The Aspirant

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The Evolution of Leadership Through Innovation

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and business, few stories are as compelling as that of Sir Chito Bustamante, CEO of VOXP Technologies & Innovations Inc. Sir Chito’s journey from an accidental entrepreneur to a pivotal figure in tech innovation offers profound insights into leadership, resilience, and the impact of vision on technological advancement.

Sir Chito's narrative begins with an unexpected turn in his career. Having spent over two decades in the United States, including a stint with IBM during a tumultuous period of layoffs, he found himself at a crossroads. His experience in accounting, particularly in the tech sector, led him to a realization: skilled tech professionals were invaluable, as their expertise was always in demand despite economic fluctuations. This epiphany set the stage for his transition from finance to technology.

The dot-com boom of the late 90s presented a fertile ground for Sir Chito’s ambitions. As he joined Compucom, a systems integrator working with startups like Yahoo and Google, he saw an opportunity to immerse himself in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The pivot from accounting to systems engineering was driven by his desire to understand and leverage technology, a decision that would prove pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey.

His move to the Philippines marked a significant shift. Sir Chito’s venture into the startup world, particularly with Chikka Messenger, demonstrated his knack for identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. Chikka Messenger, an innovative platform that bridged instant messaging and SMS, was a game-changer. In an era before smartphones, this service not only facilitated communication but also made it more affordable, particularly for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Within months of its launch, Chikka Messenger amassed millions of subscribers, underscoring the effectiveness of Sir Chito’s vision.

Yet, success in the tech world is rarely straightforward. The early days of Chikka were characterized by chaos, a common challenge in startups where rapid growth often outpaces the establishment of formal processes. Recognizing the need for structure, Sir Chito embraced a leadership role that involved introducing processes and frameworks without stifling innovation. His approach to leadership—balancing order with creativity—was instrumental in guiding Chikka through its formative years.

Sir Chito’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property (IP) and valuing people as the core of any successful venture. His tenure at Chikka was marked by a commitment to both technological innovation and team welfare. He understood that a thriving company culture, where innovation is encouraged and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, is crucial for sustained success.

Moreover, Sir Chito’s insights into leadership extend to recognizing and adapting to change. He recounts how Chikka evolved from its initial product offerings to a diverse portfolio of services, including Shareaload and Passaload. These products addressed practical needs in innovative ways, demonstrating the importance of user experience and adaptability. His ability to pivot and embrace new ideas, informed by both internal feedback and market trends, was a key factor in Chikka’s success.

One of the standout lessons from Sir Chito’s journey is the significance of humility and continuous learning. He speaks candidly about the challenges of leadership, including the necessity of hiring smart individuals to fill gaps in expertise and the importance of making tough decisions when things do not work out. His approach to leadership—listening to others, supporting innovative ideas, and making informed decisions—reflects a pragmatic and empathetic style that values both individual contributions and collective success.

In reflecting on Sir Chito Bustamante’s career, it becomes clear that leadership in technology is not just about steering a company towards financial success but also about fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. His story is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and the ability to balance structure with creativity. For aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, Sir Chito’s experiences offer valuable lessons in navigating the complexities of the tech industry and the importance of leading with both heart and intellect.

As technology continues to advance and new challenges arise, Sir Chito’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful leadership and a relentless pursuit of innovation can shape the future. His legacy with Chikka Messenger and beyond underscores the impact of effective leadership on both technology and people, reminding us that success is built on a foundation of vision, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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Kape Mapya: Brewing Community Success

Kape Mapya is a remarkable coffee shop founded by John Paul Catibog, dedicated to showcasing the exceptional quality of local coffee beans and supporting sustainable farming practices. Established in Taytay and now expanded to Antipolo, Rizal, Kape Mapya has grown into a symbol of the power of local sourcing and community support.

