Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Potential of Military Nurses (A Transcript of Amrei Dizon's Address to the Philippine Army Nurses, May 12, 2023)

Jun 20

This edition of the Strategic Spectrum takes us on a fascinating journey where courage, resilience, and service intersect with creativity, inclusion, and innovation. In this edition, I am honored to share with you the speech I delivered to the Philippine Army Nurses on their Fellowship Night and Daisy Awards Night, as a highlight of their Nurses Week 2023 celebration. The speech is centered around entrepreneurship, particularly on how military nurses can leverage their unique skills and qualities to transition into successful entrepreneurs.

In this context, weaving creativity, inclusion, and innovation in business are not merely theoretical concepts but tangible, real-world strategies that can be leveraged by these exceptional individuals. Their experiences in the military and nursing arenas have equipped them with leadership, resilience, adaptability, and a host of other skills that can be channeled into successful entrepreneurship. I invite you to dive into this enlightening journey with me and explore how creativity, inclusion, and innovation can become the strategic spectrum of successful entrepreneurship.

Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Potential of Military Nurses (A Transcript of Amrei Dizon's Address to the Philippine Army Nurses, May 12, 2023)

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished military nurses, and esteemed guests, Mabuhay! It's an honor to be standing here today, in front of heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving our beloved nation, the Philippines. You, who wear your uniforms with pride, are not just nurses - you are military nurses. Your service, courage, and unwavering commitment embody the spirit of Bayanihan, the core of Filipino culture. Today, I invite you to embark on a new journey, a journey of entrepreneurship, a journey that continues to serve our nation in a different, yet equally impactful way.

Before we dive into our exciting discussion today, let me share a story. Not a story of unequivocal success, but rather a tale of persistence, resilience, and the audacity to dream.

My name is Amrei Dizon, an entrepreneur for almost two decades. But you see, the journey to this point was anything but smooth. Like a sailboat in the vast ocean, I started with no compass, only a vision. My initial capital was a modest 20,000 pesos. No business degree to my name. No established network in the industry. Just a heart filled with passion and a mind brimming with ideas.

And just like you, brave military nurses, I had to make do with the resources I had, adapt quickly, and find innovative solutions to pressing problems. Much like how you face challenges in your line of duty, I faced a sea of challenges in my pursuit of entrepreneurship.

What further complicated my journey was a personal battle. I was diagnosed with ADHD. It was a challenge, yes, but I chose to view it not as a hindrance but as a unique lens through which I saw the world. It allowed me to see opportunities where others saw none, to innovate when others chose to follow. It was, in fact, a source of strength.

There's another facet to who I am that I am deeply proud of. I am part of the vibrant rainbow that is the LGBT community. I believe that this aspect of who I am has enriched my perspective, emboldened my spirit, and has made me a more empathetic leader.

So, why am I sharing all of this with you? It's because I want you to see that limitations only limit us if we allow them to. That you, with your unique experiences and the skills honed in service of our country, are more than equipped to embark on this entrepreneurial journey.

You might ask, "Why entrepreneurship?" Let me tell you - the qualities that make you exemplary military nurses are the same qualities that can make you exceptional entrepreneurs.

PART 1: Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Potential of Military Nurses

PARALLEL 1: LEADERSHIP

Leadership, a trait we Filipinos deeply value, is already within you. You've led your teams through high-pressure situations, showing Pagkamalasakit, a genuine concern for your comrades. It's about stepping up, taking risks, and guiding your business with the same conviction and clarity. This same trait will allow you to lead a business, guide a team, and serve your customers with the same care and commitment.

PARALLEL 2: ADAPTABILITY and FLEXIBILITY

Adaptability and flexibility, qualities that embody the Filipino spirit of resilience, are second nature to you. You know this better than anyone. You've worked in rapidly changing environments, adapting swiftly, embodying the essence of our beloved "Bayan Ko". This adaptability, this flexibility, is invaluable in business, where market dynamics shift quickly and the ability to pivot is a necessity, not a luxury. This adaptability will be your guiding light in the world of business, where change is the only constant.

