IBEC Managing Director, Robert Bush, reports on a visit to one of IBEC’s clients in the Philippines, a real estate photo editing company.
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com
—–
If you want to find out what a company is really like, it’s easy to do…you talk to the people who work there. On my recent trip to the Philippines, this is exactly what I did.
In addition to my time at the recent BAM Leader’s Forum in Manila, I wanted to meet with one of our longest-tenured clients, PhotoUp. Leading up to my trip, I reached out to my very good friend, Kristian Pettyjohn, regarding the possibility of meeting with someone from his company while I was there.
Although I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kristian and his team for the past seven years, I’d never been to the Philippines to hear firsthand what it’s like to be part of his team. Kristian connected me with Hazelle Mae Coronel, who manages several key personnel within the company.
I met with Hazelle and was immediately impressed by her gentle soul and calm demeanor. We spent nearly two hours discussing her role at PhotoUp and some of the challenges she has faced since joining the company in 2018. The company has grown from three employees to a peak of nearly three hundred.
Knowing that a newly created job in the Philippines impacts a minimum of seven people, I’ve always been intrigued by how PhotoUp has grown so rapidly yet maintained its unique culture. My goal during my time with Hazelle was to find out why…what, in fact, was their “secret sauce”?
So…what did my time with Hazelle teach me? There were three things that really stood out.
- Hazelle truly trusts the executive team of Kristian, Devon, and Dave. Through the years, their actions have certainly spoken louder than their words. They walk the talk. This is what all leaders should do.
- Hazelle told me she wants to retire from PhotoUp. She is in it for the long run. This is extremely important for any company that is searching for a long-term impact on the community. Leaders need to realize that this kind of effect is the result of persevering and pushing through the rough patches. Leading through the valley is what sets great leaders apart.
- Any leader can treat their people well when times are good, but Hazelle has seen Kristian lead with grace when there are market disruptions. His compassion and love for his people are genuine, and the employees at PhotoUp know it. Leaders need to be consistent in the way they treat their people. Anyone can lead when you’re hitting your number. The great ones, (like Kristian), are strong motivators when their leadership is needed the most.
As I think back on my time with Hazelle, it confirms once again that longevity in any industry usually comes down to leadership that really cares. PhotoUp has been an amazing blessing to me, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.
Take a look at this video below, Passion Meets Profit, and see for yourself what it means to “lead with love’” just like Jesus would do. The video recognizes Beau Milliken (Co-Founder) at Kijani Forestry, and Ryan and Rebecca Stowell (Founders) at Seed of Hope Coffee. Like Kristian, they have blessed me in so many ways as I observe the way they lead their respective teams.
https://vimeo.com/1154315409/9d58450241?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Bob Bush, Managing Director, IBEC Ventures
Robert.Bush@ibecventures.com