Community-Centered Business Philosophy
For Talisay entrepreneur Carl Cabusas, business success is no longer measured solely by expansion or profit. It is now defined by community impact. Reflecting on the pandemic, he noted how it reshaped business operations and human connections. This shift now guides his work as president of the Talisay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and as a developer of projects like Paseo Ricardo, a commercial space designed to unite small businesses.
Small startups were emerging everywhere, but few received proper guidance, Cabusas said. He recognized that his experience could help nurture these fledgling enterprises.
Foundations of Leadership
His business approach was shaped early by hands-on work on a family farm and later as a flight attendant, where he discovered his love for service. These experiences taught him the importance of being directly involved and serving others. He later gained corporate real estate and property management experience before joining the family business, which transitioned into real estate development.
Reinvention and Growth
Cabusas believes growth requires constant change. I was different in my 20s, 30s, and now in my 40s, he said, adding that he is already preparing to reinvent himself in his 50s. He views reinvention not as disruption but as reflection. The gift of being in your 40s is that you don't take problems personally, he explained. You learn to slow down and reflect.
Leading Through Service
Despite his leadership roles, Cabusas never sought recognition. I don't like being in the limelight, he said. For him, leadership is about contribution, not visibility. What matters is not what you get, but what you bring to the table. As Talisay grows, he believes the future of entrepreneurship lies in collaboration over competition. The most meaningful developments are ecosystems where people support each other. Ultimately, business is not just about what is built, but who it is built for.
