From then on , I took the time to learn about the interpersonal norms , culture , and ways of working in Thailand . I also sought constructive feedback from people around me – and they told me : [ 1 ] smile a lot ! [ 2 ] Be warm and personal . [ 3 ] not show anger on my face , [ 4 ], not raise my voice when I am mad , but keep an even tone ; [ 5 ] do the Thai “ wai ” action as a sign of respect and acknowledgement even for juniors .
MY LEARNING : BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS ’ CULTURES AND NORMS .”
On “ Situational Border ” example - Edwin shared his journey of shifting industries and company types –
“ I chose to start in the FMCG [ Fast Moving Consumer Goods ] industry , as I loved working on top household consumer brands . After I got into P & G , all I wanted was to keep rising to higher levels in the same industry . I thought that shifting industries would be counter-productive to my career .
Fast-forward to nearly 3 decades later – I ’ ve had the providential journey of doing not just FMCG , but also the very different industries of hospitality , healthcare , and now , retail . When people ask me – how were you able to navigate across industry borders ?
My answer is – be Humble , and open to learn .
Each time I moved industry , I left behind a world I was very comfortable in , and had to start from the very beginning . I knew I needed to learn the fundamentals , so I humbly asked my team and my peers to teach me . I openly told people that I needed to learn from them .
I ’ ve also done the shift from being in Western-based MNCs - to thriving in an Asian family company . In MNC ’ s , I was trained for long discussions on strategy , analysis , international alignment , clarity of systems and policies . In Central Group , which is an Asian family company , I had to learn other highly-valued competencies , such as entrepreneurship , risk-taking , managing ambiguity of policies and systems , relating with family members across generations , and valuing long-term relationships .
My learning : BE HUMBLE AND OPEN TO LEARN .”
On “ Personal border ” example – Edwin shared his journey of reinventing his leadership style at work .
Personal borders are those that exist as part of your mindset , or part of your in-born nature . For me , my personal border , as revealed to me by my team , is my leadership style of being Task Oriented , or “ Being Focused on the Head ”.
For background , I spend the first 2 / 3 of my professional career on marketing , regional brand development , and strategic planning .
So I was very task oriented in my approach . When I dealt with people , I instinctively connected with them at head level . For me , being Task Oriented comes as second nature , as I am by personality very organized , logical , and result-driven . While this previously served me well in regional / global settings , I soon realized that in a place like Thailand , that wouldn ’ t work . In Thailand , people are naturally warm and relational -- “ heart ” is more impactful than “ head ”. In the Thai language , the word “ heart ” [ jai ] is an important word that is used to describe many situations , people types , and ranges of emotion .
I ’ ve realized that what may have gotten me successful in a previous job or level , was not what would get me success at the next level . It may even become a career derailer ! Therefore , during my first month at CMG , in my 1-on-1s with my direct reports and other leaders – I surprised everyone by spending my first meeting with each of them by getting to know the person – his background , family , values , hobbies -- instead of probing into what he was doing , and how his business results were . This was so unexpected for them . It made them relax , be more open , and welcome me as their leader . So when I then moved forward to fix the company ’ s strategy , simplified our brand portfolio , and fostered a more professional , merit-based performance culture , I was able to get their full support for all the changes .
Testimony to this is that our company has been awarded as one of Thailand ’ s Best Employers – for 3 consecutive years [ 2019 to 2021 ].
My learning : CONNECT WITH THE HEART .”
On “ staying true to one ’ s values ” – Edwin shared his own set of values that has guided him through changing seasons in life and career –
1 ] Trust in the Lord . The Lord is my strength and my shield . I am here to focus on Him , and obey . Isaiah 40:31 tells us - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength . They will soar on wings like eagles ; they will run and not grow weary .
2 ] Integrity – being upright in character . To quote British author C . S . Lewis : Integrity is doing the right thing , even when no one is watching .
3 ] Love for the People – loving my team is a daily decision , and a daily action . In my first year in Thailand , I was having the toughest time at work . I was missing my sales targets , and I was at my wits ’ end . During one Sunday service , I asked one of the church elders to pray for me . I said , I want to know from God how I can achieve my numbers . I was so surprised when the church elder replied with the answer I least expected . He told me – “ Love the People ”. From then on , I have kept this word as a guiding light . As a leader , I am here to love and serve my team .”
Let us now begin our own our journey of Soaring Beyond Borders !