Success Story of a Leader & Technology Innovator (speaker #6)

CEO Series 6th guest speaker was Engineer Diosdado "Dado" Banatao. The event was free and open to the public and I was fortunate to attend even it was held on a Friday morning.

Engineer Dado has a wide experience as an entrepreneur and invented the chips that we used in our mobile and laptops. He is the managing partner of Tallwood Venture Capital. With three kids from Maria, 2 Engineers and 1 Fashion Designer.

I was amazed of the life story of Engineer Dado. It's a rags to riches story. He came from the North of Cagayan Valley Province. His father was a rice farmer and he was really hardworking so that his children can finish their studies. He studied high school at Great Glory of God where he learned his arithmetic skills and no memorizing but instead they count things like an abacus. Then he went to Ateneo de Tuguegarao where he started to learn from the Jesuits. He studied high school at the age of 11 and done his home work alone. After high school, he studied at Mapua Institute of Technology and passed the board exam. After college, he started to looked for the job but can't find the right job for him. In addition, he turned down the job offer in Meralco. Instead, he found an interesting job in Philippine Airlines as a trainee pilot.

photo credit: Ms. Pia Manalastas

Engineer Dado worked at Boeing 747 as a Design Engineer in Systems Integration Department for the company's new commercial airliner where he also learned a lot from the company. When he got bored, he wanted to study again and go back to graduate school. He took the Graduate Study Program at University of Washington for 18 months, where he was full time student with full salary for two hours worked. Then he transferred to Stanford University where he learned a lot from his Master Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and this was the beginning of who he is today. The school have good program in computing architectures and the beginning of Silicon Valley, the chips that they used.

Six (6) years later as a Design Engineer from different individual contributor managing small group, then he started his first company. Unfortunately the company failed because it ran out of funds. However, he didn't give up. With the same idea and starting from scratch again, he improved the second company and offer it to the public and this is the beginning of his innovation. He studied the PC upside down and he didn't give up and took it as a challenge, the more difficult the probabilities, the more they stay in their office.

He encouraged the students to study reverse engineering as well as do some designs and challenge themselves to do something new. Most of all, he emphasized that they should not give up; there will always be challenge in life. Its either you give up or challenge yourself. If you give up, you're done.

According to Engineer Dado, if you are in the technology field, in future we only worry about the eradicating poverty and the only known solution is economic development. And the only solution to economic development is sustain growth. Development is innovation and the solution to innovation is to have the experts. In addition, there is a wide gap between the rich and the poor, and the only know solution to disrupt that is entrepreneurship.

He wishes that before he die, he sees a progressive country with a government funding the right thing such as the Institution like the University system and doing the right thing in considering the innovation.

I've learned a lot from Engineer Dado and one of this is hard works really leads to success. Let us continue to pursue our dreams, ambitions and aspirations in spite of adversities in life. We should dream, believe, act and achieve.

Kudos Engineer Diosdado Banatao! May you inspire more Filipinos. 

The Journey of a Leader (speaker #5)

When she entered our class room, she smile to us sincerely.  You can feel at ease with her even you don't know her....ang bait nya and I like her. That's my impression to our guest speaker last night.....

Our guest speaker is Ms. Maria Ester "Maret" Follosco Bautista....
She took her Bachelor of Science in Business Economics at University of the Philippines and Master in Business Administration concentrating on Finance and Investment Banking at Fordham University. Currently, she is the President of CL Follosco Group of Companies. She is an active speaker and delegate in International Conferences and Seminars. She  is also the Philippine representative to the different APEC activities concerning Entrepreneurship and Management. Moreover, she hold different local lectures and seminars on Financial Management and Entrepreneurship. She is also affiliated with the Financial Executive of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Go Negosyo and other organizations. Also, she is married to Mr. Ponciano C. Bautista Jr.

