The RJ Ledesma Podcast

Most businesses start with a plan.This one started with a hobby.On this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Archie Chiang, founder of Second Skin Industries—a self-made entrepreneur whose journey began back in college… not with cars, but with wrapping cellphones.That curiosity turned into skill.That skill turned into wrapping laptops.Then cars.And eventually… some of the most prized supercars in the country.From working out of a humble five-car garage to now operating across two warehouses, Archie didn’t just build a business—he built it layer by layer, one wrap at a time.This is a story about passion that compounds, skills that scale, and how something small—when pursued consistently—can grow into something world-class.If you’ve ever underestimated where your “hobby” can take you… this episode might just change your mind.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people see weddings as a one-day celebration. But behind every “I do” is an entire industry—and one woman helped build that from the ground up.On this episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Sharon Fabian, the visionary behind Themes & Motifs and Wedding Expo Philippines—the country’s longest-running bridal fair. From spotting a gap in the market to creating a platform that has connected thousands of couples and suppliers over the years, Sharon shares how she turned a simple idea into a lasting legacy.But beyond the business, this is a story of resilience, reinvention, and staying relevant in an industry that constantly evolves. Plus, if you’re planning your big day—or building your own business—you’ll want to hear her insights on the latest wedding trends and what it really takes to thrive for decades.🎙️ Watch the full episode and discover how one entrepreneur turned wedding dreams into an entire ecosystem.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many entrepreneurs build their companies with grit and instinct — a lot of “ready, fire, aim.” But as your business grows, that same energy can also create confusion, bottlenecks, and misalignment inside the team.In this episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with my co-founder and wife Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma, and EOS Implementer Haraya Del Rosario Gust, founder of Satori Consulting, to talk about what it’s really like to bring the Entrepreneurial Operating System into our company, Mercato Centrale. Known as the country’s pioneering food market and incubation platform for small food entrepreneurs, Mercato has helped launch and grow hundreds of food businesses across the Philippines. But like many founder-led organizations, growth also brings complexity — and EOS is helping us create clearer vision, stronger accountability, and better execution across the team.Vanessa and I share candidly about the leadership challenges that surfaced as we began implementing EOS — from founder dynamics to decision-making tensions — and how its practical tools are helping us align the organization and scale more sustainably. Watch this episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast to get an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when founders commit to installing the right operating system for their business — and why that structure might be the key to turning entrepreneurial chaos into sustainable growth.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you take the discipline of corporate sales and bring it into a traditional family business?In this episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Ronnie Traballo, Chairman of Bomanite International Limited and Managing Director of Bomanite Southeast Asia, who helped transform their family enterprise into a major player in architectural and decorative concrete across the region. Ronnie shares how his early training in the corporate world shaped his approach to building systems, developing distribution, and scaling a business in a highly competitive construction industry.Today, Ronnie also serves as Chief Sales Strategist of Mansmith and Fielders, where he teaches entrepreneurs and executives how to apply disciplined sales strategy to grow their companies. In our conversation, he talks about the mindset shift required to professionalize a family business—and how the lessons he learned in corporate sales became the foundation for building something much bigger.Follow The RJ Ledesma Podcast for more conversations with founders and leaders building the future of Philippine business. 🎙️For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens after you build one of the most iconic homegrown food brands in the country—and successfully exit?In this episode of The RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Jose “Jomag” Magsaysay Jr., best known as the co-founder of Potato Corner, the flavored-fries phenomenon that scaled across malls and global markets before its acquisition by the Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures. But this conversation isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about reinvention.Today, Jomag has stepped into a new role—as “Partner ng Bayan”—helping entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses using the hard-earned lessons he learned from decades in the trenches. An award-winning entrepreneur and now Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Asian Institute of Management, he has also captured a new audience online through his widely shared Facebook series, Business As It Really Is—where he breaks down the raw, unfiltered truths of building companies, leading teams, and surviving the realities of entrepreneurship.If you’re an aspiring founder, a scaling entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own “what’s next” chapter, this episode is packed with battle-tested insights you won’t find in textbooks. This is Jomag like you’ve never heard him before—reflective, strategic, and deeply committed to building the next generation of Filipino businesses.Listen in. Because sometimes, the most important chapter comes after the exit.