Q & A: Mary Joy Abaquin, founder of Multiple Intelligence Int’l School

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Rappler asks Abaquin, founder of the progressive MIIS school in Quezon City, for insights about success and what it takes to be a businesswoman

Mary Joy Abaquin. Photo courtesy of Go Negosyo

MANILA, Philippines – For her, education is key in empowering and enabling people.

In 1996, Mary Joy Abaquin put up Quezon City-based Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS), a “progressive school” that encourages Filipino children to be creative, critical and divergent thinkers.

MIIS is among the first learning institutions in the country that base their approach on the principles of the multiple intelligence framework of Dr. Howard Gardner, a well-known cognitive psychologist from Harvard University.

Today, MIIS has over 700 students and a hundred teaching staff, including Abaquin.

Abaquin will be recognized for her excellence and inspiring success at Go Negosyo’s 6th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit Friday, March 7.

Rappler asked her for a bit of insight about what it takes to be a successful businesswoman. Here’s what she has to say:


What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Vision, innovation, and hard work.


What was your biggest mistake as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?

Since I was an educator, I was very trusting with employees. I did not realize that issues on intellectual property were important to address in terms of protocols and code of ethics. I have learned from this and our institution has professionalized all of our employee expectations and norms of conduct.

 

What is your greatest fear? How do you manage fear?

As an educator, my fear is to cease to be relevant. I try to ensure that I am updated with 21st century innovation in education and educate students with skills that will be relevant to the demands of the changing global world.

What three pieces of advice would you give other women who want to start their own business?

Do what you are most passionate about so that your work is an extension of yourself. Choose to engage business that will be instrumental in improving lives of others. Ensure that integrity is upheld in your relationship with your employees and in your products.


What’s your most important learning when it comes to operations?

You never sacrifice the quality of education because of your need to meet the bottom line.

 

The 6th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit will be held from 9 am to 5 pm, Friday, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

For more information about the summit, visit www.gonegosyo.net. – Rappler.com

 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!