Now that I am about the same age as my dad when he was in the thick of being active in civil society while balancing his duties at RFM, my thoughts often turn to the future. Maybe it was the same with him as well because even as he advanced in his years he still found time to dabble in the affairs of the community and the country, as well as write an occasional note to me, my siblings and his grandchildren. Those notes are a treasure now that he has passed. He was always one to have an eye focused on the future.

I suppose it is the same with other sons and daughters of great men. We look up to them and constantly desire to live up to their legacy. Growing up, I was profoundly influenced by my father’s dedication to the Philippines, particularly through his efforts to uplift the less fortunate. His commitment instilled in me a desire to help, particularly those who might not have access to the same opportunities that many of us take for granted.

I believe in the potential of the youth, and I am glad to see that many of my peers in Philippine business do so, too. One of our programs at Go Negosyo, The Boardroom Experience, creates a direct connection between the current leaders of business today and the future leaders. I have welcomed at the RFM boardroom Senior High School students and spent half the day answering whatever questions they had about what I do as a CEO and what it takes to be a successful business leader or entrepreneur.

It was an experience I wished to share with other CEOs and luckily, many of them obliged. Last week, Robina Gokongwei, who is now the president and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, among her other roles within the conglomerate, hosted students from Santolan High School in a free-flowing and lively discussion.

The Boardroom Experience underscores the importance of introducing young minds to the world of corporate leadership. By inviting public school students into our boardrooms, we can ignite their passion for entrepreneurship and leadership, ultimately shaping the next generation of leaders. It’s part of our bigger Youthpreneur program, where we have activities that reach out to students in their schools and support their entrepreneurship and agri-preneurship education.

Imagine if we could engage more CEOs and entrepreneurs to participate in initiatives like The Boardroom Experience. The impact could be monumental.

The Boardroom Experience was designed to provide students a glimpse into the corporate world, offering them the chance to witness leadership in action. During the program, students can interact with top executives, putting flesh into what they see only as names in news reports or “celebrities” in a world far removed from their own. For many of these students, this experience is not just educational; it is inspirational.

The willingness of CEOs like Robina to share their experiences and lessons with students speaks volumes about the value we place on mentorship and its place in ensuring the future. It also highlights the collective responsibility we share in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, some of whom can come from the most humble of backgrounds.

These interactions also demystify the corporate world. Many students – especially those who have not been exposed to the corporate world – may have preconceived notions about what it means to work in a business environment. By breaking down these barriers and opening our doors, we can help students realize that they, too, can thrive in this space. We can inspire them to dream big.

As business leaders, we have the power to influence not just our companies but also the broader community. It is our responsibility to lead by example and encourage our peers to engage in similar initiatives. We must make it easier for our youth to become leaders. In basketball terms, we must continuously have a powerful bench from which to draw the next batch of players.

Imagine the impact if more CEOs took the time to mentor students, to share their stories of struggle and success. These interactions could spark a passion for entrepreneurship in students who might otherwise never consider such a path. By showing them how we pay it forward, we cultivate a generation that is not only prepared to lead but also committed to making a difference for the next generation.

The Boardroom Experience has shown me that the hunger and passion for leadership exist among our youth; they merely need the opportunity to explore it. We need to embrace this chance to shape their futures, not just for their sake but for the prosperity of our society as a whole.

Our greatest investment lies in the next generation. By welcoming students into our boardrooms and sharing our experiences, we can build a bridge between aspiration and achievement. Let’s inspire them to become the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of our own mentors but also create a brighter future for all.

Originally Published in Philippine Star