Photo credit: Ms. Pia Manalastas

She show us the video about the CL Follosco Group of Companies and this is their journey....
In the 1960s, CL Follosco Group of Companies started implementing modernization programs in the agricultural business sector in the Philippines. The company's founder and patriarch and who is also the father of Ms. Maret,  is  Dr. Ceferino L. Follosco. He saw a business opportunity in the trading of agricultural disc and spare parts. With minimal capital, Dr. Follosco established Alpha Machinery and Engineering Corporation (also called Alpha) in 1966. When it started, the company had no office and no staff, just a P.O. box address in Manila.

Ms. Maret oversees the CL Follosco Group of Companies from the agricultural in machinery and engineering business. And over the year's, Alpha's product line expanded.

Alpha ventured into local fabrication in 1974. This paved the way for the establishment of the second company in the Group - the Follosco Manufacturing and Industrial Corporation (FMIC). In 1979, Allied Sales Corporation was created to provide support services for CLFGs manufacturing, trading and agriculture related activities.

Management and consultancy company was organized in 1982, Agro-Industrial Management and Consultancy Inc. (AIMCON) in identifying potential agribusiness projects and provide the proponents with management and technical advice.

Recognizing the opportunity in power plants and industrial plants, Acetech Construct Corp. (Acetech) was established in 1988 to construct power plants using bunker-fed engines. In 1992, the financing business, Active Alliance Finance Corporation was initially registered as a lending investor and it was later incorporated into a full-service finance company.

Cef and Ester Follosco Foundation, Inc. (CEFFI) was registered in 2001. CEFFI provides financial assistance, medical assistance, disaster and calamity assistance, and training to CLFG's employees, their dependents and relatives, and to other foundations and institutions.

As part of the Group's growth strategy, CLFG represented John Deere Tractors in 2003 that led to the establishment of the AG-MECH Systems Corporation. In 2005, the idea to maximize CLFG's assets, founded the creation of another company, the Access Storage and Logistics Systems Corporation. This is a real estate business that suggest an office space leasing and property development.

Later on, two other companies were established - Problends Food Corporation in 2007, primarily to engage in tolling operations for custom blended juices and teas in specialty ingredients for food processors, food chains and food service establishments nationwide, and Hydrotech Systems and Resources Corporation in 2008 to provide the latest technology and widest range of water and water treatment systems.

Forty three years after the establishment of its founding company, CL Follosco Group, Inc. was incorporated  as a holding company in 2009.

In 2011, the group also launched the Aqua Care Chemicals as its own brand of swimming pool and water treatment chemicals.

The group welcomed three companies in 2012. First was CLFG Capital Corp., a private direct investment firm that aims to provide access to capital to start up firms and emerging growth companies. Next one was, WeConnect Training and Development Solutions, Inc., an outsourcing company that provides human resource and employment solution to its clients in the BPO industry. Last one was One Outsource Direct Corp., a business process outsourcing company that offer contact center management, revenue-generating channels management and back office services.

Two main companies joining the group in succeeding years, CLFG Travel House Corp was established in 2013 as a company that offer travel and tour services. The following year, Active Food Innovators Corporation was registered as food ingredient company that produces spray dried powders that offer other tolling services.

I've learned  that "the further you look back the further you can see". Today they are 50 years, after the establishment that only start for 5,000 capital, they continuous to be the country head long company. The company is not a fast moving consumer group, CLFG is behind the scene that started in agriculture and most of their products are industrial. Their business are more on agriculture, water, air and land plus the 20% is their new businesses such as the IT and business processes. Having many companies they don't compete to each other. They have their own budgets, own markets, own suppliers and own customers.

To look back, Dr. Follosco started in Lanao Del Sur and studied in public school. He wants to achieve more so he went to Manila and was given a scholarship in Mechanical Engineering but he has no math subject in high school in Lanao Del Sur public school. In addition, he wanted to take Agricultural to be a farmer, that was his lifetime dream. After 6 years, he finished three (3) Engineering degrees (Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial) with highest Latin honors, Summa Cum Laude. He also passed Mechanical Board Examination and top the board in Electrical. He was also teaching while working as well as studying for his board exam and studying another degree then started a family. He really drive to agricultural engineering in his heart that's why he took his Agricultural masters where he was granted full scholarship in IOWA and finished the two year course in just straight eight (8) months. He was very hard working and he has dedication on whatever he do such as making sure that he teach his students very well and share what he knows. Then became an entrepreneur.

