Saturday, May 17, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Fresh Start, New City - 5 things in the first 5 weeks
It's been way too long since I published a post, I am sorry for that. We have been busy moving and settling in to San Francisco.
The first impressions are what counts and what lasts:
The first impressions are what counts and what lasts:
- Curious conversations: Conversations about tech and start ups are all around us
- "I don't want to deal with Cisco security..." somewhere in the Potrero Hill area
- "My second job at a start up involves hydroponics..." shuttle bus in Financial district
- Blended, not stirred: The rich, the homeless, the gay, the hippie, the white collar, the blue collar, they all come together roaming the streets, eating, sleeping, shopping, smoking and mostly enjoying the great weather when they can.
- Perfect weather: My idea of perfect weather is cool and sunny. That's what we experience here. A shirt, a light jacket and you are all set, stand still in the sun and you take off your jacket. Roam around in the shade and you can put in on to keep warm. No sweat, no chills, always walking weather
- Reservations required: The food scene is fabulous. There is so much great quality food everywhere, that we will probably never go through them all... ever, even if we shortlist them to highly rated places. However, to get into most of these places, you have to have a reservation. And one that is made weeks before, unless you are from Spain, in which a 10.30pm dinner is just fine, or really old, in which a 5pm dinner also works. So we either hunker down and make some reservations or try our luck at places that do not take them in hopes of snagging a seat.
- Slopes to kill: San Francisco is renowned for its hills, but only after walking a bike up one do you realize how crazy it is. At some points, the road is so steep, we have found ourselves sliding down, especially if you have slippery shoes! You know what I'm talking about...
Thursday, October 17, 2013
A new class, a new experience
An incoming student for the class of 2014 recently asked me a few questions that helped me reflect on my IMD experience. Please click here to see the Q&A!
Friday, June 7, 2013
5 things I learned as a foreign employee
I have only officially worked in 3 different countries, but 5 if you count my short stint in Nespresso in Switzerland and African Outback in South Africa, so I am certainly not an expert. But what I have learned, I will share:
1. Pay attention when you are surprised at work
Whether you are pleasantly surprised or ending up feeling frustrated, pay attention to those feelings and analyze carefully what might be the root cause of that. As a foreigner, understand that the innate cultural differences can cause quite a shock to your system. It can certainly be your colleague's unique character, or it might be the common place thing for all natives to do, especially if you start to recognize a pattern. For me, after multiple frustrations, I realize that it was just a cultural response and there were no ill intentions what so ever. If you can't beat em, join'em!
2. There are multiple cultural aspects at play
As you start to dissect why certain situations arise, understand that the culture of the people, the company and individual personalities all come into the mix and they will interplay and leave you befuddled. From my experience, the culture of the natives is probably the strongest underlying factor and the individual personalities come a close second.
3. Let stereotypes be a way to develop relationships
Interactions with your colleagues will quickly help you understand how they see you and what kind of stereotypes they have about you. You will learn more about perceptions of your culture, but you will also learn how to dispel them gently. People are often proud of their "keen" observations and when the time is right, they will share them with you. (I had a boss where he was shocked I added milk in my coffee, he was pretty sure all Asians were lactose intolerant... really odd, but I was able to smooth things over by listening to his hypothesis and engaging in an interesting exchange)
4. Fit in when you need to, but stand out when you should
After learning more about the culture you are working in, leverage the fact that you can fit in when you want to, but really stand out when you should. You will be forgiven because you are different, but more often, you will be appreciated, for doing what's right and daring to break the cultural shackles.
5. Prepare yourself for "20 Questions"
When you work in a different country, people will inevitably ask about your culture and country. So be prepared and brush up on your history, political situation and any interesting nuggets of information! Especially if you are an American, because the pervasiveness of US media is so wide that your colleagues will no doubt already have an opinion about the US. If that's the case, refer to point #3.
There you have it, the top 5 things I learned when working in different cultures. What have you learned?
1. Pay attention when you are surprised at work
Whether you are pleasantly surprised or ending up feeling frustrated, pay attention to those feelings and analyze carefully what might be the root cause of that. As a foreigner, understand that the innate cultural differences can cause quite a shock to your system. It can certainly be your colleague's unique character, or it might be the common place thing for all natives to do, especially if you start to recognize a pattern. For me, after multiple frustrations, I realize that it was just a cultural response and there were no ill intentions what so ever. If you can't beat em, join'em!
