Learnings from a humble leader

It has been almost three years since he passed away, but it seems just like yesterday when I first worked with Prof. Fil on a project. He was close to retirement when I met him, but his passion for what he believed in was still at its peak. There is no one whom Prof. Fil met that was taken in by him. He had the ability to share his vision to people. No matter how hard work could get he had the ability to make one believe that anything was possible. He has held top positions in numerous corporations, but he always remained a humble man despite his achievements. I was lucky enough to have him as one of my first bosses and mentor. Some of the things I learned from Prof. Fil:

1. “Do not work for money. Work to serve others and the money will come.”

2. Stand up for what you believe in even if it is not the popular point of view

3. Work for an organization you believe in and place your loyalty in the organization not in a person.

4. Value people you work with. Put the needs of the people working under you first

5. Focus on the solution rather than the problem.

6. If you are passionate about something you will be able to share your vision with other people and bring them with you towards a common end

7. Forgive easily and never hold a grudge

8. Know how to accept mistakes

9. Acknowledge the talents of each person and encourage them to be better individuals

10. You do not need to shout in anger to get your point a cross

11. Choose to act in a professional and ethical manner even if other people choose not to

12. Always act with humility and kindness

Prof. Fil forever changed me as a person. More than just being a great leader he showed me how to be a better person.

Walking in the Footsteps of God

“When you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love, and the energy of this love is lost” (Pope Francis during is visit to the Philippines)

I am not a practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church, but seeing Pope Francis at work is something that I find inspiring. He reignites my idealism that we can create a world that is filled with love and understanding.

Pope Francis is leading by example. Similar to Jesus Christ, he is choosing to live a life that is focused on the poor. Not just the poor materially, but the poor in spirit as well. Here is a man who is the most powerful figure in one of the most powerful religions in the world choosing to live a life of simplicity. Despite all the privileges that is available to him as the Pontiff, he choose to remain true to his mission and that of Christ; to spread the message of love, kindness, mercy, compassion, and hope throughout the world. Despite the hardships he may experience, he chooses to smile and continue with his journey not giving any excuses. He accepts the differences of individuals and promotes understanding and acceptance. I hope he will continue to inspire people to look within themselves so they too can share themselves with the world.