As mentioned by Ms. Maret, true values come out during crisis. During 1982-1986, there's no activity, people are rallying. In support of democracy and freedom, they allow their employees to join the rallies in the street. They were committed to support their employees so they create mini livelihood projects for employees to have continuous source of income. Thus, true value comes to them as well as integrity and commitment to their people, stakeholders and suppliers. In addition, they are committed to continuous learning, employees are required to go to seminars to enhance their skill and its for free. In addition, they make sure that they contribute to National Development. They also have a foundation that run by their employees itself.

Fifteen (15) years ago, after building and setting up the business, their father turned over the business to them in such as way that the group of company were group into their own clusters. Ms. Maret's brother head the Agricultural and Trading and the other brother head the Manufacturing and food and Ms. Maret in financial and general management as well as the other groups. They were trained to have specialties and they don't compete to each other. They have different background but combination of different ideas and experiences. They argue but follow the same principles and values.

After Dr. Follosco turned over the business. he focused on giving so he serve the country for six years as a Secretary in Science and Technology. After his term, he was asked by different President of the Philippines for government services but he decided to serve the country in different way.

Below is the CLFG business model for inclusive growth and they used this model for almost thirteen (13) years. It center around in helping the people.

CLFG  Business Model

It's nice to know that they are also helping a lot of different industries and community groups as well as their customers. In addition, if CEO is not in their family circle, they are open to hire.

I like the way Dr. Follosco trained their children. Now, they are training the 3rd generation by following the same values and principles. They have family constitution to guide dispute and it also stated that "no in-laws". They were also trained not to involved in the business after graduation, to have outside experience for at least two (2) years. Then apply if there's a position. If none, you cannot create a position but you can create a business. And part of the constitution is everybody is required to have masters but should be related on what they are doing.

It is inspiring to know that Dr. Follosco created a family fund such as educational fund until masters for  2 1/2 generation. In addition, they also have medical fund, burial fund and retirement fund, but no "mana".  They need to grow the business for their children until apo because 10% goes to family fund. They need to work hard so they can send them to the best school and retain the family fund until the next next next generation.

As parting advice of Ms. Maret, be an entrepreneur.

I've learned a lot from the journey of Dr. Follosco. What a great journey and thank you for sharing Ms. Maret. ^_^


Reference:
http://clfolloscogroup.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=46

The Puzzle of Motivation from Daniel Pink

Employee leaves the job due to lack of motivation. In every business it is necessary to have an understanding about the puzzle of motivation so that it could be solved and ensure prosperity and success in the organization.

In the video showed to us, Daniel Pink expresses the disconnect between science and business with regards to motivation. First, he introduces the candle problem wherein the job is to attach the candle to the wall with a box of thumbtacks and matches so it don't drip. Two groups try to solve the problem - one is to timing to establish the norms, average how long it takes to solve the problem while the other one is give a reward such as money in the top 25% of the fastest. This shows that the group being given a money is 3.5 minutes slower than the other. Business works by giving bonuses, commissions and incentives. Incentives are designed to sharpen thinking and accelerate creativity however, it dulls thinking and blocks creativity. For a lot of task, these contingent motivators actually don't work or often do harm. In addition, for candle problems of any kind, in any field, the if-then rewards often destroy creativity and often don't work.

According to Daniel, there are three elements that combine to give intrinsic motivation. In the business setting it revolves around the following elements:
1) Autonomy - the desire to direct our own lives. Having complete control over the way you want things done to achieve a particular objective is what motivates people.
2) Mastery - the urge to get better or to develop skills. To achieve the best and keep on improving the performance standards is what mastery is concerned.
3) Purpose - the need to do what we do for reasons bigger than ourselves. Doing something meaningful and that is larger than the desires.

