By Jourly E. Casumpang, MBA student
The CPU School of Graduate Studies conducts “The Mindset Matrix: Managing the Fear of Failure in Business” webinar, featuring MBA alumnus and entrepreneur Mr. Renjo B. Debil as resource speaker, as part of the SGS 75th Founding Anniversary Webinar Series.
On September 12, 2026, a webinar organized by the CPU School of Graduate Studies entitled “The Mindset Matrix: Managing the Fear of Failure in Business” was conducted at Central Philippine University, with Mr. Renjo B. Debil as the resource speaker, Founder and CEO of RenDewTech, Golden RJ Agri-Aqua Ventures and RJ Property Management, and a Master in Business Administration alumnus of the University.
The webinar focused on entrepreneurship and the relationship among risk, fear, learning, decision making, and reward. The speaker introduced the concept of the “Mindset Matrix,” which explains how entrepreneurs can manage their thoughts and emotions when facing uncertainty. Risk is the possibility of an unfavorable outcome, while fear is the emotional response to that risk. The goal is not to eliminate fear but to prevent it from controlling decisions. Instead, fear can be transformed into questions, questions into information, information into a plan, and a plan into calculated action.
One of the most meaningful parts of the webinar was the speaker’s sharing of his entrepreneurial experience involving RJ Property Management. While teaching at Central Philippine University, he saw an opportunity to transform an underutilized garden and orchid area into commercial spaces for rent. However, the decision involved not only financial risk but also discussions with his parents and considerations involving time, relationships, and personal responsibility. His experience showed that entrepreneurship involves different kinds of risks, not just money. The speaker also discussed how setbacks can create new opportunities. He shared an experience involving the bankruptcy of a tenant, which initially resulted in lost rental income but later opened the possibility for another business opportunity. This demonstrated the importance of being adaptable and learning from unexpected situations.
Participants also completed a 15-item entrepreneurial risk assessment, which encouraged them to reflect on their willingness to take risks, leave their comfort zones, learn from failure, and make decisions despite uncertainty. A calculated-risk assessment further emphasized the importance of preparation, testing ideas, setting limits, and gathering information before making major commitments.
One of the key frameworks presented was:
Risk → Fear → Learning → Calculated Action → Reward
The webinar emphasized that learning should come between fear and action. Entrepreneurs should use information and measurement to make better decisions. Indicators such as costs, sales, conversion rates, profit margins, and payback periods can help reduce uncertainty and determine whether a business decision is producing the expected results. The speaker also explained that entrepreneurial rewards are not limited to financial profit. They may include personal fulfillment, innovation, employment opportunities, community impact, knowledge, confidence, and legacy. To manage fear of failure, entrepreneurs should start small, continue learning, seek guidance from mentors, practice financial discipline, solve real customer problems, and recognize progress.
Overall, the webinar taught that entrepreneurship is not about avoiding failure or taking unnecessary risks. It is about recognizing opportunities, understanding risks, managing fear, learning from experience, and taking calculated action. The speaker’s closing message, “Fear may travel with you, but it does not have to drive,” reminded participants that fear is a natural part of entrepreneurship, but it should not prevent people from pursuing meaningful opportunities. The webinar encouraged students and future business professionals to face uncertainty with courage, preparation, wisdom, and disciplined decision making.
The Mindset Matrix is the 1st topic of the Webinar Series, organized in celebration of the SGS 75th Founding Anniversary where distinguished alumni of the Graduate School were invited as resource speakers. The webinar was facilitated by the MBA students under the Entrepreneurship class of Dr. Nguyen Thi Gam. It was participated by leaders, businessmen, faculty, graduate students, and BS Entrepreneurship students.