The key to successful search completion is an efficient process … Associate Partner at DHR International Ghislain Brun   On March 29, students of the Global MBA program at Korea University Business School participated in an engaging Global CEO talk hosted by Ghislain Brun, Associate Partner at DHR International. The session took place in room #412 of the Hyundai Motors building, where Ghislain shared insights acquired throughout his career path in different roles and companies.   Ghislain, an alumnus of Global MBA at Korea University, shared insights into his diverse professional journey. He began his career as a Junior Economist at the Frnch Embassy in Hanoi before transitioning to roles of increasing responsibility. Notably, he served as Global HR Manager at SK Telecom, overseeing corporate-wide talent and HR systems transformation efforts.    His responsibilities included areas such as M&A, global leadership, and change management. Today, Ghislain holds the position of Associate Partner at DHR International. Additionally, he plays an important role as a board member at French Tech Seoul, facilitating collaboration between startups in France and South Korea.     Throughout the session, Ghislain engaged students in discussions to understand their career aspirations and interests. His strategic HR background, particularly in M&A, global talent management, and leadership development, provided valuable insights for students exploring their future career prospects.   He further moved on to explain his role at DHR International and how they help clients identify, hire, and coach leaders who drive change and lead through complexity. DHR International as a company focuses more on hiring at an executive level like Senior Managers, Directors, to name a and elaborated on the evaluation. leadership consulting process of executive assessment, onboarding, executive coaching, succession planning being a few of them.   He provided insight into DHR International's executive assessment process and emphasized the importance of an efficient search completion process, which involves several key steps. He emphasized the importance of an efficient search completion process, which involves several key steps.   This process begins with Initiate, where assessment and research are conducted to develop a research strategy and align with the client on critical competencies for the role. Next is Qualify, which involves heavy recruiting of top prospects and candidates, analyzing comprehensive competency-based interviews, and interpreting assessment results.     Following Qualify is Identify, where the focus is on developing candidates by emphasizing citical competencies and assessing their fit with the company culture. Finally, the processconcludes with Select, which involves establishing candidate meetings, reviewing feedback to determine finalists, and facilitating negotiations and candidate counseling.    This comprhensiveapproach provides invaluable insights into what companies seek when evaluating potentialcandidates.This process provided students with valuable insights into the expectations of companies when it comes to hiring potential candidates.    To further engage the students and gain deeper insights into their understanding of HR hiring processes, Ghislain posed questions such as "How do companies design job descriptions?" The responses revealed students' perspectives on the desired candidate's responsibilities, qualities, and qualifications as outlined by companies.   Continuing the session, Ghislain posed two additional questions to gauge students' thoughts on attracting and retaining top talent and the impact of a global setting. Students shared their views on the attractiveness of foreign candidates, the expansion opportunities for companies, and the benefits of cultural adaptability in fostering collaboration among colleagues from diverse backgrounds.     Concluding the session, Ghislain emphasized the importance of candidate compatibility and competency-based assessment in successful executive selection. He highlighted the significance of aligning candidate styles with company culture, emphasizing the importance of selecting, candidates whose values, skills, and working styles align with the organization's requirements. This alignment not only enhances the likelihood of successful executive selection but also fosters a productive working relationship between individuals and the organization. Overall, the session provided students with valuable insights into hiring processes, the role of HR, and the attributes essential for personal and professional development.

