FIRST PACIFIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
hosts 5th Crafting Chapters and Lessons in Thought Leadership
First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), the first corporate university in the country, has always taken to heart the enterprising spirit and inspiring leadership of its founding chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. His philosophies and business wisdom have served as pillars in all of FPLA’s corporate programs and events.
LEADERSHIP AND LESSONS
The forum series, Crafting Chapters and Lessons in Thought
Leadership, is one such event that expands and celebrates this unique aspect of FPLA. Held at the Meralco Theater, the fifth edition of thought leadership forum featured movers and shakers from many different industries, including AIDE app co-founder and managing director Paolo Bugayong; founder and chief farmer of Earthbeat Farms Enzo Pinga; awardwinning photographer, marketer and successful freelancer Tammy David; editor, strategist and lifestyle consultant Anna Canlas; distinguished documentary photographer Gio Panlilio; consulting economist for transport, infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships Robert Siy III; General Electric global director for business and market development Jason Soberano; 11-year-old singing prodigy Natalia Santamaria Escaño; and Point Blue founder, CEO, and real estate disruptor JR Yujuico. This powerful roster of young leaders and visionaries have excelled in their different fields and industries and shared what they have learned over the years to help others find success in their own endeavors. It was an insightful discussion, made more dynamic thanks to moderator Mitzi Borromeo.
“Ours is a world that has evolved to reward bravery. Bravery is an integral component in any modern success formula, and today, we are fortunate to have a panel that can truly provide insight on what it means to be brave, and what it means to lead in this day and age,” began Borromeo, kicking off the discussion.
Bravery is a value often mentioned as a necessary trait of a leader, but which is not thoughtfully explored in other discussions. It builds character, and is integral to finding personal success. More than skills, resources and network, what makes an individual successful and what helps him to excel and be effective as a leader are bravery and character. This “winning” outlook and perspective allows leaders to take on any challenge and find solutions that will benefit their company and their people.
“Challenges can come in the form of criticism. While others are afraid to address them, for me, I believe that criticism should be embraced,” shared Soberano. “You must spin it and make something positive out of it.”
Like Soberano, the other panelists provided their own nuggets of wisdom, which can be applied not only to business but also to daily life. “I think all work should be inspired… Knowing something that you’re good at is always key to fulfillment,” said Canlas.
When it comes to venturing into freelancing and finding success outside of the traditional corporate setup, David noted: “Hindi bagay ang freelancing
sa mahina ang loob. I had to learn how to be brave, so you too have to build the strength, faith and confidence in your abilities as well. It will all pay off eventually.”
Taking on risks is what makes you courageous and what allows you become stronger as a individual. “So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” shared Panlilio. Yujuico agreed and said that it’s only scary and challenging because of the “unknowns” — conditions you think which are beyond your control. But there’s a way to navigate that and overcome it. “Limit your unknowns. Study and know what you are up against,” he added.
All panelists have become powerful voices in their respective industries and have been able to build comfortable lives for themselves and their people. But they all agree that it’s not enough that you achieve financial success, you have to see beyond and think about contributing to a greater purpose. “Being rich is not about how much you get, but how much you give back,” shared Bugayong, underlining the responsibility of using your gifts, leadership and resources to help others.
“It’s about paying it forward. One of my goals is to add value to people’s lives,” Pinga said, adding that this has always what has powered him over the years. “Me too, I want to be part of making a future that is better than what we have now,” Siy added.
Every year, Crafting Chapters and Lessons in Thought Leaders aims to explore, expound and truly understand what makes a leader great. FPLA takes the discussion further by impressing that “Leaders are not born, they’re made and molded,” said Roy Agustin Evalle, GM and executive director of FPLA.
“We see champions everywhere — most especially in the organization. These are the champions of innovation; champions of integrity,
and most importantly, champions of organizational bravery,” he added, highlighting the importance of training and developing leaders in a company or institution.
The Crafting Chapters and Lessons in Thought Leadership forum also coincided with MVP’s 72nd birthday and FPLA delivered no less than a touching tribute to their founding chairman. In addition to bringing out a cake for him to make a wish, with several key members of the organization sharing their well-wishes and thanks.
“Chairman Manual V. Pangilinan has always lived his life with excellence, and he continually inspires others to do the same in their own lives. If there is one major takeaway for today’s activities, it is find joy and purpose in what you do and help others find purpose in theirs. Through our corporate programs and executive talks, we aim to not only help individuals achieve their full potential; but also help them develop into inspiring leaders, just like MVP,” ended Evalle.
For more information on FPLA’s upcoming events and leadership training workshops, email nmtsayno@fpacdemy.net, or call 696-3051.