Redefining Leadership: Competing in Asia in the 21st Century

As chairman of a company operating across borders and cultures in the Asia Pacific, it is a pleasant surprise to read some truly informed insights into the leadership challenges faced in this most exciting part of our globalized world. As Gerry and Stephen point out, businesses operating in the Asia Pacific region can only be “better led” if they have solid succession strategies in place. They need to benchmark their executive teams against the world’s best and to ensure their internal talent pipeline is well-developed. Graham Kraehe Chairman, BlueScope Steel The tenure of Asian CEOs tends to be much longer than their Western counterparts. I believe it allows them to take a longer term and more strategic view of the business. The authors of Redefining Leadership draw upon the experiences of Asian business leaders and highlight how business decision makers of the 21st century can lead themselves—and lead others. Koh Boon Hwee Chairman, DBS Bank Ltd. Insightful, penetrating and exceptionally relevant! Redefining Leadership is the de facto handbook for any business leader—especially with the enormous sea change we are experiencing globally, as well as in Asia Pacific. Jim Bemowski CEO and Vice Chairman, Doosan Corporation This is a must read for every professional, particularly in today’s turbulent times! The authors outline key competencies and attributes every corporate executive must develop, in order to successfully lead themselves and others toward greatness. Satish Kulkarni Managing Director, Owens-Corning (India) Limited Authority does not make you a leader. It gives you the opportunity to be one. This book gives anyone who has been thrust into any leadership role unflinching and candid insights into the personal challenges confronting Asia’s directors and entrepreneurs today. Eddie Teh Group Chief Executive Officer, PSA International Pte. Ltd. As companies globalize their operations, we have often heard the mantra “think global, act local.” That works reasonably well for strategy and processes. Ironically, when it comes to sourcing senior business leaders from Asia, the challenge is to find individuals who can act (and lead) globally, while contributing their diversity (think local). Redefining Leadership truly resonates with our times, by addressing how different companies in the region tackle such issues. Tan Chong Meng Executive Vice President, Global Business to Business, Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte.) Ltd. Reviewed from a historical perspective, many great companies were born in times of crisis. Unconventional farsightedness and innovative strategies made it possible for companies to develop by leaps with incomparable advantages and to take the leading positions in their respective industries. This book talks about the visionary leadership we need today and I am quite sure it will bring inspiration to company leaders. Prof. Lu Xiongwen Dean of Fudan School of Management