In 1987, Reginald Francis Lewis bought Beatrice International Foods for $985 million. He created TLC Beatrice, a snack food, beverage, and grocery store conglomerate that was the largest business in the US owned and managed by an African-American. In January 1993, he died. His wife Loida took over. Today, she is chief executive and chairman of TLC Beatrice. Her leadership has steered the company into action and profitability.
Eager to expand her territories, Loida’s business interests include convenience stores in China, a meat processing plant in Naga and Cagayan de Oro. Here Loida reflects on being domineering, having friends with a sense of adventure and her quiet time.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
Reginald Francis Lewis, my husband. When he died, I mourned for a long time. Now I think I can love everyone I meet.
What is your passion?
To be able to motivate people to do the best they can through recognition of what it is they are good at and helping them recognize what is good in them.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
Quiet time. Asking God’s help. Inevitably, a solution is found through talking.
Where are you most comfortable?
With people because I know that they respond to me as a person.
What book influenced your life?
When I was 14, my father gave me the book The Power of Positive Thinking by Vincent Peale and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being very domineering.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Some people are so full of themselves that they cannot listen to or see someone else’s point of view.
How do you start your day?
With a 15-minute quiet time then 15 minutes of Zen. Then I reflect on the reading of the daily Mass and write in my prayer journal. Those habits give me my mantle of protection and wisdom.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their sense of adventure.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Taking a vacation with my two daughters. Usually we go to Hawaii. Last year, my eldest daughter came here to Philippines.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
Good job. Well done. Bravo.
What is the first thing you look for when you meet a woman?
Whether we can relate.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
Joan of Arc with her unfailing faith and the tenacity with which she pursued her vision. She went against kings, generals and warriors to fulfill her mission.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
Paris with my husband. I will always have Paris.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My two daughters, both of them graduated cum laude from Harvard. One is in graduate school studying to be an actress. The other is a staff writer with the Daily News in Connecticut. They are good people. Fun to be with.
Which living person do you most identify with?
To a certain extent, Cory Aquino, who had to carry on her husband’s legacy. In the present case, GMA , because she has to do the right thing for all her subordinates.
What is your favorite occupation?
C E O.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Strong yet gentle and makes me laugh.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Honesty and selflessness
Name an embarrassing moment at work.
Mispronouncing names as I introduce people. Malapropisms.
What is life?
Being able to bring all the companies that I am managing now to profitability but with honor.