Heavy-weight industry leader Kevin Tan, now at the helm of Alliance Global's ventures, opens up about what it is like to balance family and business.
The daunting, yet sometimes paradoxical honour of rising to the challenge to take over the ropes of a family business is something that many a son or daughter face. The paradox continues on as this journey is one of privilege, and is yet extremely high pressure, with a lot at stake.
Many of the Philippines’ largest, more successful, thriving and growing businesses are family-owned and family-run. For that matter, there are countless massive global enterprises that are family-run, and proud of it. In fact, the legacy of a brand and its power can stem from the culture that is imbibed by those who manage it. The perspective, know-how and innate knowledge that comes from being born around an industry, surrounded by people passionate about a certain topic, makes you very much a part of that word. Some skills and a particular vision can take a lifetime to build, to mold or perfect. What one can learn from generations past is priceless as learning through experience is something truly eye-opening.
Through this interview we have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and balance that is needed to drive one’s professional life forward after interviewing second and third generation family members who have decided to pursue and improve their family operations. Learn from Alliance Global's CEO Kevin Tan, here:
What is Alliance Global? : Alliance Global Inc. is a holding company with major interests in food and beverage (Emperador Brandy), real estate and commercial development (Megaworld).
When did you know you were also passionate about the same industry as that of your family’s business? Why are you passionate about the industry you work in?
I started in the real estate industry right after graduating from college. I began my career by selling condominium units. Through the job I learned how to interact with different kinds of people and this contributed to the skills I needed to engage in diverse business partnerships and opportunities.
Later on, I was asked to start the mall business from scratch and I have to learn everything on my own. This is where I discovered a passion for creating new concepts, which further intensified my growing love for property development.
It is very fulfilling to witness the transformation of a piece of property from the ground up, and later on, watching it become a place of interest and a destination for creating moments and memories. I always get a profound sense of fulfilment in creating places that give so much happiness to so many people.
What are the challenges of stepping into the family business?
Having to start a business from scratch is one of the biggest challenges I had to face when I came into our family business.
Mall and township development was an unfamiliar territory for our company during that time, and I was the one tasked to pioneer that side of the business. It was very challenging for me given that I had very minimal experience in running mall & township operations on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, we were competing against more established companies who are many years ahead of us.
I had to find our own niche and learn everything on my own. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. The challenge is learning from your mistakes and seeking to rise above them.