[Global CEO Talk] “Beyond Tires: Insights into the Automotive Division of Michelin with Antoine Leprince”   On March 22, Korea University Business School extended a warm invitation to Antoine Leprince, the EVP of Michelin Korea's Original Equipment Automotive Division, for an engaging and insightful session. As students eager to learn from industry leaders, we were thrilled to gain firsthand knowledge from Antoine's extensive experience in the automotive industry.   Antoine began by introducing himself, sharing that he's a French national who's been with Michelin since the start of his career. His passion for travel has taken him across the globe, including stints in India, Pakistan, various European countries, the Middle East, and finally landing in Korea in 2021.     With his father's influence from the automotive industry, Antoine's career path was clear from an early age. His ambition was to learn from the best and contribute to his country's pride by representing the French flag. Michelin stood out to him as the ideal choice due to its rich history, family-centric values, tire specialization, and unwavering commitment to innovation.   Antoine shared anecdotes from his extensive travels, emphasizing the varying levels of risk and challenges associated with emerging markets. He highlighted the importance of understanding local nuances, building relationships, and adapting strategies to suit diverse environments.   Antoine provided a comprehensive overview of Michelin's approach to the 4Ps of marketing - Product, Pricing, Promotion, and Placement. He emphasized the significance of understanding each element in the context of emerging markets, where diverse customer needs and market dynamics pose unique challenges.      From Michelin's global distribution network to specialized service centers, Antoine brought into focus the company's strategic initiatives aimed at catering to the evolving demands of a global clientele. Michelin is deeply committed to providing a pathway to progress for all, underpinned by a shared culture of respect for facts, individuals, customers, and the environment. The company places a strong emphasis on engaging its employees and diligently tracks their progress and satisfaction globally.    With a robust operating income of 11.2 BN euros, Michelin has made substantial investments in research and development. Despite its French origins, Michelin boasts a truly global presence, with sales, distribution, and R&D operations spanning the globe, particularly in Asia, where it is a significant driver of growth with approximately 19,000 employees. While traditionally focused on automotive tires, Michelin has diversified its activities into three main fields, recognizing the evolving needs of the market.   The discussion then turned to the origin of the Michelin Guide, which traces back to 1900. In a strategic move to boost the demand for cars and, consequently, car tires, the Michelin brothers, manufacturers of car tires, introduced a comprehensive guide for French motorists - the Michelin Guide. Distributed free of charge, this guide served as a valuable resource for motorists, offering detailed maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, listings of car mechanics, hotels, and petrol stations across France.     Antoine underscored the importance of product quality, likening tire manufacturing to a culinary endeavor involving over 200 materials. He emphasized the significance of creating the right product for the right usage and highlighted the importance of market analysis and segmentation in catering to diverse customer needs.   Sharing insights from his experiences, Antoine emphasized the value of seeking facts, understanding the 'why,' embracing uncertainty, and fostering respect for all stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of diversity and collaboration in driving innovation and success. Reflecting on Michelin's core values of respect and commitment to excellence, Antoine discussed the company's focus on employee engagement and investment in research and development.      He highlighted Michelin's global footprint and its evolution beyond tires into diverse fields of activity like medical and agriculture. Antoine concluded the session by offering personal advice to students, urging them to explore their talents, remain curious, pursue their passions, and prioritize care for others.

"We do things that scare us" Mike Song Global CEO Talk   On March 15, students of the Global MBA program at Korea University Business School participated in an engaging Global CEO talk hosted by Mike Song, the global head of Genesis at Hyundai Motors. The session took place in room #412 of the Hyundai Motors building, where Mike shared insights acquired from his illustrious 31-year tenure with Hyundai Motors, along with his recent leadership role at Genesis.   Mike's journey began in 1993 when he joined Hyundai Motors, marking the genesis of his remarkable professional trajectory. Over the years, he held diverse roles within the organization, demonstrating unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership qualities. From serving as the executive coordinator for Hyundai Motors, Canada, to heading sales and development in California, USA, Mike's journey showcased his resilience and adaptability.     In 2016, Mike joined the Dubai office, assuming the role of Head of Hyundai Motors Company, overseeing operations across 74 countries in the Middle East and Africa. However, in 2020, reconnecting with his homeland in Korea marked the beginning of Mike's transformative path, ultimately leading him to his pivotal position as the global head of Genesis.   As a global head, he prioritizes efficiency and excellence in his approach to work, emphasizing the importance of delivering quality results without unnecessary complexity. Rather than working long hours without tangible outcomes, he advocates for being both a diligent worker and a strategic thinker.     