Women Can Lead': 5 Lessons From Miss Universe And Filipina Leaders

What does it take to be a good leader? Surely, it is more than the gender of a person. It takes skill, a thirst for change, and perseverance, to name a few.  In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Miss Universe 2021 Philippines candidate Rabiya Mateo counters a statement. In particular, she counters President Rodrigo Duterte's statement. He says that women cannot take on leadership roles due to their emotional nature.

Mateo respectfully disagrees, saying, "women are just as capable as men when it comes to leading the nation." She emphasizes the statement with a note that the Philippines already had two female presidents in its arsenal.Â

In fact, the Philippines ranks first globally in terms of female leadership. In 2020 alone, the percentage of female leaders rose to 48%.Â

For those dreaming of taking on leadership roles, there is a bevy of opportunities awaiting for you to take the chance.Â

Need further convincing to take the leap? Five women in power share their lessons for effective leadership.Â

Leni Robredo, Vice President of the Philippines

Image source: VP Leni Robredo's Facebook page

"Ang daming kaguluhan sa paligid. I'm focused on the targets, I keep my eyes on the ball. I will not allow myself to be distracted by this." - Esquire interview

VP Robredo focuses on the work and let's action speak for itself.

She has done wonders for the country thus far, including being at the forefront of numerous COVID-19 relief efforts -- shuttling for frontliners, creating PPE supplies, and providing equipment donations.Â

In response to the recent supertyphoon Rolly that hit the Philippines last year, VP Robredo also launched the BAHAYnihan project which aimed to build houses for the typhoon-riddled victims.Â

What we can learn from her: Vice-President Leni Robredo imparts this nugget of wisdom: Don't let the naysayers get to you. Also, just do your job.Â

Abba Napa, Creative Director/Co-Founder Of The Moment Group

Image source: Generation T Asia

"Today my end goal is always about the experience . . . the diner's journey . . . AND the people who recreate that experience day in and day out." - Pepper.ph

The food and beverage landscape is ever changing.Â

With that said, it is as much a challenge as a celebration to stay relevant. Enter Abba Napa, the creative director and one of the founding members of The Moment Group. If you have not heard of the collective, you might be more familiar with 8Cuts, Din Tai Fung, Manam, and the like.

Napa and her team have consistently introduced food trend after food trend, and showed no signs of slowing down. Even during the pandemic, they still come out on top and innovate. They rode the delivery train and focused their sights on that income stream.Â

What we can learn from her: Aside from giving due credit to your team, a great leader always questions the status quo. She does not give in to what the majority already knows, but what they have yet to know. After all, high risk equals a high reward.Â

Tessie Sy-Coson, co-chairman of SM Investments

Image source: Philstar.com

"You start small, but in the future, you will grow big."

What most people forget is that success does not happen overnight. Her father, the late Henry Sy, began Shoemart as a hole-in-the-wall shoe shop. But a decision to move toward a department store model turned it around for him and the family -- and the business she co-heads today.Â

What we can learn from her: A great leader knows the value of patience and the time it takes for a concept to grow. Emulating persistence as well will surely help, especially since setbacks are always likely to come through along the way.Â

Ana Patricia Non, Community Pantry Founder

Image source: Patricia Non's Facebook account

"Ang importante ngayon ay mabuhay, mag-survive, at magpalakas. Kung may sakit, magpagaling."

Wanting to help her fellowmen, Ana Patricia Non takes action. She braved the heat to put up the very first community pantry in Maginhawa from 6 am to 6pm.Â

Despite some challenges she faced, her project proved to be a communal success. Several offshoots live today in different areas of the country. Those who need supplies can drop by during the daily timeframe and pick up what they need for the home.Â

What we can learn from her: Great leaders don't wait to react. They anticipate and transform ahead of time to make a change.

Rabiya Mateo, Miss Universe 2021 Candidate

Image source: Rabiya Mateo's Instagram account

"We need female leaders who will put their emotions into making decisions. Because it's not all about experience. Sometimes you need to [use] your [emotions] to be the mother of the country."

Mateo ends this piece on a sweet note. She highlights that emotions can be a great help to making informed decisions. A great leader is not only about the mind, but also about what matters in other aspects, and that includes feelings.Â

In the same interview, she also shares that it is about time women be treated equally in the same vein as men are. Mateo says that in knowing her capabilities, she knows how she can contribute to the betterment of her community.Â

"I can lead my country because I have the power to do so," she says.Â

What we can learn from her: Becoming a leader should be about skill, capabilities and belief in the self. It goes beyond gender, race, or socio-economic stature.Â

May we all be beacons of change, in whatever industry we serve in.Â

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