Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. — Helen Keller
In life, there are no mistakes, only lessons. — Vic Johnson
What life and other lessons can we learn from our fascinating economic leaders, whether we are professionals or business people? Not in any order, here are some of the Philippines’ wealthiest, most influential and/or most admired tycoons, plus a lesson we can hopefully learn from each. My list is different from the still incomplete Forbes magazine roster.
Henry Sy, Sr
Aim to be No. 1. The Shopping Mall King and No. 1 in banking told me in past dinner conversations that he looks quiet but within him there’s always this competitive spirit. Ever since he was a kid in his rural home village in south China before coming to Manila at age 12, he was already a natural leader. “Be the best,” he said.
Manuel ‘Manny’ V. Pangilinan
Work hard, this is a lesson from the Telecom King (and future TV King?). Years ago before his firm helped popularize text messaging, he messaged me at midnight via my pager to call him at the office. When I incredulously called his office, he was still there working! MVP admires Asia’s wealthiest taipan self-made Li Ka Shing of Hong Kong. They used to have the same office building and one Sunday morning when MVP went to get some stuff, he was surprised to see Li heading to work!
John Gokongwei, Jr.
Read a lot to analyze, strategize. Gokongwei is the most well-read tycoon in the Philippines, reading history, biographies, annual reports to magazines.