CEO Insights Magazine

Amould clay would simply remain as mud until a potter gives purpose to it. As the wheel spins faster, the clay appears to shape itself into a beautiful pot, but it is the skilled hands of the potter that brings life to it. In real life, educational institutions serve as such nurturing hands, guiding young minds to become adept leaders. One such institution that is committed to shaping students into leaders is the University of the Philippines (UP). Elites like Robert Jordan Jr. are honed into great leaders from the halls of UP. The institution has made him a socially conscious and responsible leader making a big impact on his country’s poverty scenario. Leading Global Dominion Financing as a CEO, he is driven by the vision of empowering SMEs contributing to his country’s economy. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Asia, Robert shares his journey, the purpose of his business, and more.

Give a brief overview of your professional journey and the milestones you cherish at Global Dominion Financing.

We began operating in 2003 with an initial fund of $200K. Our focus has always been on serving the SME sector; because as the country continues to battle against poverty, the growth of small businesses becomes important. SMEs make up a significant portion of the business landscape, offering jobs to up to 70 percent of the workforce. By focusing on these small businesses, Global Dominion doesn’t just serve as a financial institution, but also acts as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Throughout this journey, I am proud to share that we've maintained an impressively low Non- Performing Loan (NPL) level. Our NPL is at around 1 percent and we have achieved this with a deep understanding of the credit landscape. The company began with a starting capital of approximately $200,000 and currently records annual loan bookings exceeding $100 million.

Another notable milestone has been our consistent positioning in the top five companies in the finance industry in the Philippines. This not only speaks to our strength but also the satisfaction we've been able to provide our clients. Our biggest milestone is seeing our clients flourish.

Share about the impact of the University of the Philippines (UP) on your life.

At UP, I was actively involved in student leadership activities. I held various roles, such as serving as the Deputy Corps Commander in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and being an officer in a fraternity. These roles taught me the necessary skills to lead and inspire others. The environment gave me a spirit of social responsibility. The campus was a hub of social activities, and I was actively engaged in promoting economic consciousness.

All these experiences taught me to balance various responsibilities. Studying economics as my major provided a solid foundation in understanding market dynamics, which really helped a lot in my career. The rigorous academic curriculum, along with vibrant campus life, contributed to my transformation both as a leader and as an individual.

What would you say is your secret to success?

I believe there's no single path to success, but it's a mix of many lessons and experiences gained over the years. My earlier tenure in banking laid my foundation in credit lending and management, but it was at Global Dominion that I truly honed my skills as a manager and leader. Leading more than 1000 employees and officers, I've learned to be adaptable, anticipate challenges, and handle the ups and downs.

The role of a CEO requires a holistic approach. It's not just about understanding the market or managing finances; it's about people management, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making. One of the critical aspects I've learned is the importance of having a strong management team. With the right managers in place, you can face any challenges and can swiftly find solutions. I am fortunate to have a dedicated and skilled team that allows me to focus on strategies and direction, being assured that day-to-day operations are in capable hands.

What’s ahead for Global Dominion Financing?

We aim to enhance our impact within the SME sector. While we've already established nationwide, our focus now is on diversifying and expanding our loan products to serve the evolving needs of SMEs. We are also working towards listing Global Dominion and becoming a billion-dollar enterprise to empower small and medium businesses across the country.

What advice would you offer to young budding leaders in the industry?

Never lose sight of your dreams, objectives, and missions. It's definitely a path filled with challenges, pressures, and stress, but resilience and focus will be your strengths. Secondly, remember that your people are your greatest resource. Treat your team with respect and recognize their contributions. Happy employees make clients happy, and eventually your organization will progress. At Global Dominion, we have seen the results of this ethos, having a minimal attrition rate. Our employees are seen as a family here.

Robert Jordan Jr., CEO, Global Dominion Financing

Robert is an astute business leader, passionate golfer, and avid reader. He is committed to empowering SMEs through financial solutions and personally aspires to see a Philippines that is free of poverty.