2. There are multiple cultural aspects at play
As you start to dissect why certain situations arise, understand that the culture of the people, the company and individual personalities all come into the mix and they will interplay and leave you befuddled. From my experience, the culture of the natives is probably the strongest underlying factor and the individual personalities come a close second.
3. Let stereotypes be a way to develop relationships
Interactions with your colleagues will quickly help you understand how they see you and what kind of stereotypes they have about you. You will learn more about perceptions of your culture, but you will also learn how to dispel them gently. People are often proud of their "keen" observations and when the time is right, they will share them with you. (I had a boss where he was shocked I added milk in my coffee, he was pretty sure all Asians were lactose intolerant... really odd, but I was able to smooth things over by listening to his hypothesis and engaging in an interesting exchange)
4. Fit in when you need to, but stand out when you should
After learning more about the culture you are working in, leverage the fact that you can fit in when you want to, but really stand out when you should. You will be forgiven because you are different, but more often, you will be appreciated, for doing what's right and daring to break the cultural shackles.
5. Prepare yourself for "20 Questions"
When you work in a different country, people will inevitably ask about your culture and country. So be prepared and brush up on your history, political situation and any interesting nuggets of information! Especially if you are an American, because the pervasiveness of US media is so wide that your colleagues will no doubt already have an opinion about the US. If that's the case, refer to point #3.
There you have it, the top 5 things I learned when working in different cultures. What have you learned?
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Project goes live!
It is no secret that traveling and experiencing new cultures is a part of my life. I would argue that for most IMD MBAs, it's a part of theirs as well.
Our new project is now live, check it out! We are committed to new material every week and there will be more to come on this. Please comment and share!
Our new project is now live, check it out! We are committed to new material every week and there will be more to come on this. Please comment and share!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Technical Presentations #2 - Habits
Now that you have an insight into what kind of a presenter you are, let's look at the kinds of presentation habits you should develop that will help in any situation and style. The 3 basic categories are:
1. Self awareness
Knowing what you are doing is critical when delivering a presentation, every aspect of you is being scrutinized. You ARE in the spotlight. Pay attention to:
2. Process orientation
Every time you have a presentation, follow a strict process so you consider everything for the highest impact. Depending on the level of the presentation, you can shorten or speed up this process.
3. Reflection
A strong habit is to reflect on how you have done through informal or even formal feedback/ metrics. This will help you to continuously improve on your style.
We will go through the process step by step next to see how it can all come together.
1. Self awareness
Knowing what you are doing is critical when delivering a presentation, every aspect of you is being scrutinized. You ARE in the spotlight. Pay attention to:
- General appearance
- Facial expressions
- Hand gestures
- Voice (pauses, tone, rhythm, volume, speed)
- Space (where you are standing, how you are moving)
2. Process orientation
Every time you have a presentation, follow a strict process so you consider everything for the highest impact. Depending on the level of the presentation, you can shorten or speed up this process.
- Preparation
- Goals
- Audience analysis
- Storyline and flow
- Content
- Rehearsals (iterate on 3&4)
- Logistics
- Delivery
- Follow up
3. Reflection
A strong habit is to reflect on how you have done through informal or even formal feedback/ metrics. This will help you to continuously improve on your style.
We will go through the process step by step next to see how it can all come together.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Technical Presentations #1 - Style
Before you even start thinking about audiences, I think the first step is understanding what kind of a presenter you are and what kind of a presenter you want to be.
It might feel like you want to give a keynote like Steve Jobs, or rouse the audience with a voice and cadence like Dr. King, but what is important is to fit your own style. We hear about being authentic all the time but what it boils down to is alignment. Alignment between your style, your message and your delivery.
What is your style?
Are you a extroverted story teller?
Do you use your hands?
Are you animated?
Are you a thoughtful presenter?
Are you more calming?
Are you a matter of fact kind of person?
Try to put down a sentence or two about your style. Ask your friends or co-workers to describe your presentation or communication style. Note if there are differences between professional and personal "story telling".
Know what kind of a presenter you are today and work to be yourself, but better.
Next up, bridging between who you are today and where you want to be.
