By Nicholas Chan (Class of 2016)
As the IBCE and GBS programs mark their 5th and 10th anniversaries respectively, both programs have attracted new talents from all over the world and given this big family an exciting opportunity to develop the potential of the new arrivals. In order to allow these globally minded students the chance to develop, both programs got together on September 12, 2013 and jointly invited Mr. Jouni Hakanen, Managing Director of Accenture, a leading Technology and Consulting company in Greater China, to shed light on how to become an outstanding leader.
Kicking off the evening’s festivities, the IBCE students performed a heartwarming song about the tight bonds between the IBCE students; their musical talents pleasantly surprised the audience. After the performance, Victor Hui (GBS) and Elly Wong (Class of 2014) shared their experiences in their respective programs and internship opportunities. While showing gratitude towards their programs, they also expressed how these experiences have shaped them and made them who they are. The new members of GBS and IBCE got a glimpse of the upcoming challenges and standards that they will have to rise to.
At the end of the sharing sessions, Mr. Hakanen took the stage. From Nokia to Accenture, he related his intriguing professional and personal stories. He has worked with people at different levels and believes leadership is a combination of various criteria including responsibility for the greater good, a “Can Do” attitude and ability in unleashing a team, among others. Mr. Hakanen observed that a phenomenal leader is supposed to challenge the existing paradigms and act rather than wait for permission, while standing ready to take responsibility for the decisions.
Finishing the evening, Mr. John Lai, Program Director of IBCE and GBS, brought the gathering to a close by thanking Mr. Hakanen once more for his enlightening words to the students from the two programs, reiterating the importance of building strong connections with each other.