A Commitment to Local Sourcing

Kape Mapya sources its coffee beans exclusively from the Cordillera Provinces in the Philippines, a region celebrated for its rich and flavorful coffee. This decision wasn't merely a business move but a heartfelt commitment to promoting local agriculture and supporting the economic well-being of farmers in the region. By choosing local beans, John Paul aimed to showcase their quality and versatility while ensuring that the profits benefit the local community.

Innovative Employment Practices

John Paul’s approach to employment is equally innovative. Kape Mapya employs a mix of full-time and part-time staff, with part-time positions often filled by working students. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to support their education while gaining valuable work experience. Full-time employees receive a daily wage of 725 pesos for a 12-hour workday, including meal allowance and incentive, ensuring their well-being and fair compensation. This policy ensures high employee retention and satisfaction, creating a stable and motivated workforce.

Embracing the 'Support Local' Advocacy

From its inception, Kape Mapya has embraced the "support local" advocacy, creating a business model that thrives economically while supporting the local community. John Paul’s early experiences with local coffee highlighted its potential, reinforcing his commitment to promoting local agriculture. By employing people from the local community, Kape Mapya not only provides job opportunities but also fosters a sense of community and support among employees and customers.

The Inspiration Behind Kape Mapya

John Paul’s motivation came from a deeply personal experience with local coffee. During a visit to Kalinga Province, an elderly resident brewed a cup of coffee for him using traditional methods and local beans. The experience was a revelation. "I personally tasted a freshly brewed coffee by an elderly resident from the Kalinga Province. And it blew my mind how delicious that cup of coffee was. It wasn’t brewed by a barista, but by a local," he recalls. This encounter inspired him to share the exceptional quality of local coffee with others.

Impact of Kalinga Beans

The introduction of Kalinga Robusta beans has had a transformative impact on Kape Mapya’s business and the local coffee industry. Known for its strong and robust flavor, Kalinga Robusta has differentiated Kape Mapya from other coffee shops and created a steady demand for these beans. This demand has positively impacted local farmers, providing them with a reliable source of income and encouraging sustainable farming practices.

Fair Wages and Community Impact

Kape Mapya’s commitment to fair wages ensures high employee retention and satisfaction. "Fair wages are essential to business because it ensures a high retention rate. Our first employee has been with us since day one," John Paul notes. This stability allows Kape Mapya to maintain consistent service and quality, crucial for building a loyal customer base. Local employment also reduces travel time for workers, allowing them to spend more time with their families and contributing to less traffic congestion.

An Inclusive Workplace

Kape Mapya has created an inclusive workplace by not requiring prior employment experience. This policy has attracted many working students who appreciate the flexible schedules accommodating their academic commitments. "We made sure that having job experience is not a requirement for us; hence, more working students have taken interest in a job in our company," John Paul states. This inclusive approach provides valuable opportunities for young workers to gain experience and support their education.

Looking to the Future

John Paul envisions a future where Kape Mapya continues to uplift the local coffee culture. His goal is to establish a roastery to take full control of quality and work closely with farmers. "Our vision is to dive into the roots of Philippine coffee culture, to the point where we have our own roastery. Taking full control of the quality of working closely with the farmers," he explains. This approach will allow Kape Mapya to continue promoting the unique qualities of Philippine coffee and encouraging customers to choose local.

Community and Environmental Impact

By offering an alternative to imported coffee, Kape Mapya encourages customers to support local farmers, sustaining local agriculture and ensuring fair compensation for their produce. Local employment reduces commute times, contributing to less traffic congestion and supporting community well-being. Sourcing local beans also cuts the carbon footprint associated with importing coffee, aligning with sustainable practices and climate action goals.

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The Seven Laws of the Harvest: A Journey of Perseverance and Success

We were very happy to have Mrs. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Senior Executive VP and COO of Wilcon Depot Inc., as our speaker for our CEO Series class that day. Listening to her was both enlightening and inspiring. Her insights into the seven laws of the harvest provided a profound understanding of the principles that have guided her successful career. As someone who has spent over four decades in a male-dominated industry, her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking.

