The CEO Magazine: Your parents started
the family business as a small dry
goods store called Liberty Bazaar in
- What experiences do you recall
with the company growing up?
To n y : I was already hands-on with our retail
store and learning the nuances of the retail
industry from a very early age, from selling
in the store to dealing with suppliers. Along
with having this exposure early on, I also
reinforced my knowledge by undertaking
graduate studies and attending executive and
leadership training both in the Philippines
and abroad. This has allowed me to focus on
innovative concepts, which are crucial in
making the right decisions as Chairman and
CEO of the LCC Group.
What is your idea of leadership, and
how do you instil leadership qualities in
your employees?
The principle of leading by example is
something I adhere to. I also believe that
no-one has a monopoly on ideas and
communication processes, and I’m always
open to suggestions from my employees.
While this might sound counterintuitive,
I think a good leader must be a good
follower and listener as well.
More than that, a good leader should be
a visionary, have unquestionable character
and integrity, and should be able to earn the
trust and confidence of his people and lead
them towards achieving the company’s goals
and objectives.Nurturing supplier relationships is
always important in business, and
especially so in retail. What’s unique
about your approach?
Among the numerous lessons I learned
during my apprenticeship many years ago
is to always maintain good relations with
vendors and suppliers. The relationship must
be anchored on a win-win arrangement that
will benefit all parties. Respect, understanding
and truthfulness in dealing with one another
must be observed at all times.“Our collaborative partnership
has enabled us to bring the
best products and services
closer to the consumers. We
share the same commitment
in providing quality CSR
projects in our communities.”- Manvendra Singh, Customer
Development Director, Colgate-
Palmolive Philippines
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