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As the Philippines celebrates Father’s Day, Ernest Cu, a distinguished father, reflects on the priceless insights that fatherhood has imparted to his remarkable career.

Ernest Cu, the President and CEO of Globe, has been at the helm of the telecom behemoth for over a decade and a half, steering it from being an underdog to a market leader. Balancing this challenging role with fatherhood – a responsibility that has imparted lessons crucial to leading a publicly-traded company.

His children – Cristina, Martin, and Arianna – have been instrumental in fostering empathy, adaptability, and the wisdom to inspire rather than dictate. These lessons have been beneficial as he guided a company of more than 8,000 in a fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving industry.

"My children have taught me patience. Despite being raised in the same household, the same environment, they are all unique. So, you have to engage with them differently at different levels,” he shared.

Cu’s parenting style laid the groundwork for his effective team leadership. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, he tailors his communication style to best resonate with each individual.

Just as he motivates his children to bravely follow their passion and strive for excellence, Cu aids his team members in realizing their potential and fosters an environment for them to flourish.

Cu’s guiding principle in parenting heavily influences his management philosophies. He establishes a robust ethical foundation, then empowers individuals to follow their passions without rigid predetermined paths, while pushing them to excel in their chosen fields.

His advice to his children also resonates with his team: “You can be whoever you want to be, but be the best. I firmly believe that you will excel if you’re happy doing something. I cannot force you. You won’t excel at it because you were forced. It’s really about following your natural inclination, and you will excel.”

With his people-centric approach, Globe has evolved from a challenger to a leader in the telecom industry, fearlessly exploring new markets with an unwavering commitment to improving lives.

Cu’s capacity for bold disruption and nurturing spirit is the cornerstone of his leadership at work and home. At his core, he prioritizes progress by nurturing strong relationships and fostering rich personal legacies.

“Relationships are of significant importance to me, whether it’s leading people or managing business relationships,” he states. “You always want the best for everyone, just as you want the best for your family.”

These enduring connections are what most excite the executive about the future— from creating new multigenerational memories on upcoming family vacations to solidifying Globe’s lasting legacy through continued innovation.

Cu thrives at the crossroads of work and life. There are no separate roles, just a holistic individual infusing the same values, vision, and love into the boardroom, as much as into his living room. His leadership style is characterized by the seamless integration of a devoted father and an elite CEO into a single persona.

FAQs

1. Who is Ernest Cu? Ernest Cu is the President and CEO of Globe, a leading telecom company in the Philippines. He has been leading the company for over 16 years.

2. What has Ernest Cu learned from being a father? Being a father to three children has taught him invaluable lessons in empathy, adaptability, and inspiration. These lessons have been instrumental in his leadership of Globe.

3. What is Ernest Cu’s approach to leadership? Ernest Cu believes in a people-first approach. He adapts his communication style to best connect with each individual and creates an environment for them to thrive.

4. What is Ernest Cu’s advice to his children and team? Ernest Cu encourages both his children and his team to follow their natural inclinations and strive to be the best in their chosen fields.

5. How has Globe transformed under Ernest Cu’s leadership? Under Ernest Cu’s leadership, Globe has transformed from a contender to a leader in the telecom industry, venturing into new markets with a commitment to improving lives.