I sometimes wonder: had my parents trained me for entrepreneurship instead of employment, would I have become a better entrepreneur than I am today?
That question no longer matters. But here’s one that does: how can we raise more entrepreneurial children for tomorrow?
If there’s one gift we can give the next generation, it’s the mindset of an entrepreneur — not just to start a business, but to see opportunity where others see problems.
Entrepreneurship isn’t inborn. It’s learned. And the earlier, the better.
Here are some ways to nurture that mindset early:
1. Encourage curiosity and problem-solving.
Teach kids to ask “Why?” and “What if?” When our youngest, Michael, was a toddler, I’d answer his questions with, “Give me three possible answers.” That habit trained his creativity. Today, he helps lead Thirsty with his brother John — reviving the brand with bold thinking and youthful energy.
2. Start small, start now.
A million-peso idea isn’t required. Selling cookies, doing errands, or offering online services can teach grit, pricing and customer service. In high school, I sold Reader’s Digest subscriptions to earn baon money. That experience was my first taste of sales — and it laid the foundation for my career in life insurance.
3. Teach money early.
Let kids handle a small budget. Teach them to save, spend wisely and understand value. Entrepreneurs who grow money later are those who respected it early.
4. Let them fail.
Failure is not the opposite of success — it’s part of it. Encourage them to take risks, try and try again. Each misstep teaches more than any textbook.
5. Share real stories.
Books, podcasts and YouTube videos about entrepreneurs can light a fire. Stories of people who built something from nothing are powerful.
6. Connect them with mentors.
A good mentor accelerates learning. Parents, teachers and business leaders can guide and inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs.
7. Build a growth mindset.
Praise effort, not just intelligence. Teach them that success comes from learning, persistence and hard work.
I was 50 when I started my first business. Imagine if I had learned these lessons earlier. Today, as I watch my grandchildren grow, I dream of a future where they — and every young Cebuano — not only find jobs, but create them.
Parents. Schools. Government. Let’s raise a generation of builders, dreamers and doers.
For Cebu. For our country. For the future.