“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”—Michael Jordan
From the desk of Richard Du, founder and chairman of SANTOS Holdings
Richard Du, founder and CEO of SANTOS Holdings, emphasizes the importance of support, trust, and community impact in real estate development. His mantra, “I am here,” embodies his commitment to his team and the communities they serve, highlighting how a strong, supportive culture can navigate challenges and achieve success.
On November 11, 2024, I walked through the city streets, energized by the opportunities and challenges surrounding me. As the founder and CEO of SANTOS Holdings, I’m deeply committed to the projects we undertake and, more importantly, to the people behind them. My personal mantra, “I am here,” captures my approach to business, emphasizing the critical role of support and trust within our team.
I Am Here
Strolling through the urban landscape, I felt invigorated by its vibrant chaos. The phrase “I am here” resonated, embodying my core philosophy in the often-turbulent world of real estate development. Obstacles are inevitable, but a strong, supportive team can overcome anything.
In our weekly meeting, I addressed my team: “Today, I want to talk about what it truly means to be a successful developer. It’s not about profits; it’s about being present for each other—through thick and thin.”
“Like when we navigated that complex zoning issue?” my project manager, Sarah, asked.
“Exactly!” I replied. “When we say, ‘I am here,’ we’re not just offering words; we’re building trust, the bedrock of any successful team.”
I shared stories of past challenges we had navigated together. “There was a time when I thought I’d lose everything on a Brooklyn project. We faced significant delays and budget overruns. It was a stressful period, but I kept reminding my team, ‘I am here.’ We adapted our strategy, we worked together, and we turned the project around. It’s about showing up for the people who matter most, especially when the pressure is on.”
I also recalled the revitalization of a neglected community. “Despite initial pushback and resistance, I reassured my team, I am here.” Seeing the joy on families’ faces when we opened the community center made all the challenges worthwhile. We’re not just builders of buildings; we’re builders of dreams and vibrant communities.”
“Real estate, like life, has its difficulties,” I continued. “In prosperous times, we achieve financial success; in challenging times, we still achieve success—together. Why? Because we rely on each other. As a team, we can weather any storm, no matter how fierce.”
I believe in commitment to my team: A prominent leader cultivates a culture of genuine support and trust, creating a strong, cohesive unit that can achieve extraordinary things. Author Simon Sinek said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of the people in your charge.”
As the meeting concluded, I emphasized, “When the going gets tough, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here for you, just as I know you’ll be there for me. We share our victories and challenges, and that shared experience makes SANTOS Holdings more than just a company; it makes us a family.”