PARALLEL 3: RESILIENCE and PERSEVERANCE

In your line of work, you’ve shown resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. This is what inspires Filipinos. Your service has been marked by challenges, yet you've always risen, embodying the Filipino spirit of "Bangon", to rise again. This same spirit will guide you through the journey of entrepreneurship, where setbacks are not defeats, but opportunities for growth. In entrepreneurship, setbacks and failures are just stepping stones to success.

PARALLEL 4: PROBLEM SOLVING and CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Your experiences have also equipped you with skills in crisis management and problem-solving. Just like our Filipino heroes who rose amidst crises, you have the ability to make split-second decisions, to solve problems quickly and effectively. These skills will be your armor as you navigate the uncertain and challenging world of business. I have no doubt you'll navigate through these hurdles with the same grace and effectiveness as you've done countless times in the field.

PARALLEL 5: TEAMWORK

And let's not forget about teamwork. Your profession has taught you to collaborate effectively, to work with diverse teams, to achieve common goals. Teamwork and collaboration are principles you've lived by as military nurses. Our country, with its rich diversity, calls for unity and collaboration - the essence of our "Bayanihan" spirit. These are the same principles that build successful businesses. As entrepreneurs, you'll create teams that echo these same values, teams that work together for a shared vision.

PARALLEL 6: DISCIPLINE and TIME MANAGEMENT

Next, discipline and time management. You've been trained to work with discipline, focus, and a keen understanding of priorities. These traits are indispensable in entrepreneurship. Your discipline, your ability to manage time effectively, these are the values our Filipino heroes have passed on to us. As entrepreneurs, this discipline will be the backbone of your ventures, allowing you to manage multiple tasks, and persevere even when the going gets tough.

PARALLEL 7: STRONG SENSE OF ETHICAL and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Perhaps one of the most significant traits you carry is your strong sense of ethical and social responsibility. You have upheld the Hippocratic Oath, dedicating your life to the service of humanity, prioritizing the health and well-being of your patients. As entrepreneurs, you can build businesses that continue to serve our country, businesses that prioritize social impact, ethical practices, and contribute to a better Philippines. As entrepreneurs, you have the power to drive change and make a positive impact on the world.

PARALLEL 8: RESOURCEFULNESS and INNOVATION

Lastly, your resourcefulness and innovation reflect the Filipino spirit of "Diskarte", of making the most of what we have. This will be your guiding principle in entrepreneurship. You've worked in challenging environments, often with limited resources. But you've always found a way to deliver care. This knack for resourcefulness and innovation is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. It's about making the most of what you have, finding new ways to deliver value, innovating, and staying one step ahead.

TRANSITION TO PART 2:

So, you see, you are already equipped with the tools you need to become successful entrepreneurs. You are the embodiment of the Filipino spirit - resilient, compassionate, innovative, and dedicated. You are leaders, problem solvers, team builders, and innovators. And just as you've served our country as military nurses, you can continue to serve as entrepreneurs. The transition from military nurse to entrepreneur might seem daunting, but remember, you've been trained to face and overcome challenges.

PART 2: From Battlefield to Business: Navigating the Transition

I stand before you not just as an LGBT entrepreneur with disability, but as someone who believes in the boundless potential of every human being to create, innovate and inspire.

In his many years at Apple, Steve Jobs learned that entrepreneurship is about creating change, not just creating companies. And you, the brave military nurses of the Philippines, you are change-makers. You have the courage, the dedication, and the spirit to make a difference. So today, I want to guide you on how you can channel these qualities into starting your own businesses. Businesses that can create jobs, solve problems, and uplift our communities.

Today, I encourage you to adopt this same daring spirit as you transition from military service to entrepreneurship.

STEP 1: SELF ASSESSMENT

Start with self-assessment. Look within. Identify your strengths, your passions. You are military nurses, you are leaders. You have faced adversity and emerged stronger. This resilience, this adaptability, will serve you well in entrepreneurship. Recognize your weaknesses not as limitations, but as areas for growth and learning.

STEP 2: RESEARCH and IDEATION

Next, conduct market research, brainstorm ideas. In this process, remember the words of Atty Robredo: "Lahat tayo may magagawa." We all have something we can do. Find that something. Identify a need, a gap, a problem that your business can address. Because a great business, just like great leadership, is about serving others.