It might feel like you want to give a keynote like Steve Jobs, or rouse the audience with a voice and cadence like Dr. King, but what is important is to fit your own style. We hear about being authentic all the time but what it boils down to is alignment. Alignment between your style, your message and your delivery.
What is your style?
Are you a extroverted story teller?
Do you use your hands?
Are you animated?
Are you a thoughtful presenter?
Are you more calming?
Are you a matter of fact kind of person?
Try to put down a sentence or two about your style. Ask your friends or co-workers to describe your presentation or communication style. Note if there are differences between professional and personal "story telling".
Know what kind of a presenter you are today and work to be yourself, but better.
Next up, bridging between who you are today and where you want to be.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Technical Presentations #0
I believe that a technical audience is somewhat different from a general one. The last technical conference I attended reminded me of how visual aids are perceived. If it is accepted that terrible visual aids are the norm, what would a polished one say about you? Did you spend too much time on the presentation and not on the scientific rigor behind it? Does this slick show make you seem like a used car sales man? Would you lose credibility as a scientist if you deliver a presentation like a TED speaker?
I belive there may be some truth in it, but I also believe that there are steps you can take to improve your presentation while maintaining credibility as an honored member of the scientific community. TED speaker crossed with an MD PhD.
I will share some learnings from gurus like Nancy Duarte, Garr Reynolds, Guy Kawasaki and the many classes I've taken from presentation consultants to stage actors.
Enjoy!
I belive there may be some truth in it, but I also believe that there are steps you can take to improve your presentation while maintaining credibility as an honored member of the scientific community. TED speaker crossed with an MD PhD.
I will share some learnings from gurus like Nancy Duarte, Garr Reynolds, Guy Kawasaki and the many classes I've taken from presentation consultants to stage actors.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 5, 2012
The big deal about Johnnycupcakes
Being safe in your business is a sure way to mediocrity and perhaps even bankruptcy. The big deal about Johnny cupcakes is not because they are making millions selling t-shirts, it's because they turned reason upside down to create a following. And that means doing things that are unexpected and beyond logic (selling t-shirts in stores that look and smells like a bakery?) because they can.
They probably did not require a business case to put a Ninja turtle trading card along with the t-shirt.
Be different, be bold and make a big deal.
They probably did not require a business case to put a Ninja turtle trading card along with the t-shirt.
Be different, be bold and make a big deal.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Single minded benefit
I have been consulting with a fellow student with a startup on the topic of marketing and branding, and it reminded me of the realities of making the decision to target a specific segment and delivering a single minded benefit. Why is it so difficult?
1. Companies feel that if you target one segment, you are leaving money on the table
2. Business cases do not take into consideration the positive effect on other segments if you are single minded in your message
3. Companies feel that it is less risky to broadly target a $1 bn market than to specifically target a $100 million market
But what is the reality?
1. If you target more than 1 segment, you are confusing the customer
2. Business cases should not be the end all be all
3. It is more risky if you are ambiguous. If you are broad and general, you don't stand for anything.
Stop compromising and pick a segment your product or service can best deliver the benefit! You may then find out that your final plan may in reality impact more than 1segment!!! Actually I am positive that will happen. A crisp clear message appeals to many more than you think.
1. Companies feel that if you target one segment, you are leaving money on the table
2. Business cases do not take into consideration the positive effect on other segments if you are single minded in your message
3. Companies feel that it is less risky to broadly target a $1 bn market than to specifically target a $100 million market
But what is the reality?
1. If you target more than 1 segment, you are confusing the customer
2. Business cases should not be the end all be all
3. It is more risky if you are ambiguous. If you are broad and general, you don't stand for anything.
Stop compromising and pick a segment your product or service can best deliver the benefit! You may then find out that your final plan may in reality impact more than 1segment!!! Actually I am positive that will happen. A crisp clear message appeals to many more than you think.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Prepare for effectiveness
Every meeting that is planned requires what? Planning! The more number of people you have in the meeting, the more time it takes to prepare for effectiveness. A face to face may require jotting down some notes and questions, perhaps thinking how to phrase them to elicit the required information. But once you get into larger numbers... Think about how much preparation went into a keynote by Steve Jobs or perhaps a convention for housands of people by Tony Robbins in order to be absolutely effective!
How much time have you put in to preparation lately? Are you being effective?
