Inspirational Journey of Alex and Gina
Introduction
- Alex and Gina moved to Australia in 1990 with little money, limited English, and no understanding of Australian culture.
- Started a company from scratch that now employs over 300 people.
- Competes with major brands like Blackmore's and Swiss.
- Michael Woo, their son, shares their story, emphasizing the values they held.
Personal Reflection
- Michael recently became a father, inspiring reflection on his parents' journey.
- Realized the importance of instilling values in his child, Aaron.
Values Taught by Parents
1. Bravery
- Be brave and defy conventional wisdom.
- Alex and Gina moved to a new country for their children's future, facing language barriers and cultural differences.
- Overcame criticism and challenges in starting a manufacturing company in Australia.
- Belief in themselves and persistence led to business growth.
2. Work Ethic
- Nature's Care's success took 27 years; not an overnight success.
- Michael traveled extensively for business, inspired by his parents' dedication.
- Alex and Gina traveled far to meet customers personally, showing commitment.
3. Compassion and Responsibility
- Business growth led to increased employees; focus on providing stable jobs.
- Chose not to replace employees with automation despite potential cost savings.
- Emphasized understanding other people's perspectives, especially in international business.
- Importance of cultural understanding in business relationships.
4. Humility and Knowledge
- Valued knowledge and learning over material possessions.
- Encouraged humility and continuous learning.
- Michael gained diverse experiences within the family business.
- Father demonstrated commitment to learning by recording and studying Jack Ma's speech.
Conclusion
- Values were not just taught but demonstrated by Alex and Gina.
- Michael aims to lead by example and instill these values in his son, Aaron.
- Story emphasizes traditional values in modern business and parenting.
Cultural Note
- Shared a cultural practice: not taking children out for the first month.
- Aaron's first outing was to work, symbolizing family values and legacy.
The lecture provided insights into the foundational values that propelled the success of Nature’s Care and highlighted the significance of these values in business, life, and raising the next generation. The emphasis was on bravery, work ethic, compassion, and humility as timeless principles that transcend changing business models and parenting techniques.