Mrs. Bosch-Ong's discussion of the seven laws of the harvest was a masterclass in leadership and personal development. She began by emphasizing the first law: "We reap only what has been sown." She illustrated this with her own story, recounting the early days of Wilcon Depot, where the seeds of success were sown through meticulous planning, relentless effort, and a commitment to quality. This foundational principle underscores the importance of laying the groundwork for future success and being patient as those efforts come to fruition.

The second law, "We reap the same in kind as we sow," resonated deeply with many of us. Mrs. Bosch-Ong explained that the values and principles we practice in our daily lives directly influence the outcomes we achieve. She shared how her dedication to integrity, customer service, and innovation at Wilcon Depot created a culture that mirrored these values, leading to sustained growth and success.

The third law, "We reap in a different season than we sow," highlighted the importance of patience and perseverance. She spoke about the long-term vision required in business and how the results of one's efforts might not be immediately visible. This principle was particularly relevant to her experiences in navigating the challenges and competition within the industry, where long-term strategies often yielded the most significant rewards.

Mrs. Bosch-Ong then moved to the fourth law: "We reap more than we sow." She illustrated this with the exponential growth of Wilcon Depot from a single store to a nationwide chain. Her story demonstrated how initial efforts can lead to greater-than-expected outcomes, reinforcing the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to substantial results over time.

The fifth law, "We reap in proportion to what we sow," was a call to action for everyone aiming for success. Mrs. Bosch-Ong stressed that the magnitude of our efforts directly influences the scale of our achievements. She encouraged us to invest our time, energy, and resources wholeheartedly, sharing how her dedication to expanding Wilcon Depot's footprint and continuously improving their services had paid off in significant ways.

The sixth law, "We reap the full harvest of the good only if we persevere; the evil comes to harvest on its own," emphasized the importance of persistence and vigilance. Mrs. Bosch-Ong's career is a clear example of this principle, as she has continuously worked to overcome obstacles and maintain high standards. She reminded us that while challenges are inevitable, it is through perseverance that we can achieve lasting success.

Lastly, the seventh law, "We cannot do anything about last year’s harvest, but we can about this year’s," served as a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing on the present and future. Mrs. Bosch-Ong shared how she and her team at Wilcon Depot continuously evaluate their past performances to inform their strategies moving forward. This forward-looking approach has allowed them to stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing market conditions.

Reflecting on Mrs. Bosch-Ong's insights, I am reminded of my own journey in sales over the past 12 years. Integrity has been my foundation, guiding every decision and action. Like Mrs. Bosch-Ong, I have persevered through challenges, and the late nights and hard work have borne fruit—I was able to buy my own house and lot. Changing industries has also been part of my journey, and it's rewarding to know that some of my previous bosses want to recruit me to higher positions in their companies. Currently, I am fulfilling a long-held dream of going back to school to finish my MBA, further investing in my future.

Mrs. Bosch-Ong's discussion of the seven laws of the harvest has provided me with valuable insights and reinforced the principles that have guided my career. Her story is not just about business success but also about personal growth and the power of perseverance. It was an honor to learn from her experiences, and I am inspired to continue applying these laws in my own journey.

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Learning from Experience and Fostering Open Communication

Speaker: Mr. Richard Anthony Tagle Position: President and Executive Director at E3 Alliance, Austin, Texas Inspirational Quote: “Always be in good faith. Do what is right, and not what is convenient.”

In our fifth CEO Series class, we had the pleasure of hearing from Mr. Richard Anthony Tagle. Mr. Tagle's journey is both fascinating and inspiring, starting from his days as a student at Ateneo, to migrating to America, and eventually finding his true calling. His leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by his personal journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

When asked about his aspirations beyond his current achievements, Mr. Tagle expressed his enduring dream of creating a greater impact in the community. He envisions a future where more students achieve higher levels of education and where Public-Private Partnerships are significantly improved. His dedication to education and community development is evident, and it’s clear that his work is driven by a passion to make a lasting difference.

