Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu, who has led the telecom giant for over 16 years, has transformed the company from a challenger to a leader. This, he did, as he balanced this demanding role with being a father of three – a role that has imparted invaluable lessons for leading a publicly listed company.
As many would agree, Ernest Cu has blazed a trail as president and CEO of Globe. And much of his success he credits to his children– Cristina, Martin, and Arianna – who served as his “tutors” in cultivating empathy, adaptability, and the wisdom to inspire, rather than to mandate.
“My kids taught me patience. Despite being raised in the same household, the same environment, they are very different (from each other). So you have to treat them and interact with them differently at different levels,” he said.
Cu’s approach to parenting laid the framework for his effective team leadership. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all tact, he adapts his communication style to best connect with each individual.
Just as he encourages his children to fearlessly pursue their calling and strive for mastery, Cu helps team members harness their potential and creates an environment for them to thrive.
Cu’s parenting North Star heavily influences his management tenets. For one, he sets a strong ethical foundation, then empowers individuals to pursue their passions without rigid predetermined paths while pushing them to be the best in what they do.
His advice to his kids also applies to his team: “You can be whoever you want to be but be the best. I always believe that you will do your best if you’re happy doing something. I cannot force you. You won’t be good at it because you were forced. It’s really what your natural inclination is, follow it and you will be good.”
With his people-first approach, Globe has transformed from a contender to a leader in the telecom industry, boldly venturing into new markets with an unrelenting commitment to uplifting lives.
Cu’s ability for fearless disruption and nurturing spirit is the lynchpin of his leadership both at work and home. At his core, he prioritizes progress through cultivating strong bonds and fostering rich personal legacies.
“Relationships matter significantly to me, whether it’s leading people or managing business relationships,” he says. “You always want the best for everybody in the same way you want the best for your family.”
It’s these lasting connections that most excite the executive about the future— from creating new multigenerational memories on upcoming family vacations to cementing Globe’s enduring footprint through continued innovation.
At this intersection of work and life is where Cu shines. There are no divided roles, just a holistic person bringing the same values, vision and love into the boardroom, as much as into his living room. His leadership style is defined by seamlessly blending the devoted father and elite CEO into one integrated persona.
