Written by Hazel Nicole Aguirre and Jeshuah Leigh Juan Photo courtesy of Junior Association of Marketing Executives / Emerson Ligan
On March 19, 2025, the Junior Association of Marketing Executives (JAME) and the Junior Executive Circle (JEC) joined forces to organize an enlightening seminar on Business Ethics and Career Planning at the University of Baguio AMS Hall. The event featured Dr. Edward Yagi as the keynote speaker, attracting Marketing and Operations Management students eager to learn about ethical business practices and effective career strategies. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes sustainable economic opportunities, financial literacy, and ethical professional development.
The Most Important Business in Life is You
One of the most compelling messages of the seminar was the idea that “The most important business in life is you.” This statement served as a powerful reminder to the audience that personal and professional growth should always be a priority. Investing in oneself—whether through education, skill development, or self-discipline—is the key to long-term success.
Key Insights from the Seminar
Throughout the session, Dr. Yagi shared valuable insights, guiding attendees on how to navigate their careers with resilience, financial awareness, and ethical responsibility.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Life and career paths are filled with obstacles, but resilience is essential. Dr. Yagi encouraged participants to maintain a problem-solving mindset with his memorable advice: “When you face a brick wall, go under it, over it, around it.” This analogy emphasized the importance of persistence and adaptability in overcoming professional and personal challenges.
Financial Literacy and Investment Awareness
The seminar also highlighted financial literacy as a crucial skill for career planning. Attendees were introduced to fundamental investment concepts such as stock markets and index funds. Understanding these financial tools can help individuals build long-term stability and wealth, ensuring a more secure future. Financial literacy is a key component of SDG 8, as it empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, contributing to economic growth and stability.
Time Management and Productivity
Success requires discipline, and effective time management plays a major role. Dr. Yagi advised students and young professionals to “not waste a minute,” encouraging them to prioritize their tasks, set clear goals, and stay committed to their aspirations.
Learning from Failure
Failure is not the end of the road; rather, it is a stepping stone to success. The seminar emphasized that setbacks should be viewed as learning experiences, not as reasons to give up. “Don’t get discouraged,” Dr. Yagi reminded the audience, reinforcing the idea that growth often comes from overcoming difficulties.
Taking Risks for Growth
Career advancement requires initiative and courage. Dr. Yagi used a baseball analogy to drive home this point: “If you don’t swing, you’ll never hit.” This statement underscored the necessity of taking calculated risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone in order to seize new opportunities and achieve career goals.
Ethical Business Practices and Discipline
Integrity in business and personal life was another major theme of the seminar. Ethical decision-making, while sometimes challenging, leads to long-term success. Dr. Yagi advised attendees to “always do it the hard way”—meaning the right way, even if it is more difficult. Upholding strong moral values in business fosters trust, credibility, and sustainable success. Ethical business practices are a crucial element of SDG 8, ensuring responsible and fair economic development.
Managing Digital Distractions
In today’s digital age, distractions like social media can hinder productivity. The seminar provided a strong warning about excessive social media use, equating it to an addiction: “Stay away from social media same as you stay away from drugs.” This statement highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and discipline in order to build a successful career.
A Special Moment for Dr. Edward Yagi
A memorable highlight of the seminar was the recognition of Dr. Edward Yagi’s recent academic achievement. He expressed his joy upon receiving his certificate, as it included the title “Dr.,” a milestone he had reached just weeks earlier upon earning his doctorate degree. His passion for lifelong learning and dedication to personal growth served as an inspiration to all attendees.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Despite experiencing a power interruption during the event, the attendees remained engaged and determined to continue. The seminar proceeded smoothly, and participants stayed focused, demonstrating their commitment to learning. By the end of the session, they left with a wealth of knowledge gained, ready to apply the insights shared in their future careers. Their resilience in the face of challenges reflects the perseverance required in the business world and aligns with SDG 8, which promotes sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
Insights from Organizers and Participants
Preparations and Challenges
Jeshuah Leigh Juan, JAME President, shared how they tackled the power interruption.
“We borrowed power stations from our Dean, but as the seminar ran for hours, they eventually failed. To keep things running, we used a rechargeable speaker with a microphone. It wasn’t perfect, but it ensured Dr. Yagi’s voice remained clear and the seminar stayed on track.”
Jean Angela Sarra, JEC 3rd Year Representative, highlighted their strategic planning.
“We anticipated risks and held meetings, set up early, and checked all equipment. When we learned about the power interruption, we quickly coordinated resources and held an emergency meeting the night before. This experience sharpened our problem-solving and adaptability skills.”
Key Takeaways from Participants
Jhusper Labnas, an Operations Management student, shared a key lesson.
“Dr. Yagi said obstacles aren’t infinite—you can climb over, go around, or dig beneath them. If needed, break through, but carefully. He also reminded us not to face challenges alone, which aligns with my Christian faith and Psalm 46:1: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.'”
Angelika Ferrer, a Marketing Management student, reflected on a key insight.
“Dr. Yagi’s words, ‘the most important business is you,’ hit me deeply. Success starts within—I must invest in learning, improve my skills, and build confidence. In marketing and financial advising, I’ll strengthen my personal brand, earn trust, and always deliver value.”
A Path to a Bright Future
The Business Ethics and Career Planning seminar made a lasting impact on its participants, equipping them with practical strategies and essential knowledge for their professional journeys. The collaboration between JAME and JEC successfully fostered an engaging learning environment, helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
As Dr. Yagi emphasized, self-growth, resilience, and ethical integrity are fundamental pillars of a successful career. By applying these principles, attendees left the seminar not just with new knowledge, but with the motivation to take control of their futures and make meaningful contributions to the business world. This aligns with SDG 8, as the event helped prepare students for ethical and sustainable professional success.