Mr. Tagle shared insights into what he believes constitutes a winning culture. Having held four President and CEO positions, he candidly discussed the mistakes he made in his first CEO role. He admitted that initially, he did not fully understand the responsibilities of a CEO and made numerous errors, particularly in fostering open communication with his team.

According to Mr. Tagle, the number one responsibility of a leader is to ensure that the team is fully aware of the organization's current status. This involves transparently sharing what the organization excels at and where improvements are needed. He believes that when people are aware of the organization's challenges, they are more inclined to contribute to overcoming them. If the problems are not communicated, employees are unable to assist in finding solutions.

Reflecting on this, I find this aspect of leadership incredibly important. In my previous blog entry, I mentioned my recent transition to a new company after six years with my former employer. One instance that stands out is when my previous company was striving to hit their first billion-peso revenue. My manager informed our department about the concern of not meeting the annual goal due to some delayed orders, leaving us 40 million pesos short. Armed with this knowledge, I aimed to help bridge the gap and was able to double my annual target booking, contributing an additional 32 million pesos. This significantly helped the company achieve its annual revenue goal. Open communication played a crucial role in aligning our efforts towards a common goal.

Mr. Tagle also emphasized the importance of policies that help employees prioritize their work and personal lives. While he acknowledged the concept of work-life balance, he argued that no policy can truly balance your life for you. Instead, individuals must take responsibility for managing their priorities. He stressed that while skills can be taught, passion cannot be instilled by policies alone.

I resonate deeply with this perspective. Each of us has unique situations and priorities, and it's essential to recognize that we are responsible for managing our own lives. Personally, I don't subscribe to the notion of a strict work-life balance because, as a sales professional, I often spend more time working than at home. The flexibility in my role, where I am measured by my output rather than office hours, is something I greatly appreciate. It allows me to manage my time effectively and meet both professional and personal obligations.

In my current company, we have policies that offer flexible working hours, such as starting early and leaving early to avoid traffic or adjusting work hours to accommodate personal commitments like dropping kids off at school. This flexibility has a significant impact on employees' lives, allowing them to fulfill family responsibilities without sacrificing their professional performance.

The insights shared by Mr. Richard Anthony Tagle highlight the importance of open communication, personal responsibility, and flexibility in creating a successful and fulfilling work environment. His experiences and reflections serve as valuable lessons for any aspiring leader. As I continue to navigate my own leadership journey, I am inspired to foster transparent communication, support my team in balancing their priorities, and uphold the values that drive both personal and organizational success.

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Embracing Good Faith and the Power of Kaizen

Speaker: Ms. Hazel Zaide Delos Santos Position: Country Manager and Head of Financial Crime and Fraud Prevention, ING Hubs Philippines Inspirational Quote: “Always be in good faith. Do what is right, and not what is convenient.”

In our fourth CEO Series class, we had the privilege of learning from Ms. Hazel Zaide Delos Santos, a remarkable leader with a journey filled with inspiring lessons. Ms. Hazel currently serves as the Country Manager and Head of Financial Crime and Fraud Prevention at ING Hubs Philippines. Her leadership philosophy is deeply anchored in the principle of always acting in good faith and making decisions based on what is right, rather than what is convenient. This philosophy has significantly shaped her career and leadership style.

A pivotal part of Ms. Hazel's success story is the mentorship she received from the First Vice President of Toyota Motor Philippines. This mentorship was crucial in her professional development, providing her with valuable opportunities to advance in her career. Under this guidance, she was introduced to various critical business functions, including internal audit, general accounting, cost accounting, and treasury. This holistic exposure allowed her to build a strong foundation and versatile skill set.

One of the key elements Ms. Hazel attributes to her growth is Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy she learned during her time at Toyota. Kaizen, meaning "change for the better" or "continuous improvement," is a concept that emphasizes small, incremental changes that collectively lead to significant improvements. The core principles of Kaizen include:

Continuous Improvement: Encouraging constant, incremental improvements to enhance processes and efficiency.

