Global managing partner, 500 Global

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Vishal Harnal (VH): Leaders aren’t defined by titles but by their ability to lead. The greatest and most differentiated leaders are those that are able to both inspire and execute. They exude confidence, an unwavering determination, and the mental malleability to learn and grow.

What went through your mind when you were nominating candidates for this year’s Gen.T List?

VH: I’m in the business of making contrarian decisions and naturally gravitate towards founders that challenge conventional thinking. My nominations for this year’s Gen.T List are pioneering visionaries, who are tackling some of the most difficult problems our region faces. 

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

VH: My hope is that the next generation of leaders is able to think beyond their companies and consider their broader impact and responsibility to society. It would be wonderful to see the unrelenting pursuit of business excellence being tempered with humanity and humility.

Journalist

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala (KMA): A great leader can see beyond what is seen, heard and felt. They can imagine and pursue a revolutionary vision to make a difference in the lives of people beyond their immediate circle. 

A great leader is not didactic nor wanting to display. An exceptional leader provides service with love and limitless empathy.

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

KMA: I hope the next generation of leaders become relentless truth-seekers in a world flooded with the false. 

I hope they stay authentic and never feel pressured to be defined by what social media portrays as the “perfect life”. I wish them genuinely nurturing friends and inspiring mentors, so they can discover and pursue their true vocation and calling. I wish them lives grounded in family and faith.

Managing partner, Foxmont Capital

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Franco Varona (FV): A leader who can dream of things that never were and say “why not”.  They can chart a path for their organisation, they can inspire others and they can lead with humility. Great leaders can break boundaries and navigate through challenges seamlessly.

What went through your mind when you were nominating the candidates of this year’s Gen.T List?

FV: I wanted to nominate people from the startup community who are affecting change within their own organisation and within the tech ecosystem. I believe that these candidates are game-changers whose names will be part of the daily discourse of the Philippines in short order.

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

FV: Filipino solutions to Filipino problems.

President, SM Supermalls

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Steven Tan (ST): A great leader is someone who eyes the future with insight, wisdom and imagination. They set the direction and inspire others to pursue this vision.

Leadership is not about the one on top getting everything done. It is about inspiring their team to thrive and rise to their full potential. It is about driving life and continuity to the organisation, creating a commitment to excellence. 

But remember, leadership should also be fun and engaging!

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

ST: Today’s turbulent times bring so much disruption, which calls for resilient leadership. So leaders must be able to withstand and adapt to speed bumps. There is also greater transparency with the proliferation of online media, which means next-gen leaders need to generate a higher level of trust. And lastly, today’s culture calls for leaders who encourage inclusivity, belonging and well-being. These are areas of change I hope the next wave of leaders will bring.

Historian 

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Ambeth Ocampo (AO): A great leader has a field of vision that goes beyond themselves in service of others or the greater good. 

From the Spanish vocabulary of the 17th to 19th centuries, there were many definitions of bayani, which is Tagalog for “hero”. The definition most relevant to the Gen.T community is that a “bayani is one who offers free service or volunteers towards a cooperative task or common endeavour”.

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

AO: I tell my students that history does not repeat itself because it has no will, no strength to do so. People who say so just want to blame history for their failures or omissions because it is we who repeat history. I hope the Gen.T honourees will break the recurring cycle so that the future will stop reading like the past.

Founder, Yaparazzi Events + PR

What do you think makes a leader different or great? 

Tim Yap (TY): A great leader can see what’s on the horizon that others may not. Foresight and action spell the difference between good and great.

What went through your mind when you were nominating and vetting the candidates of this year’s Gen.T List?

TY: Aside from the obvious tech startup mavericks, I wanted to inject the list with creatives. We need to celebrate the artists, actors and activists who are inspiring others and fuelling change. 

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

TY: I hope this generation proceeds with less anger and privilege than its predecessors. I enjoy Gen Z’s values, as well as their openness and willingness to collaborate, and get down to work. I am sure that they will apply the same zest for work-life balance in their leadership. I believe the best is yet to come.

Read more: Tim Yap believes that creativity and refinement are the keys to thrive in the lifestyle and entertainment industry

Partner, South East Asia's Sustainability and Climate Change Leader, PwC Malaysia

What do you think makes a leader different or great?

Andrew Chan (AC): Having the courage to make mistakes and owning up to them is a critical part of the journey towards becoming a great leader. Behind every innovative idea and polished presentation or pitch to investors are countless hours of blood, sweat and tears. Striving for progress, not perfection, is a good way for a leader to pace themselves and provide space to make mistakes, recover from the experience and improve.

As a leader, staying humble naturally requires effort, especially as the business grows and you become recognised for your success. Learning together with your team or getting employees to share their specific knowledge via reverse mentoring initiatives can help you lead from both the dance floor and the balcony.

Being open to feedback, both bouquets and brickbats from customers and advocacy groups are part of the learning process. To lead with a sustainability mindset is about going the extra mile, even though it may have short-term costs. This includes making an effort to disclose the impact of your activities and backing up what you say about yourself through a verification process to be accountable to your stakeholders.

Beyond transparency, good governance is a critical component of building long-term value, including an avenue for leaders or directors to be able to objectively question how the company’s resources are being channelled, whether employees are treated fairly, and whether hiring and performance appraisal practices are transparent. 

Read more: Cover story: How Andrew Chan became a pioneer in corporate sustainability practice

What went through your mind when you were nominating and vetting the candidates of this year’s Gen.T List?

AC: Having a bold vision and inspiring purpose is important, but even more critical is the broader economic and societal impact of the decisions you make as a business, and doing it with authenticity.

What change do you hope the next generation of leaders brings?

AC: Providing a support network for each other. Regardless of where you are in your journey as a business owner or entrepreneur, you can always pay it forward by sharing your experience and knowledge with your peers or those just starting out.

I encourage the next generation of leaders to consistently express their views on important issues like sustainability and climate change—make your voice heard in dialogues or fireside chats. Leading through your actions speaks volumes, including hiring the differently abled, buying local goods and services, and practising zero waste. 

Purpose-driven leadership is an exercise in humility, helping you role model the type of impact employees will feel inspired by and giving you the opportunity to nurture future generations of leaders among your team.

See the full list of members on the 2023 Gen.T Tribe. After which, read more about the young leaders on the Gen.T List 2023.

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