For Dennis Sy, Senior Pastor of Victory Makati, leadership development isn’t about charisma or credentials—it’s about character.
In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Sy revealed the framework he uses to identify and mentor high-potential leaders—both in ministry and in life. It’s called FAITH, and it stands for Faithful, Available, Integrity, Teachable, and Hungry.
“These are the traits we look for when spotting what we call ‘young eagles,’” Sy shared. “It doesn’t matter if you’re young or seasoned—these five traits are non-negotiables.”
The F in FAITH stands for Faithful—the kind of person who consistently shows up and follows through, even in the small things. A is for Available, because as Sy puts it, “You can’t grow if you’re not present.” I represents Integrity, a value he says must be lived out, not just taught. T stands for Teachable—being open to correction and hungry to learn. And H is for Hungry—someone who’s willing to embrace a “whatever it takes” mindset.
But Sy is quick to note that leadership starts at home. “If someone wants to lead but is neglecting their family, we address that first,” he said. “Our core value is family. We coach them to lead at home before giving them wider responsibilities.”
This philosophy isn’t just good for churches—it applies across all organizations. Whether you’re building a startup or leading a corporate team, Sy believes the best leadership pipelines are built not in boardrooms but through real-life, daily mentoring.
“Most leadership growth happens on the job—just like with Jesus,” he added. “It’s in the everyday, mundane moments that leaders are truly formed.”
For aspiring leaders, Sy’s advice is simple but powerful: stop chasing titles and start cultivating traits. “Leadership is a shared journey,” he said. “And the best leaders are those who never stop growing.”
In a world obsessed with outcomes, Dennis Sy reminds us that great leadership begins not with skill—but with FAITH.