Employee Involvement: Empowering every employee, from top management to frontline workers, to suggest and implement improvements.

Efficiency: Focusing on eliminating waste (known as "muda") and optimizing processes for better productivity and quality.

In my own experience working in the automation industry as a local distributor of Japanese automation products for Toyota Motor Philippines, I have witnessed firsthand the power of Kaizen. Through numerous small improvements, we were able to significantly enhance production output and quality over the years. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of continuous improvement and employee involvement in achieving excellence.

One of the key takeaways from Ms. Hazel's presentation was her decision to join ING, driven by their set of values and behaviors that aligned with her own. These values include:

Being Honest: Maintaining transparency and integrity in all actions.

Being Prudent: Exercising caution and foresight in decision-making.

Being Responsible: Taking ownership and accountability for one's actions.

ING encourages its employees and leaders to take initiative and make things happen. They foster a collaborative environment where helping others succeed is a priority, and they continuously strive to stay ahead. These values are fundamental to their sustained success.

Similarly, my recent transition to DKSH was influenced by their strong code of conduct. After six years with my previous company, I was impressed by DKSH's commitment to delivering outstanding services with integrity, trust, reliability, and commitment. Their emphasis on acting with the highest degree of integrity in all professional dealings resonated deeply with my own values. DKSH's expectation that employees maintain commercially sound business arrangements and comply fully with their standards is a testament to their dedication to sustainable success.

Reflecting on my own journey as a sales professional over the past 12 years, I can attribute much of my character and discipline to my experience working with a Japanese company. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of punctuality. I developed a habit of always being at least 15 minutes early for all appointments, whether personal or business-related. This practice not only demonstrated respect for others' time but also ensured I was always prepared and professional.

Additionally, the most significant lesson I learned was about integrity. In my dealings, I observed how my Japanese colleagues conducted business without hidden agendas. They were firm in their stance against unethical practices, halting negotiations if clients requested anything under the table. This unwavering commitment to integrity, regardless of the project's size or potential profit, left a lasting impression on me. I am proud to say that I have adopted this principle wholeheartedly, and I am committed to upholding these values in all my professional endeavors.

The principles Ms. Hazel shared are not just theoretical; they are practical guidelines that have been proven to drive success and build strong, ethical leaders. As I continue my leadership journey, I am inspired to integrate these lessons into my own practices, fostering an environment of trust, responsibility, and continuous growth.

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An Evening of Inspiration at The Collab Part 2

Speaker: Ms. Maria Ester "Maret" Follosco Bautista Position: President of CL Follosco Group of Companies Our 2nd speaker for the evening at The Collab after Mr. Kingson Sian, is the President of CL Follosco Group of Companies, Ms. Maret Follosco Bautista.

Ms. Maret Follosco Bautista's presentation left a profound impact on everyone in attendance. Her leadership style is deeply rooted in the values instilled in her by her parents, and her personal lifestyle choices and organizational policies reflect these principles.

Ms. Bautista shared that she doesn't own any jewelry and wears only a Fitbit smartwatch. This simplicity extends to how she raises her children. Every Christmas, her children must choose their favorite toy to donate, regardless of its value. This practice teaches them the importance of generosity and detachment from material possessions.

As a leader, Ms. Maret puts a lot of emphasis on her workers' growth and development. One of the key performance indicators (KPIs) that workers must meet in order to get a pay raise is to finish a training program abroad. This makes sure that their skills keep getting better, which is good for both them and the company.

Ms. Bautista also had a unique take on employees quitting their company. Instead of seeing them negatively, she and her company are happy when an employee leaves because they think they have taught the person important skills and values that they can use in the real world. This point of view creates a workplace that is helpful and encourages growth.

In her commitment to fairness and transparency, Ms. Bautista has implemented policies that apply to all employees, including herself and her family members. For instance, anyone who wishes to take a leave must file for it, ensuring that everyone follows the same rules and standards.

