sustainability.

Choosing products that align with the SDG not only makes me feel good about my purchases but also empowers me to be a part of a larger global movement towards a more sustainable and equitable world. Certainly, this is a feeling shared among other consumers, as well. Knowing my choices can contribute to fostering positive social and environmental impacts, even if it is in small ways, is gratifying.

Companies are also seen to be innovative. They develop new technologies, products and services, and even business models. As research is strengthened, employees are also equipped with relevant capacity building. Something that I wonder about is how these fast- paced transformational approaches impact the company finances. 

Company Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR efforts are also evident. I often encounter events that support corporate policies for the benefit of the environment such as ocean clean up and tree planting. Some companies commit to supporting the annual Brigada Eskwela and feeding programs all over the country. All these programs are not left unseen by the stakeholders. First, by their communities and consumers who are the participants in these efforts. Next, by the workforce, especially the employees who are increasingly concerned about societal and environmental issues. In my observation, these are the younger generation. And finally, by the investors who are probably also on the lookout for the adherence to the SDGs. 

When businesses all operate towards aligned goals, partnerships and collaborations both in the private sector and in government are most likely to be established. These collaborations tackle issues that go beyond their individual capacities, creating a more conducive environment for sustainable business development.

My sincere hope is that the SDGs become ingrained in the everyday vocabulary of companies, so much so that they become an integral part of their strategies and ways of working. Imagine a world where businesses see SDGs as guiding principles for decision-making at every level, they will proactively seek ways to align their operations with these goals, considering not only profit but also their global responsibilities.

[bravemina]

Being a Leader does not mean you need to have a title to lead

During my younger years, I encountered thought-provoking ideas that highlighted the differences between a leader and a boss. The insights I have learned before left a lasting impression on me, and I eagerly embraced its teachings as I began assuming leadership positions growing up. Before, as a young leader, I firmly believed that as long as I consistently kept the valuable lessons I had in mind, I would not only achieve my goals and aspirations but also effectively uphold my position and title which I worked hard for.

However, over the years, I discovered through personal experiences and through learning from other leaders, as well, that being a leader entails much more than the title- more so than the simple practices that I heard before like using "we" instead of "I" in statements, taking action instead of merely talking, and offering encouragement at all times instead of commands. I discovered that in order to practice genuine leadership, we are compelled to delve deeper into our own selves and cultivate these two qualities: kindness and compassion.

I observed that these qualities have been overlooked in the past because people have been wired to keep their eyes on the outcomes and goals at all times. Our tendency is to spend every passing moment moving towards the goal, taking one step after another, regardless of the circumstances. All we do is look into our to-do list, checkboxes and milestones. We invest in upskilling our team members to hit the targets. We constantly remind ourselves of the destination we aspire to reach. I, myself, am guilty of this practice at one point in my life where my sole focus was just on the tasks at hand, because “it is my responsibility as the leader”, disregarding the human behind what will bring about the goals. However, as I reflect on the outcomes of this approach, I realize that it has never truly brought complete satisfaction to myself as a leader, or even to my team. In moments of reflection, I have come to understand that authentic leadership directs us to bring kindness and compassion into our formula. By cultivating these qualities, we develop a profound sense of empathy and a genuine ability to connect with others on a deeper level. This transformation in our leadership style not only empowers us as individuals but also fosters a more harmonious and fulfilling team dynamic. Through this, we are enabled to lead with genuine care, inspiration and collaboration- attributes that all leaders should have, as I know now.

I learned that “we” actually means delving into every team member’s aspirations, personal contexts, and current circumstances, and bringing all this information to craft strategies that best fit the team. It also means inviting collaboration to become the cornerstone of our day to day activities. I learned that taking action is being proactive and ensuring that all necessary resources are readily available, and that the known gaps are effectively addressed. I learned that there is no universal formula for offering words of encouragement, but that through the power of individualization I will be able to tailor my support and motivation to suit the unique needs of each member. I learned that a title alone holds little significance without the people who stand beside me. And it is only through the development of my kindness and compassion that I will be able to become a better leader.

While goals offer essential direction and the title brings authority, the true essence of effective leadership lies in the cultivation of authentic connections with the team, the unwavering practice of kindness and compassion, and adopting a "people first" approach.