FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance
Course Code:
MGT1101
Course Title:
Leadership and Decision-Making
Effectivity:
A.Y. 2021-2022
Term:
1st Semester
The Thought Leadership Presentation
An Interview of Engr. Alfredo C. Atienza
CEO of A.P.S. Engineering Works
By:
BROTARLO, Dianne Leah P.
BUSALPA, Jemmiel Jaze S.
CACHERO, Kate Andrea B.
YU, Jannualle Yshee E.
GANIR, Jan Maureen V.
RAMOS, Ashley May P.
SUBMITTED TO:
(SGD) Dr. Leonardo F. Cada, Jr.
November 13, 2021
Table of Contents
Overview Name of the Business…………………………………………...……....1
Company Address and Contact Details…………………………………………….2
Date of Virtual or Online Interview………………………………………………..2
Resume of Person Interviewed…………………………………………………...2-4
Questionnaire Template………………………………………………………….4-5
Transcript of the Interview……………………………………………………...5-10
Photo Documentation……………………………………………………………..11
Individual Reflection Paper/Personal Plan…………………………………….11-17
References……………………………………………………………………...…17
Appendix………………………………………………………………………….18
I.
Overview Name of the Business
A.P.S Engineering Works, is both a general contractor and a service company that
is situated and can be found in the City of Makati. It is a Sole Proprietorship type of
business and is owned by Engr. Alfredo Atienza who is also the CEO and president of the
company.
Their mission is:
•
To provide exceptional services to the construction industries and their clients. We
are committed to providing the highest level of professionalism service response.
In quality workmanship and dedicated in providing quality construction services
to our customers. We will serve to implement a long-term relationship with our
clients based on safety quality, timely services, and anticipation of their needs. To
help fulfil this mission we will treat all employees fairly and involve them in the
quality improvement process. To ensure responsiveness and cost-effective work
execution. To be the preeminent provider of superior construction services by
consistently improving the quality of our performance. To perform to our customer
the highest level of quality Construction Services at fair and market competitive
prices.
Their vision is:
•
To be the premier Engineering Construction Company where customers and
partners will see us integral to their success. We will anticipate their needs and
deliver on every commitment we make. People will be provided to work at APS,
we will create opportunities to achieve the extraordinary and we will reward
success. To be a company that is in a position to take up any challenge in the
construction industry to be a role model for the upcoming General Construction
Company.
II.
Company Address and Contact Details
Address: LM Hidalgo Place, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Zip/Postal Code: 1210
City/Region: Makati City
Country: Philippines
Contact Number: +63-917-3274254
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/apsew
A.P.S. Engineering Works can be reached through www.coatings1.com
III.
Date of Virtual or Online Interview
The Interview was conducted through Zoom on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
Pacific Time (US and Canada).
IV.
Resume of Person Interviewed
ALFREDO C. ATIENZA
Mobile No.: 0977 830 1989
Makati, Philippines
Email: alfredoatienza05@gmail.com
Owned Company: A.P.S Works Engineering
CEO and President, Sole Proprietorship
LM Hidalgo Place, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Since June 2009
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
•
Involved on the construction of high-rise residential condominium doing MEPFS works
of life support systems, security and services
•
Preventive maintenance of developed residential condominium
•
Specialty in Hydraulic Valve Installation & commissioning (Bermad, Claval, SAV San
Rafael Brand, Pressure Reducing Valve, Mechanical Float Valve)
•
Responsible for the maintenance and operation works of all entire sanitary, mechanical,
fire protection system, plumbing works civil, architectural and structural works
•
Perform inspection and supervision of the sanitary & plumbing works done by the
contractor of the tenant based on the management construction guidelines
•
Preventive maintenance of all MEPFS equipment of the building
•
Responsible for the operation and maintenance of air conditioning, fire protection
system, plumbing, and sanitary piping.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Year: 1994 - 2008
Company: ROCKWELL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CORP.
Rockwell Center, Makati, Philippines
Position: Project Manager
Year: 1990-1994
Company: Alpha Plumbing Corp.
Position: Supervisor
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Samson College of Science & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate
SKILLS
Proficiency Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Language: English and Filipino
Computer Application All Windows application and programs, Microsoft Word,
Microsoft Excel, other Social Networking
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth: November 5, 1969
Place of Birth: Malabon, Philippines
Nationality: Filipino
Legibility: Philippine Passport Holder – P214078B
Visa Status: N/A
Driving License: Non-Professional N01 11 0338
V.
