BUSINESS LESSONS

DR. VICKI BELO on a leader she admires, how she’s evolved in 31 years, and building a circle of safety with her people

- JACOB SAMPAYAN

“I really believe that everything happens for a reason,” says Dr. Vicki Belo. “And I’ve gone through so much in 31 years.”

The retrospection was warranted. We were in a Zoom call with the Belo Medical Group CEO, who just came back from a trip to Paris with her husband Hayden and daughter Scarlet Snow a couple of days before her clinic celebrated its 31st anniversary.

Since opening in 1990, Belo has opened 14 more clinics all over the country, including in Cebu and Davao. Certified by the Department of Health and endorsed by the Department of Tourism, Belo Medical is the first ambulatory cosmetic surgicentre in the country. It is also the first ambulatory clinic in the Philippines to be accredited by the international body National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).

“Such a ride. A roller coaster ride,” Belo, who is also medical director of her clinics, says. “Everything that happened that wasn’t so good always taught me something. Parang there’s a grand plan for me. Of course, I believe that God has a plan for me.

BEYOND APPEARANCES

The doctor does admit to one regret in the past three decades—not investing her money properly. “I always tell everyone who’s young, don’t be like me. I mean, I had a lot of fun. I bought all the shoes and bags and trips and clothes I want,” she shares.

Belo shares that she admires Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation founder, president, and CEO Alice Eduardo, who practiced delayed gratification.