Teresita Sy-Coson, the daughter of the late Henry Sy, Sr., the founder of the SM Group, has recently shared valuable insights about life and business. Commemorating her father’s entrepreneurial journey, which began with a small shoe store in downtown Manila 65 years ago, Teresita reflects on the enduring wisdom he passed down to her and her siblings.
She explains, “My siblings and I were growing up when my father started his business. We had front-row seats to his extraordinary way of doing things. He has been our mentor, teaching us about business and life through coaching and through his example.”
Here are the values that made Henry Sy, Sr., one of the most successful men in the country, as recounted by his daughter:
The power of vision and hard work
Teresita reflects on her father’s unwavering dedication to success, saying that Henry Sy, Sr. believed, “If I could sell a pair of shoes to every Filipino, I would be a successful man.” He believed that his small shoe store could grow into something significant, exemplifying the power of having a clear vision and the determination to work tirelessly to achieve it.
Both vision and hard work are fundamental to succeeding in business. As Scott Belsky, author of Making Ideas Happen, states, “It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” Vision sets the direction, and hard work transforms that vision into reality.
Passion is the driving force
Passion, Teresita says, is the driving force behind her father achieving what seemed impossible. She mentions that her father understood the values of intelligence and education, sharing that he tried to pursue a college degree despite the adversities of World War II. When given the opportunity to choose between going back to school to finish his education or traveling to broaden his knowledge, Henry Sy, Sr. chose the latter.
Hence, Teresita further shares, “It is important to have a great passion to achieve. Apart from intelligence and education, it is passion that makes a difference. It increases one’ willpower. It is, in fact, the fuel for the will. Passion makes the impossible possible.”
Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, also emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving success, stating, “Passion is the love of the game.” Passionate individuals are more likely to persevere through challenges and remain committed to their goals.
Teresita adds, “Your desires, he believed, determine your destiny. The stronger your willpower to achieve, the greater your potential. If you follow your passion, you become a more dedicated and productive person.”
Read her full post here.
Read more on how to raise business-minded kids:
- Never Too Young For Business: How Four Kids All Aged 10 And Under Started Their Own Business
- Want Your Kids To Be Entrepreneurial And Business-Minded At An Early Age? Here's How To Start
- These Kids Come Up With Ideas For Moms Cake Business And Get A Cut Of The Profit
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
