Episode 16: The Four Tenets of Purposeful Leadership with Kenneth Tan (Part 1)
“The smarter leaders are, the harder they find to make it simple.”
Why do we find it so hard to learn the leadership language, one that transcends across cultures and people? What does true purposeful leadership look like... in a world that’s filled with buzzwords?
In this conversation, I am speaking with Kenneth Tan, President of APAC at Varian, a global multinational company specialising in cancer diagnostic and treatment solutions, now part of Siemens Healthineers.
There were so many aspects of personal and people leadership that we dived into, that we have inevitably created two episodes for this conversation.
He talks about the 4 tenets of leadership that has guided his own journey. His views on the realities of working in organisations are highly pragmatic, yet infused with a sense of compassion and purpose.
We discussed more about his career journey, what a truly meaningful DEI culture looks like and how authenticity these days have become a buzzword - and yet - so much more critical and relevant to us than ever.
Key moments:
Connecting his passion in studying sciences to his career in healthcare today
The art of listening to yourself: "You can either choose to disappoint others, or choose to disappoint yourself."
As a leader, it’s about navigating changes - not just for yourself - but others as well.
The four tenets of leadership that he lives by, including "if you do things the same way, you are going to get the same results”.
Being a brilliant thinker versus being a great leader
“Best Practices”... and its declining relevance to a rapidly changing environment
How the world needs more disagreement - but we need to disagree a lot better
The two most powerful questions leaders should ask.
Authenticity is not a buzzword... neither is it the license to make people feel bad about themselves.
Leaders need to be purpose-centred, not purpose-driven
Connect with Kenneth Tan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdanieltan