Jaime T. Azurin believes that a valuable leader must be both innovative and inspiring—someone who can turn difficulties into opportunities and motivate others to do the same. As President of Global Business Power (GBP), he reinforced the company’s mantra, “work hard, work fast, work smart, and work together”, by adding “work with a heart,” emphasizing the importance of passion and purpose in achieving success.
Building a Powerhouse from the Ground Up
Azurin has been with GBP since its early days in 2003, when the company had only 15 employees and faced a $14 million loan default. Through determination and resilience, GBP overcame its challenges and has since grown into a leading power producer in the Visayas, with operations in Mindanao and Mindoro islands. The company, supported by 954 employees, operates through subsidiaries such as Cebu Energy Development Corporation, Toledo Power Co., Panay Energy Development Corporation, Panay Power Corporation, GBH Power Resources Inc., and affiliate Alsons Thermal Energy Corporation, boasting a total gross capacity of 1,091 MW.
A Foundation in Numbers and Strategy
Azurin’s passion for numbers and critical thinking led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University and pursue a master’s degree in business administration. His background in sports instilled discipline, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure—skills that now shape his leadership and mentoring style.
His early career experiences provided a deep understanding of business operations. As an assistant to the president of a mining company, he was exposed to various aspects of business management. Later, as an investment banker specializing in energy projects, he learned that profitability alone was not enough—projects also had to be sustainable.
Defining Leadership in a Changing World
Azurin believes that great leaders think strategically and innovatively, adapting to change while having a clear vision for the future. He emphasizes two core leadership principles:
1. Challenge people – Push individuals beyond their comfort zones, helping them turn difficulties into opportunities.
2. Inspire people – Encourage teams to give their best and embody GBP’s values in their work.
While the concept of leadership remains constant, Azurin acknowledges that leadership styles evolve to suit different situations. As markets become more global, competitive, and environmentally conscious, modern leaders must be agile, intelligent, and adaptable.
Strategic Leadership in Action
Azurin differentiates himself through strategic leadership focused on new markets, synergies, and innovative problem-solving. When the Visayas region experienced frequent rotating brownouts in the late 2000s, GBP addressed the issue by building power plants in high-growth areas near key customers in Cebu, Iloilo, and Aklan, ensuring reliable energy supply.
A firm believer in sustainable leadership, Azurin understands the importance of long-term impact. Inspired by the investment banking mantra, “You are only as good as your last deal,” he prioritizes risk mitigation and sustainability in all projects. GBP is actively investing in renewable energy technologies to diversify its portfolio, reinforcing its vision to become a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines. By utilizing diverse energy sources, the company aims to balance the intermittent nature of renewable energy and provide consistent, reliable power.
People-Centered Leadership and Purpose-Driven Growth
At GBP, work-life balance is essential to maintaining a motivated workforce aligned with the company’s mission of “enlightening lives and empowering progress.” Azurin reminds employees that GBP’s role goes beyond generating electricity—it is about serving communities and contributing to national development.
GBP’s success is founded on financial strength, strategic partnerships, technical expertise, and commitment to service excellence. But more than that, its drive to be a provider of sustainable energy solutions, utilizing diversified sources and innovative technologies, in the pursuit of enlightening lives and empowering progress, makes the company one to watch and laud — Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, MORS Group