How much time have you put in to preparation lately? Are you being effective?
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Understanding dynamics
One of the key differentiators of the IMD education is the focus on group dynamics and awareness on multiple levels. This has indeed made quite a positive impact on my life and has brought a routine of reflection both personally and professionally. But what does it all mean? The trick is to go from understanding to action. I believe this takes a certain amount of risk taking when confronting dynamics whether in a one to one or a group setting. And to reduce the risk, trust needs to exist, and hence relationship building is that much more important.
1. Strengthen relationship
2. Recognize dynamics
3. Confrontation
From the experiences last year, this is easier said then done. We need to care enough to go through these steps. So the question is: when do we care and when do we not? and when should we care and when should we not?
1. Strengthen relationship
2. Recognize dynamics
3. Confrontation
From the experiences last year, this is easier said then done. We need to care enough to go through these steps. So the question is: when do we care and when do we not? and when should we care and when should we not?
Monday, July 16, 2012
GEM #7
Made to Stick is an insightful read and offers up simple rules to follow when you want an idea to "stick" with your audience. As someone that pays attention to getting the most out of presentations, I strongly advocate the ideas that follow. Use it in a presentation, use it when you want to make a sale, hell, use it whenever you wish to! Perhaps you will spread a viral idea in your next party...
GEM #7 - Made to Stick
The 6 rules of sticky messages:
1. Simple
Find the core of your message and share it
2. Unexpected
Surprise the audience by breaking a pattern and hold their attention by creating a mystery
3. Concreteness
Make any abstraction concrete and real, provide a context and involve people into the story
4. Credible
Help people believe through real demonstrations. Use examples that far exceeds the bar of your audience "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere".
5. Emotional
Make people care by catering to that one person. Appeal to the self interest and identity of your audience.
6. Stories
There are 3 key plots: challenge, connection, creativity
Made to stick is for anyone who cares whether their messages will be remembered... YOU DO!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Concreteness
One of the principles of a sticky story is being "Concrete" and I think it is an understated principle. From the book "Made to Stick", there are six basic principles that are discussed and I think they can add a tremendous lot to the presentations we give, the ideas we try to impart and the messages we try to convey to motivate, excite and mobilize.
Concrete to me means just that. Tangible, physical and very clear. This can apply to anything and everything. When a goal is put in front of you to, let's say "add value to people" or "improve lives", how does that change the way we do things? It doesn't! It doesn't help anyone to do anything different, in fact it confuses and cause people to avoid what needs to be done. What is Concrete? I will attempt to put some audacious concrete visions out there...
What if:
Coca Cola - "We aim to deliver ZERO waste to the environment, extending happiness to mother earth"
eBay - "We will help to create 1 million ebay shop millionaires"
Yahoo - "We will be the most comprehensive video platform on mobile devices"
J&J - "We will allow physicians to deliver therapy without radiation"
Just like individuals, there are so many options to pursue greatness. The challenge is, after looking at all the available information on hand, to dare to pick a path and put it in concrete terms so that the organization harnesses all its power to achieve the goal.
Does it inspire?
Does it help me to make decisions?
Does it drive action?
I know I made this very simple, but YES, YES and YES.
Concrete to me means just that. Tangible, physical and very clear. This can apply to anything and everything. When a goal is put in front of you to, let's say "add value to people" or "improve lives", how does that change the way we do things? It doesn't! It doesn't help anyone to do anything different, in fact it confuses and cause people to avoid what needs to be done. What is Concrete? I will attempt to put some audacious concrete visions out there...
What if:
Coca Cola - "We aim to deliver ZERO waste to the environment, extending happiness to mother earth"
eBay - "We will help to create 1 million ebay shop millionaires"
Yahoo - "We will be the most comprehensive video platform on mobile devices"
J&J - "We will allow physicians to deliver therapy without radiation"
Just like individuals, there are so many options to pursue greatness. The challenge is, after looking at all the available information on hand, to dare to pick a path and put it in concrete terms so that the organization harnesses all its power to achieve the goal.
Does it inspire?
Does it help me to make decisions?
Does it drive action?
I know I made this very simple, but YES, YES and YES.
