The Family Business Success Story

Business Ideas Evolve. Our first business idea and entrepreneurial venture may not be the one that may bring us breakthrough success all the time. In most cases, business ideas develop and change over time. Many of the business tycoons who are rich and famous with their present portfolio of businesses did not start with their existing and present profitable and successful enterprises. Like the Mills, couple they started with something else but with intuition, learning from mistakes, and seeing better opportunities they have adjusted and change direction. Richard and Rebecca were mainly in the HR executive search business and consultancy in the beginning. Another idea was considered; another opportunity took shape. One thing naturally led to another. Being open to possibilities and striking opportunities as they come are important in fermenting and growing long-term entrepreneurial success.

Vision and Purpose Matter. Rebecca was very clear that the key inspiration for the Asia CEO Awards were three-fold: make the Philippines a business destination of Asia, secondly, recognize and hear the business thought leaders of society to inspire more entrepreneurs, and lastly to make the Philippines a first world country. The couple was emphatic that this vision and purpose spurred them to persevere even more during this pandemic crisis. This emotional why has kept them going in spite of challenges and setbacks in establishing their events organization. Promoting the Philippine nation to be a highly developed country was their big hairy audacious goal. Be not afraid to think big; to dream big. Though not all will see what one sees, but carry on being focused on the goal, amidst criticisms and doubts. Furthermore, people easily rally towards a noble cause. Hence, many believed and supported them as they moved forward. A good vision and purpose will provide momentum and traction to any initiative.

Hard work is non-negotiable. A dream has to be acted upon. There is no short cut. Opportunities will come our way but we need to work on it. Success is not given in silver platter. Energies, resources and time are needed to make an idea come into fruition. Discipline and grit are indispensable to produce results in what we toil. Conscientious and persistent effort is the story and DNA of all successful enterprises.

The couple reminds us that business success is not that complicated but it isn’t that easy also. They made it sound so simple but it was definitely not a walk in the park. They represent many other business founders’ success journeys. But as conventional wisdom states: If they can do it, why can’t others do.

But as family businesses aspire to prepare the next generation, the message of this couple founder is worth sharing across many generations!