In today’s world, business is increasingly global, complex, and competitive. To succeed in this environment, business leaders need to have not only the technical and managerial skills, but also the intercultural and interpersonal skills, to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. They also need to have the sensitivity, the effectiveness, and the success mindset, to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global market.

But what does it take to be a sensitive, effective, and successful global business leader? How can one develop and demonstrate these qualities and competencies in their work and life? To answer these questions, we spoke to two global business leaders who shared their stories, insights, and advice with us. Meet Claire and Aziz, two accomplished and respected global business leaders who have made a difference in their fields and in their teams.

Claire: From Paris to Hong Kong

Claire is a 35-year-old PR director who works for a leading fashion brand in Hong Kong. She moved to Hong Kong six years ago, after getting promoted by her company. She had always been passionate about fashion and communication, and she wanted to take on more responsibility and challenge in her career.

“I love working in Hong Kong. It’s such a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, with a lot of opportunities and diversity. I enjoy the fast-paced and creative environment of the fashion industry, and the multicultural and multilingual nature of the PR field. It’s been a rewarding and stimulating experience for me, both personally and professionally.”

Claire says that working in Hong Kong has helped her improve her intercultural and interpersonal skills, as well as her sensitivity, effectiveness, and success mindset. She also says that being a global business leader has given her a competitive advantage and a positive impact in her work and in her team.

“I think being a global business leader has made me more aware, respectful, and adaptable. I’ve learned how to communicate and collaborate with people from different cultures, preferences, and expectations. I’ve also learned how to be more empathetic, responsive, and strategic. I think these are essential skills and qualities for any PR professional, especially in a global context.”

Claire admits that being a global business leader is not always smooth. She says that she faced some obstacles and conflicts when she first moved to Hong Kong, such as adapting to the local culture, managing the cultural differences in her team, and dealing with the high pressure and expectations in her role. She also says that she sometimes faced some challenges and biases as a woman leader in a male-dominated industry and region.

“Being a woman global business leader in Asia can be tough and demanding at times. You might face some resistance, misunderstanding, or discrimination from some people. You might also feel like you have to balance your work and your life more than others. But I think these are also opportunities to prove, to inspire, and to lead. I try to be confident, supportive, and authentic. I also try to find a balance between being sensitive to the local culture and norms, and being effective and successful in my work and goals. I think that’s the key to being a respected and admired global business leader.”

Claire’s advice to other women who want to be global business leaders is to be curious, be ambitious, and be resilient. She says that doing some research, networking, and mentoring before moving abroad can help prepare and support them in their journey. She also says that being eager to learn, grow, and achieve can help them excel and thrive in their global business career.

“Being a global business leader is a challenging and rewarding career, but it’s also a fulfilling and empowering one. You have to be ready to overcome some difficulties, risks, and failures. But you also have to be willing to seize some opportunities, achievements, and successes. I think being a global business leader is one of the best choices I’ve ever made, and I would encourage other women to try it too.”

Aziz: From Kuala Lumpur to Boston

Aziz is a 30-year-old tech engineer who works for a cutting-edge software company in Boston. He moved to the US four years ago, after getting a job offer from his company. He had always been interested in technology and innovation, and he wanted to work with some of the best talent and resources in the world.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the power and potential of technology and how it can solve problems and improve lives. I wanted to work on some of the most advanced and exciting projects and products in the world. I also wanted to challenge myself and learn from some of the most brilliant and experienced people in the field. That’s why I decided to move to the US and work for this company.”

Aziz says that working in Boston has helped him develop his technical, analytical, and creative skills, as well as his effectiveness, success mindset, and leadership skills. He also says that being a global business leader has given him a competitive edge and a positive impact in his work and in his team.

“I think being a global business leader has made me more skilled, knowledgeable, and innovative. I’ve gained a lot of insights and experience from working on some of the most challenging and cutting-edge projects and products in the world. I’ve also learned how to be more effective, successful, and influential. I think these are essential skills and competencies for any tech engineer, especially in a global context.”

Aziz says that being a global business leader is not always fun. He says that he faced some challenges and pressures when he first moved to Boston, such as coping with the language barrier, finding a place in the team, and meeting the high standards and deadlines in his role. He also says that he sometimes struggled with some cultural and personal differences and issues, especially in the workplace.

“Being an Asian global business leader in the West can be stressful and frustrating at times. You might face some challenges, misunderstandings, or conflicts with some people. You might also feel like you have to work harder or prove yourself more than others. But I think these are also opportunities to improve, to collaborate, and to excel. I try to be proactive, cooperative, and professional. I also try to find a balance between being effective and successful in my work and goals, and being sensitive to the local culture and norms. I think that’s the key to being a productive and respected global business leader.”

Aziz’s advice to other Asians who want to be global business leaders is to be curious, be ambitious, and be resilient. He says that doing some self-reflection, goal-setting, and action-taking before moving abroad can help achieve the desired outcomes and satisfaction. He also says that being eager to learn, grow, and contribute can help enhance the global business career and life.

“Being a global business leader is a challenging and rewarding career, but it’s also a fulfilling and empowering one. You have to be ready to overcome some hardships, risks, and failures. But you also have to be willing to seize some opportunities, achievements, and successes. I think being a global business leader is one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had, and I would recommend other Asians to try it too.”

The Bottom Line

As you can see from Claire and Aziz’s stories, being a global business leader can be a life-changing and career-boosting experience for anyone. It can help them develop new skills, gain new perspectives, and meet new people. It can also help them become more competitive, more impactful, and more successful in their work and in their team. Of course, being a global business leader also comes with some challenges and difficulties, such as adapting to a new culture, dealing with some stereotypes, and finding a sense of belonging. But these can also be overcome with some preparation, flexibility, and positivity.

If you want to be a global business leader, we hope this article has given you some inspiration, information, and motivation. We also hope that you’ll share your own global business stories, insights, and advice with us and our readers. Remember, being a global business leader is not only a way to work in a different country, but also a way to discover and develop yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Start your global business journey today, and see where it takes you. #GlobalBusiness #AsiaRising #Career #PersonalGrowth