Questionnaire Template
1. Have you experienced any setbacks or challenges during the start of your business?
2. If yes, may we know what challenges have you overcome? Name one setback you
encountered in being a business owner and what you learned from it.
- If no, what possible difficulties can you expect in the future and how do you plan
to overcome them?
3. Do you believe that your leadership skills helped you overcome those challenges?
4. What are the most important skills you must demonstrate in front of your team
members?
5. Do you believe that there is some sort of pattern or steps to follow to be a successful
businessman?
6. How did you conquer your what-if moments that usually stifles new entrepreneurs from
going forward?
7. How have you ever handled difficult persons within your workplace?
8. If yes, how did you deal with it?
- If no, how are you going to deal with it when this circumstance happens in the
future?
9. Did the pandemic cause difficulties or issues in your profession?
10. As a businessperson, how do you handle stress and pressure?
VI.
Transcript of the Interview
Brotarlo: Good afternoon, Sir.
Engr. Atienza: Hi guys. Good afternoon, everyone.
Brotarlo: Now that it is already 2:30 pm and our interviewee is already here, I believe we
should start. Good afternoon again, sir. Before anything else, we would like to inform you
that this meeting is recorded. Is that okay, sir?
Engr. Atienza: Yes. All right. So.
Brotarlo: Let me formally introduce our group to you. We are the Tamarawr Leaders from
Far Eastern University, and this interview is conducted for our final requirement in
Leadership and Decision Making subject. And we would like to thank you for giving us the
opportunity for this interview, so that we can fully understand the basic concepts of being a
businessman and what it takes to handle a business. May you introduce yourself, sir and state
your business?
Engr. Atienza: Yeah, I am. Anyway, oh, I'm Alfredo C. Atienza. The CEO and the
president of the APS Engineering Works—which located in Rockwell, Makati, our office.
(Question #1)
Brotarlo: Okay, Sir. To start off the questions, have you experienced any setbacks or
challenges during the start of your business?
Engr. Atienza: Well, regarding the experience, actually, this is not easy ano how to start
your business. So, if you're going to start this, actually, you have a plan 'no, you have a study
or you have plan for—before you start the business, and it's not easy 'no. So, during my
start—I was starts selling some products 'no, actually, as—not a contractor 'no. So, I start
selling in the field, so when I... when I... I start selling, so 'yon, in a few months, six months,
seven months, so its ano, its improved 'no. So nagkaroon ng ano, nagkaroon ng... nagkaroon
ako ng, I mean, opportunity. So 'yon, I started my capital was about five thousand pesos
(₱5,000) during my business kasi I don't have money before. I don't have—what only I have
on my pocket, just only five thousand (5,000), but I already prepared the all the documents
I needed for the business, kasi before that, before I decide to... to go my business—I was
employed at Rockwell before, I was employed. So, during I work with the company, so I
can see there my plan B and this is my plan B, sabi ko, what if I just putting up this my
business? So, kasi because of my needs 'no, I'm supporting my family, my salary is not
enough to support them 'no, to give them what they needs for the... their own education and
daily commodities for my family so yeah, and I considered my plan B and then 'yon, I did
it. Before I resigned 'yon, everything was set. So, the time that I decided to resign 'yon, I
made it, then I start this with my capital, sabi ko how I could, grow this capital kasi this,
because it's only five thousand pesos (₱5,000). As a contractor 'no. So 'yon. In six months
time to seven months time, my five thousand (5,000) is become to almost 1.1 million 'no. So
that's—I realized, sabi ko wow, it's great, kumita ako, my... my capital becomes million ano.
So 'yon, that time so I was start na... step to as a contractor na. Hindi na ako nagbebenta 'no,
hindi na ako nag—I stopped selling, so I focused as a contractor kasi that is my profession,
e, in a engineering profession. Alright.
(Question #2)
Ramos: Since you mentioned some of your setbacks as a businessman, now, kindly state
what you learned from those experiences?