Described as quick and agile, Mike embodies the fast-paced nature of Hyundai's operations. He emphasizes the importance of looking ahead to anticipate competitors' moves and plan for the future. While he appreciates the benefits of moving quickly, Mike recognizes the need for balance, understanding that speed may limit the depth of analysis.   Drawing from his experiences, Mike has learned important lessons centered on freedom, flexibility, and freshness. These principles guide his leadership style, emphasizing adaptability and innovation. The session then proceeded with Mike explaining the working culture at Genesis. He emphasized minimizing hierarchy and encouraging open communication, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.   Genesis has embraced a bold approach to innovation, challenging conventional wisdom and venturing into uncharted territory. Despite initial skepticism, their daring decisions have propelled them to become a leading luxury brand, now eight years strong. With nearly equal gender representation among its diverse workforce, Genesis embodies progressiveness and inclusivity.     Reflecting its name, Genesis embodies the essence of Korean identity, blending tradition with modernity to create something truly unique. By prioritizing design, technology, and hospitality, Genesis aims to provide a transformative and unforgettable experience for its customers. At the heart of Genesis is a commitment to customer satisfaction, rooted in Korean hospitality principles of respect and generosity.   Further on being asked “How Genesis chooses the markets it wants to be in?” Mike elaborated that Genesis's approach to expanding into new markets is guided by a commitment to targeting mature luxury markets and fostering confidence among investors, customers, and partners in delivering exceptional customer experiences.   The rapid growth of Genesis, achieving 1 million units in just 7 years and 10 months, underscores its dedication to prioritizing customer experience over sheer volume. Rather than focusing solely on scaling production capacity, Genesis prioritizes enhancing the customer journey, confident that increased volume will naturally follow.   Recognizing the unique characteristics of each market, Genesis is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality tailored to meet the diverse needs of its global customer base. As a brand, Genesis seeks to disrupt industry norms, striving to be a rule breaker today and a rule maker tomorrow.     Their corporate strategy revolves around differentiation, prioritizing brand and customer experience over conforming to industry standards. By embracing bespoke programming and offering personalized customization options, Genesis aims to set itself apart in the market. In serving their customer base, Genesis recognizes the importance of catering to various customer segments, including those with purchasing power and those who may not be immediate buyers but contribute to brand recognition.   He concluded the session by stating that by appealing to all senses and delivering a holistic sensory experience, Genesis aims to cultivate deeper connections with its customers, driving brand loyalty and satisfaction.

“Impact of AI on Marketing”…Blair Abbott, Mirae Asset Global Investments   In any business, the ultimate goal is to reach a stage where, even without direct clients or investors, the pillars of product innovation, stronger distribution, and effective brand building become salespeople for you - Words of advice from Blair Abbott’s Global CEO Talk.     On March 8th, Blair Abbott, the Director of the Global Business Strategy Unit at Mirae Assets Global Investments, led a captivating lecture for Global MBA students at Korea University as part of the Global CEO Talk series. The session was held in room 412 of Hyundai Motor Hall, covering crucial topics such as asset management, investment capabilities, the role of AI in marketing and sales, and an exploration of Mirae Assets' dynamic global presence, followed by an engaging Q&A.     First, Abbott commenced the session by sharing insights into his career in Korea, focusing on his contribution in Mirae Assets' three core pillars: Corporate Strategy, Sales and Distribution, and Marketing. He outlined the establishment of Mirae Assets in 1997 in Korea, which expanded globally with the opening of its first overseas office in Hong Kong in 2003. The core functions were to enhance investment capabilities for Korean investors and broaden their distribution footprint, leading to further expansions in Asia, the UK, the US, and Brazil.     In his role as the head of Global Marketing and Sales, Blair Abbott oversees the design and execution of strategic initiatives related to marketing, sales, and business development.   A central theme of the lecture was the industry's transition from mutual funds to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), vividly described by Abbott as "funds as flip phones and ETFs as smartphones," underscoring the latter's significance in Mirae Assets' business strategy.     Key takeaways included the efficient utilization of data and marketing strategies, understanding client journeys, employing both analog and digital data points, and leveraging tools like Pardot for email campaigns. Finally, Abbott concluded the lecture by emphasizing the crucial role of data in digital marketing, addressing challenges like data fatigue, and advocating for accurate, fresh data.      He shared valuable insights into the impact of AI on marketing teams, highlighting the use of tools such as Einstein by Salesforce. The session wrapped up with a discussion on personalization in digital experiences and the delicate balance needed to avoid inefficiency.

