Champion of versatility, success trailblazer

CEBU, Philippines — He is an executive of a giant food manufacturing firm, owner of several businesses, and a business leader of one of the most influencial business groups in Cebu — Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). A champion of versatility and success trailblazer.

Stanley Lim Go, is one of the few men in business in today's competitive environment who managed to excel in multiple facets of responsibilities.

At 41 years old, Stan is given the task to lead the over 300 member companies  in Mandaue City in this fragile and challenging times of globalization and transition to embrace the full digital economy.

Although he has already established several and successful businesses outside of his permanent job as the vice president for sales and marketing of Virginia Foods Inc., (VFI) Stan never thought of leaving his equally demanding employee status, just to share his expertise to this Cebu-based company which he also considers his family.

His versatility and obvious sincerity to serve and share caught the attention of the business prime movers in Mandaue City and consequently put him to the top leadership post as MCCI's  6th and so far the youngest ever elected as president, since the chamber made a come back 14 years ago.

Born as a leader

For some, Stan's leadership prowess is no longer a surprise, especially to those who knew him since childhood and high school years.

He recalled that while he never desired to lead (and be famous too!) in high school, fate always put him in the leadership side. He was the President of the Sacred Heart School for Boys Student Council.

The college environment of Ateneo de Manila University perhaps a little bit intimidating, Stan remained active in participating and leading several organizations.

Raised in a typical Filipino-Chinese household, Stan's hang out places as a child were school and home. Although making friends and hanging out with "barkadas" and socializing, were not his cup-of-tea, he found his success in places where he has to make effective connections and friendship to people.

They say, some are born as leaders. Others on the other hand, made it to leadership through influence, and perhaps to satisfy their cravings for power. But, Stan's journey to the top, the man who calls the shots as voice and face of the business sector, is clearly not the latter.

No shortcuts

A graduate of BS Management Engineering, Stan's way to success traversed into different terrains of expertise, a good training ground which made him a good catch of a leader, and a top executive.

After college, this low-key marketing genius worked for DOLE Philippines for five years.

His marketing and leadership magic were further sharpened when he joined the field of beauty and cosmetics trade as one of the top marketing guys for French cosmetics company, L'oreal Philippines.

In spite of his little successes working in the headquarters of giant and successful companies, Stan's longing to come home to his hometown in Cebu became his constant discomfort.

An invitation to join the Cebu-based processed food maker VFI served as Stan's answered prayer, and ultimately his lucky charm too.

Stan, could have obeyed his initial impulse to come home after college and join his family's trading business here, or work for big corporations here as boss, but he patiently went through the process of growing from the ground-up and exploring different companies' culture and training.

Indeed, taking the short-cut in any endeavor — in life, business, or personal goals — produces no fruit. For Stan, respecting the process of growing may take us to ugly and even painful experiences, but the fruit is sweeter when the right season comes.

Special assignment

Stan's seat as the president of the second largest business organization in Cebu, MCCI, he said is more than just enjoying its fame, power or even merely taking the responsibilities that come with it.

He believes that he is put in this "special assignment" for a larger purpose, after-all he was only dragged by chance to MCCI only by series of coincidences which put him odd circumstances with previous MCCI commanders.

Past MCCI president Eric Ng, was his seatmate in a flight which almost claimed their lives. From then, Eric and Stan became good friends and MCCI saw his spontaneous support for the organization--professionally and personally.

It was also in his membership committee leadership with former MCCI president Philip Tan, walked out from an induction night where Tan's company supposed to be inducted as new member.

His humble gesture to personally meet with Tan after the event showed his softer and compassionate side. Tan became MCCI president couple of months later.

All this queer coincidences somehow made Stan realized that his presidency is more than just being elected to the post, but he was destined to be there for a purpose.

From this firm belief, Stan made a personal commitment to take this "special assignment" to heart.

Aside from VFI, Stan also owns three personal businesses, which he and his wife Janice are building. This Presidency post could have pass his hands, but again, he obeyed his guts of giving his extra time (pro-bono!) to serve for greater good.

Beyond everything, he considers his new title as "special assignment" summoned by someone "up there."

Game changers

Motivated by an inner drive to make homegrown companies compete with those big guys and veterans of the world trade, Stan aims to make the chamber a relevant partner for members to become game changers in the modern and high-tech environment.

Stan aims to lead a pact of local game changers under the MCCI umbrella underpinning the threat of devouring giants coming in to take part of the burgeoning economy.

The market now is too slippery, in his administration he wants to build a stronger shield against outsiders by working together as one force.

"We will work closer to members, and find out how the chamber (as a group) can help them," he shared part of his raw plans.

What is happening now, he observed, is local companies are no longer competing with each other (just like in the past), but local players are racing up against the companies all over the world. "We have the world as our competitor."

Therefore, now is the only time that homegrown companies should change the way they are playing the games of business. Old-school management is no longer applicable.

Onwards, Stan is brewing more game changer advocacies and programs MCCI will tackle. Instead of enumerating what he has in mind, he'd rather let the results speak loudly in the future.

Ultimate success

Stan maybe up for something much bigger in his success journey, but what he considers as his ultimate satisfaction in his quest to reaching the peak, is going home to a family rich in love, a sanctuary he never trade for multi-million profits in business, and applause of others.

While he navigates his busy schedule outside home, Stan also makes his family a serious business.

At home, Stan transforms into a playful father of three angels, namely; Caitlyn Elise (14), Aidan Matthew (10), and Shane Derek (4).

The idea of success in professional and business limelight, pale into comparison when it comes to measuring success in the home-ground.

Within the corners of his home lighted by the sparkling eyes of his children and feminine touches of his wife Janice, lie Stan's daily dose of ultimate success.