Engr. Atienza: Well, my, of course, experience is a factor ano. Actually, when I start my
business, I don't have any experience ano. I tried lang na subukan 'no para, kasi nga I'm
looking for opportunity 'no. So yung experience, experience and challenge—that's not easy
kasi yung—sometimes yung mga disappointment mo sa client, number one 'no, so minsan
'pag nag bi-bid ka, natatalo ka sa bidding 'no. So 'yun yung ano, 'yun yung mga challenge,
'yun yung mga na-experience ko dito sa business ko 'no. Alright, guys.
(Question #3)
Cachero: Yes sir, for the next question, do you believe that your leadership skills help you
overcome those challenges?
Engr. Atienza: Can you make it louder?
Cachero: Sorry. The third question—do you believe that your leadership skills help you
overcome those challenges?
Engr. Atienza: Medyo mahina. Can you ano, can you make it louder please? [noise and
voices over the background] Hello? Hello Ma'am? Hello Dianne?
Brotarlo: Hello sir. I'll repeat the question for Miss Cachero. Do you believe that your
leadership skills help you overcome your, those challenges?
Engr. Atienza: Yeah yeah. Yes, of course—it really helped 'no. Kasi kailangan, to overcome
any challenge or problem that we, we encounter 'no. So kailangan yung leadership mo andon,
present 'no. So kailangan mo ipakita sa... sa mga tao mo, sa tao, sa mga empleyado mo o sa
team na yung... yung positive 'no—yung... yung attitude mo kahit maraming challenge,
nandodoon yung ano... nandodoon yung leadership mo na nagli-lead doon yung how you
handle the problem, how do you manage your people despite of challenges and 'yon. That's
a very very important—yung leadership as, kapag whatever kung it’s a group or or or it's a
big company or small company, number one kailangan may leadership talaga 'no, this is a
very very important 'no, hindi... hindi kailangan na ma-distract ka even maraming challenge
or or problem nandon dapat yung determination mo as a leader, so dapat 'yun ang ano... 'yun
ang maging attitude ng isang leader. If I begin positive, aggressive. Alright.
(Question #4)
Ramos: Let’s proceed to the next question. What are the most important skills you must
demonstrate in front of your team members?
Engr. Atienza: Well, the most important uh- Of course ‘yung idea ‘no. ‘Yung mga idea uhWe have to share it uh- with the team uh- the members uh- what is the uh best idea ‘no. Sokase kung wala kang mga uh innovation or mga ideang magaganda, so even uh kahit marami
kang ano uh- tawag dito- what we call this uh opportunity. Uh hindi mo ma- hindi magiging
successful e. Kailangan uh i-ano mo, i-share mo ‘yung idea sa- sa technology ba ‘no. ‘Yung
mga technology can really help ‘no. Of course ‘yung mga training and seminars on how do
we improve our uh followers or team members of the team ‘no. Uh they can get more uh
efficient of a handle of their own uh responsibility ‘no. So, which is a very-very important
kase ‘yung skill- ‘yung skill can develop ‘no. Kung- if you trained well your people, so they
can develop uh their own uh everyone’s skill. So, That’s it.
(Question #5)
Busalpa: Okay, Sir. The fifth question is- Do you believe that there is some sort of pattern
or steps to follow to be a successful businessman? Yes or no?
Engr. Atienza: Well, uh- yes kase that’s- that's normal e. So, kailangan mong uh- we need
to uh- sort some uh- let’s say, idea or you have to consolidate the ano- the opinion ‘no from
the others ‘no. So, uh espe- especially with the uh- successful uh entrepreneur or
businessman so, we can get more uh better idea ‘no. And you can get more uh efficient way
‘no. So, that’s the key of uh our business ‘no. We can ask somewhere uh- what is the uh
technique, what is the idea- what are the ideas that we can uh apply in our business ano.
What we- what it can use ‘no. So, that’s ano- that’s normal ‘no. So, if you do not- if you do
not ask uh or if you do not ask some uh expert or uh successful person in the business, how
can we- how can we get an idea ‘no? So, I think that’s- that’s uh- I agreed on that.
(Question #6)
Busalpa: Okay, Sir. The next question is uhm- How did you conquer your what-if moments
that usually stifles new businessman from going forward?
Engr. Atienza: Uh, can you repeat the question, ‘no? Medyo ma-ano, mahina ‘yung dating.
