“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

 – C.S. Lewis

 

From the desk of Richard Du, founder and Chairman of SANTOS Holdings:

 

 

In the colorful heart of New York City, I spearheaded one of my life’s most envisioned projects, Blue Ocean. The exquisite building nestled in the heart of Chinatown at 100 Division Street was an ambitious undertaking, poised to reshape the urban landscape, fueled by an envisioned $100 million investment. Blue Ocean, a venue exceeding 100,000 square feet, aimed for something beyond a mere event space but a community dreamscape where business, family, and the community could come together as one. That was my dream, and my dedication to this project stemmed from a simple philosophy: It had to be done with honesty in communication, sincerity in thought, humbled pride, and deep integrity in action.

 

…These principles, and all they inspire, are the bedrock of every decision I make.

 

Author Stephen Covey said, “Without integrity, no other quality is of the slightest consequence.” Maintaining integrity in business and endeavors is crucial for building trust, credibility, and a positive reputation as a leader. Integrity involves honesty, transparency, and accountability in all interactions and decisions. It also involves strong morals, ethical commitment, and a readiness to do what is right, even when challenging. In my real estate business, integrity manifests in various ways.

 

  • Even unpopular choices should be ethically sound.
  • Maintaining transparency regarding company performance and actions.
  • Fair treatment is a priority for our employees, customers, and partners.
  • Owning up to mistakes and using them as learning opportunities.

 

Fostering integrity and building trust in respectful and transparent teams is crucial for lasting success as a leader. The Blue Ocean project, however, presented significant ethical challenges alongside many practical obstacles, from navigating zoning regulations and permits to countless meetings with city officials. Yet, through it all, I remained transparent, prioritizing open communication with my team, stakeholders, and the community, believing that honesty fostered the trust needed for such a large project.

 

One afternoon, a major problem came to my attention during a community board meeting. It seemed many businesses and residents in the community were raising concerns about the noise and disruption our project would bring to the neighborhood. Addressing their concerns directly, I understood their worries, but, as a leader, I knew I couldn’t ignore or avoid the problem.  So, I said to the people, “I understand your worries. I’m asking you to be patient, as our goal is to enhance the community, not disrupt it. Let’s work together, and we will find common ground and solutions.”

 

My willingness to listen to concerns and not ignore them reduced the tensions, and the residents seemed willing to cooperate with us during the development. Soon, people in the community found ideas and brought a spirit of camaraderie to the table, helping us stay focused on the project to finish it.

 

As Blue Ocean expanded, my staff and I focused on developing a space that had something for everyone—a lively dining hall with a range of cuisines, a bar selling handcrafted cocktails, and comfy lounging areas for relaxation. I also intended to add recreational activities such as bowling, archery, table tennis, and foosball to create a lively atmosphere in which friends and family might gather. With this aim in mind, I prioritized hiring the industry’s top chefs and service professionals. I believe that Blue Ocean’s success was determined by its physical characteristics and the warmth and welcome supplied by our crew. During the interviews, I examined talents, character, and integrity. “We’re creating a community here,” I told my hiring team. “Our employees must uphold the same principles we do: honesty, sincerity, and integrity. They will be the face of Blue Ocean, and their attitude will affect our guests’ experiences.”

 

As work progressed, I kept the community updated on the project’s status and solicited input and suggestions. This strategy maintained open lines of communication and made residents feel more involved. I created community days so residents could tour the site, learn about the project, and express their opinions. During one of these events, I could feel the community fully embrace Blue Ocean.

 

With the grand opening approaching, I reflected long and hard on our development adventure. The project saw its fair share of challenges, from building delays to unanticipated budget changes, but we met each one with honesty, determination, and integrity in finding the best answers. I learned to adjust and adapt while remaining honest and true to my values.

 

The day came for the grand opening; Guests flooded in, eager to explore the vibrant dining hall, take part in recreational activities, and bask in the welcoming ambiance my staff and I had worked so hard to establish. As I greeted visitors at the entrance, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment. I had created a vibrant community space and nurtured a culture of honesty, sincerity, and integrity among my team members. Blue Ocean was more than just a project. The building stood as a stunning testament to what’s possible when actions are guided by strong values.

 

After all the months of hard work and collaboration, Blue Ocean became a popular attraction, valued by the community it served. It was a location where families had fun, friends celebrated milestones, and neighbors became a part of something unique. I realized that my success was because of being true to my values, demonstrating that the possibilities were limitless when I spoke honestly, thought earnestly, and performed with integrity.


If you are interested in learning more about Blue Ocean and SANTOS Holdings’ offerings, contact us today to explore the immense possibilities.