AC-I-327 From Manila to Wall Street – Interview with Butch Meily

Introduction

Butch Meily’s compelling memoir, From Manila to Wall Street: An Immigrant’s Journey with America’s First Black Tycoon, offers a rare glimpse into his extraordinary life—from a young immigrant from the Philippines to a top-tier corporate public relations strategist in New York City. Through his personal narrative, Meily chronicles his time working alongside Reginald Lewis, the groundbreaking African American business leader, and explores the complexities of success, personal sacrifices, and the enduring power of core values.

The Inspiration Behind the Memoir

Butch Meily had contemplated writing a book since his early days in New York during the 1980s and 1990s. His continued reflections on Reginald Lewis’s multifaceted character motivated him to capture the story. Initially considering a fictional approach, Meily ultimately chose a nonfiction memoir to present an authentic account of their shared experiences.

A Journey Rooted in Excellence and Resilience

At the heart of Meily’s life story lies a relentless pursuit of excellence and the desire to make a meaningful living. From his youth in the Philippines to his career in the United States and back home, this theme has remained constant. Whether leading disaster resilience efforts or championing innovation through startups, Meily’s journey reflects an unwavering commitment to striving for success and self-improvement.

Championing Startups in the Philippines

Currently, Meily plays an active role in mentoring and supporting startups through initiatives like IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub. These programs foster entrepreneurship across the Philippines by providing free services, mentoring, and workspace, encouraging Filipinos to create wealth and opportunities without necessarily leaving their homeland.

Insights into Meily’s Work with Reginald Lewis

Working with Reginald Lewis, America’s first Black tycoon, brought Meily into the high-stakes world of corporate financial deal-making. Despite cultural differences and the demanding environment of billion-dollar leveraged buyouts, Meily stayed grounded in values instilled during his upbringing and education in a Jesuit school in Manila.

His memoir reveals the contrast between public success and private challenges, including the personal dilemmas faced when witnessing Lewis’s imperfections—his temper and affairs—details Meily decided to share with sensitivity and with the full blessing of Lewis’s widow, Loida Lewis.

Balancing Success and Personal Sacrifice

Meily candidly discusses the costs associated with career achievements, such as long separations from his family, which eventually led to the end of his marriage. The memoir portrays not only the glamour of travel and work in cities like Paris, London, Milan, and Venice but also the emotional toll of a life devoted to corporate ambition and the losses endured along the way.

The Audiobook Experience: From Author to Narrator

Transitioning from author to narrator, Butch Meily embraced recording his memoir as a natural next step. Motivated by listener feedback and a desire to preserve his legacy for future generations, he recorded the audiobook personally. The experience of recording in person with his producer in Portland, Oregon enhanced the process, resulting in a natural, conversational narration that captures Meily’s personality and emotional range.

Meily’s background in public speaking and media interviews contributed to his comfort behind the microphone, allowing him to view narration as both a conversation and a performance, conveying the full spectrum of his life’s highs and lows.

Advice for Authors Narrating Their Own Work

Reflecting on his audiobook journey, Meily encourages authors to narrate their own books whenever possible. He believes it adds an authentic connection for listeners, enriches the storytelling, and creates a lasting legacy that’s conveyed through the unique voice of the author.

Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors

Although writing the first book was a challenging undertaking, Meily is considering future works. His current focus is on promoting the From Manila to Wall Street audiobook and conducting book tours, which will include university visits at Harvard and Virginia State—alma maters of Reginald Lewis—and other locations coast to coast.

Where to Learn More and Support

Listeners interested in Butch Meily’s story and work can visit butchmeily.com. The audiobook version of From Manila to Wall Street is available on Amplify Audiobooks, which offers direct engagement with the author.

Conclusion

Butch Meily’s memoir and audiobook provide a profoundly human portrait of ambition, cultural identity, and resilience. His story inspires anyone navigating career transitions or pursuing excellence under challenging circumstances. By sharing his journey alongside one of America’s most significant business figures, Meily offers lessons in leadership, integrity, and enduring hope.