“Being a leader requires striking a careful balance between using your mind and your heart.”
I will never forget the time when I had a chance to meet Mr. Kingson Sian, the CEO of Newport World Resorts. I was headed to the Sheraton Hotel to arrive at the venue an hour earlier. Unfortunately, I made a wrong turn when approaching the hotel. I returned to NAIAX again, which prolonged my travel time and caused me to arrive thirty minutes after the scheduled call time. Luckily, I made it just in time for his talk.
Opening his journey and sharing his life as a CEO, Mr. Kingson Sian talked about the history of Newport World Resorts and the difficulties the business has faced over the years. This dates to when the business changed its name from Resorts World to Newport World Resorts because of asset liquidation from Genting Hong Kong.
Another setback was the 2010 Manila hostage crisis, which had a significant impact on the Philippine tourism industry and was caused by the hijacking of a tourist bus in Rizal Park, Manila, by a former PNP officer. Not too long ago, a lone shooter broke into Resorts World, lighting gaming tables on fire and leaving at least 36 people dead. Furthermore, the pandemic and the pressing need for crisis management presented the organization with its greatest challenges.
Fall seven times, stand up eight
So, how did Newport World Resorts thrive in times of adversity? After everything the company went through, I was completely astounded by Mr. Sian’s explanation of its strategy for bouncing back after setbacks.
During the pandemic, the company transformed its hotel to house balikbayans needing quarantine, encouraged employees to deliver food for financial opportunities, housed employees to comply with COVID restrictions, and created programs to keep them engaged. They ensured all employees were cared for, received regular compensation, and avoided layoffs. Their bayanihan spirit was truly admirable, showcasing shared goals and responsibilities and inspiring and rallying their people during difficult times.
Make the world better
After the pandemic passed, New World Resorts increased the bar for sustainability by combining and integrating several hotel projects into a single initiative known as “I Love Earth (ILE).”
During the pandemic, waste management became a major issue due to increased demand for PPE and single-use plastics. In response, the company launched the I Love Earth initiative to promote sustainable living and environmental protection. They believe in rethinking how they interact with the environment and conduct business. One of their projects is the ‘I Love Earth Urban Farm,’ where they grow high-value vegetables for their restaurants and have established hydroponic gardens in partnership with Urban Greens.
Plastic water bottles have been removed from the hotels, and reusable glass water bottles have been used. Eco-friendly uniforms made of plastic bottles also exist. Regular cloth and recycled plastic bottles used after consumption are combined to create casino uniforms.
Used linens are recycled to create kitchen towels, pajamas, and decorations. Reducing food waste is another goal. Converting watermelon rinds into candy, pineapple peels into organic cleaning solutions, and other food waste into compost are some strategies to do this. A “WasteMoMeter” meter measures collective efforts to decrease food waste in everyday operations.
Leading with heart and mind
Seeing how Newport World Resorts became resilient in facing adversity, it is evident that the company’s leadership style affects its and its employees’ ability to achieve higher performance levels. As Urban Meyer states, “Leaders create culture. Culture drives behavior. Behavior produces results.” Newport World Resorts’ story is very motivational. Whenever I can speak with my colleagues about leadership, I usually start with this motivational tale and how important a role leaders play in shaping an organization’s culture.
Being a leader requires striking a careful balance between using your mind and your heart. Those who lead with their head prioritize authority, strategic decision-making, and accomplishing the organization’s goals. On the other hand, those who lead with their heart prioritize empathy, teamwork, and employee safety. To build a harmonious and successful leadership style that helps reach success, leaders should incorporate traits from both leadership styles.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She wrote this reflection paper for her class on Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series. She can be reached at bernadette_clemente@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
