Responsibility and Privilege: Paolo Delgado's Values-Based Leadership at 4th Gen Delbros Group
Thu Jan 29 2026
Jose Paolo Delgado, a fourth-generation leader, offers an international perspective on guiding a multi-generational family enterprise rooted in the Philippines, tracing its history from the Spanish Inquisition and World War II. Paolostepped into a leadership role around 2009 during a period of intense crisis, requiring decisive, "firefighting" action to restructure the company which was suffering from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis. He quickly pivoted the business, diversifying from 99% logistics into agriculture, fintech, AI, and climate investments, shifting the focus to future-proof verticals.
The company culture is defined by intentional stewardship and a commitment to nation-building, guided by a formal family charter. Paolo emphasizes that family members are not owners, but rather stewards carrying the business over to the next generation. Key to maintaining shareholder alignment and minimizing complexity is the generational practice of "pruning" the shareholder line through buyouts. Paolo also details how the use of archives, mentorship, and tailoring engagement to younger generations' specific interests ensures a strong connection to the business's legacy and values.
Timestamps:
00:01 - Intro, housekeeping, and international setup for Paolo
01:02 - Family history and ethos, evolution into logistics and agriculture, generational pruning
04:10 - Why diversify into new industries like climate, mechanized agriculture, and tech
05:59 - Personal journey: US and China entrepreneurship, 2009 crisis and succession back home
08:14 - Lessons from China on long term strategy vs quarterly thinking
09:55 - Return to the Philippines, charter rule on no side businesses, buyout of China venture
10:56 - Turnaround period: firefighting, restructuring, and culture reset
12:27 - Family education via archives, mentorship, and Babson programs
14:41 - Current role vs pace of change after COVID and feeling ungrounded
16:20 - Operating with values in the Philippines and aligning industries with ethics
22:26 - Stewardship driven decisions amid geopolitics in China and Israel
25:21 - Reforestation and carbon project decision with a 40 year commitment
27:04 - Sticking with impact and food security, expanding farmland for the long term
41:02 - Foundations and CSR policies, profit allocation and paid volunteerism
51:58 - Next generation challenges and staying private for resilience
Key Themes:
Long-Term Stewardship Mindset
Strategic Diversification
Intentional Legacy Transfer and Culture
The Practice of "Pruning"
Values Alignment and Ethical Leadership
Meeting the Next Generation Where They Are
Additional Resources:
Jose Paolo Delgado, President and CEO at Delbros Group.
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Jose Paolo Delgado, a fourth-generation leader, offers an international perspective on guiding a multi-generational family enterprise rooted in the Philippines, tracing its history from the Spanish Inquisition and World War II. Paolostepped into a leadership role around 2009 during a period of intense crisis, requiring decisive, "firefighting" action to restructure the company which was suffering from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis. He quickly pivoted the business, diversifying from 99% logistics into agriculture, fintech, AI, and climate investments, shifting the focus to future-proof verticals. The company culture is defined by intentional stewardship and a commitment to nation-building, guided by a formal family charter. Paolo emphasizes that family members are not owners, but rather stewards carrying the business over to the next generation. Key to maintaining shareholder alignment and minimizing complexity is the generational practice of "pruning" the shareholder line through buyouts. Paolo also details how the use of archives, mentorship, and tailoring engagement to younger generations' specific interests ensures a strong connection to the business's legacy and values. Timestamps: 00:01 - Intro, housekeeping, and international setup for Paolo 01:02 - Family history and ethos, evolution into logistics and agriculture, generational pruning 04:10 - Why diversify into new industries like climate, mechanized agriculture, and tech 05:59 - Personal journey: US and China entrepreneurship, 2009 crisis and succession back home 08:14 - Lessons from China on long term strategy vs quarterly thinking 09:55 - Return to the Philippines, charter rule on no side businesses, buyout of China venture 10:56 - Turnaround period: firefighting, restructuring, and culture reset 12:27 - Family education via archives, mentorship, and Babson programs 14:41 - Current role vs pace of change after COVID and feeling ungrounded 16:20 - Operating with values in the Philippines and aligning industries with ethics 22:26 - Stewardship driven decisions amid geopolitics in China and Israel 25:21 - Reforestation and carbon project decision with a 40 year commitment 27:04 - Sticking with impact and food security, expanding farmland for the long term 41:02 - Foundations and CSR policies, profit allocation and paid volunteerism 51:58 - Next generation challenges and staying private for resilience Key Themes: Long-Term Stewardship Mindset Strategic Diversification Intentional Legacy Transfer and Culture The Practice of "Pruning" Values Alignment and Ethical Leadership Meeting the Next Generation Where They Are Additional Resources: Jose Paolo Delgado, President and CEO at Delbros Group. Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network