Past SG Mick Uy Shares Leadership and Project Insights at JCI Manila’s LB26 Committee Lounge

January 19, 2026, at The Storage Room, JCI Manila held the first LB26 Committee Lounge, a focused working session that brought together chapter leaders to strengthen coordination and reinforce collaboration as committees moved forward with their respective initiatives under the “Lead Beyond” direction.

Designed as both a strategic workspace and a venue for fellowship, the Committee Lounge allowed members to align project timelines, clarify expectations, and build the professional trust needed for effective execution. The setting encouraged candid discussion, enabling leaders to move beyond surface planning and into practical, systems-driven conversations.

The session was attended by 47 JCI Manila members, including members of the Execomm, Commissioners, and Chairmen. Their collective presence reflected the chapter’s emphasis on shared responsibility and unified effort in delivering programs for 2026. Within the intimate environment of The Storage Room, the evening functioned as a strategic hub where planning, reflection, and relationship-building unfolded simultaneously.

A key highlight of the program was the leadership and project management discussion led by Michael Sean Uy. Centered on the principle of “sticking to your systems,” his talk challenged members to approach leadership with discipline, clarity, and consistency. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing people before tasks, addressing loose ends early, and committing fully to agreed systems rather than relying on excuses.

He also spoke about embracing discomfort as an essential part of growth, reminding members that leadership often requires doing hard things and navigating non-ideal situations. Commitment, he noted, must take precedence over convenience, with leaders remaining ready to pivot when circumstances demand it, while still protecting the organization and upholding professionalism. Ultimately, he framed challenges not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth, underscoring that problems are often the very catalysts that shape better leaders.

The LB26 Committee Lounge was led by Director Clifford Aw, Chairman Kunal Sadhwani, Vice Chairman Macky Katipunan, and Commissioner Jay Francis, with committee members Anton Mapoy and Sean Ballada supporting the initiative. Through focused dialogue and grounded leadership insights, the session reinforced JCI Manila’s commitment to purposeful planning, disciplined execution, and collaboration that goes beyond individual roles.