In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, being a good manager is no longer enough. To truly thrive, professionals must evolve into visionary leaders—those who not only manage the present but also shape the future of their teams and organizations.
For Bren James Manlangit, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia) and finance director with a global portfolio, the leap from manager to visionary leader wasn’t just about hitting KPIs. It was about developing the mindset, empathy, and clarity needed to drive meaningful change.
“My career actually evolved from a rank and file to a leadership function,” Manlangit told Financial Adviser PH. “When I led a global project, we were pressured due to a short period of time… I spent much time on planning and prioritizing tasks so we could efficiently finish the project.”
That kind of forward-thinking mindset is what separates visionary leaders from the rest. They don’t just react—they anticipate. Bren attributes much of his growth to mastering goal-setting, strategic delegation, and empathy.
“I normally stay positive and solution-focused,” he said. “I lead with empathy because I know they are people, they have their own lives and challenges.”
Visionary leadership also means helping others see their impact. Manlangit shared that he ensures his team understands the “why” behind their work:
“I wanted them to know what matters—that their contribution matters to the overall objectives.”
He also believes in celebrating small wins to maintain momentum. Simple gestures like team dinners or quarterly get-togethers help build camaraderie and reinforce a shared mission.
His advice for aspiring leaders? “Be clear on what you want to do in life… identify steps to achieve those goals,” Manlangit said. Whether that’s climbing the corporate ladder or inspiring the next generation of professionals, leadership starts with vision—and a commitment to growth.
“If you want to lead, you need to learn. And if you want to continue to lead, you need to continue to learn.”
That’s the mindset that turns managers into changemakers.
