16 Lessons, Tips and Gems of Thought from Agnes Miranda

16 Lessons, Tips and Gems of Thought from Agnes Miranda

Leading with Vision, Compassion and Integrity

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos

An astute entrepreneur, pioneer, community leader and philanthropist, Agnes Pasaporte Miranda is one of two Filipino Canadians who RBC recently named as one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2017. The pioneer of World Financial Group of Canada now leads 36,245 active licenced associates and trainees in her nationwide organization. Aside from her numerous business accolades, she is a generous community leader sponsoring and producing cultural events in her dreams of fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of Filipino culture in Canada.

Many do not realize that behind the glitter of wealth and glamour of the fashion shows that Miranda produces, she travelled a long path to victory facing many obstacles along the way. She shared her story and words of wisdom with a few laughs as we talked about overcoming failure, having a mission and leading with compassion and integrity.

Following are 16 lessons, tips or gems of thoughts she learned in her journey to success and wants to share with everyone:

1. Being gutsy pays off

Miranda’s dream of coming to Canada began as a 10-year old at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, which was run by French-Canadian nuns in the Philippines. In 1966, despite her mother’s apprehensions and her not knowing anyone in Canada, the adventurous 20-year old flew to the U.S. before taking the train to Canada. The day after her arrival, she got her first job as a junior accounting clerk with Travellers Insurance. When the interviewer asked if she had Canadian experience, undeterred, she replied, “I just arrived yesterday, but if you hire me today, I’ll have experience.” They hired her on the spot.

2. Start your business with the security of a full-time job

She was earning $66 a week when she lived with four roommates. To reach her goal of earning $100 a week, she started her first business part-time as an Avon representative. Selling door-to-door on commission, she acquired sales skills that became vital to future endeavours.

3. Marry someone who shares your goals

She married in 1968 and credits her husband and in-laws for sharing an entrepreneurial mindset. Together, they established two grocery stores, a travel agency, and her husband ran an import-export business.

4. Sometimes losing everything is a catalyst for greater success

They closed their stores when supermarket chains introduced Oriental food sections, selling staples like rice at cheaper prices. Then when Primerica bought A.L. Williams, Miranda decided to join one of A.L. Williams’s original founders when he formed World Marketing Alliance. Unfortunately, WMA closed down. They promised to rebuild, but when, she did not know.

5. Create your opportunities

“I lost everything in the organization because it closed, but that didn’t deter me from being in business again,” Miranda explains. “In those five years, I opened a restaurant, recruitment firm and an insurance brokerage agency. Then in the summer of 1996, WMA (which became World Financial Group) called me back saying they were ready to rebuild.” And they did, with Miranda at the helm in Canada.

6. Dignity comes from integrity

When Miranda decided to leave Primerica despite having built a solid team there, she started again from scratch. Unlike some team leaders who take their teams with them upon leaving their company, Miranda was against that. Although there are policies against poaching, to her it was simply a matter of respect. “You shouldn’t rely on your team for your success because they can come and go. It’s about the golden rule. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want them to do unto you. It’s about integrity,” she says. Taking the leap for her was a matter of choice and she has only good things to say about the companies that served as the learning grounds for her growth.

7. Find mentors

Find those who believe in you and have successfully overcome the same challenges. “Mentorship is not just constant pep talk,” cautions Miranda. “Mentors should help you determine your strengths and weaknesses and be blunt enough to hold you accountable and advise you to stay on track to help you grow.”

8. Don’t let negative influences kill your dreams

Struggles can lead to self-doubt, which is why mentorship is important. Surround yourself with good people and positive vibes.

9. Learn from other’s success stories

When asked about the book that changed her life, she cites Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which she still uses in training sessions. Research role models. You will realize that they are just ordinary people who chose to become extraordinary.

10. Know your purpose

Write down your action plan. “The common hindrances people face are 1) lack of capital and 2) taking the risk.” Knowledge is important but it can be borrowed at the beginning. Taking the risk is crucial. “If you have a promising idea but don’t have the money, enter a partnership”, she advises. “It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. If you have a vision, a mission and a purpose, then everything else becomes secondary including challenges.” Find a vehicle that will help you build your business.

11. Choose business partners carefully

Miranda stresses it is vital to know your partners well before doing business. “Do it alone if you can,” Miranda says, “if not, then find someone. Partnerships often fail because people clash. It’s important to have integrity, be open minded, respectful, loyal, honest and have open communication.”

12. Be practical and hands-on

She has done everything from painting her own restaurant to waitressing, mopping floors, washing dishes and learning how to work in the bar and kitchen. Learn your business inside out and prepare for emergencies or if someone calls in sick.

13. Lead by example

Miranda says shy types can be groomed for leadership if they are determined. “Leadership is about helping others. Be passionate and disciplined. Just like all generals start by being good soldiers, leaders have to be students.” Only after gaining knowledge and experience can you properly train others.

14. Take care of your people

“Be considerate and know that people are also sensitive.” Miranda says. “If you ask me which of the two is more important, between mastering the business system and understanding human nature, you have to personally be able to grasp the latter if you apply the golden rule.”

15. Gratitude is the key to happiness

To Miranda, true success is not monetary. She is most grateful for her inner peace, the love she shares with others and her relationship with God. “Everything you attain is not purely from your own efforts but also through God’s blessings.”

16. Happiness is multiplied when shared

As a generous philanthropist aiding various charitable causes, she believes success is best enjoyed when shared. If we share the knowledge and blessings we gain along the way, our community will become stronger. It is her vision to make Filipinos prominent in Canada’s multicultural tapestry, by producing street festivals showcasing the best of Filipino culture and traditional dances engaging mainstream Canadian society – all to develop a greater appreciation for what the Philippines has to offer.