Insight and Lessons from CEOs
Dream, Inspire and sometimes let go…..
As I completed my HKU MBA elective course on Insight and lessons from CEOs , taking this time out after my crazy business trip last month over a weekend to reflect on the learnings that I incorporated after hearing about these inspiring and incredible CEOs:
Prof, Philip Chen: Hong Kong Businessman, best known for being the first local HK Chinese CEO at Cathay Pacific. He has also held several senior business posts in Hong Kong, such as Executive Director of Swire Pacific, Chairman of Ocean Park, and Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties.
Mr. Stephen S.Y. Wong: Chief Executive Officer of i-CABLE Communications Limited, where he is responsible for the general operations of the Group, and leads the team to unlock business growth with constant innovation and transformation.
Malina Ngai was a sports-made leader. She was an Asian Games medalist in rowing and the first athlete to be given an academic scholarship by the Hong Kong government to study for her bachelor’s degree in Australia. She is currently the CEO of Watson (Asia & Europe).
- The best way to learn is to share your learning with at least 3 people in 2 weeks. That way, you will remember and make it a part of your life.
- The idea of marketing is differentiation.
- Driving simplicity from complexity.
- Even ESG projects need to contribute to the company’s value and must have ROIs.
- Have empathy.
- Build a habit of doing something new, watching things out of your interest or scope.
- Read all kinds of books as much as you can to widen your perspective.
- Ask these questions to senior leaders: What is your business, how do you conduct your business, what success means to you, and what’s your vision for 20 years?
- Subsidies make businesses lazy.
- M&A is good only if you can control it. Beware of Investment Bankers
- Rule-Making Market Leader: They have been doing something right, Nip the conventional bud-up, Big Boys still need renewal/growth.
- It’s no point in being better, be game changers.
- Blue Oceans are right next to you: Be imaginative.
- Read the news and ask how this will impact our business.
- If you are good at something, stick to it.
- Video calls can replace business travel.
- Computers will enable paperless offices and, as such.
- Offices will be unnecessary as we can work remotely.
- You are in charge of building the culture of the company/ organization.
Detect the seeds of innovative disruption if you see them. - Human nature does not change; emotions and feelings will stay with humanity.
- Anything that addresses human needs/ desires successfully will come out the winner.
- PCR Formula: Profit = Revenue — Cost
- Feel free to look at different ideas — LV has a bookshop. Ask questions!
- What else can you be afraid of when you can handle the worst situation
- Politics is part and parcel of every corporation; all you can do is go out to Win the hearts and minds of ppl.
- Have a small ego, sacrifice, and put others first. Sacrifice yourself for the group.
- Keep the big picture in mind. Don’t be mean to your staff. Build pride and confidence in your ppl.
- Talk to young ppl and spend more time with young trainees. They move forces.
- Don’t compete with brands who are not in the business to make money
- Even EGS projects need to justify ROI!
- Be friends with your other CEOs from and outside your industry, and never bad-mouth your competitor.
- The CEO must always be ready to face crises head-on and, most importantly, be able to predict and plan for them.
- Finally, as my HONOR CEO Mr.George says, “Have one big dream that will be your life’s guiding light”