Busalpa: Ah sige po. How did you conquer your what-if moments that usually stifles new
businessman from going forward?
Engr. Atienza: Well, uh- of course In the battleground in the business. There’s a- there's
always uh competition, right? There's just always competition in the battleground so, uh
what the best that I think we keep is a uh- we always uh have a uh- excellent idea ‘no?
Excellent idea uh that can lead us in the battleground. Kase if you’re staying uh one ano uh
way so, there’s no choice of the- there’s no choices ‘no among the uh your client or uh
competitors ‘no. So, dapat uh- para ma-conquer natin ‘to, kailangan uh lagi tayong ano uh
laging tayong different doon sa idea nung iba or doon sa ano nila, kase kung uh lahat tayo
pare-parehas ng idea or ano so, there’s no uh I mean there’s no ano difference- walang
uh nobody can tell na “Oy mas magaling ‘to” o “Si ano mas magaling pa si APS”, “Ay may’
mas magaling pa kay APS” ‘no. Kailangan uh consistent tayo doon uh at we have to come
up uh different ideas palagi ‘no? Para ma-coconsider palagi na uh- You are always on top
kase ang business natin uh hindi natin ano- hindi natin iaano- i-improve ‘yung mga ideas or
on technology natin. So, mapag-iiwanan tayo eh ‘no? Mahuhuli tayo ‘no? Hindi tayo
magiging uh- hindi tayo makakapag compete among the others. Alright.
(Questions 7 & 8)
Yu: So, for the next question, Sir, have you ever handled any difficult persons or customers
within your workplace?
Engr. Atienza: Yes, yes, hahaha. That's a common uh problem ‘no. That's uh- our common
problem. Actually, hahaha that's uh common problem ‘no. Uh hindi mo maiiwasan ito. I
encountered that uh- ano difficult uh person uh...talagang given ‘to. What...what we will do
is, yun nga, we have to be patient and we have to be understandable with the situation. Kasi,
kung nagbi-business tayo dapat business yung na sa mindset natin. Hindi para uh
nagnenegosyo tayo kung may mga difficult uh situation na ganito kasi mai-invoke mo yungyung emotion mo, mawawala ka sa focus ‘no. So, kailangan ano…i-handle mo lang siya ng
ano- ng na...normal lang. Kung may mga ganito uh dapat uh- ano, uh...uh mas ano ka, uh
mas ano ka uh- mas advance ka sa ano sa...situation. Dapat business lang yung na sa mind
mo. Hindi ano- hindi para awayin mo sila or ano, ‘no? So, common ‘yan ‘no, uh kapag nasa
business ka common problem ito. Marami kang mae-encounter na uh problema ‘no. Not
only that, not not even uh the client, even your people, even your employees, ‘no, so we can
encounter that ‘no.
(Question #9)
Ganir: Next is, Did the pand- did the pandemic cause difficulties or issues in your
profession? Yes or no?
Engr. Atienza: Yes! Actually, I uh we are all affected of this uh- pandemic ‘no. All these
uh- all businesses are really down, and ano, affected ‘no? So, this is a one of the great uh
problem...uh that encountered so many businessman and uh even uh people in our country
‘no. So, yes uh- this is uh- ano this is uh very very ano uh- struggle dun sa ano uh- pandemic.
We cannot uh- work, because because of the uh COVID because of the health protocol, you
cannot go somewhere or anywhere you cannot talk to the person you needed. So, that's a
limited uh ano uh limited moves and uh ano uh… So, even us, very down for more than half,
1 1/2 in a year. We've even lost almost uh- 85% of our revenue ‘no. So, can you imagine that
‘no? So, uhm ‘yun, it's really affected our business ‘no.
(Question #10)
Ganir: Okay, last, as a businessperson, how do you handle stress and pressure?
