On June 6, 2024, John Clements Consultants hosted another episode of its Weekly with JC Leadership and HR Series, titled “Championing Change with the New Generation of Leaders: Empowering Tomorrow’s Trailblazers.” This event featured three dynamic leaders: Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer at Mega Prime Foods Inc.; Miko Biscocho, Sr. Director and Regional Head of North America Adult Incontinence at Procter & Gamble; and Morris Vincent Agudo, President of MyFI Network, who served as the moderator.
The discussion focused on leveraging generational strengths, achieving work-life balance, and fostering personal growth within leadership roles.
Leveraging Generational Strengths and Mentorship
The panel emphasized the importance of breaking down intergenerational stigmas and harnessing the power of mentorship for organizational growth. Marvin Tiu Lim began by sharing insights from his family’s 49-year-old business, Mega Prime Foods Inc. He highlighted the generational differences within his own family, noting a 12-year gap between him and his eldest sibling, which influenced their approach to business.
“The key really is openness to change,” Lim said. “We have to embrace each generation and use it to our advantage in the corporate world.”
Miko Biscocho echoed this sentiment, sharing his journey from intern to senior director at Procter & Gamble. Now in his mid-30s, Biscocho identifies closely with younger generations. He emphasized the joint responsibility of both younger and older leaders: “For the younger generation – you have to learn, speak up. And for those in leadership roles – they have a greater responsibility to create an environment where younger employees feel good about doing that.” Biscocho’s perspective underscores the necessity for an inclusive and collaborative workplace where new ideas are encouraged and nurtured.
Work-Life Balance and Leadership Strategies
The conversation then shifted to the critical issue of work-life balance, with speakers sharing their strategies for managing personal life alongside demanding professional roles.
Morris Vincent Agudo introduced a poignant metaphor to illustrate this balance: “There are glass balls and rubber balls. You are juggling so many things daily. Focus on the glass ones; let’s not drop those. But here are some rubber ones – if you drop them, it’s OK, but it’s a learning lesson.”
Agudo’s metaphor resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of prioritization and the ability to discern between critical and less critical tasks. He emphasized that understanding these priorities allows leaders to delegate effectively and ensure their teams are equipped to handle challenges independently. This approach not only fosters a healthy work-life balance but also empowers teams to take ownership of their roles.
Aspiring Leadership and Personal Growth
The final topic of discussion centered on aspiring leadership and personal growth. The panelists underscored the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive focus on goals.
A significant insight shared by Biscocho involved a survey conducted at P&G, which revealed that the single biggest differentiator in whether employees felt good at work was their sense of belonging. “The greatest thing you can do as a leader is to connect with your people on an individual level,” he said. “The business part you will be able to figure out, and it becomes less challenging.”
The panelists collectively advocated for small, consistent improvements in leadership. “Try to be a little bit better every day, no matter how little,” they advised. This philosophy of continuous improvement, coupled with public praise and private critique, forms the bedrock of effective leadership and fosters a supportive, growth-oriented organizational culture.
Key Insights
The event’s overarching message was clear: the future of leadership lies in embracing change and fostering an environment where multi-generational employees can share ideas openly. The younger generations, armed with technological savvy and a global perspective, are poised to become the trailblazers of tomorrow. However, their success hinges on the willingness of current leaders to mentor, support, and empower them.
In conclusion, the fireside chat offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of leadership. By leveraging generational strengths, achieving work-life balance, and focusing on continuous personal growth, today’s leaders can effectively champion change and pave the way for tomorrow’s trailblazers. This collaborative and inclusive approach will not only drive organizational success but also create a more dynamic and resilient workforce for the future.
The John Clements Leadership Institute offers solutions that deliver impact and transformation, built on the most advanced thinking and techniques from world-class partners and customize them for the Asian market. Learn more about our services.