The secret to high performance isn't reward and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive - the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause the matter. We can make business stronger as well as we can change the world, if we allow people to be more motivated by autonomy, mastery and purpose.

image credit: http://image.slidesharecdn.com/thesecrettoemployeemotivation-150121223132-conversion-gate01/95/the-secret-to-employee-motivation-7-638.jpg?cb=1439418050

What drives employees to peak their performance as well as to achieve business goals? I think, we need first to understand what motivates employees. Not every employee will be motivated by the same thing and not every program needs to be monetary. Some employees become more motivated when they are recognized and appreciated. Employees want to feel that they are good at their jobs as well as they want to feel that they are being heard.

References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Y
https://tedsummaries.com/2014/06/06/dan-pink-the-puzzle-of-motivation/
https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation/transcript?language=en
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fixing-psychology/201301/the-puzzle-motivation-and-behaviorism
http://mollyl2018.blogspot.com/2015/04/puzzle-of-motivation-presented-by-dan.html
http://www.nateleung.com/the-answer-to-the-puzzle-of-motivation/

Our Approach to Leadership (speaker #4)

Mr. Robin Bradshaw, the country manager for Philippines of Cathay Pacific Airways, was our 4th guest speaker. Prior to his assignment, he was assigned as Country Manager in Indonesia for 7 years. He also worked for Cathay Pacific in Middle East, Malaysia, Brunei and Italy. He joined SWIRE Management trainee in 1995 and had been involved in Sales, Marketing and Country Management for Cathay Pacific Airways and John Swire and Sons.  He holds the Bachelors degree of Philosophy and Theology from St. Peter's College, University of Oxford as well Advanced Management at INSEAD.

photo credit: Ms. Pia Manalastas

He shared what he learned and experience he had. He shared first about the company he has working for. According to him, they recruit people wanting to stay for life and they value the experience their people get inside the company. This is unusual proposition and I was amazed to Cathay Pacific. How I wish that I work for them ^_^

To begin, SWIRE has been going for 200 years (1816-2016).  The company was established by the Swire family and still running by Swire 5th generation with the same values and integrity. Their headquarter in London and 49 share in Cathay Pacific headquartered in Hongkong. Swire business includes properties, aviation, beverages and food chain, marine services and trading and industrial.

He worked for 21 years in SWIRE such as in automotive, offshore, agriculture, and logistic. In addition, 12 years in Cathay Pacific, he done management pilot, sales and distribution. The company move him out, 6 years in Philippines, 2 years in Malaysia, Indonesia for 3 years, Singapore, Hongkong - move you in different countries, move in different industries and move in different functions.

What he can share? He shared his technical expertise - if you can manage people and you can manage numbers it doesn't mean what matter in business you are in. You will find your specialist by doing your best out of it. The genuine general manager is about - "Finding the right people and getting the best out of it."

And to learn more about SWIRE, here are their motto, training principle and five core values:
SWIRE's motto - "Esse Quam Videri" which means "To be, rather than to seem to be".  -  Let the brand do the talking, let good people in front, let the product do the talking and do what we say.

The training principle that SWIRE practice is the  70  -  20  -  10  which is 70% for learning  the job, 20% training, and 10% mentoring and relationship build.

Five (5) Core Values of SWIRE:
1) Integrity is essential in individual and in company.  Treating people with integrity
           such as telling the truth what's happening to the company.
2) Humility - humble inside and with service mentality who wants to help others.
3) Endeavor - continue to work hard to get the job done and think for the long term.
4) Continuity - work with the same strategies
5) Excellence - caring not hurting the staff

photo credit: Ms. Pia Manalastas

Here are some questions that he answered:
What were your defining moments where you exercise leadership? 
- Under pressure from the manager to do something I did not agree with
- Having to terminate a long serving staff
- SARS

If I am going to business in the future, I've learned that I should think about the education of my people by keep training them. Good managers open up and good people develop.