Engr. Atienza: Hahahaha! Yeah, actually it's very stressful talaga if you handle the- the
commitment and ano. So, uh I keep myself uh ano- uhm cool and and uh creating uh more
solution ‘no. Uh kasi if not, uhm masa-saturate ka sa problem, sa pressure. You don't know
how to uh handle it ‘no? So, you have to set your- your focus, time uh you have to yun, you
have to create uhm more more uh, uh- a better solution ‘no. Uh to manage this uh uh uhstress and pressure ‘no. So, kung you don't know how to handle it uh- yun nga. Uh what I
said is masa-saturate ka nga hanggang sa magkaroon ka ng uh uh magka-sakit ka because of
this stress ‘no and pressure. And it is not easy responsibility if you are if you own a business,
if you are in the corporate business. So, there's a lot of uh uh uh responsibility and
commitment ‘no. So uh- kailangan ano uh uh uh… ‘yun. Uh we have to create uh more
solution how to handle it ‘no. And, sometimes just uh do relaxing ‘no uh to uh divert your
problem and pressure. Kailangan mo rin ng socialize uh- ano uh uh things para... I mean in
a while uhm ma-divert yung stress mo or ano, but not all the ‘no. Alright.
Ramos: Since it is the last question, again, we are the Tamarawr Leaders. Thank you so
much for lending us your valuable time. It’s been a pleasure to learn something from you
today. Rest assured that your answer will be put to good use and will remain confidential.
Before we leave the meeting, let us first take a picture for the documentation.
Ramos: 1 2 3, smile...done!
VII.
Photo Documentation
Recorded Virtual Interview: https://feueduphmy.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/2021004991_feu_edu_ph/EZgOkixi8yVBp_gShAbRMj
YB7GSIe6citazjAdZGsGY2Wg?e=8NzivZ
VIII.
Individual Reflection Paper/Personal Plan
Brotarlo, Dianne Leah P.
Most people would’ve been afraid— to take risks; to explore. Engr. Alfredo Atienza,
our interviewee, and the CEO of A.P.S Engineering Works, however, was not fazed by the
possible negativities and challenges that he might face and decided to push through despite
limited resources. Who would have thought that a five thousand peso in hand would be
something worth more than its hundredth fold in months’ time? Taking risks definitely
comes right next to being a businessman.
I admire Engr. Atienza for being a dedicated and determined businessman. The
pandemic has brought forth stresses and problems in various aspects in the field of
businesses, yet he was able to continue and conquer these such stressors and venture along
with the struggles. The key to handling these troubles, according to him, is focus, which I
very much agree with. If our sight will be clouded by these problems, we will not be able to
think through the possible solutions to go forward. And it takes a good businessman, a good
leader, to keep his focus concrete to lead and guide his employees to handle and solve
problems accordingly.
The only sentiment that I disagree with from Engr. Atienza’s interview was when he
was asked if there is some sort of a pattern or steps to follow to become a successful
entrepreneur, and he answered yes. I believe it all boils down to grit, character, and innate
attributes that one possesses to become successful. If there were really steps to follow,
everyone should’ve been successful by now.
The interview with Engr. Atienza has imparted me lessons that running a business
will always be difficult. It isn’t always about sunshine and amassed wealth. Behind every
successful business, there is a leader who persevered and paved his way up to success.
Busalpa, Jemmiel Jaze S.
"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing
another." - John C. Maxwell
Last November 6, 2021, the Tamarawr Leaders, interviewed the Chief Executive
Officer or CEO of APS Engineering Works, Engr. Alfred Atienza. As we interviewed him,
I was impressed with how he shared his stories and experiences while answering the
questions we provided for him. I was amazed when he said to us that his initial capital for
his business is only five thousand pesos, and within 6 to 7 months, his company is earning a
million pesos. He also shared that when it comes to leading his team, he still shows his
positive attitude and shares lots of ideas or solutions, especially when they face difficulties
in the business. He also said that every time he faces people who are difficult to understand
or there is an obstacle, he still stays cool and only focuses on the business because when the
emotion carries him away, it can lead to distraction and divert his attention from important
things. While interviewing him, I can see that he is an excellent leader to his team. He said
that he shares opinions, ideas or gives his members training or seminars that can enhance the
skills of every individual. He is also a leader who always has a backup plan and provides
lots of solutions to overcome their problems — a leader who shows positivity instead of
negativity to his members. Even though our group experienced a technical difficulty while
interviewing the leader, we still conquered it.
Having this kind of interview helps me hone my knowledge when it comes to
leadership. As a student taking a business course, I found out that leading or owning a
business is not as easy as pie. There will be hindrances that will come, and we need to face
it. Sometimes, those challenges can stop me from going forward, but if I trust and fully
believe in myself, I can vanquish it. In the past, I believed that in order to have and start a
business, I needed to have a massive amount of money, but I am wrong with this belief.