STEP 3: CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN

When you have an idea, create a business plan. This will be your roadmap, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Let your plan guide you towards a future where your business isn't just about profit, but about making a difference. In this process, you're not only building a business, but you're also building trust.

STEP 4: Acquire Necessary Permits and Registrations:

As you prepare to launch, remember to acquire the necessary permits and registrations. Just as we respect and uphold our laws, we must also respect and uphold the rules and regulations that govern our businesses. This is not just about compliance, but about building a business that our nation can be proud of.

STEP 5: Seek Funding and Support:

Funding is key in starting a business. Seek financial support from various sources. Personal savings, loans, or investments from family and friends can be a starting point. Additionally, seek out programs and initiatives that support military veterans in entrepreneurship. These can provide not only financial aid but also valuable guidance and resources.

STEP 6: Network and Build Connections:

As you venture into entrepreneurship, build connections, network. Imbibe the spirit of 'Bayanihan', of community and togetherness. Collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs, potential customers, and mentors. Because just like in our fight for progress, in entrepreneurship, we are stronger together.

Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a business is only as strong as its connections. Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, suppliers, potential customers, and mentors. These connections can open doors to opportunities that can greatly benefit your business.

STEP 7: Enhance Your Skills and Knowledge:

The pursuit of knowledge never ends. Continuously enhance your skills and understanding of your chosen industry. Attend workshops, seminars, and training programs. As Benjamin Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

Believe in your vision, even when the road gets tough. Because the road to success, just like the road to a better Philippines, isn't always easy. But it's a road worth taking.

STEP 8: Establish Your Online Presence:

In today's digital age, establishing an online presence is paramount. Create a website, maintain active social media profiles, and effectively engage with your audience online. Your online presence will be your platform to reach a wider audience and build your brand.

STEP 9: Develop a Support System:

Next, remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and every journey is better with companions. Surround yourself with a support system - friends, family, fellow entrepreneurs - who can provide advice, encouragement, and a listening ear during tough times.

STEP 10: Launch and Iterate

And finally, launch and iterate your business. Once you have laid the groundwork, launch your business. Embrace the journey and be ready to learn, adapt, and evolve based on your experiences and customer feedback.

Serve your customers. Make a difference. And as you do, remember this: you are not just entrepreneurs, you are Filipino entrepreneurs – embodying resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit. You are not just creating businesses, you are creating a better future for our country.

As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to keep the essence of 'Bayanihan' close to your hearts. In entrepreneurship, as in military service, collaboration is key. Just as you worked in teams to provide care in challenging environments, so too will you work with teams to build businesses that serve our nation.

Your resilience, your adaptability, your leadership - these qualities make you uniquely equipped for this journey. Embrace these strengths. Cherish them. They will serve as your compass, guiding you through the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

Remember that your mission doesn't end here. As military nurses, you've dedicated your lives to serving our country. As entrepreneurs, you have the opportunity to continue that service in a new way. By creating businesses that prioritize social impact and ethical practices, you can contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economy.

The world needs more entrepreneurs. The Philippines needs more entrepreneurs. We need more innovators, more risk-takers, more problem-solvers. And I believe, you, the military nurses of the Philippines, can be those entrepreneurs.

At Apple, they have a saying, "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." You've already proven that you're not afraid of challenges, that you can make a difference. Now, it's time to bring that courage, that spirit of service, into the world of entrepreneurship.

Take the first step. Begin the journey. There's no better time than now.

In Tagalog, we have a saying, "Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?" If not now, when?

Let that be your rallying call as you embark on this new mission. Don't wait for the opportunity to knock. Build the door and open it.

Remember, the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. You have already changed the world in your own ways through your service. Now, it's time to do it again, through entrepreneurship.

So, to you, the brave, the dedicated, the future entrepreneurs of the Philippines, Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect. Let today be the start of your entrepreneurial journey. I look forward to seeing the difference you'll make, the jobs you'll create, and the progress you'll bring to our beloved Philippines.

Maraming salamat, and may God bless you all and our beloved Philippines. Mabuhay!