Monday, April 23, 2012
nikoi island
I have finally put together a video on our 4-day trip to nikoi island off the coast of Singapore. It is a place to relax, recharge and basically do nothing but endulge in some peace and quiet. The private island boasts 14 houses, which, kudos to the owners, manage to give a sense of organic simplicity and luxury at the same time. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there, so much so that we may even return!
Nikoi Island - 2012 from Howie Chan on Vimeo.
Nikoi Island - 2012 from Howie Chan on Vimeo.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Staying the course
After the MBA, you start to get back into the "real" world. What does that really mean? It really means that our convictions will constantly be tested and we will face the temptation to go back to our old self before the IMD experience. But hopefully with the training of being more self aware, we can deflect un-inspiring encounters and detect our natural inclination to avoid discomfort.
Stay the course, fellow MBAs and know that we must change the world, inspire the people we come in contact with and have as much fun as we can.
Stay the course, fellow MBAs and know that we must change the world, inspire the people we come in contact with and have as much fun as we can.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Threes...
I have been working for Philips in the Netherlands for 3 weeks.
We live on the 3rd floor in an apartment in the center of Eindhoven.
In 3 days, we finally get our brand new bicycles!
It is probably going to take 3 weeks for us to receive our things that are still waiting for our city registration.
3 days ago, we were at the Eindhoven city hall registering as a resident.
We are still in a state of transition, although things are getting better by the day. Hopefully this week will be a productive one in terms of getting settled, but it will still take a few before we finally get our things and have simple pleasures such as a couch! I am actually really looking forward to getting our kitchen ware and cooking again. It has been tough eating out and cooking with our one pan and one pot. I promise I will update with pictures and videos soon!
In the mean time, check out 3 silly tilt shift pictures of our past adventures.
We live on the 3rd floor in an apartment in the center of Eindhoven.
In 3 days, we finally get our brand new bicycles!
It is probably going to take 3 weeks for us to receive our things that are still waiting for our city registration.
3 days ago, we were at the Eindhoven city hall registering as a resident.
We are still in a state of transition, although things are getting better by the day. Hopefully this week will be a productive one in terms of getting settled, but it will still take a few before we finally get our things and have simple pleasures such as a couch! I am actually really looking forward to getting our kitchen ware and cooking again. It has been tough eating out and cooking with our one pan and one pot. I promise I will update with pictures and videos soon!
In the mean time, check out 3 silly tilt shift pictures of our past adventures.
.jpg) |
| Machu Picchu 2010 |
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| Positano 2011 |
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| Colosseum 2011 |
Monday, January 30, 2012
Last MBA Journal Entry...
Here it is! My last contribution to Bloomberg BusinessWeek. I must say, they are really easy to work with and the since the IMD timelines are different from traditional business schools, I also enjoy some flexibility in submissions. Thanks again for the opportunity, it has been tough at times to crank out an entry, but fun nevertheless. Enjoy!
Last Entry
Last Entry
Transition period
Between graduation and starting my new gig is a time to relax and spend some time with the family. Alison and I were lucky to ham it up with Grandma Millie, our old neighbor Sonja, Uncle Steve, Aunt Ruth and of course Toby and Dorothy. And on the Asia side, we spent time with my niece and nephew, cousins from Ipoh and Kuantan, and my parents.
Our belongings were finally moved from the Roseville residence and on its way to the Netherlands last Friday. We are next! Wish us luck as we will aim to step foot into our new country sometime in February!
Our belongings were finally moved from the Roseville residence and on its way to the Netherlands last Friday. We are next! Wish us luck as we will aim to step foot into our new country sometime in February!
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| At the MIA with Grandma! |
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| Christmas time with the family |
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| At the BOH tea plantation, Cameron Highlands with Mum, Dad and Ipoh crew |
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| Aunty Alison with Nephew Jo Jo |
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| Some relaxing time at NIKOI island (more to come on this!) |
Friday, December 23, 2011
The best spa... ever!
I admit, I am not the guru of spas and I am not one that frequents them either. But this particular bath that is found in the middle of no where in Vals is simply phenomenal. Anyone that visits Switzerland NEEDS to pay a visit to this sanctuary of relaxation and pruney skin. Welcome to the Thermal Baths by Peter Zumthor.
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| The outdoor bath combines breath taking scenery and warm blue waters. |
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| Smooth as silk |
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| Vals |
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| Breathing in peace |
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| Good bye luxurious relaxing weekend... till next time! |
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