Now, I learned that having a small capital is enough, as long as I am strategic and know how
to handle it because this money will grow as time goes by. I also found out that pressuring
myself is not good to work on things I need to comply with. It is essential to relax and do
things without any negative thoughts because it can help me work smoothly, correctly, and
well. I also learned from this activity that dividing the task in each member of the group and
sharing ideas or information is important because this action can make the task easier. Lastly,
I also discovered that the role of a leader is vital and crucial because it is a position that
manages and leads every individual inside of a team or a group. A good leader must be a
role model, demonstrate ethics to his followers, and be a good listener to his/her teammates
or group mates. According to Taillard, good leadership can create a vision and can motivate
or inspire everyone in an organization to achieve the goals they are aiming for.
Cachero, Kate Andrea B.
As a student, this activity taught me new things about the importance of leadership
abilities. I also observed that having members of a group that work together and support one
another can positively increase the group's performance.
Personally, I think that some things are impossible to comprehend unless you have
real experience with them. Learning about business is not simple, but Engr. Alfredo Atienza's
interview has significantly inspired me. I learned a lot about operating a business and what
it takes to be successful throughout this meeting. During the interview, I learned that
expanding and managing a business is a difficult task. There are several challenges and
opportunities for us to become successful business owners. Also, a leader must consider
different decisions for the company to improve. This was taught to me by Engr. Alfredo
Atienza. I don't know him well, but I feel he has a lot to teach me. I'm still shocked that he's
the CEO and president of his company, and while he's working to be successful, he dealt
with several personal and professional issues, most notably his employment and income.
When he starts sharing some of his personal experiences with us, it inspires me since I
already know how difficult it is to establish a business. Furthermore, leading people is
challenging, and if you are a weak-willed person, you will have a difficult time dealing with
challenges.
Engr. Atienza's experience taught me about the unpredictability of business,
particularly when it comes to making sacrifices and taking risks even when you don't know
what the results would be. He also taught me that having great leadership skills is the most
successful method to deal with business problems and that the most essential trait you can
have, is a desire to attempt new things even if you have no prior experiences. This interview
has given me a better idea of my leadership development. This experience has given me all
the knowledge I need to be a successful entrepreneur.
Yu, Jannualle Yshee E.
I have learned a lot from the Interview that we had with Engr. Atienza because he
shared a lot of his experiences and struggles in putting up his business. And I can say that
Engr. Atienza is like every other successful businessperson I know here in our country. He
started with just a small capital but with high hopes and competence that what he has been
risking would eventually pay off and it did. He stated that he started the business with only
five thousand pesos as his capital but after 6-7 months, they raised their capital to more than
a million pesos already. That statement itself made me admire him more because I know that
in the span of those months, he has had many sleepless nights together with his team. I dream
of being as competent and courageous person that he is, and I hope in the future I can be as
successful as he is now also.
With his company's current status, I believe we can already say that Engr. Atienza
has exceptional leadership skills. Although he also shared that to run a business successfully
and effectively, you must have effective leadership skills because those skills are the ones
that will help you and your business overcome all the challenges and problems that may
occur while the business is running. According to Warrell (2020), Trusting that your
potential will always outweigh the problems around you is a powerful place to be. I kind of
think that this statement from M. Warrell is how Engr. Atienza thinks as a leader because he
believes in his and his team’s capability that whatever may occur, they will eventually
overcome it.
This interview that we had with Engr. Atienza proved my belief more that with
perseverance, will and drive to do something, you will gain from it in the near future. And I
hope I will continuously hold on to this belief so that I can be as successful as Engr. Atienza
is now.
Ganir, Jan Maureen V.
We, the group "Tamarawr Leaders," discuss who we are going to interview about
leadership. At first, it was hard to find someone who had a free schedule to interview, until
one of our members talked about her uncle, who works as a CEO at APS Engineering Works,
was free, and we jumped at the opportunity to interview him.
The group used their days to make each of the 3 guide questions by a member and
proofread by the professor, along with our approval form for the interview. We met Engr.
