Lessons from next-gen leaders

Who are next-gen leaders?

As the global environment becomes more unpredictable and complex, a new type of leader, the next generation leader (NGL), has emerged during these times of adversity. The Queensland University of Technology describes them as leaders equipped with strategic thinking, the ability to lead change, build a culture of performance, and strengthen personal responsibility and accountability.

Do you have what it takes to be a next-gen leader?

Various studies highlight the following desirable qualities of an NGL:

Adaptable and agile: Capable of adapting to constant disruption, focused on making a positive difference rather than being solely driven by results; a “master of change” who can negotiate outcomes in a climate of instability.

Emotionally intelligent: Able to control and manage emotions while providing empathy to support and overcome workplace challenges.

Collaborative: Understands and accepts that great work is achieved by working as a team.

Authentic communicator: Listens more than they speak and encourages open and honest conversation to cultivate fresh perspectives and ideas.

Prioritizes well-being: Practices self-care and prioritizes their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Next-gen leaders: Reshaping the future of business

As I wrote in my article in this column on Feb. 8, 2023, one of the flagship projects of SharePHIL is to elevate the investor relations (IR) profession, given its crucial role in strengthening and nurturing the communications of listed companies with their investors and stakeholders. As IR plays a vital role in the success and growth of a company, IR professionals also contribute to shaping the capital market.

To launch this project, SharePHIL held an Investor Relations Forum on Aug. 27, 2024, where a select group of NGLs shared their views on how they are reshaping the future of business. As IR professionals are the key links between companies and stakeholders, it is critical for them to understand how current and future leaders are navigating and steering their organizations through challenges.

Key themes that resonated during the Forum included:

Sustainability

All current and future generations are facing challenges associated with sustainability, whether it be extreme weather, supply chain and technology disruptions, sourcing difficulties, among others. For Dennis Zamora, president of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) and CEO of a mining company in a priority industry, he has aligned the company’s nickel business with the government’s policies of responsible mining and downstream nickel production. As a result, NAC has been recognized by local and regional award-giving bodies. Furthermore, as the transition to renewable energy sources becomes necessary, NAC has diversified into the renewable energy sector with the goal of installing 1 MW by 2028.

On the other hand, Ana Aboitiz-Delgado, executive vice president and incoming CEO of Union Bank, focuses on addressing the needs of two key stakeholders: its customers and employees. As chief customer experience and digital channel officer, she led the digital transformation of Union Bank, growing the customer base through its mobile app and playing a key role in acquiring the local customer business of a global bank. With respect to employees, she emphasized the importance of work-life balance by respecting time off and limiting work calls outside office hours.

Customer centricity

Customer-focused strategies can affect nearly all aspects of business. As Pam Olivares-Vital, president and CEO of Ovialand, shared, the company’s commitment to serving customers’ aspirations for premium affordable housing is the cornerstone of their success, amidst stiff competition from bigger real estate players. With the tagline “One brand new home for every Filipino family,” Ovialand aims to provide the emerging middle class with the best home that their hard-earned money can buy. Their strategy focuses on delivering a premier real estate experience through their products, communities, and services.

Francis Gotianun, first senior vice president of Filinvest Hospitality Corp., highlighted emerging trends in the hospitality industry, such as customers’ preference for higher-end properties and the growing demand for leisure activities. In response, the company aims to offer unique, personalized travel experiences and enhanced guest services through process improvements, technology use, better food offerings, and better people management – particularly given the current shortage of hospitality professionals. These initiatives have earned the company a trust rating of 93.74 percent, the highest in the Philippines, from TrustYou, a leading aggregator of customer feedback.

Leadership

Regarding their brand of leadership, Ana Delgado emphasized the importance of being human-centered, given the changing times and the stage of their business. Francis Gotianun echoed the need to lead with purpose to inspire and motivate employees, especially as the current generation of workers has more career choices and options. For Pam Vital, leading a real estate company requires sensitivity to shifts in customer attitudes, responding to the question of “What do I want?” rather than “What is given to you?” In light of increasing stakeholder demands, Dennis Zamora practices a transparent and open leadership style, recognizing the importance of keeping the public informed about the company’s activities.

Is next generation leadership merely a slogan? I believe it’s more than a catchphrase – it is a foundation for better workplaces, relationships, and individual and collective well-being.

Is it applicable only to a specific generation? DeEtta Jones and Associates, a woman-led training and strategy consulting firm, opines that an NGL doesn’t refer to any specific generation but to anyone with the interest and eagerness to increase his or her capacity to thrive in an environment of change, challenges and growth. NGLs challenge themselves to remain relevant, forward-thinking, and hungry to do better.

Are you an extraordinary, inspirational next generation leader?

The author Ma. Aurora  Geotina-Garcia is chairperson of SharePHIL. She is also founding chairperson and president of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) and president of Mageo Consulting Inc., a corporate finance advisory services firm.