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into the Year of the Fire Horse, I sat down with Sofia Relosa—a Philippines-based Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics consultant known for combining tradition with a practical, results-focused approach for clients. Through her work, Sofia helps individuals and business owners align their environment and decisions using Feng Shui, BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny), and Qi Men Dun Jia—not as “lucky charm” superstition, but as tools for clarity, timing, and direction.We talk about how Feng Shui applies to business in a grounded way: how space affects momentum, focus, and flow—think layout, entrances, workstations, and the subtle “friction points” that can drain energy the same way messy systems drain a company. Sofia then connects that to BaZi, which reads your strengths and cycles like a personal operating manual, and Qi Men Dun Jia, a strategic timing framework often used to choose when to launch, negotiate, hire, or make big moves.Fire Horse energy is bold, fast, and volatile—great for growth, but unforgiving if you’re misaligned. If you’re planning expansions, pivots, or key decisions this year, this episode will give you a fresh lens on positioning + timing—the same fundamentals we already know matter in entrepreneurship, just viewed through a different (and surprisingly strategic) system#TheRJLedesmaPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FengShui #BaZi #QiMenDunJia #YearOfTheFireHorse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with one of the most respected names in the Philippine wedding industry — Kutchie Zaldarriaga, founder of Getting Married Bridal Fair and the force behind Getting Married Wedding Coordinators & Event Planners. What began as a passion for helping couples plan meaningful celebrations evolved into a full-scale enterprise that not only executes beautiful weddings, but also creates opportunities for hundreds of wedding entrepreneurs through one of the country’s most established bridal expos.In our conversation, Kutchie shares how she built credibility in a highly competitive industry, how she transformed her event planning expertise into a scalable business platform, and why the wedding space continues to offer strong opportunities for suppliers, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs. She also gives practical advice for soon-to-be-weds — especially on crafting a smooth, engaging reception program that truly reflects the couple.If you’re in the events industry, planning your wedding, or looking to build a niche business with real staying power, this episode is packed with insight from someone who didn’t just grow a brand — she helped shape an entire industry. 🎙For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not all entrepreneurs are born into business families—some are born into struggle and choose to rise anyway. On the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sat down with Renold Verano, President and CEO of InvestPHIL, whose journey from poverty to property development is both raw and deeply inspiring.Renold began his career as a real estate broker, learning the business the hard way—without a family enterprise to fall back on and with no formal business background. A History and Political Science graduate from UP, he learned through grit, experience, and relentless self-education. That hunger to grow eventually led him to earn a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, helping him turn instinct into strategy and hustle into systems.Today, InvestPHIL develops affordable single-family homes across Negros Occidental and Palawan, while entering its next growth phase with one of its newest projects now rising in Lipa—one of Southern Luzon’s fastest-growing cities. With around 50 housing units sold monthly, InvestPHIL is now one of the most active property developers being sold by Filipino Homes. This episode is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t have to define how far you go.🎧 Catch this episode on the RJ Ledesma Podcast.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sat down with real estate sales superstar Marc Godornes of Filipino Homes—a top-performing agent who proves that real success in real estate isn’t built on luck, hype, or viral moments, but on discipline and a repeatable system. Marc shares how he transitioned from doing the hard, unglamorous work of prospecting and learning the business to building a process that consistently attracts clients and converts trust into long-term relationships.What stood out in our conversation was Marc’s belief that the real win doesn’t end at the sale. He talks about the power of after-sales care, referrals, and showing up professionally long after the commission check—habits that helped him grow not just his income, but his reputation. His journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable success comes from mastering the fundamentals and committing to daily excellence.Catch the full episode on the RJ Ledesma Podcast. And if Marc’s story inspires you to build your own real estate career, this might be your sign—Filipino Homes is always looking for driven individuals ready to grow. Send me a message and let’s get you started.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the next generation doesn’t just inherit a company—but rebuilds it for the future? On the latest episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Sherwin Uy, the leader steering Primeworld Land into a bold new era.Under Sherwin’s leadership, Primeworld has emerged as a fast-rising name in Philippine real estate—earning multiple industry recognitions, including Best Affordable Condo Development in Metro Cebu and other awards from PropertyGuru, Lamudi, and Dot Property. Their flagship Primeworld District in Mactan continues to make waves, while projects like Primeworld Pointe in Lahug and Primeworld Enclave in Bulacan highlight the company’s expanding footprint across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.And yes — they even signed to bring the first Hilton Garden Inn in the Philippines, set to rise within Primeworld District in Mactan. If you love stories about next-gen leadership, reinvention, and building through adversity, this episode is for you.Catch the full episode on the RJ Ledesma PodcastFor any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Azela Honor, one of the top team leaders of Filipino Homes, whose journey proves that success has no fixed starting point. From her early career as a radiologic technologist, Azela made a bold pivot into real estate—and went on to build a national and global sales organization of 500–600 brokers and real estate professionals, spread across the Philippines and different parts of the world.Last year alone, Azela and her team achieved a staggering ₱4 billion in combined real estate sales, a testament to her leadership, systems, and people-first approach. In this conversation, she shares her entrepreneurial sales success story, the mindset shifts that changed her trajectory, and the real-world strategies she used to scale her team—from recruiting and training to motivation, duplication, and long-term growth.If you’re a real estate professional, aspiring team leader, or entrepreneur looking to build scale through people, this episode is packed with practical sales secrets, leadership lessons, and inspiration. 