The next role Charo Santos-Concio wants to play

"I'm now focused on trying to understand the human mind better," said Charo Santos-Concio, who, after retiring from corporate work, opted to revive her acting career and, at the same time, take on the role of an educator.

Inquirer Entertainment asked the former CEO of ABS-CBN about the interests she is taking on and is enjoying now that she is no longer busy with office work. To this, she replied: "I'm so much into the study of (Swiss psychiatrist) Carl Jung and psychology because this makes me understand the human psyche better; it deepens my insights about humanity, why people behave a certain way."

Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, is recognized as one of the most influential psychiatrists of all time. He suggested that personality, among others, plays a role in influencing human behavior and that this can be passed down from generation to generation.

"The more stories I read, the deeper my insights become about humanity," pointed out Charo, who recently facilitated a personality development workshop for young and new Kapamilya talents. The attendees were Francine Diaz, Charlie Dizon, Belle Mariano, AC Bonifacio, Barbie Imperial and Loisa Andalio, among others.

Authentic character

"I love coaching young talents," added Charo, who is also president of ABS-CBN University. "I'm happy to be able to teach them that it's always good to make a good first impression; that good manners and right conduct are a must for everyone who faces the public regularly, especially those involved in social institutions.

"While I enjoy giving them the tools, at the end of the session, I remind them of the most important thing … The outward beauty people see in them is just icing on the cake, what's more important is their authentic character. It's always important to show respect and consideration to people around you," Charo told reporters during a virtual gathering organized by The Filipino Channel (TFC) and the financial services company, Sun Life, to promote the talk show "Shine On, Overseas Pinoy," which Charo will be hosting starting May 14.

Charo recently won best actress for her performance in Carlo Manatad's drama "Kun Maupay Man It Panahon." While she did not directly say what her next project would be, she said she would love "to portray an empowered woman."

She added: "I don't overthink when it comes to accepting roles. When a story is offered to me, I try to see if I'm drawn to the character. I simply follow my gut."

Empathy for others

On the qualities of strong women leaders, Charo said: "A true leader has to have sincerity and the discipline to want to serve. Leadership is about service, not about power. How much of yourself are you willing to give up to serve the majority? Your answer to that is reflective of the kind of leader you are."

"A strong leader also needs empathy for others. You should also be able to see yourself in the shoes of others," added Charo. "Sometimes, we get blindsided by our various interests and beliefs. We have to understand things from the lens of the people we're serving. We do what is needed even though, sometimes, we feel disappointed, we feel angry. We sometimes wonder why things are happening the way they are, but we need to understand."

"Shine On, Overseas Pinoy," which premiered last May 14 on TFC, is a talk show focused on helping overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families achieve a financially secure future through financial education. Each episode will have Charo engaging a featured Filipino, who's based abroad, along with a financial expert.

"I hope the program shows true appreciation for the struggles experienced by our OFWs. I hope their families will see this and appreciate all their sacrifices. I've spoken to a lot, and one or two of them cried while telling me, 'I still have so much to attain for my family.' I just hope that all their efforts will go to their goal of providing a comfortable home for their loved ones," Charo pointed out.

Transformative experience

The challenge of doing this kind of program, said Charo, is making sure she and her team have done their research before going to the set and interviewing their subjects. "I can't just sit there and ask the questions given to me without first trying to get to know the people I will be talking with," Charo stressed. "But, I found doing the whole thing enjoyable. I enjoyed listening to other people's stories and their journey toward a transformative experience."

She said she once thought of leaving home to try her luck abroad, too. "It did cross my mind, especially after doing 'Itim.' My father allowed me to do only one movie. He advised me to find a regular job, being that I am a college graduate. He said I should put my education to good use, so I went to the United States and applied for a job in the United Nations. I was a fresh graduate, but I got accepted as an executive assistant. Soon after, I lost my father and this changed my life. I chose to pursue a career in the movies, and the rest is history," she recalled.

Asked how she would define success, Charo said: "It's when you already feel contented with what you've achieved. There has to be contentment … hindi pwedeng wala kang tinitingnang katapusan. Success is not based on all the accolades you've received. For me, it's the safe haven you share with your loved ones at home." INQ