Gwangju International Center

SPEAKER: Allan Jessen
CO-WRITERS:​ Brittany Baker

GIC TALK DATE: March 26, 2016

GIC TALK TITLE: Western Leadership in Eastern Companies

Today’s topic was Western Leadership in Easthern Companies.

We invited Allan Jessen, today’s GIC Talk speaker to discuss his experience as CEO of KJI in Pyeongdong Sandan. He lectured about the importance of relationship and cooperation in the company.

First, he stressed the need to open your mind to other cultural perspectives. He said, “I try to see what makes sense to you, and why. In this way, you becomes we.” 

Secondly, he discussed keys to successful management. He said in order to build job satisfaction, communication and flexibility are necessary. You can identify what motivates employees and assist them to self-manage so everyone is accountable for success.

Third, he talked about values of the company. He said customer is king, because: no customer - no company.

Mr. Jessen closed his talk with the following words: “When you have achieved successful leadership, is the day your customers praise your employee.”

“Everyone should perform their daily work with the passion of today being the highlight of their career.”

“Innovation and creativity is born from a relentlessly ambitious attitude.”