“Business isn’t just about profits. It’s about people. If you lose sight of that, you lose everything.” —Zephaniah “Khalid” Mesa
In a business world often driven by ego and haste, Zephaniah “Khalid” Mesa stands out as a rare kind of leader—one grounded not in dominance, but in compassion.
At just 29, Mesa has carved a name for himself across diverse sectors. He co-owns Zion Philippines, a luxury massage chair brand and Pablings Barbershop, a sleek grooming hub. He also leads Veryfyd Platforms Inc., a tech solutions company on the brink of launching an innovative new service.
What truly distinguishes Mesa isn’t the scale of his ventures, but the purpose and compassion that guide them.
Quiet start
Mesa’s journey began far from easy. Raised in modest circumstances, he learned early that success required grit.
At 12, he was already selling mangoes and fish in his local market. By college, he was reselling flowers and keychains sourced from Dangwa to busy areas like Tomas Morato.
Each side hustle was more than a bid to earn—it was a step toward a better life. Yet Mesa never let early wins feed his pride. His upbringing instilled values that no business school could teach: humility, resilience, and adaptability.
Human-centered approach
“Business isn’t just about profits. It’s about people. If you lose sight of that, you lose everything,” Mesa said.
This philosophy echoes throughout his companies. Mesa leads hundreds of employees, but he sees them not just as staff—they’re partners in a shared mission.
Mentorship shapes his leadership style; he encourages his team to dream beyond their current roles.
Mesa’s risk-taking is also strategic. He believes fear must never paralyze action.
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never take the first step,” he said.
His advice to new entrepreneurs is simple—learn by doing. “Overanalyzing can become its own failure,” he said.
Faith as compass
Faith runs deep in Mesa’s life and leadership. As founder of the Change Life Cares Foundation Inc. and Lawyers for Christ (LFC), he channels his convictions into efforts that uplift and empower others.
His daily routine is anchored in spiritual discipline: God first, followed by family, then business. Even the quiet moments, like sharing morning coffee with his wife, serve as sacred pauses that keep him grounded.
Resilience through compassion
Mesa has weathered betrayals, losses and failures. Instead of growing hardened, he has embraced forgiveness and compassion as his greatest tools.
“Compassion doesn’t make you soft,” he said. “It makes you resilient.”
In his eyes, kindness is not a weakness in leadership—it’s a strategic strength.
As he approaches his thirties, Mesa’s aspirations are only expanding. He envisions scaling his ventures while deepening his impact through mentorship and philanthropy.
Even with this growth, one principle remains the same as love being the foundation of his leadership.
