"I saw some very good people leaving the company or being terminated because they didn't have that extra piece of leadership skills," he shares. This experience underscored the critical need for developing leadership qualities alongside technical expertise. It also inspired him to focus on nurturing these skills in young managers.

In an illuminating discussion, Frank Bournois, Vice President and Dean at CEIBS and a Professor of General Management and Leadership, shared his extensive insights into the intricacies of leadership and management. With a career spanning various pivotal roles, Frank brings a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of what it takes to be a successful leader in today's global business landscape.

Frank began his career in the chemical industry, where an early exposure to leadership dynamics profoundly shaped his professional trajectory. "I realized very early that leadership was the key," he recalls. Working closely with a prominent leader as a chief of staff, he observed that a blend of technical and social skills is essential. "If you have technical skills only, maybe you won't be a great leader. If you have social skills only, you may not be a good manager," he explains. This early revelation about the importance of balancing leadership and management set the stage for his future endeavours.

Frank acknowledges that not every leader can possess all these skills. "Not everyone will have that, but what you need to ensure is that the teams working for you have that," he advises. Building a team with complementary skills—people-oriented, action-oriented, and thinking-oriented individuals—can help cover all necessary bases and drive the organization forward.

When it comes to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, Frank emphasizes the importance of listening. "Great leaders, as opposed to very good managers, listen to their team members, to what's happening outside the company, and to their customers," he asserts. Effective leaders balance talking with listening, allowing them to make informed decisions based on a wide range of inputs.

Hong Kong holds a unique position due to its historical connections with the international community and its role as a significant financial hub. Frank believes that regions and entities at the intersection of different systems tend to thrive, as they can navigate and integrate diverse perspectives and practices. Hong Kong's ability to bridge China's domestic environment with the global market gives it a strategic advantage in driving economic and environmental transformations.

Looking ahead, Frank identifies the risk of obsolescence as a significant challenge for today's global leaders. "What they have learned in the past may no longer be true today," he warns. Leaders must continuously update their knowledge and adapt to unpredictable changes in the business environment. By maintaining a broad perspective and avoiding excessive focus on details, leaders can better navigate the complexities of modern business.

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