By: Jaime Yun
Butch Meily carried with him the compelling need to tell a story—one not just about himself, but about the man who had profoundly impacted his life: Reginald Lewis. In his book, From Manila to Wall Street: An Immigrant’s Journey with America’s First Black Tycoon, Meily captures the essence of ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of mentorship.
A Newcomer’s View of America
Arriving in the United States, Meily was enthralled by the vastness of the land and the openness of the people. The country felt boundless, seemingly filled with endless possibilities. Unlike in the Philippines, where cultural norms often dictated a more reserved demeanor, Americans spoke their minds freely, an honesty that both surprised and impressed him. The idea of success, often linked to talent and hard work, motivated him to push forward despite the challenges of being an immigrant in a fiercely competitive environment.
Yet, his initial impressions of America were somewhat naïve, shaped by the glossy portrayals of Hollywood. Reginald Lewis, with his sharp insights and no-nonsense approach, soon challenged that illusion. Lewis accused him of seeing the U.S. through candy-colored lenses, and through their time together, Meily began to grasp the deeper complexities of race, privilege, and struggle in America.
Adapting to a New Culture
Navigating the high-stakes world of Wall Street required more than just intelligence and hard work—it demanded cultural adaptation. Meily quickly learned that the Filipino tendency to be modest and avoid self-promotion did not translate well in New York City’s cutthroat business culture. To succeed, he had to find a balance between staying true to his values and asserting himself in ways that were necessary for professional growth.
America changed him, making him more vocal, more direct. Yet, the transformation was never complete—it was a continuous process of learning and adaptation. Despite the shift in his communication style and approach to business, at his core, he remained the same person: honest, principled, and guided by integrity.
Lessons from a Titan
Reginald Lewis, a trailblazer in American business, became more than just a mentor to Meily—he became a window into a world he had never fully understood. Working alongside the first Black tycoon of America opened his eyes to the racial dynamics that shaped the country. He witnessed firsthand the barriers Lewis faced and the sheer force of will it took to break them down.
Lewis’s mantra, “Keep going, no matter what,” became a guiding principle for Meily. He saw how Lewis harnessed the power of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) to build wealth, not just for himself, but for others. It was a revelation—one that reshaped Meily’s understanding of business and opportunity. Yet, despite Lewis’s achievements, Meily also observed the isolation that came with such towering success. The demands of work took precedence over personal life, a lesson Meily later reflected on with bittersweet clarity, particularly regarding his own family life.
Carving a Path in a Foreign Land
In the fiercely competitive world of public relations and finance, Meily had to build relationships while navigating the complexities of being both an immigrant and a minority. Yet, he never allowed these labels to define his professional interactions. To him, success was rooted in authenticity. He sought to be honest, forthright, and true to his principles, whether he was working with Lewis or advising other clients.
His defining moments in America were not just professional milestones but personal affirmations of his progress. The substantial bonuses he received during his tenure with Lewis, the shares he was granted in the company, and the thrill of landing a major story in The New York Times all signified moments of achievement. Each of these victories reinforced the sense that he had not only survived in America but thrived.
The American Dream—Still Alive?
Through his journey, Meily came to a firm belief: the American Dream remains a powerful ideal. His story serves as an example of the opportunities the country offers, but also as a reminder of the perseverance required to seize them.
One of the most poignant messages of his book is the importance of breaking down prejudices within and beyond immigrant communities. In a candid reflection, he acknowledges that some immigrants arrive with preconceived notions about race, particularly about Black Americans. Through his deep association with Lewis, Meily gained a new perspective—one that underscored the fundamental truth that people, regardless of background, share many of the same struggles, ambitions, and dreams.
Yet, success is not just about wealth or professional accolades. Meily emphasizes the importance of holding onto core values: faith in God, the love of family, and a sense of purpose. In the epilogue of his book, he expresses a profound hope that these lessons have been passed down to his son, forming a legacy that extends beyond financial success.
A Story That Inspires
From Manila to Wall Street is more than just a memoir; it is a reflection on ambition, cultural identity, and the profound impact of mentorship. Meily’s journey underscores the widely held truth that resilience, integrity, and an openness to learning are essential to success. His story, intertwined with the legacy of Reginald Lewis, serves as an inspiration for immigrants and dreamers alike—a reminder that with determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
