OWL highlights leadership, ethical governance

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Outside Work Learning (OWL) session on “Leadership That Matters” brought together students, alumni, and industry partners for an evening of reflective learning on leadership and ethical governance.

The session featured former Senator Dr. Orlando Mercado, who shared insights drawn from decades of public service, journalism, and governance, and encouraged participants to reflect on leadership as a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and ethical responsibility.

“Hindsight allows us to understand our current situation, while foresight helps us prepare for what lies ahead,” said Mercado He reflected on his personal journey, sharing how his experiences from growing up in a poor family to becoming a student activist and media practitioner shaped his appreciation of responsibility and public service.

He also discussed the evolving nature of leadership and political engagement, stressing that individuals must learn to navigate complex information environments.

“We are facing a problem of information overload,” he said. “The challenge today is not just knowing data but learning how to navigate the tsunami of information.”

Mercado pointed up the importance of adaptability and human-centered skills in modern leadership, underscoring what he described as the competencies rooted in consciousness, creativity, and interpersonal awareness. He noted that such skills are increasingly valuable in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

“Creativity in the age of AI means creating something out of nothing,” he said, encouraging participants to develop mental flexibility and self-awareness as essential tools for leadership. He urged students to “know thyself,” adding that meaningful leadership begins with one’s values and purpose.

Addressing civic engagement, Mercado reminded participants that leadership requires commitment beyond personal ambition.

“Politics is often a game of compromise,” he said, “but it is important to remain engaged, to find a cause, and to continue fighting for it.”

He also mentioned the importance of integrity and consistency in public service, citing former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as an example of leadership rooted in honesty and discipline.

“Serve the people, even when it is difficult,” Mercado added, saying that leadership is ultimately measured by one’s ability to prioritize the needs of others.

Designed as part of FEU’s initiative to extend learning beyond the classroom, the OWL series, organized by Dr. Joeven R. Castro, Vice President for Student Development and Continuing Education, and Dr. Melinda Torres, Executive Director of FEU Academy, aims to create meaningful spaces where experience meets insight.

Director Earl Joseph Borgoña emphasized FEU’s commitment to offering learning opportunities that connect academic knowledge with professional practice through after-work engagements.

The OWL session concluded with participants reflecting on the evolving demands of leadership in contemporary society, particularly in relation to ethical decision-making, information literacy, and social responsibility.

Through initiatives such as OWL, FEU continues to strengthen its role in providing holistic learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings, fostering meaningful dialogue among students, alumni, and industry partners. The series creates a shared space where academic insights, professional experiences, and industry perspectives converge to support lifelong learning and leadership development.

The OWL session was held last March 26 in FEU Makati.