Bilyonaryo Manny Pangilinan said next-generation business leaders need to be agile and flexible in both business and IT strategy to be effective in their roles.
The CEO of Indonesian businessman Anthoni Salim’s Metro Pacific Investments Corp. described the ideal traits that top executives in any conglomerate should have.
“More than the ability to manage the business, they must also be entrepreneurial. This country needs more entrepreneurs, more risk-takers,” Pangilinan said in an exclusive interview with PLDT communications vice president Cathy Yang.
A business degree is no longer enough for someone aspiring for an executive position.
“They should also be immersed in IT, be digitally savvy, and believe that tech deployed in the business will improve the business, eventually raise profitability and improve the lives of the customers that we serve,” Pangilinan added. “Commitment, dedication and passion for the work–these are also important. Otherwise, it’s just a job. You can’t have that.”
He said a tough spirit is also necessary as a CEO like him sometimes needs to be the “bad guy” in terms of critiquing business strategies and project proposals.
“I don’t relish being critical, but somebody’s got to do it,” Pangilinan explained.