The most difficult things Mr. Bradshaw did was when he terminated a long service staff. I think there are times when we need to do something that can be better for both parties. Employers have the basic right to terminate the employment of the employee however as long as the company will comply with the labor standards and human rights legislation.

During the SARS issue 80% of their passengers cancelled their flights. What Cathay Pacific based in Hongkong did? The management called the team and told them to go to leave (2 months unpaid leave). But at the end of the year when everything went well, they paid and return to employees all the unpaid leave. Because they build trust and integrity to their staff, it went smoothly. That's the true management - face the staff and tell them the truth.

What have been the issues your organization/industry faced over the past three years (or are still facing)?
- over capacity
- non level playing field
- loss of prestige over the idea of flying

How are you harmonizing your work and the other facets of your life?
- stay interesting keep learning
- put your health first, stay active/sleep well
- use my experience to share and teach/my passion

I've learned that you should keep learning and have passion for your work. You should also know yourself - who you are? what do you want to do? what's the importance of your life? In addition, take good care of your health, sleep at least 8 hours. And the most important, to be more effective manager, he advise to always communicate. Hence, I need to improve my communication skill.

He showed the video about the selective attention test (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo) - count how many times the players wearing white pass the basketball. The moral lesson for this "don't missed the gorilla in your life, in your personal life - understand what's going on and what's important to you, to company and to family"

The Real CEO (speaker #3)

Our group (group 3) was assigned to welcome and  introduce Mr. George Chua as our guest speaker last night. 

Mr. George Chua took his Mechanical and Industrial Management Engineering at De La Salle University. He also earned his MBA at UPenn's Wharton School.

He is serving as President for Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) as well as the President and CEO of Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation (BAIC).

photo credit: Ms. Pia Manalastas

What would CEOs advise to their younger selves? This was the first video Mr. Chua showed to our class. In this video, I've learned that in doing something, don't hesitate to do it. Don't be afraid to do what is assigned to you. Think this as an opportunity to learn  and work for people. Be more creative and accept challenge.

What are the successful CEOs requisites? 
For Mr. Chua, here are the list of requisites based on his experience....
  -  Education and Training acquire at every opportunity
  -  Working SMART is better than working HARD
  -  Efficiency is the key
  -  Excellent communication skills a necessity
  -  Learn to play the part
  -  Networking is essential
  -  Positive thinking attracts luck
  -  Timing is everything
  -  See the big picture
  -  Know how to execute a plan and turn dreams into reality

I've learned that working SMART is very important. When working SMART you tried to figure out, if there is a better way, if there is an efficient way to do it, if there is an effective way to do it and if there is  a cheaper way in doing it. One of Mr. Chua's advise, to become a Chief Executive you should know how to manage your time; need to learn multi-tasking; and know how to speak - you speak for the institution - you are the face of the company and at the same time you represent the company. Positive thinking attracts luck that it open to opportunities and see good things.  In addition, when making a decision, sometimes you need to make bold decision. Involve in something you like and you understand. You should be the visionary and you should also need to know how to execute a plan, its' something like knowing where you're going.

What are the defining moments that Mr. Chua encountered as a CEO? 
CEO as the one who is in-charge....
   - Know what the problem is;
   - Make sure you have the authority;
   - Put your money where your mouth is;
   - Have a dream;
   - Come up with a strategy;
   - Execution;
   - Professional vs. owner

I now understand that being CEO, you should have first the authority to execute such as firing and hiring people. Be responsible for something, and to be responsible you should have the authority to do it. You need to know where you want to go and you need to come out with a strategy and visualize a road map. In executing, do it right with the right people.

photo credit: Mr. George Chua (with Ms. Pia Manalastas)

I truly adore our speaker especially when he appreciate the effort done by her daughter in selling BAIC vehicles. Her daughter sold 18 cars in one month and she just finished her marketing course in DLSU. For a fresh graduate who can sold 18 cars in just one month - that's the reason why Mr. Chua was very proud. 

