The Career Pivot: How a Banker Became a Turnaround Expert

The Business Doctor Who Brings Companies Back to Life  Walter Simson’s career didn’t begin with corporate rescues. He was once a banker at Chase Manhattan Bank, now part of JPMorgan Chase, with a clear trajectory in finance. But a family emergency shifted his course, a call from his father, who owned a commercial printing business in New York and was battling serious vision issues. Walter took a temporary leave to assist, expecting it to last three months. It stretched into three years and set him on a new, unplanned path. “You can't be a turnaround manager until you've done a turnaround,” Walter reflects. That first experience became his unexpected gateway into a career he has now pursued for over four…

Do You Want to Expand Your Business into New Cultural Markets? Lessons from a Dutch Company Thriving in APAC

Forging a Unified Culture: How a Century-Old Dutch Business Thrives in APAC  Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a century-old European company expanding into Asia with its Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mr Andy Ang. This article delves into their strategic approach to growth, from establishing a solid presence in key Asian markets to building robust systems that support seamless integration. Discover how they are successfully adapting their corporate culture—deeply rooted in family values—while aligning it with the dynamic business environment in Asia. Learn how this company is not only expanding its footprint but also ensuring its legacy and values thrive in a new and diverse region. A story of tradition meeting innovation for sustainable success!  Mr Andy…

Generative AI vs Interactive AI: The Battle for AI Dominance

Back in 2014, we've seen Generative AI fundamentally reshape countless industries, from journalism and content creation to product design and beyond. Its ability to generate new and original creations, based on learned patterns from vast amounts of data, sparked a revolution. But as we transition into the next stage of AI evolution, a new challenger has emerged - Interactive AI. A shift in momentum? The recent rise of Interactive AI isn’t a random trend. It symbolizes the next logical step in the evolution of AI technology. While generative AI was amazing in its ability to produce unique outputs, the advent of Interactive AI takes that very capability to an entirely new level. This fresh genre of AI is all about collaboration, refining its…

Charting a New Course: Oceanis and the Digital Revolution in Shipping

From Complexity to Clarity: Inside Oceanis' Mission to Simplify Maritime Finance Every great business starts with a problem. The most impactful companies emerge when someone sees a gap, discovers a creative solution, and adapts as the landscape shifts. This journey is exemplified by Oceanis, a maritime technology company that is transforming how shipping investments are analysed. At the heart of this transformation is a brilliant team and one of its co-founders and COO, Georg-Maximilian Kuhlmann. From his early days in logistics to redefining how the maritime world approaches investment decisions, Kuhlmann has dedicated nearly two decades to driving progress in shipping. His career spans ship financing, asset management, commercial operations, and technology — a rare combination that gives him a…

Feedback Is A Conversation: How To Speak Honestly and Listen Openly

How to Prepare For Feedback Conversations In our previous article, we explored the power of self-awareness. This week, we dive into the art of navigating tough conversations and exchanging feedback with clarity and care. Giving and receiving feedback are deeply intertwined with self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Before stepping into any feedback conversation, preparation rooted in self-awareness is essential. Understanding our own emotions, triggers, and behavioral patterns helps us approach feedback calmly and confidently. Self-aware leaders consider the recipient’s emotional state, while emotionally intelligent individuals manage their reactions, viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. More importantly, when feedback is exchanged within a culture of trust, it fosters constructive dialogue, vulnerability, and mutual respect, thereby…

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