Every person we encounter shares different life lessons. My life here in FH Media for both Flyhigh Manila and AirTraveller PH has truly changed my perspective. Meeting numerous people in the aviation industry from flight attendants all the way to airline heads has taught me a lesson or two about life, leadership, hard work, and family. Last June 24, I got the chance to enjoy a casual moment with AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and CFO Rey Berja.
I was part of the AirAsia Philippines media team to Cebu for the contract signing between AirAsia and HRRAC or the Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu. After the official contract signing held at the Bai Hotel in Cebu, we had light snacks and cocktails at the roof deck of the hotel. I was at one table together with Ricky, Rey, the AirAsia cabin crew, and the communications team. While it was short, I did have a meaningful conversation with them.
It was indeed a light moment, sharing our appreciation for food, talking about common friends, and a little about the industry we used to work for which was the telecommunications industry. Ricky was also talking about how proud he was of the AirAsia cabin crew. For him, AirAsia cabin crew are not only the most beautiful, but they have the best uniforms and are the friendliest! I indeed couldn’t agree more with him.
That brief conversation with both Ricky Isla and Rey Berja was just one. I have observed how they rally the AirAsia Philippines team to rise above the pandemic. I saw the amount of leadership they exude to inspire every person in the airline.
As such, allow me to share with you some lessons I learned from AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla and CFO Rey Berja.
You always have to be forward-thinking and adaptable to change
Both Ricky and Rey worked for two different telecommunications companies before moving to AirAsia. So did I way back 2004 up to 2007. If there is one thing you learn from the telco industry, it is to always be better than your competition by moving forward in terms of technology. In the telco industry, one cannot be backward thinking. The mindset “what worked before still works today” will never work in your favor.
Being trained to always be forward-thinking and to be adaptable to change, Ricky and Rey took AirAsia Philippines into a digital transformation journey. This is one very important lesson I learned from them, and that is to always be forward-thinking and to anticipate future changes. The pandemic has greatly changed consumer behavior and spending habits. We cannot bank on what we got used to. The world is changing, technology is evolving. Either you ride the tide, or you drown.
It is never too late to learn something new
Both Ricky and Rey are new in the airline industry after being in the telecommunications and technology-centered industry. The airline was something very new to them, however, this never became a deterrent for them to lead AirAsia Philippines into new heights. While they are leaders, they became “students” once again, their teachers were their own people. Not only do they get briefed about the job, but they also try some of them too.
It is indeed never too late to learn something new. If you want to move forward, you always have to burst out from your bubble, to leave your comfort zones. Life is like a teacher. Until our last breath, we can always learn something new.
You have to be proud of your people
I saw myself saw how both Ricky and Rey talk so highly about the AirAsia Philippines team. During that light moment in Cebu, Ricky was sharing that the AirAsia Philippines cabin crew are the most beautiful in the country! During one press conference, Ricky was all praise for company spokesperson Steve Dailisan for conceptualizing the Allstars at Your Service travel video series on YouTube.
A leader who is proud of his people brings about inspiration. It inspires every member of the team, and for this the AirAsia Philippines team, to work better and harder towards the company’s goals. There is nothing like inspiring your team members by being proud of them.
Being a leader is totally different from being a boss
While both Ricky and Rey are considered the ‘bosses’ of AirAsia Philippines, they are not the typical connotation of a ‘boss’. They are leaders. To be a leader is indeed different from being a boss. For one, both Ricky and Rey put so much premium on the value of respect. As Rey once said, “respect fuels and inspires someone to go the extra mile.” No wonder why AirAsia Philippines employees do not see both as their ‘boss’ but as their leaders.
A great leader knows how to rally their team without having to use force. Leaders also do not see their people as “subordinates”, but as equal team members. Leaders inspire, and they are one with their team.
You have to be one with your team
Just recently, I saw Ricky Isla take on the job of a ramp agent. I learned later on that this was not the first but he does try to put himself in the shoes of his men to better understand the job and the needs of his people. I even told company spokesperson Steve Dailisan, “why not have Ricky try to fly an A320 on a short hop route from Manila to Clark, of course on a simulator.” That would be interesting, though I will not be surprised if Ricky takes it.
Ricky trying to do the different jobs of his people allows him to understand the industry and his people further. This is also what being a great leader is all about. It is to be one with your people by being in their shoes, knowing what they do, and developing them to each become future leaders. Kung baga, madali sabihin “ganito lang yan ganon lang yan”, pero nagawa mo an ba and trabaho nila para malaman mo ano and pinagdadaan nila? At least Ricky showed us that it is better to do know things first by doing it before talking.
Relationship building is very important
Both Ricky and Rey enjoy fun moments with their people. Outside work, they share common interests like food and other hobbies. They are both indeed a “people-person”. They are very easy people to talk to, very approachable. You can easily converse with both of them about anything under the sun. There is nothing of the “I am the boss so stay away”, none.
Of course in AirAsia Philippines, work is work but outside work, you may enjoy a very casual conversation with both Ricky Isla and Rey Berja. Relationship building amongst your team members and stakeholders is very important, not only for future deals but also in building friendships. You get to know your people more where you end up seeing their full potential and you get to help develop them further as your team members and as individuals. A great leader knows how to build relationships.
Indeed, every person has a different story to share. For me, both Ricky and Rey were not just a story, but a teacher on leadership. As a growing entrepreneur, I will forever keep these lessons in my heart which I know I will be able to apply soon. I do hope this serves as a reminder to everyone that we should always aim to be a leader than a boss.
It is also not a surprise why AirAsia Philippines continues to evolve. Amidst the worse crisis in aviation history, it is without a doubt that AirAsia Philippines will rise above and fly higher. Thanks to the leadership of Ricky Isla and Rey Berja together with the resiliency and dedication of the AirAsia Philippines team!
Success is not defined by how much you make or what status in life you’ve reached, but by the number of lives you’ve touched and changed.
“Respect is not what you receive from someone, it is something that you give which will foster a healthier working relationship”
Rey Berja, AirAsia Philippines CFO
