Business
The Heart of Leadership: Pasifika Values in Business
For Pasifika business leaders, leadership is more than a position; it is a sacred responsibility.
by Joey Nanai I 3rd February 2025
Rooted in our values of service, respect, and collective upliftment, it is an opportunity to honor the legacy of our ancestors while creating a brighter future for our communities. This article explores how Pasifika principles can shape and inspire authentic, culturally grounded leadership in business.
Integrity: The Foundation of Trust
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. For Pasifika leaders, this aligns with the va tapuia—the sacred relational space. It means being honest, transparent, and consistent in your actions.
Consider a community-based business that pledges to reinvest a portion of its profits into local education initiatives. By keeping this promise, the business demonstrates integrity, earning trust and loyalty from the community it serves.
Accountability: Walking the Talk
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In Pasifika cultures, words carry immense weight. Accountability means owning up to your commitments and actions. A true leader understands that when they speak, they represent their people.
For instance, a Pasifika entrepreneur promising fair wages must ensure they deliver, even when faced with financial challenges. By doing so, they not only uphold their reputation but also strengthen their business relationships.
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Be a Leader, Not a Follower
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Leadership is about paving the way, not blending into the crowd. In Pasifika culture, leaders embody tautua (service), standing firm in their vision while inspiring others.
Take the example of a Samoan tech innovator who combines traditional knowledge with modern technology to create sustainable farming solutions. Their work leads by example, showing how tradition and innovation can coexist to benefit the collective.
Who is in Control? You Are.
Leadership starts with self-mastery. If you are not in control, you are out of control. Just as our ancestors mastered navigation across vast oceans, modern Pasifika leaders must steer their businesses with clarity and discipline.
This means managing your time wisely, making thoughtful decisions, and staying grounded in your values. Control is not about rigidity but about intentionality and purpose.
As Long as You Try, You Cannot Fail
Failure is not falling short—it’s refusing to rise again. The Samoan proverb E pala ma‘a, a e le pala le tala (stones decay, but words endure) reminds us of the lasting impact of resilience and effort.
A Pasifika entrepreneur who starts a business that doesn’t succeed immediately learns, adapts, and tries again. This resilience is not just a personal strength but a source of inspiration for the wider community.
Respect Others and Earn Respect in Return
Fa‘aaloalo (respect) is central to Pasifika cultures. Leaders show respect by listening, honoring commitments, and treating others with dignity.
However, respect is a two-way street. A Pasifika leader who insists on fair negotiations in a business deal while remaining respectful demonstrates that respect does not mean accepting less than what you’re worth—it means fostering mutual dignity.
The Tongue is Powerful
Words hold immense power in Pasifika cultures, where oratory is an art form. As leaders, our words can inspire, heal, and unite—or they can harm.
When addressing a team or community, choose words that build confidence and alignment. For example, a Tongan business owner encouraging their team during a challenging project can motivate action by framing difficulties as opportunities for collective growth.
Start the Day with Positivity
A positive mindset sets the tone for success. Begin each day with a moment of gratitude or a prayer, reflecting the Pasifika connection to spirituality.
A simple affirmation like “Today will be a great day” can transform how you approach challenges and inspire those around you. Positivity, like the rising sun, brings light to even the darkest moments.
Tell Yourself You Love Yourself
In the hustle of leadership, self-love often takes a back seat. Yet, as Pasifika leaders, it’s essential to nurture our well-being. The Tongan value of ofa (love) reminds us that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
Practicing self-love—whether through rest, reflection, or reconnecting with loved ones—enhances your ability to lead with strength and compassion.
Facing Challenges as a Collective
Pasifika leaders often face systemic challenges, from limited access to capital to underrepresentation in leadership roles. However, these challenges can be overcome by leaning on collective strength.
For example, Pasifika business networks, mentorship programs, and collaborations can create opportunities for shared success. The Fijian concept of vei lomani (compassionate care) reminds us that we rise stronger together.
Real Stories: Pasifika Leadership in Action
One inspiring example is a Niuean social entrepreneur who started a program teaching digital skills to youth in underserved communities. Their work not only builds technical capabilities but also instills pride in Pasifika identity, proving that leadership is about empowering others to thrive.
Another story comes from a Cook Islands family business that overcame economic setbacks by embracing sustainable tourism practices. Their efforts not only revived their business but also contributed to preserving their cultural heritage for future generations.
A Call to Action
Leadership is a privilege and a responsibility. As Pasifika business leaders, we have the opportunity to shape a future that honors our past while breaking new ground.
Let us lead with integrity, uplift with accountability, and inspire through service. Let our businesses reflect the collective strength and cultural pride of our people.
When we lead with Pasifika values, we don’t just build successful businesses—we create legacies that will guide our people for generations to come.
Now is the time to rise, navigate, and lead.