Executive Interviews
Executive Interviews
An Interview with
Francis Simisim
CEO
Social Light Inc
We provide WiFi connectivity in low income communities thru our platform that enables private companies to expand services profitably and fairly to give access to opportunities.
Industry:
Telecommunications
Philippines
Location:
Publish Date:
6/24/2020 14:16:19
Website:
Tell us about your background, and what are you most passionate about?
We're passionate about solving the problems of the bottom of the pyramid. We believe that the low income communities should be given the right to improve their lives and all they need is access to opportunities thru the power of the internet.
How has your industry been changing in recent years? What are the biggest challenges you think your industry will face in the next 3-5 years?
Internet bandwidth has become cheaper and accessible especially in developing countries, however, services are still limited to the Upper and Mid class market that are able to pay subscription fees. While the low income communities need a way to get access without being tied down to hefty subscription fees and ways to access the reliable and quality connectivity affordably.
What personality traits make you such an effective or influential leader? In a few words, how would you describe your leadership philosophy?
Empathy, being able to relate and understand the challenges of those that we serve. We believe that everyone should be given a chance or opportunity to become better.
How would others define your communication style? Do you prefer to be close to your employees or maintain a healthy distance, and why?
Transparent and Honest. No sugar coating and straight to the point, to align our team to think and act as one.
Can you describe a time when you had to make a tough decision (e.g. budget cuts, organizational restructuring, market withdrawal, etc.)? What did you do and what was the result?
This Covid situation has been challenging for us, and we needed to retrench people to make sure we survive it. We had transparent calls with the team and individuals, and what we found was that people were very understanding of the situation and was even looking for ways to help even though they're not part of the organization anymore. We were able to find them jobs very quickly thru friends that we know would treat them right.
What does the future hold for your company after the COVID-19 pandemic? How will the “new normal” look like in the next 1-2 years?
We will emerge stronger than ever, internet connectivity has been highlighted due to work from home. We will become the new normal for everyone to have access to the internet whether rich or poor.
What is your advice to other leaders on how to ‘thrive, not just survive” in the face of economic difficulties and tough business environment?
It's about the way we look at a crisis, whether we see it as the nail to your coffin or an opportunity that brings you to the next level. People who choose to see it as an opportunity will always find ways to thrive during a crisis.