Respecting identity is the key to a successful global leadership, according to Carlos Ghosn, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Mr Ghosn shared his management philosophy with around 150 students, alumni and staff from HKUST at the CEO Talk held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School Central on 21 May.
Being born in Brazil, having grown up in Lebanon and studied in France, Mr Ghosn has incorporated his philosophy used since childhood into his leadership in Nissan - value the diversity and be cultural sensitive. When Mr Ghosn joined Nissan in 1999, he cut jobs down, shut plants and sold off business units which were all considered as demotivating decisions to employees in a Japanese company. Yet, he has the empathy to engage Nissan's employees.
When Mr Ghosn launched the Nissan Revival Plan, he vowed to quit if he didn't meet all the goals set. The entire top management team would also leave, he pledged. These commitments aligned with the Japan's Samurai culture that people should be frank and honest. "If everyone thinks that something is not possible, just take it and grasp the opportunity. People will remember when you make it happen," Ghosn explained how he, as a Brazilian, turned a Japanese company around from its crisis.
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Prof Steven DeKrey, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Masters Programs of the HKUST Business School said, "I am pleased to have Mr Ghosn, such an influential leader in the business world, give this insightful talk to HKUST MBA and EMBA students and alumni. The diversity he values, which is also in line with our program's direction to maintain international compositions, is essential in today's multi-cultural business world. "
In addition to the CEO talk, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is also actively working with the HKUST MBA Office to identify potential talented candidates from the pool of HKUST MBA graduates for Nissan's global business development. Further graduate interviews and placement opportunities are being discussed and explored.