MVP Makes a Stand

In light of recent news dragging his name in political issues, rumors have spread that business executive Manny V. Pangilinan made a decision to leave the country. Some politicians were alarmed that he might pull his investment and divest his businesses elsewhere, particularly in Hong Kong where he is the managing director of First Pacific Company, Limited. MVP chairs several PSE listed companies such as PLDT, Metro Pacific Investments, Meralco, and Philex Mining. 

Earlier last week, MVP parted ways with Ateneo De Manila University due to disagreements in their advocacies. He sites the differences in opinion on the RH Bill and Mining policies as irreconcilable, with total disengagement becoming the only logical consequence for both parties.

The recent events show how strong MVP's convictions are. To succeed in business, we have to learn how to make a stand even if other opinions dictate otherwise. We generally admire people who know and are willing to lead us in the face of adversity. The simple act of voicing out his opinions matter a lot and carry with it a responsibility that you should know what you are saying. 

In a country highly socialized and accustomed to certain norms, voicing out your views are often difficult. MVP has always been bold in his business decisions precisely because he is confident of what he is doing and he can back up everything he says. I'm sure there were times that he made wrong business moves, but the important thing is he owns up for whatever decisions he makes. Remember the plagiarism issue on his Ateneo graduation speech? He did not try to justify the actions made by his staff, he simply admitted and manned-up on it and moved on. This value helped bring him to the top and he has since stayed there, because he exactly knows when to make a stand.


You might also like:
Richard Branson - Living Every Moment to the Fullest
Bulls and Bears
Your Investment Timeline and Why You Should Start Early

Richard Branson: Living Every Minute to the Fullest

I want to start another series of articles to feature prominent individuals who have succeeded not only in business, but in life. What better way to start this but with the man who has conquered every challenge - Sir Richard Branson.

Richard Branson is the eccentric owner behind the famous Virgin Group. His first entrepreneurial venture was when he was 16 when he run the magazine called The Student. It was in the magazine that he advertised records that would prove to be his first major success. He saw a great opportunity in the records business and started selling it in discount prices. He was trading under the name "Virgin", suggested by one of his early employees, because they were all new to business. His first setback came not long after. He was questioned and assessed for unpaid taxes and fine from the exported records he sold. He settled all obligations to avoid further legal implications through re-mortgage of their family hope with the help of his mother.

Virgin records started carving out a niche by signing controversial band such as sex pistols, Faust, Genesis, Culture Club and the The Rolling Stones. He went on to build recognizable business through the Virgin brand. His most exciting venture to date, the Virgin Galactic, aims to commercialize spaceflights to ordinary (albeit very wealthy) citizens.

Aside from being an entrepreneur, Branson is very passionate to living life to its fullest. In 1985 he attempted to make a record of crossing the Atlantic ocean fastest. He had to be rescued on his first attempt because his boat capsized in the British waters. He again tried to do it the following year, this time with a sailing expert. He went on to beat the record by two hours. His other adventures include crossing the Atlantic in a hot air balloon, crossing the pacific from Japan to Arctic Canada and travelling Dover to Calais using an amphibious vehicle.

In his twitter profile @richardbranson he describes himself as a "tie-loathing adventurer and thrill seeker, who believes in turning ideas into reality." And that is what he has done all his life.

He was awarded the Knighthood in 1999 and became Sir Richard Branson for his contribution in entrepreneurship.

Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming. - Sir Richard Branson