Escaping the usual Monday blues, I had the privilege of joining a private lunch session with Lincoln Pan, the incoming CEO of Jardine Matheson, alongside Kenny Lam. What made it even more meaningful? Lincoln is the first local Chinese CEO of the group—making history in a room full of youngsters like myself. Instead of a corporate monologue, he shared something more intimate: his career journey, the leadership lessons he’s earned, and his unfiltered views on navigating life and work.
“With life expectancy reaching 120 years, we’re looking at a 60-year career journey ahead. One or two hiccups along the way won’t define us, but how we plan and adapt will.”
That quote hasn’t left my mind since. As a fresh graduate anxious about my first full-time job, I used to believe this one decision would define everything. Lincoln’s perspective shifted that. He reminded us that career is a journey, not a verdict passed at 22. While I had been caught up with external validations—brand names, peer comparisons—his message emphasized discipline and personal benchmarks over status.
Lincoln’s path wasn’t linear either. He journeyed across industries—consulting, financial services, private equity—and moved from New York to Hong Kong, a decision he initially saw as a career misstep. Yet today, he views it as a personal blessing, allowing him to care for his family and redefine balance. His career may be diverse, but one thing remained clear:
He didn’t compromise ambition; he just aligned it with his evolving priorities. And that is leadership.
Leadership isn’t about titles. Lincoln helped me see that even as a junior, I can lead—by being thoughtful, proactive, and thinking from the management’s lens. One quote really captured that spirit:
That stuck with me. Leadership is shared, not self-centered. A true leader honors legacy, trusts people, and builds a future that empowers others. I’ve started reframing how I receive tasks—not as chores, but as windows into decision-making processes. That mental shift, I believe, is where transformation begins.
Lincoln’s openness about his own uncertainty gave me permission to do the same. He said that even the bad moments may one day reveal themselves as growth nutrients. That mindset—reframing failure, embracing risk, welcoming discomfort—spoke to a part of me I often ignore.
Here’s my message to all the young people like me who are figuring out their next steps:
🌟 Be kind to your timeline. Be bold in your pivots. And don’t be afraid to take the “wrong” path—because it might just lead you to the right place. 🌟
