Remember former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner and World Boxing Council (WBC) founding secretary-general Rodrigo “Rudy” Salud?
Salud, who passed away in 2011, was widely known for his servant leadership style as well as his thoroughness and foresight.
His leadership in the PBA from 1988 to 1992 is still considered one of the best in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.
And over a decade after his passing, Salud’s legacy continues through his children, who are now all successful in their respective careers–lawyer Chito Salud, who is also a former PBA commissioner, and now serves as Team Governor of Converge Fiber Xers in PBA; opthalmologist Dr. Arnold; Margaret Salud Pastor runs her own clinic and Christine Salud Unlay, Atty. Renato and Priscilla are making their marks in the corporate world.
All of them are living in the Philippines except Priscilla, who has been recently named as top 100 Mortgage Executives in the housing industry in the United States.
Priscilla has been working in the U.S. since she graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 1985. She earned her degree in Psychology and dreamt of pursuing a career in this space.
However, fate had it that she would land in the housing and financial sector of the mortgage industry.
With over 30 years of experience in mortgage, Priscilla has become the epitome of humble leadership and has mentored countless individuals who have gone to leadership roles in and outside of the mortgage industry.
Priscilla, who is happily married to well-known Filipino balladeer Miguel Vera, believes in servant leadership just like his father Rudy did. She makes herself available regardless of the time of day.
Her authentic leadership style, ability to build effective teams and strategic operational outsourcing expertise, and focus on technology initiatives are key drivers in her organization’s success.
Her visionary ability to identify and mentor leaders, teaching them to adapt to change and rise in the face of new challenges, has helped to facilitate unprecedented growth within her organization.
Priscilla describes herself as an advocate for women in the workplace, a passion she has slowly developed over the last few years.
“While growing up, I observed my parents treat everyone with utmost respect and dignity, regardless of social status. My father was always genuinely curious about their lives and families, he laughed so loud and with so much joy and was always excited to meet people. He was generous with compliments, advice, resources, and stories;”
“I recall thinking that if I could just be 1/10th of how my father was with people, I would make it in life. I know that had I stayed in the Philippines, I could have knocked on my father’s connections for career opportunities, but instead, I opted to go to the States as I wanted to make it on my own merit and not on privilege. There was one piece of advice that my father passed on to all of us,”
“It doesn’t matter what your job is, you don’t need to be a lawyer or a doctor, you can be a janitor if that’s what you end up doing. Whatever it is, be the best of who you are. Be the best janitor in your company and be proud of it.”
Priscilla said she has learned how to embrace and look forward to tough situations, those that will normally make one cringe and crawl under the table.
“I have learned to deal with people who purposely make other people feel “less”, not valued, uncomfortable, dumb, not enough.
“Over the last few years, I have joined women’s advocacy groups to help mentor women executives whose leadership style is still overpowered by fear, insecurity, lack of self-worth, overworking, and defining success on other people’s terms. I like to talk about rest as preparation for what’s next, and not as recovery. I like to talk about doing something that scares you until it does not and the importance of mindset.”
What kind of leader does a man of integrity like Rudy Salud create?
“Kind leaders empower, they create a sense of responsibility and trust, and they are transparent, open, and authentic. I want to be known as a kind leader, I want that to be my legacy. I want to be able to repay my countrymen with the same kindness that they have shown my family.”