Rod Jao

Born and raised in a humble family, Rod Jao’s determination to help others has been embedded in him since an early age. Having grown up in the Philippines, he knew exactly what it was like to live in a developing country and saw a lot of people who didn’t have much. He seems to have been deeply affected by these experiences, which drove his humanitarian efforts.
Throughout his career, Rod Jao founded, owned, and led several privately-held investment corporations that invested in and held interests in commercial and residential real estate, and its venture capital arm seeded and funded opportunities in technology, manufacturing, food, and beverage, and telecommunications.

Rod has a background in network marketing and software development, and he is one of the youngest people to have succeeded at a leading direct-selling company, having helped to open key international markets and having participated in numerous public speaking appearances to audiences of tens of thousands around the world. With his international network of contacts, he is able to develop global sales and marketing strategies.

Where did the idea for Allysian Sciences come from?

As a kid I’ve always been entrepreneurial. From my first business at 5 years old selling comic books on the end of the street to going to the local wholesaler to buy candy and setting up a little stand to sell to my mom’s church friends on Sundays.
My late teen years were spent selling stereos, phones, and other electronic devices. These experiences led me to discovering Amway, one of the largest multi-level marketing businesses globally. At the time, I was the youngest ever to reach diamond level status at the age of ___.
I spent a few years here before starting a series of my own business across a range of different industries. These included, but were not limited to technology, venture capital, soft drinks, real estate, and finally back to starting my own MLM style business with Allysian Sciences.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I usually wake up around 8AM and start my day with brief meditation and spend a few minutes on gratitude. Then checking emails and messages. I have businesses that operate globally, so there is always lots of activities that go long into the night. Around 10:30AM, I workout in my home gym.. I’ll have a lunch meeting at about 12:00pm. This could be anything from discussing new business topics, meeting new investors, or looking over existing operations. The rest of my day is usually spent going into the office, or jumping from one meeting to the next. Around 7pm is dinner with the family and spend quality time with my kids before their bedtime. Around 9:30/10:00pm, I’m back working from my home office, sending out emails, speaking with clients and business partners overseas, or drafting new proposals. Around 1:30AM is usually when I’m in bed ready to start the next day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I always think about who I know that could help with this new idea. Fortunately, I have been able to meet so many people in various fields after doing years of business. After talking with these people a bit about the idea, I’ll schedule a follow-up meeting to flush out some ideas and develop new strategies on how we can execute our vision. From here, I’ll take a step back ask about the feasibility, time to profit, current demographic trends, and the impact this product or service will have on the end-user.
It’s important to realize that everyone has their zone of genius. My strengths are bringing people together. So if it is a business that requires special skills I’ll look for people that are the best in that field and bring them together.

What’s one trend that excites you?

From a young age, I’ve always been a big sports fan. I’ve always been looking for a way to incorporate business with this interest of mine. Recently, there has been a growing demand for AI in professional sports for advanced statistics, data analytics, and performance technique. I’ve been looking at ways to optimize amateur athletes through an app that uses the existing technology on our phones.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Always ensuring that others’ needs are met before my own. Whether that be family, employees, friends, ensuring that everyone feels appreciated for who they are and what they do is something I value significantly. There is a quote that has been ingrained in my head ever since I heard it, and it is “everyone who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected of them”. Speaking from experience, every time someone made me feel appreciated, it motivated me to do more or work harder; and that is one habit that I told myself I would personify.

What advice would you give your younger self?

My dad always had a saying…” it’s not what you know but who you know”. You are a product of your environment so regardless of age it’s important to surround yourself around good people. Finding mentors that represent the character and values you embrace that live fulfilled lives beyond material things. So as a young person, there is a tremendous opportunity to learn from others the wisdom of experience.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Important to look at people as to how you want them to be not as they are. There is a saying that I live by “ look at a person the way they are and they will never change, look at a person the way they should be and they will become that person.

It’s all about manifestation. From thoughts to words which is why it’s incredibly important to always focus on what you want not necessarily what you have.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Be humble, respect that there is a higher power, and pray every day.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I’ve always believed in creating a culture of sharing not selling. When you believe in something it’s easier to share that belief and the benefits it has given you than to try to explain or sell the benefits to others. From there developing any strategy to build your business will be easier. It’s all about the value you bring to others. Can you create something that can improve the lives of many people…..

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Too many to count. Failure is when you give up. Lessons are learned from setbacks and challenges and are usually your guide in shaping a better future.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A crypto currency chat room.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I was having dim sum and saw a nice lady eating by herself. I anonymously paid for her bill.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Sunsama helps me to keep my schedule in order.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I have many books that shaped the foundation of my thinking but when I was 12 my father gave me a book by Dale Carnegie “How to Win Friends and Influence People” I laughed at the gesture and told my dad I thought it was desperate that he needed a book to make friends. 6 years later I met a very successful entrepreneur that started to mentor me. He told me the first book I should read was How to win friends and influence people. After I read it I realized it was hardly about winning friends and influence but more about self-awareness and growing respect for others.

What is your favorite quote?

“As a man thinketh so is he”

Key Learnings:

• Help others
• Respect those around you
• Lessons are learned from setbacks
• Learn from the wisdom of others