“There are two ways to build a career or a business. We can go through life hunting and pecking, looking for opportunities or customers, hoping that something connects. Or we can go through life with intention, knowing what our piece looks like, knowing our WHY, and going straight to the places we fit.” ― Simon Sinek, Find Your Why: A Practical Guide to Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team
From the desk of Richard Du, Founder and Chairman of SANTOS Holdings:
“Good morning!” I said, standing in front of the large conference room at SANTOS Holdings. “Now that I have everyone’s attention, I want to ask you a simple question. Why do you want to be here at SANTOS Holdings? What is your why?”
The room fell quiet, and you could hear a pin drop. I paused, giving everyone time to consider the question, and I saw their minds racing. My question, which I often pose, was my way of shaking things up while keeping the heart of our organization alive. As a leader, I needed to know my team’s ‘Why.’
To define your purpose, or your ‘Why,’ you must determine what is important to you. SANTOS Holdings adhere to our strong and vibrant core mission and values, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere across our organization. It’s essential for our company, and we believe in our team. Our Why are the core values that stem from our self-awareness, life experiences, and belief in every individual at SANTOS Holdings. Over time, our core values have shaped who we are as a team and as a powerful company.
Breaking the silence, Sarah, a junior project manager, raised her hand and explained her reasons for joining SANTOS Holdings: “I believe in building communities, not just profits.” As Sarah’s words show, connecting our work to a larger purpose brings a deeper sense of fulfillment to our company’s vision and mission.
Sarah’s reply prompted Tom, an experienced engineer, to share, “The company culture at SANTOS Holdings motivates me.” His words were strong as I strive every day to inspire my team at SANOS Holdings to always listen to their heart. I wanted them to know that following your “Why’ is about silencing the internal chatter and connecting with your heart. Empathy moves you away from self-centeredness, allowing you to acknowledge everyone’s humanity, clarify perceptions, and form genuine connections. SANTOS Holdings’ mission encompasses more than just our building projects; it’s who we are and our ‘why’ as an organization. The team’s response to my question was a direct reflection of that.
SANTOS Holdings, we believe in two things to help our team find their ‘Why’:
1. Find what you love.
2. Love what you find.
It’s a simple philosophy for the company and organization that makes all the difference. Along the way, I support everyone at SANTOS Holdings in finding their ‘why’ while preparing and arming them to tackle challenges, walk confidently, and know their work truly matters.
In his book Find Your Why: A Practical Guide to Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team, author Simon Sinek said, “The goal for us as individuals is to know our WHY so that we can more easily find the right tree and the right nest. The goal for any organization is to know its WHY to attract the right birds. And the goal for each team within the company is to make sure that they have the right birds in each nest—those who will work together most effectively to contribute to the organization’s higher purpose and cause.”
Understanding the ‘why’ behind our company’s commitment is crucial for sustaining our team’s enthusiasm, drive, collaboration, passion, and resilience, and it is especially critical in challenging times. Finding your ‘why’—the core purpose driving your sense of well-being—begins with crystallizing your goals and knowing that what you do today will affect things in the future, bringing you closer to reaching your goals and long-term success. At SANTOS Holdings, we motivate our teams to take action by approaching every day as a brand-new opportunity.
As the meeting was ending, I shared a personal story. “When I started SANTOS Holdings, I faced countless challenges and moments of doubt. The intensity of that doubt was almost unbearable; it threatened to derail me completely. Yet, I overcame by returning to my purpose and my ‘why.’
Famous artist Vincent Van Gogh said,” If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” If you doubt what you’re doing, get off course with your direction, follow your heart, and find your way back to your inner purpose and why.
… It will never steer you wrong.
As founder and chairman of SANTOS Holdings, my biggest ‘why’ is my belief that real estate is the best business for financial rewards, providing the ability to create lasting change within ourselves and our communities. At SANTOS Holdings, we embrace this vision, knowing we have the power to shape landscapes, provide homes, and foster environments where people can thrive. That vision, our strongest ‘why,’ keeps our team motivated and diligent through the toughest times.
As the meeting ended, I said, “With our real estate, we are not just building buildings; we are building legacy and dreams. Each project is a vision, and every brick contributes to the legacy of families, communities, and businesses. Align your passion with our mission, and by doing so, you create something truly powerful.”
As my words faded, the spirit in the room was palpable. That day, our team at SANTOS Holdings knew from my words that they weren’t just employees, but a family united by a common purpose.
If you are interested in learning more about SANTOS Holdings’ offerings, contact us today to explore the immense possibilities.