Atienza and interviewed him smoothly and clearly. It was Saturday, November 5, 2021. He
answered all the questions accurately, even though the questions were closed. He made it
more understandable why he answered yes or no to the question, which gave us more
acknowledgement about how he handled business. After the interview, we divided our goals
into divided pieces of paper so that we could all help each other. My group is taking the
initiative, and we finished the presentation without any misunderstandings because we give
and take opinions.
What I learned about Engr. Atienza’s leadership behavior during our interview is
how he handled his hardships during his contractor years as CEO of APS Engineering
Works. He risks all his money, even though his capital only starts at 5,000 pesos. He also
planned it all before starting up a business, but what I am amazed at is that even though he
experiences downfall throughout the process of business, he continues to walk step by step
until he becomes a successful businessperson now.
Ramos, Ashley May P.
At the beginning of the project, I am really curious about what will be the outcome
of our interview. My mind keeps on thinking about how could business owners manage to
be resilient in dealing with various circumstances. Fortunately, upon conducting the
interview, I gradually discovered that to succeed in life, we need to remove the word
"surrender" from our vocabulary. Yes, it may seem easy as it is when thinking about getting
into the business industry, but what we do not know is there is a lot of things a
businessman/woman should consider before furthering their progress. Hence, leaders must
have an optimistic mindset, as well as be aggressive especially when there is an opportunity.
The world has a lot to offer and by looking at the interviewee's experience, I could say that
we should not let ourselves stay less, instead, we should be determined in pursuing our
dreams and trust ourselves that we could have the life that we deserve. Personally speaking,
I think that there are days where we would not get the thing that we wanted but we should
keep on moving, it is a matter of time thus, we would not know if we do not try. Also, I
believe that challenges are delaying pleasure for greater outcomes. In addition, I noticed that
to prosper the business, one must obtain skills in persuading and decision making. For this
reason, I heard that there is called bidding within the businesses or companies that includes
offering prices for building the particular project, and when the contractor is not good at
making decisions and persuading, there is a chance that they would lose the contract.
Furthermore—while interviewing—I am quite nervous because I would be talking
with one of the successful businessmen in the business industry. But it disappears as I have
realized that I should challenge myself to be firm and proper, not just to impress the
interviewee, but to further my professionalism. Moreover, I am kind of confident because I
know that we prepared for the interview and gave our best shot to showcase a quality
presentation.
Generally, I am thankful because we are given the chance to encounter interviewing
a leader and accumulate motivation and ideas from his experiences and wisdom. I also like
to note that it will not happen as it was without the collaboration of my groupmates. At first,
I was quite worried because we do not know each other personally, and to think that we are
going to make a work for our major—which is not that simple to do. I thought that it will be
hard because I have no idea what is the preferences of my group in terms of flowing the
tasks. However, I was mistaken because the bond and progress become smooth and evident
over time. It was great to have a companion like my groupmates as it saves my time and
widened my perspective upon having their ideas. Therefore, I am pleased to be with them
until next time.
References
Beato, E. (2020, November 3). Why Is Leadership Important? Babson Thought & Action.
https://entrepreneurship.babson.edu/why-is-leadership-important/
Lolly Daskal. (2015, April 3). The 100 Best Leadership Quotes of All Time. Inc.com; Inc.
https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/the-100-best-leadership-quotes-of-all-time.html
Warrell, M. (2020, January 21). Embrace Your Challenges—They Introduce You to Your True
Strength.
Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2020/01/20/embrace-
your-challenges-they-introduce-you-to-your-true-strength/?sh=7deee1d1766a
IX.
Appendix
Request Letter
Request for Copy of Resume and Other Information
The Tamarawr Leaders,
Far Eastern University
Manila
Subject: Request for Copy of Resume and Other Information
Dear Madam/Sir,
With high spirits and humble in attire I beg your pardon for approaching you through this
platform and at such an odd time. We are writing to request a copy of Engr. Alfredo
Atienza’s resume, due to the fact that our group, Tamarawr Leaders, who interviewed him
last Saturday needs it for the overall presentation of our final paper.
May we also request you to fill up the necessary details and information down below to
completely finalize that the information we will disseminate is accurate and not fabricated.
Business Name:
Form of Ownership:
Type of Business:
Company Address:
Contact Details:
Company’s Mission:
Company’s Vision:
We are hoping and thanking you for your kind consideration and cooperation on this
request. Thank you and Stay Safe!
With gratitude,
Tamarawr Leaders