Manila, June 9 -- When business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan or MVP, stood before us at the Meralco Theater to mark First Pacific's 45th year which I was privileged to witness, he spoke with the wisdom of a leader who has carried both the weight of history and humanity (and still managed to couple it with humor.)

For me, in particular, who has spent decades in the power industry and communications, his speech was deeply reflective on the meaning of life, resilience, and success. He later posted his speech on social media-a good read for young adults starting out in their careers or to anyone in the corporate world.

As someone who has long been part of the MVP Group, hearing his recollection on corporate beginnings is a reminder that eve...