The Chairman and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) receives a nod from the prestigious award-giving body as one of the Men and Women Who Matter in 2022. He shares his story of leadership and what drives him as a mentor and visionary.
On June 22, the Hilton Grand Ballroom was filled with the country’s top leaders and innovators, as they gathered for the prestigious Asia Leaders Awards. The award-giving body recognizes the best of the best, people who are making a difference not only within their respective industries, but also for their contributions in promoting the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia and beyond.
Among the night’s distinguished honorees was the Chairman and CEO of the media conglomerate, AGC Power Holdings Corp., Mr. Archie G. Carrasco. He was named one of the 15 Rising Tigers and Nation Builders under the Men and Women Who Matter List 2022. Carrasco has broken glass ceilings and exceeded expectations despite the limitations presented by the global pandemic. The Men and Women Who Matter List goes beyond awarding excellence and celebrating leadership. For those on the list, it is about making an impact in this world and inspiring others.
The Test of Authentic Leadership
The onset of the pandemic presented the biggest challenge for Carrasco. Amidst the worldwide economic crisis that forced businesses to shut down, he powered through and turned the setbacks into opportunities — not only to save his company, but also for the welfare of his employees and their families.
“A test of authentic leadership” is how he described those uncertain times. Carrasco took bold steps to diversify his string of businesses. Above all, he put his people first with purpose over profit as his guiding principle. Against all odds, he kept his employees safe and provided them with job security.
A day in the life of Carrasco includes overseeing multiple companies. Although majority of his employees work from home, Carrasco reports to the office everyday to guide his executives and the support team of AGC PHC. He spends the day meeting with the leaders of each of his companies, clients, industry partners and more.
Mentors Behind his Success
Shaping him to be the leader he is today, Carrasco credits and extends his gratitude to the creative visionaries and pioneers who have inspired him.
He names his first mentor, Frances J. Yu, the former AVP for Marketing of Rustan’s, as someone who guided him when he joined the company.
He acknowledges the late founder of One Mega Group (OMG), Sari V. Yap, for realizing his potential fifteen years ago and paving the way for him. To this day, he upholds the promise he made to Yap when she named him president of OMG — to continue the legacy of the company, to ensure that employees and stakeholders are cared for, and to maintain being the standard of Filipino media excellence.
Today, Carrasco stands tall as a mentor to others and staying resilient no matter what obstacles are hurled his way. He listens to his people and provides a space where his employees can share their own ideas and opinions. Time and time again, he has proven to be a great leader and a true visionary.
A Powerhouse Strategy
In the fast-paced world of media publishing, marketing and advertising, “Not doing what everyone else is doing is the secret,” Carrasco shares. “Limiting yourself to the status quo won’t work. Instead, one should project what makes you unique from others, and that’s how the world will notice your efforts.”
He also reiterates that every leader should know how to embrace change. Companies should strive for the endless pursuit of innovation as it is the only way for businesses to evolve and survive. “Always prepare your business for the future. During unpredictable times such as the global pandemic, no one could have anticipated the economic toll it took on businesses,” he shares. While other businesses closed down, Carrasco took the time to recalibrate his business, he took bold steps to diversify and expand, and he dared to dream big when everyone else was playing safe.
The Team Who Matters
With the stakes even higher as AGC PHC goes global, Carrasco never failed to recognize every member of his team for their creativity, loyalty and dedication to the company, especially in times of crisis.
“I am fortunate to have an incredibly innovative and high-functioning team behind me. It was through their unwavering support, hard work and dedication that our company was able to expand and evolve despite the limitations brought by our current situation,” Carrasco adds.
More than his own accomplishments, for Carrasco, success happens when you achieve something that positively impacts the lives of others. “At the end of the day, the true meaning of success is your level of happiness dictated by what you have achieved and how you have inspired those around you. It is important to keep in mind that above all your successes, you must always remember to put your people first.”
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