Bilyonaryo Edward K. Lee’s formula for business success is actually not that complicated.
The 67-year old chairman and founder of COL Financial Group and CTS Global Equity Group said one of the most important things he learned from his parents is the value of caring for others.
This valuable life lesson, according to Lee, has led to his success and growth in life.
“Maswerte ako na I was able to share the values that my parents have instilled in me. It’s not only about us. Kailangan tumingin ka sa tabi. Maraming mahihirap din. So you have to work harder so you can also share your blessings,” Lee said in an interview with veteran journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon on “Usapang Bilyonaryo” aired on CNN Philippines.
“It’s not only thinking about ourselves but also thinking about others. So building businesses was all about that,” he added.
In particular, Lee said his father, who was a salesman before eventually owning his own shirt factory, always advised him to care for the people around him.
“In one of my talks last year for Junior Achievement Asia Pacific, I was invited to a leadership program. So they asked me: “Mr. Lee are there any secrets about these things in life?” I said no, I’ll just teach you 2 words which are the most important – you need to be a servant leader — serve your people, empower your people, take care of your people so that they can help you scale your business,” Lee said.
“You need to take care of your customer. You have to give them the right product, the right service so that they will stay with you. It’s what we call the power of compounding,” Lee said.
Lee shared that many of his employees have been with him for 20 to 30 years already.
“So many people have been with me for 20 to 30 years na. When they finished school they joined me and hanggang nagkaanak, nag asawa na,” he said.
“It’s just being a servant leader and when you continue to do that, there will be a big difference between what is good and great. So for a company to be good or great, it’s not just about yourself but you also have to take care of people.
“Syempre dati hindi naman natin naintindihan yan but that’s what my father has always been telling us. Money is very important but you have to make sure you’re doing the right thing and you take care of your people,” Lee added.
“Usapang Bilyonaryo” is a digital-first, hybrid magazine show hosted and produced by veteran broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon in cooperation with the Bilyonaryo.com team. The 30-minute TV cut airs on CNN Philippines at 8 PM every Monday, starting January 16. The full version or producer’s cut of each episode, as well as interview splices, will be posted on Bilyonaryo.com’s Youtube and Facebook accounts.
