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

From the Inside Flap

Redefining Leadership is one of the first books delving into the topic of corporate leadership for the Asia Pacific region. The authors, Gerry Davis and Stephen Langton, both seasoned in the domain—look at the rising importance of Asia, and how it is bound to become the center of strategy for any multinational corporation,and any would-be executive, in the world. The book is intended for readers who want to understand the importance of people and interpersonal skills in driving business and career success. For those starting their career climb, Redefining Leadership is organized to help understand what it takes to get to the top job. It looks at how stalwart positions at the top of the company—such as the chief executive, financial and operating officer (CEO, CFO and COO)—are changing, and how new positions such as chief intelligence officer, chief marketing officer and chief human resources officer are bringing needed expertise to the boardroom. - Also included are insights into the markets and trends that will shape the future, such as: the growing domestic and international economic might of China and India; the challenges of leading an organization with employees across multiple generations and a wide variety of skill sets; and the expanding leadership gap the world over—which must, inevitably, be filled by a new generation of global business leaders born in Asia. Finally, Redefining Leadership touches on the need for a multinational mind-set that is crucial for companies and executives to succeed. As international barriers to workforce mobility decline, the net to catch exceptional employees must be spread across national borders. Advice, analysis and improvement of management practices for domestic and multinational executives—that will become a constant and continuous part of staying competitive in the Asian marketplace.