An interview with the young

“Geography is dead!” This is what I was told many years ago by futurists and book authors hailing the coming of the technology-driven 21st century.

This is true. But if I were to make fun of the statement, I would change this to “Geography is dead! Long Live the Office!” Work now is no longer confined to a physical space. As long as you have a laptop, a tablet or a smart phone in your hands, then you carry your office with you.

While I was in San Francisco spending a few days with family on my way to Atlanta to attend a conference that constitutes my yearly study sabbatical, a group of young people requested permission to interview me for a project they’re making. And I responded in the positive knowing that this is work anywhere and everywhere and not limited by geography.

Here is the gist of the interview I would like to share with you. I have secured their permission to do so. Here it goes.

1. What factors made you realize to change your life and make it into a better one?

I came from the fashion industry. I realize that today’s hit is tomorrow’s obsolescence and, therefore, I need to constantly innovate and reinvent to keep my business alive. Then I equated this to life. Time changes everything and if I do not improve, then I will be left behind feeling lonely, inadequate and the most tragic feeling of them all, being USELESS!

2. How did you overcome challenges and failures in your life?

No magic formula. I believe in God and put my trust in Him. I held on to the promise in Romans 8:28 that “All things work out for the good to those who love God...” I know I do and so I channel my energy into processing the experience and learn from it. Then I move on with life and try to be better.

3. What is your principle or beliefs about being successful?

That no one comes to the stage or level of success. Success is never a destination. You don’t arrive at success. You spar with it, you wrestle with it, sometimes you miss it other times you reach it, and then you move on to the next level.

4. When did you realize the need to inspire people?

The moment I find people finding me useful and that they are profiting from the ideas I would share. This gives me certain joy money could not buy and it aligns with my purpose and meaning in life.

5. What keeps you going and doing despite trials and difficulties?

The knowledge that God has something better and that He has a plan for me. A plan for success and not calamity, that every situation whether it be a blessing or adversity is a test on my character and that I just have to emerge better out from it.

6. Who or what was your inspiration to start what you have done today?

In my private “Hall of Fame” I have famous authors and speakers like Zig Ziglar, Max Lucado, Dr. Ravi Zacharias and a host of others who inspire me every day. I read their books, listen to their podcasts, and attend their seminars and these fuels my “Inspiration Tank.”

7. What is the greatest thing you’ve done in your life or career?

I have not done it yet.

 8. What is the most difficult trial you have encountered?

When people I loved and trusted cheat, attack and slander. That could be a very painful experience, but a great learning event as well.

9. Who is your role model in life? Why?

Jesus Christ hands down. And if this is an unfair standard, then my role models come in many shapes and forms. I learn the best from the best. In business, this term is called “Best Practices” and many of these people are staying with me in my home library.

10. What is your greatest learning in life that brought change in your life?

That everybody changes over time. The person we are today will never be the same person we will be years from now and this is why the challenge is for me to change for the better and not for the worst in terms of character and personhood.

11. What is your mission? Have you already accomplished it?

To finish the race and complete the task that God has given me. The testifying of His Grace… I am still a work in progress and the only desire I have is to finish well.

Hope you enjoyed it.

(Experience two inspiring days with Francis Kong learning leadership skills in this year’s first run of Level Up Leadership on March 15-16 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries contact April at +63928 559 1798)