Purpose, focus: 5 things fresh grads can learn from Kris Aquino

MANILA, Philippines – “Puhunan ko ang sarili ko,” Kris Aquino told the crowd on Friday, March 7, at the 6th Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit. (My investment is myself.) 

Her personal brand, developed over the years and characterized by her openness about both her personal life and her life in front of the camera, has led to several endorsements and mainstream success in a slew of businesses, TV, and film projects. She’s also a force to be reckoned with on social media, with over 802,000 followers on Instagram and 994,000 on Twitter, all waiting for what’s next from the Queen of All Media.  

Over the years, Kris said, she’s picked up a thing or two about work and life, particularly from her mom, the late Corazon Aquino. Here are just a few things she shared with the crowd, for all who search for success: 

1. Be present.

What Kris said: “You show up for work, every day,” said Kris. “You show up no matter gaano kapuyat ka, gaano kapagod ka, kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan sa personal na buhay, a-appear ka. That’s already 80% of the battle.” 

(You show up no matter how sleepless you’ve been, how tired you are, and no matter what you’re going through in your personal life.)  

What we picked up: When you are contributing to your company and receiving a salary for your work on the clock, there’s no reason not to show up barring emergencies and declared leaves.

When grades were the only thing at stake (and that’s no small thing), it may have been easier to cut class or skip an academic obligation. But now that you’re working, when you don’t show up, your employer loses out on the investment he made – on you. 

Don’t love your job? Show up anyway, until the day you transfer or leave for good. Seize the opportunity to show consistency and dependability. These are traits (aside from raw talent) that employers look for when they recommend someone for regularization, and later, a promotion. 

2. Network.

What Kris said: In an occasion like this, said Kris, “All of you will get to network…give each other inspiration and in a gathering like this, establish contacts. Importante talaga na marami kayong kakilala, maraming mga pwedeng tumulong sa inyo at marami kayong lalapitan, to ask for advice and of course to offer your goods and services.”

(It’s important to make contacts, there are a lot of people who can help, and a lot you can approach, to ask for advice, and to whom you can even offer your goods and services.) 

What we picked up: One thing to do to get started early on in your career? Network, and do it well. Get to know your peers, the industry icons, the emerging stars. Study them before you even meet them in person, so that when you do encounter them, you’ll be ready.

The Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit, for example, was attended by women entrepreneurs from a variety of industries – health and wellness, food and beverage, government, media, among others – all willing to share their wisdom with the audience there. A brief conversation, an exchange of business cards between strangers, even a raised question during a forum – all of these could lead to something more.  

3. Make an effort to contribute to a positive work environment. 

What Kris said: Kris said that she makes it a point to treat her people well. “‘Yung Kris TV staff ko, we’re together practically 24/7. Doon sa Aquino & Abunda, they’ve been with me since The Buzz started [in 1999],” Kris recounted. Talking to employers and would-be bosses in the crowd, she said, “Eventually, alam ko, lahat kayo magkakaroon kayo ng mga empleyado, so alam ko na kailangan ipasok niyo sa mga sarili ninyo na kailangan iangat niyo sila kasi pag inaangat niyo sila, kayong lahat aangat.”

(Eventually, I know all of you will have employees, so I think you should internalize that you need to empower them, because when they are empowered, you all improve.) 

What we picked up: As a new employee, or perhaps a fresh graduate, don’t wait for bosses to give you a pep talk before you proactively bring your best self to work. And when the bosses try to critique your performance, monitor your output, and reach out to deliver feedback, listen –  then commit to improve. It may just be the secret to thriving at work.

4. Focus.

What Kris said: Speaking to a student in the crowd, Kris learned that the young lady had a year of school to go and, coincidentally, was in a relationship. “Mag-aral maigi…huwag ka magpabuntis!” Kris teased, with her usual frankness. “Alam mo na, suklian ang mga magulang sa kanilang hard work.” (Study hard, don’t get pregnant! Reward your parents for their hard work.)  

What we picked up: Kris was bantering with the crowd, but the advice rings true. If you have a dream in mind, visualize it, keep that end in mind – work towards it. Add details, craft a plan so that the dream is more blueprint than idea. Start making it real. Don’t wait. 

On the way, several key decisions you make will take you closer to that goal, or along a different path altogether. But without the self-awareness to call yourself out when distractions present themselves, you may not notice yourself drifting away from your goals until it’s too late.  

5. Have an overarching motivator that will keep you going. 

What Kris said: For Kris, her ultimate sources of strength are her family members, particularly her two children, Josh and Bimby. “The last lesson that I learned is to have a purpose. Me, I’m lucky because I go home to two people every day who give me strength no matter how tired I am,” she said in Filipino. “Just an indication po, this is my 22nd straight day of work na walang day off.” (This is my 22nd straight day of work with no day off.) 

What we picked up: What are you doing it for? Will success in the field lead you to where you want to be? Is what you’re doing aligned with your beliefs?

When you’re just starting out, you may not have all the answers just yet, and that’s okay. But with every move you make, pick out the lessons learned, and try not to repeat those mistakes you made along the way. 

Did you start out in business but realize you were more inclined towards the arts? You know your next step. Were the hours at your old job keeping you away from your loved ones? Evaluate your priorities. As you rack up years of working experience, your sense of purpose will take root. Your list of non-negotiables will solidify. You will distinguish between your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. Find this sense of direction in your life. Live, and work, accordingly. – Rappler.com