“Gratitude Leads to Success”… Starkey Korea's CEO, Sangdon Shim   On March 14th, Korea University Business School (Dean=Sangyong Kim) hosted a Global CEO Lecture in Hyundai Motor Hall, Room 202. The Global CEO Lecture series invites current CEOs or top executives weekly to share their valuable experiences and management principles. Sangdon Shim, CEO of Starkey Korea, delivered the lecture on the day.      CEO Shim is an alumnus of KU Graduate School of Business Administration and has served as the 33rd president of the Korea University MBA Alumni Association. He has been the CEO of Starkey Korea, the Korean branch of Starkey Hearing Technologies in the United States, since 1996. Starkey Korea is the leading hearing aid company in the domestic market, ranking first in market share and customer satisfaction. In 2023, they launched the GENESIS AI hearing aid, which incorporates artificial intelligence technology.    During his lecture on "A Balanced Life," CEO Shim recalled how his service as a KATUSA (Korean Augmentation To the United States Army) and managing emergency room medical equipment at the time led him to the hearing aid business. Among various management principles, he emphasized the synergistic effects between businesses and cultural arts. In this context, he explained the Medici Effect, which occurs when combining elements from different fields results in greater energy than the sum of each element's energy.      Following this, CEO Shim shared his views on life, dividing his life into △work, △arts and culture, △philanthropy and service, △health, and △patriotism. He said, "In my life, passion was the theme of my twenties, positivity in my thirties, humility in my forties, love in my fifties, and now in my sixties, it's 'gratitude.' I still write in my gratitude journal every day and would recommend it to you all. It's okay to feel gratitude for the simple things in everyday life." He added, "Those who know how to be grateful for happiness can feel true happiness."      Meanwhile, Minju Kim (Business School 20) said, "As a student in my twenties, the hearing aid business was a challenging topic to approach, but it was well explained. Not only did he talk about business, but also sharing insights into life's direction was meaningful." 

"Do not hesitate, take action" - Global CEO Lecture by Youngsik Kim, former CEO of Chunho Food (now ChunhoNCare)    On November 9th, a Global CEO Talk hosted by the Korea Univeristy Business School (Dean= Sangyong Kim) took place in Room 333 of the Hyundai Motor Hall. The speaker for this special lecture was Youngsik Kim, the former CEO of Chunho Food (now ChuhoNCare). Chunho Food (now ChunhoNCare) is a company that specializes in health food and functional health foods, selling products such as health juices, health sticks, and functional health foods. Youngsik Kim founded Chunho Food's predecessor, Chunho Corporation in 1984 and served as the CEO of Chunho Food. CEO Kim gained public attention through active marketing campaigns, including appearing as the TV model for their product 'Sansuyu 1000 Premium.' Currently, he is involved in social contribution activities, such as establishing the Kim Youngsik Foundation for Supporting Childbirth.      Firstly, Kim explained his career and the background of establishing Chunho Food. He revealed that overcoming the aftereffects of a traffic accident by eating snails was the starting point for entering the health food business. Kim emphasized the importance of setting goals by stating, "Observing successful people and adopting their attitudes is crucial," and "Keeping habit of imagination is the foundation of success."    CEO Kim also introduced Chunho Food's proactive marketing strategy. In 2000, he launched the flagship product of Chunho Food, SanSuyu, and sent a letter and SanSuyu to President Bush of the United States. Kim stated, "I received a reply from President Bush," and added, "After that, I delivered inauguration gifts to presidents of about 25 countries." To promote their products, Kim engaged in proactive marketing activities, such as embarking on a bicycle expedition for nationwide promotion. He explained, "By personally demonstrating the effects of the product, I wanted to vividly showcase its efficacy to the public."      The special lecture concluded with a Q&A session and advice on career paths. CEO Kim emphasized the qualities necessary for entrepreneurs by stating, "Setting clear goals and values and promptly putting them into practice are crucial."