What truly sets Ms. Bautista and her company apart is that she genuinely walks the talk. Her personal values and lifestyle choices are not just preached but practiced, creating a culture of authenticity and integrity within her organization. This approach has fostered a work environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to grow.

As an aspiring business leader, I was deeply inspired by Ms. Bautista's approach to leadership. Initially, I found it hard to believe that such leaders exist—those who live simply, give back to the community, and focus on the growth and well-being of their employees.

Ms. Bautista’s values and leadership style offer a powerful lesson in humility, generosity, and commitment to personal and professional development. Her emphasis on simplicity, employee empowerment, and equitable policies are traits I aspire to embody in my own career. I firmly believe that leaders set the culture within an organization, and Ms. Bautista's example shows how living one's values can create a positive, growth-oriented environment.

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An Inspiring Session at The Collab Part 1

Sir Kingson Sian hosted our second CEO class at The Collab, a cutting-edge, high-tech plug-and-play events place at the Sheraton Manila Hotel. It was a memorable and educational experience. The Collab is a unique and inspiring space for both business and social events. It was the right place for Sir Kingson to talk about his journey and what he learned as CEO of Resorts World Manila, which is now called Newport World Resorts. One of the most moving things Sir Kingson said was about the terrifying event in June 2017 when a lone gunman broke into the gaming complex and caused chaos. 36 people died tragically by suffocation from the fires he started. At this point in time, things were very hard for Sir Kingson and everyone at Resorts World Manila. The thick smoke quickly trapped people and spread fear throughout the community. The way Sir Kingson handled this situation showed how much he cared and understood as a leader. He went to the wakes of all the victims and offered his condolences and support to their families. This action showed how much he cared about them and wanted to help them through their loss. Additionally, Resorts World Manila offered immediate financial aid to cover funeral costs and other immediate needs, which helped the affected families deal with some of their problems. In an amazing display of long-term dedication, Sir Kingson set-up an education foundation for the kids of his employees who were victims of the incident. The goal of this foundation was to make sure that these kids would have the money they needed to go to school, no matter what course they picked. This program was meant to give these kids a better future by paying for all of their schooling from elementary school through college or university. It made sure that they could finish their education without having to worry about money. They also offered psychological support and counseling to the families of the victims and other workers who were affected. This support was very important in helping them deal with the stress and start to heal.

Sir Kingson also said that running the business during the COVID-19 pandemic was another big problem. Others in the business decided to shut down, but Sir Kingson chose to keep Newport World Resorts running. He thought that stopping would mean giving up and losing. They were lucky to work with the government as a quarantine center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were coming back. This enable the business to generate revenue and provide salary to all of his employees. Because of Sir Kingson's guidance, Newport World Resorts has not only recovered, but its income is now higher than it was before the pandemic. This amazing comeback shows how well he can plan ahead and change things when things get tough.

Along with his financial success, Sir Kingson has led many environmental projects through the "I Love Earth" program. These projects include:

• Getting rid of food waste: starting programs to get rid of food waste by telling workers to only take what they can eat. • Sustainable Sourcing: Buying goods from farmers in Mindanao at fair prices to help them out. • In-House Gardening: Growing their own vegetables in their own yard to get fresh ingredients, which encourages healthy and environmentally-friendly eating.

As someone who wants to be a business leader, I found Sir Kingson's story and actions to be very inspiring. He genuinely cares about his workers and wants the best for them, even when things are very hard. This is a very important trait that all business leaders should have. It's not just about how much money workers bring in; it's also about caring about them as people and helping them through hard times. His example shows me how important it is to be a leader with understanding and strength. His actions during both the incident in June 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic show that caring about workers and thinking strategically can help you get through even the hardest times. I want to be a leader who puts the health and happiness of their team first and leads with kindness, foresight, and a desire to do good in the world and protect the earth. His commitment to social duty and sustainability also makes me realize how important it is to include these values in the way I lead. I can help build a business culture that values more than just making money by supporting projects that help the community and the environment.