Crisis Management & Crisis Communication

Last Friday night, our Professor discussed about the crisis communication and crisis management.

What is Crisis?  A crisis is any situation that would threaten the reputation, the integrity of the company or the organization. Crisis is an unexpected;  there is a threat or challenge that require immediate attention. 

I learned that I should be prepared before, during and after crisis. There should be preparation before anything happen and people should know each other. Let the team organize so they will know what to do in a particular crisis. Also, people should be brief and build trust and let them know what's happening.

Image credit: http://www.roughhousemedia.co.uk/all-posts/crisis-communications-quote-warren-buffet/

What is Crisis Management?  A crisis management is the process where the company or the organization deals with unexpected event or sudden situation that can ruin the company or the organization. To help the organization to deal with sudden and significant negative event.

Company should have a plan, failure to plan could be disastrous. For instance, put a back-up system in place to have a copy of key data in the event of a system failure. It is important to have a plan in place that will allow you to handle  any crises with ease as well as keeping the business running.

What is Crisis Communication?  A crisis communication is the exchange of information within and between the authorities, organizations, media and interested individuals and groups before, during and after a crisis.

I learned that during crisis, don't let the lawyer to speak up for your. Keep the good name of the company and your reputation by being honest and by not lying and not hiding the truth. People will remember you on how the company presented during crisis. Always remember that it is always best when a mistake has been made to admit.

Being the future leaders in the business world, it is our duty to call the team and inform them the truth of what's happening; show concern for the safety of our people; encourage; stand up; and take responsibility. 

References:

http://www.roughhousemedia.co.uk/all-posts/crisis-communications-quote-warren-buffet/

The Secret to Successful Crisis Management

What is the secret to successful crisis management?

We watched the video of Melissa Agnes as she discussed the secret to successful crisis management in the 21st century. I've learned that the successful crisis management is depend on your teams ability to manage the real time challenges and simultaneously managing the actual crisis in the real time. I also learned that in order to manage the team there should be trust, credibility and leadership in the crisis ultimately. In addition, let the team know how to identify risk and opportunity and instinctively know how to communicate, when to communicate and where to communicate in real time of crisis.

It is a great start to prepare for issues before it happen. Having a crisis management plan allows the company to react fast to any situation.

My goal is to take this things I have learned and apply them in my life. As Human Resources in our organization, I will take the lead to help the organization such as discuss with employees on the identified areas of concern as well as prepare management plan which work best during emergency situations.

image credit: http://image.slidesharecdn.com/101inspiringquotesaboutcommunication-curatedbyjeremybalius-130729080255-phpapp01/95/101-inspiring-quotes-about-communication-76-638.jpg?cb=1375085228

References:

Inspiring quote. Retrieved from 
http://image.slidesharecdn.com/101inspiringquotesaboutcommunication-curatedbyjeremybalius-130729080255-phpapp01/95/101-inspiring-quotes-about-communication-76-638.jpg?cb=1375085228

The Secret to Successful Crisis Management in the 21st Century - Melissa Agnes TEDx Talk from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQGEPEaEWtg

CEO Can't Afford to Panic (case 1)

"The CEO Can't Afford to Panic" is a case study that explores the area of social responsibility. Gerald Smarten, CEO of Kaspa Financial Services is having a dilemma. While presiding over the usual Tuesday meeting of the company, a bomb exploded at nearby train station causing confusion, uncertainty, and even fatalities on the area. Given this circumstance, the city requested whether Kaspa Financial Services is willing to help to the community by providing its space to become a triage center and a temporary morgue. Standpoints of the members of the management team also exists at this point with some agreeing to the city’s request and others arguing against it.

Thus, our group recommendation is to offer the company’s lobby and cafeteria to the city to help the victims of the subway bombing incident. We believe that going beyond the boundaries of the ordinary course of business, as traditionally set by society, is the best action to take. This is because in the realm of ethics, moral conscience and civic responsibilities are expected to be exercised and mere compliance with regulations and a good achievement of one’s financial performance are outweighed by different things affecting society.

