#ceoseries

We were very happy to have Mrs. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Senior Executive VP and COO of Wilcon Depot Inc., as our speaker for our CEO Series class that day. Listening to her was both enlightening and inspiring. Her insights into the seven laws of the harvest provided a profound understanding of the principles that have guided her successful career. As someone who has spent over four decades in a male-dominated industry, her journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking.

Mrs. Bosch-Ong's discussion of the seven laws of the harvest was a masterclass in leadership and personal development. She began by emphasizing the first law: "We reap only what has been sown." She illustrated this with her own story, recounting the early days of Wilcon Depot, where the seeds of success were sown through meticulous planning, relentless effort, and a commitment to quality. This foundational principle underscores the importance of laying the groundwork for future success and being patient as those efforts come to fruition.

The second law, "We reap the same in kind as we sow," resonated deeply with many of us. Mrs. Bosch-Ong explained that the values and principles we practice in our daily lives directly influence the outcomes we achieve. She shared how her dedication to integrity, customer service, and innovation at Wilcon Depot created a culture that mirrored these values, leading to sustained growth and success.

The third law, "We reap in a different season than we sow," highlighted the importance of patience and perseverance. She spoke about the long-term vision required in business and how the results of one's efforts might not be immediately visible. This principle was particularly relevant to her experiences in navigating the challenges and competition within the industry, where long-term strategies often yielded the most significant rewards.

Mrs. Bosch-Ong then moved to the fourth law: "We reap more than we sow." She illustrated this with the exponential growth of Wilcon Depot from a single store to a nationwide chain. Her story demonstrated how initial efforts can lead to greater-than-expected outcomes, reinforcing the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to substantial results over time.

The fifth law, "We reap in proportion to what we sow," was a call to action for everyone aiming for success. Mrs. Bosch-Ong stressed that the magnitude of our efforts directly influences the scale of our achievements. She encouraged us to invest our time, energy, and resources wholeheartedly, sharing how her dedication to expanding Wilcon Depot's footprint and continuously improving their services had paid off in significant ways.

The sixth law, "We reap the full harvest of the good only if we persevere; the evil comes to harvest on its own," emphasized the importance of persistence and vigilance. Mrs. Bosch-Ong's career is a clear example of this principle, as she has continuously worked to overcome obstacles and maintain high standards. She reminded us that while challenges are inevitable, it is through perseverance that we can achieve lasting success.

Lastly, the seventh law, "We cannot do anything about last year’s harvest, but we can about this year’s," served as a powerful reminder of the importance of focusing on the present and future. Mrs. Bosch-Ong shared how she and her team at Wilcon Depot continuously evaluate their past performances to inform their strategies moving forward. This forward-looking approach has allowed them to stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing market conditions.

Reflecting on Mrs. Bosch-Ong's insights, I am reminded of my own journey in sales over the past 12 years. Integrity has been my foundation, guiding every decision and action. Like Mrs. Bosch-Ong, I have persevered through challenges, and the late nights and hard work have borne fruit—I was able to buy my own house and lot. Changing industries has also been part of my journey, and it's rewarding to know that some of my previous bosses want to recruit me to higher positions in their companies. Currently, I am fulfilling a long-held dream of going back to school to finish my MBA, further investing in my future.