On learning fast, failing forward
David Almirol Jr.
David Almirol Jr. is the founder and CEO of software engineering solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corp. It was founded in 2010 and then in 2018, PLDT bought a 45.73-percent stake in it through PLDT Global Investments Holdings Inc. for P2.15 billion. Two years later, Almirol was named one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees.
In this interview, Almirol shares his views about strategy and resilience in challenging times.
Q: Your first business, a computer business in Isabela, failed and you lost all your investments saved from being an overseas Filipino worker. You also lost your family’s house thrice, but continued and eventually recovered and thrived after. What key lessons did you learn from these experiences that you were able to apply in Multisys and your subsequent businesses?
A: I learned so much from failures. I considered them my “natural mentors.” I learned also to surround myself with good people, people that look at your strengths not on your weaknesses. I also learned to surround myself with good partners, partners that hold your hand through thick and thin, and aim to help each other and grow together as friends and business partners.
Q: You like to use the analogy of playing chess to explain your moves. What is it about chess strategy that you would like to share with our readers?
A: Chess strategies are quite hard to explain because there are so many variations. So many openings, middle games and end games. Sometimes we lose, sometimes we win—even chess grandmasters experienced losses. So it’s okay to lose sometimes but we should learn from those losses. There are patterns and rules to win the game. It’s about knowing your pieces, appreciate their strengths whether they are just a pawn, a rook or a horse. You cannot win even if you are the king, we need all of the pieces to move accordingly. Teamwork. Patience. Sacrifice.
Q: What has made Multisys so successful so far?
A: So far, what made Multisys successful somehow are its impactful developed agnostic platforms and game-changing solutions.
Q: Which comes first in consideration, the software itself, or the clients who need the software?
A: We consider or focus on the software first—but predictively making sure that clients will need it now or later.
Q: What was your first big break in Multisys that gave you momentum? How did you get this big break?
A: Our first big break was when PLDT invested to Multisys. They amplified our strengths and they guided us patiently to align our directions. I guess they saw our burning passion and our ready solutions aligned to their vision of helping more Filipinos through technology and innovation.
Q: What achievement are you proudest of in Multisys, and why?
A: I am so proud of the whole Multisys family, it’s not an easy achievement. A lot of rocky roads at the start, but we walked together. We failed so many times, but we rose together. We will continue to hold hands and dream for this family to achieve more by bringing more innovation and promoting Filipino ingenuity in the global arena. —CONTRIBUTED
Josiah Go is the chair and chief innovation strategist of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. Attend his 5th Business Model Design and Innovation class starting Aug. 3, 2021. For inquires, please email [email protected]
