How should a business owner manage his enterprise during a pandemic? Four successful business leaders shared their insights during the webinar ‘Create. Modern Tao Ke: The Transformational Journey of Family Businesses Through Innovation‘ held on October 8, 2020. (The webinar series, organized by Globe myBusiness in partnership with CHiNOY TV and the Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Manila, supports small and medium-sized enterprises through business knowledge and innovative solutions.)
Dr. Henry Limbonliong, CEO of the Sterling Paper Group of Companies; Dr. Cecilio Pedro, CEO of the Lamoiyan Corporation; Ms. Kathleen Dy-Go, Managing Director of Universal Records; and Mr. Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth Officer (CGO) of Mega Global Corporation collectively agreed that traditional Chinoy values should still be observed to serve as a guide on how to properly conduct business, especially during a pandemic. “Social responsibility starts at home,” said Dr. Cecilio Pedro, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. “Take care of your family. Take care of your employees.”
The resource speakers also agreed that digitization is a necessity during this crisis. As most consumers heed the call to stay at home to help arrest the spread of the new coronavirus, it is logical for businesses to reach out and go where the customers are–at their homes.
It was also raised that diversification is important, as businesses face the need to evolve in the new normal. This also paves the way for innovations. All four business leaders agree that these may not be as easy to implement as they may seem.
Audience members were also given the opportunity to ask the panel questions, prompting discussions on support for the local economy and the significance of maintaining relationships among family members, especially in the context of family businesses.
In the end, the discourse revealed the sentiment of staying true to what a modern tao ke is—an entrepreneur who is willing to innovate, seize opportunities, be resilient, and remember the roots of where they once came from.
As JCI Secretary-General Walter Uy said to wrap up the event, “Tradition and innovation can co-exist.”
Head over to CHiNOY TV’s Facebook page to catch the soon-to-be-released webinar replay! Stay tuned for more updates on the Create. Modern Tao Ke. series to learn more about business tips and solutions for SMEs.
