5 qualities of a good leader, according to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray openly talked about politics in her latest YouTube video, sharing not only who she's voting for in the upcoming national elections, but also five qualities she's looking for in a leader.
The beauty queen also announced that she'll be voting for Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan in the upcoming May polls and shared how she got to that decision.
"It's these [leadership] qualities that made up the very basis of how I arrived at my own decision and hopefully are qualities that can also guide you when researching for yourself," she said.
Gray also acknowledged how not everyone has the privilege of access to information about the candidates and encouraged others to continue looking for ways to get it out there for people. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to make up their own opinions based on facts."
What Catriona looks for in a leader
The first quality that Gray said she looks for in a leader is one that is qualified, which takes into consideration their educational attainment and employment history.
"Having many degrees or holding many different positions within an organization or government, etc. doesn't necessarily make for the best leader, but it can be a great indicator of an individual's experience and knowledge that they can bring to the table," the beauty queen shared.
According to her, a candidate's history should also be considered, which would cover their achievements, developments, previous experiences, and character references.
"In their time of leadership, were they able to create a ripple of change or lasting impact overall, if any?"
The next quality is service as Gray believes a leader is a public servant who "is not above us."
"They are equal to us, petitioning for us, and working for our best interest," she added.
"The best thing is to look for in this category is when have they been of service to the people when it wasn't convenient or for personal gain?... If an individual really has the heart to serve, they will not depend on a title or position."
The fourth quality, platform, takes into consideration a candidate's plans and vision for our nation, said Gray.
"Have they been consistent with their messaging and platforms? Even though we will never have a guarantee that everything that is being promised to us will ever materialize, it's really insightful to see how they have already planted the seeds within their own positions that they've held in the past or very recently."
The final quality for the beauty queen is values, as she selects the leader with whose beliefs she aligns the most. She also said that she considered the candidates' values towards being held accountable.
"Are they evasive or do they show up? Are they willing to listen or do they ignore?"
Gray also encouraged her viewers to take the time to research, learn, listen, and think for themselves.
"Your vote is your own and no one else's... At the end of the day, I've always wanted to empower my audience to be a thinking one. I want you guys to vote for who you think you should vote for not because your favorite artista, public figure, or beauty queen is voting for someone.."
Why Robredo?
Donning a pink top, Gray declared her vote to be for Robredo, citing how the VP responded during the pandemic, her high audit rating, and experience in the three branches of the government to be factors she considered.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Monday officially declared her support for presidential bet and Vice President Leni Robredo and vice presidential candidate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, saying she arrived at the decision after doing her own research. pic.twitter.com/UxaEQElsQt
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) April 18, 2022
The beauty queen also said that the issues she cared about, like education, poverty reduction, and women empowerment, align with the lone female candidate.
"Above all else, she's the only candidate that gives me hope for change for the future that I wish to see for the country," she said.
Recently, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also endorsed Robredo, saying "naniniwala ako sa kakayahan ng isang babae. Naniniwala ako at nainindigan ako para kay Leni."