🎙️👉 Tune in to the RJ Ledesma Podcast and learn how Azela Honor turned vision, grit, and service into one of the strongest real estate teams in the country.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring and insight-packed episode, I sit down with Jennifer Lumbao, Asia Technology Head of Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS)—the fast-growing innovation and technology hub of Sun Life. Before joining SLGS, Jennifer built her career in one of the world’s leading tech consulting firms, where she learned how technology, strategy, and people development can converge to deliver massive business impact. Now at Sun Life Global Solutions, she is leading a powerful shift in how technology drives value across Sun Life’s global operations.Jennifer reveals how SLGS is breaking the mold of traditional Shared Service Centers by evolving into a strategic technology partner—one that not only executes but also influences regional strategy, accelerates digital transformation, and enables business growth. She also talks passionately about developing Filipino tech talent, helping them grow from execution-focused roles into future-ready, strategic technology leaders who can shape the global tech landscape.If you’re a C-suite leader, industry strategist, or tech professional who wants to understand where the future of IT capability-building is headed—and why the Philippines plays a critical role in that future—this is an episode you will not want to miss.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with the powerhouse tandem behind one of the fastest-growing real estate developers in the Philippines: Wee Community Developers, Inc. (WEECOM). Founded by Cesar L. Wee Jr.—who went from being the self-described “black sheep” of his family to the visionary leader of an award-winning property group—WEECOM has grown from a one-man startup in 2008 into a nationally recognized developer with multiple Philippine Property Awards wins. Together with COO Carson Choa, whose operational expertise helped transform bold ideas into thriving communities, they have expanded WEECOM’s footprint across Metro Manila, Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro—and very soon, a new residential project rising in Dasmariñas, Cavite.In our conversation, Cesar and Carson open up about the challenges, turning points, and mentorships that shaped their journey. We dive into how they cultivate a culture of excellence, how they navigate a constantly shifting real estate landscape, and what new projects and innovations they’re preparing as they continue building developments that truly go Beyond Ordinary™.If you want to learn the mindset, grit, and strategy behind scaling a real estate company from the ground up, don’t miss this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast. Tune in now!For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Filipino Homes National Real Estate Convention in Cebu, I sat down with one of the industry’s most electrifying success stories: George Ryan Sarmago. Once a seminarian, now one of the country’s top real estate brokers, George has transformed discipline, mission, and heart into a high-performance real estate career.What sets him apart? He’s not just selling homes — he’s built a massive digital presence, using social media and video reels to educate, inspire, and connect with thousands of aspiring homeowners and agents. His online content has become a magnet for leads, opportunities, and success, proving that in today’s real estate game, purpose + platform = unstoppable growth.This interview kicks off my special podcast series featuring Filipino Homes’ top real estate brokers as they reveal their biggest lessons, mindset hacks, and secrets to scaling in the industry.🎧 Don’t miss this explosive episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast — and if you want to be part of the Filipino Homes family, DM me.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Dennis Sy—Senior Pastor of Victory Makati, best-selling author, leadership coach, and one of the most compelling voices on purposeful living. Known for shaping next-generation leaders and mentoring kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, Pastor Dennis shares insights from his book Design Your Life and breaks down how intentionality, calling, and values-driven leadership can radically transform the way you build a career or a business. We dive into the heart of what it means to lead with clarity, build with conviction, and steward influence the right way—whether you're running a company, a startup, or even just starting your entrepreneurial journey.We also talk about how Pastor Dennis’s experience in preaching, coaching, and discipleship informs powerful principles on resilience, decision-making, and sustainable success. From designing a life aligned with your God-given purpose to leading teams with integrity and energy, his wisdom serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to grow not just their businesses, but their character and capacity as leaders. If you’re looking for clarity in your career, direction in your business, or a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with purpose—this conversation is a must-watch.Don’t miss this deeply inspiring and empowering episode of the RJ Ledesma Podcast. Click below to watch and start designing the life—and leadership—you were called to live. 🎙️✨For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the RJ Ledesma Podcast, we sit down with Trixie Abrenilla, the dynamic force behind PhilSME — the country’s largest B2B expo and conference for MSMEs. If you’ve ever attended PhilSME, you know it’s more than just an event — it’s where Filipino entrepreneurs discover real business solutions, connect with industry experts, and get inspired by some of the nation’s top entrepreneurial speakers. And Trixie is the driving engine making all of that happen.In this episode, we talk about her mission to bridge MSMEs with the solutions and partners they need to grow — from fintech to logistics, digital marketing to packaging, HR to tech and AI — and how PhilSME has become the go-to platform for entrepreneurs looking to scale. We also dive into the heart behind her work: empowering local businesses, uplifting the SME community, and building a space where learning, networking, and growth all come together.If you’re an MSME owner, startup founder, or a dreamer about to take that first step — this conversation will light something up in you. Don’t miss it! For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at [email protected].#RJLedesmaPodcast #PhilSME #TrixieAbrenilla #MSMEBoost #EntrepreneurshipPH #SupportLocal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.