This episode, Vanessa I and Vanessa T speak with Kenneth Chan, former McDonalds China Chief Executive Officer. Kenneth is a seasoned CEO and organizational leader with over 30 years of leadership experience.

Kenneth was McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer for China and Division President for the Greater China region between 2009 to 2015. More recently from 2016 to 2021, Kenneth served as an equity and operating partner for McDonald’s Singapore and Malaysia, and the Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore.

Kenneth shares his views about what it means to step out of our comfort zones to take on new, exciting, and uncomfortable challenges. He describes himself as a reluctant leader, but how he benefited from helpful nudges from trusted mentors and leaders. He discusses how taking various challenging assignments gave him the valuable experience and exposure to lead through the COVID pandemic. 

We were inspired to speak with Kenneth and learn how his diverse experiences, leadership humility and focus on people helped him navigate through various business and career transitions.  

Recommended readings: 

·   Asians in Charge- Kenneth Chan
·   Commentary: Are Singaporeans losing their competitive edge by staying within their comfort zones? – Kenneth Chan
·  Outstanding Chief/ Senior Executive (Overseas) Award, Kenneth Chan 

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

· Vanessa Iloste (Host)

· Vanessa Teo (Host)

· Aaron Wu (Producer)