In addition, Mr. Smarten demonstrated his abilities to remain calm and logical in times of crisis. At the same time, he considered the different factors that will be influenced by his final decision. It was also exhibited that he believes that ethics must play an important role in making a decision and a positive response for people and victims of crisis will have a lasting impact on Kaspa Financial Services and its employees.

In this case, we also learned much about the important role of the CEO in an organization. The decision related to crisis, problem and major opportunities that must be overseen and integrated by the Chief Executive. CEOs are increasingly exposed to all kinds of pressure such as from the government, regulatory agencies, consumers and ordinary citizens. To deal with this, the CEO must learn to function effectively in an environment of openness and transparency, as well as learn to respond to such pressure and to unexpected events. A great CEO has the ability to turn threats into opportunities and crisis into solutions in a very humane and ethical manner.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:4

Leadership (speaker #2)

Leadership is about you, according to our 2nd guest speaker last night.
On July 15, 2015, Mr. Aftab Ahmed was appointed as Citi Country Officer for the Philippines. He started his career with Citi as an executive trainee after getting MBA from Tulane University in New Orleans, U.S.A. He has worked for Citi in 10 countries across North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. For 40 years, he works in the bank and 39 years managing people.

Anne, Belle, Mr. Aftab, Antz, Me (Group 3 with Citi CEO)

He talked about ethics challenge, new opportunities and crisis management. He share that whether ethics, whether opportunities, there should be strong communication - by discussing the issues; discussing the opportunities. Communication is two way - you need to be engaged, involved and present. You cannot handle the crisis alone; you need to consult. You need to believe - if you don't believe, no one will believe on you. It always start to you. And most of all, God will prevail to achieve your objectives.

Ethics is about telling to your organization if you see something wrong as well as doing the right thing and escalation is the best policy. Let people know the issue to solve the problem. In addressing the problem, you need to hold yourself accountable before holding others accountable; and need to be on the ground to manage a crisis and not be an absentee leader. Escalation, communication and ongoing engagement with partners as well as interface with and address the needs of all constituents such as senior management, regulators, media and staff. Stay composed and stay in control. Always remember, "if you are the captain of the ship, you should stay". As a leader, "you need yourself to be accountable first and you need to keep everybody informed."

In his work life balance and to keep up his health - he has passion for life and acknowledge everyday what he had. He don't drink coffee and watch what he eat. He proposed to his wife at the age of 17, engage at age 19 and married at the age of 21. Up to now, he still married at the same woman. He has a supportive family who truly stand for him. He also makes quality time for his family by focusing when spending on them.

photo credit: http://bayanacademy.org/citi-microenterprise-development-center-set-to-train-over-600-aspiring-microentrepreneurs/

Mr. Aftab Ahmed share his work experience - at the age of 24-25 he already manage people. He became a corporate bank head before consumer finance head. Then became a commercial banker in New York.

I learned that if a role is offered to you, ask yourself consequently - can I make a difference, can I contribute and can I learn. Then if the answer is - you can make a difference, you can contribute and you can learn - then sure take the job. Don't look on the context of how many people you manage and don't look at one area and another area. In that, look at the opportunities of what it can provide.

To be successful you have to dream big. Nothing happens right away. Challenge happen so believe in yourself and be open to criticism. As a leader, take the risk, willing to fail and believe in yourself. Have the willingness to learn from your failures by staying the course and not being discouraged. When a problem surfaces do not point a finger at others. Be consistent, be honest, be yourself and be humble.

People will follow you because of your role. People will follow you because of what you've done in an organization. People will follow you because of what you've done to them. But the true leadership is when people follow you because of what you stood for. Leadership is about managing others and leading them. Though, leader is more about leading and not managing them. The best leader leads and let the management teams manage the work at hand. Good leadership is essential to business and organization.