Butch Meily’s journey from the Philippines to the high-stakes world of Wall Street is a story of ambition, resilience, and transformation. His book, From Manila to Wall Street: An Immigrant’s Journey with America’s First Black Tycoon, chronicles his experiences working alongside Reginald Lewis, a pioneering African American entrepreneur who reshaped the financial landscape of the United States. In this exclusive interview, Meily shares his motivations for writing the book, his cultural adaptations, and the lessons he hopes to impart to readers, especially those navigating the complexities of the immigrant experience in America.
Capturing a Visionary: The Inspiration Behind the Book
Meily was driven by a singular need to document the remarkable life of Reginald Lewis. “I could not get it out of my head that I had to capture this larger-than-life personality,” he reflects. Lewis, the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, was an enigma—ambitious, complex, and ultimately isolated by his success. “I hadn’t really come up against what it meant to be Black in the U.S. before working with him,” Meily admits. His perspective on race in America was shaped not by books or films, but through his firsthand experience witnessing the challenges Lewis faced.
Lewis also challenged Meily’s romanticized perception of America, shaped by Hollywood movies and literature. Through their partnership, Meily gained a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the country and the social dynamics that influence success and opportunity.
First Impressions of America: A Land of Possibility
Upon his arrival, Meily was captivated by America’s vast landscapes and the freedom to explore them. “I loved the people; they were friendly, mostly honest, and said what they thought,” he recalls. This directness was a stark contrast to the more reserved Filipino culture he grew up in. The belief that success was attainable through talent and hard work fueled his ambition and determination to carve out a place in the corporate world.
Cultural Adaptation and the Challenge of Identity
Navigating the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of Wall Street required Meily to adjust culturally. “Filipinos are not assertive and tend to pull back from drawing attention to themselves,” he explains. This mindset did not serve him well in New York City, where self-promotion and confidence were essential for professional advancement. While he adapted to this new business culture, Meily acknowledges that the transformation was not absolute. “America changed me and my viewpoints, but in my essence, I was still the same person.”
Lessons in Resilience and Ambition
One of the most powerful takeaways from Meily’s journey is the philosophy he absorbed from Lewis: perseverance above all. “Reg Lewis’ mantra was to keep going, no matter what,” he says. Meily believes that both his and Lewis’ stories serve as testaments to the power of resilience. Through trials, setbacks, and triumphs, both men exemplified what it means to relentlessly pursue one’s goals.
The Impact of Mentorship and Professional Growth
Meily’s six years working with Lewis were transformative. “He taught me a lot about the Black experience in America and opened my eyes to the magic of Wall Street,” Meily recounts. Lewis introduced him to the world of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and the mechanisms of wealth creation. But their time together was not solely defined by professional achievements—it also presented deep personal reflections. The demanding nature of the job often came at the expense of family life, a sacrifice Meily later recognized as a factor in the dissolution of his marriage.
Navigating the Professional Landscape as an Immigrant
Despite the barriers that often accompany immigrant status and minority identity, Meily chose to approach his career with integrity. “I always tried to behave in a way that was true to myself and my values,” he states. Rather than viewing himself through the lens of “otherness,” he focused on merit and honesty, striving to provide the best guidance possible in his roles. “To me, we were all just people,” he asserts, emphasizing his commitment to professional ethics over racial or cultural distinctions.
Defining Moments of Success
Reflecting on his career, Meily identifies several milestones that affirmed his place in the American corporate world. “The big bonuses we received every Christmas were tremendously affirming,” he says. Another standout moment was securing a feature in The New York Times about a 90-to-one return for investors, an achievement that solidified his reputation in public relations and finance.
The Enduring Message of the American Dream
At its core, From Manila to Wall Street is a celebration of the American Dream. Meily wants readers, particularly immigrants, to recognize the opportunities that still exist in the United States. “The American Dream is alive and well,” he insists. However, his book also carries a broader message of inclusivity: “Black people are good people and they’re just like everyone else.” He hopes to challenge biases that some immigrants may harbor and encourage a more open-minded view of America’s diversity.
Beyond professional success, Meily underscores the importance of resilience, faith, and family. “You need to hold onto something that will get you through the hard times,” he advises. His own journey—marked by trials, self-discovery, and mentorship—serves as a guiding light for those seeking to build a new life in America while staying true to their roots.
With From Manila to Wall Street, Butch Meily offers not just a memoir but a source of inspiration, proving that through determination, cultural adaptation, and unwavering ambition, anyone can find success—even in the most competitive arenas of American business.
