Real estate company Stan Group, whose property portfolio includes residential, shopping malls, offices and co-working spaces, welcomed three students onto the Shadow a CEO programme.
Getting to know the shadows was an instructive experience for chairman Stan Tang. “Management often fall into the trap of only focusing on macro issues, but through the programme we gained a micro view of the students,” he says.
The trio hit the ground running on the first day by attending a media event for the launch of Patina, a residential development for the elderly in Kowloon City. “The shadows asked a lot of questions after the event, and it was quite interesting to hear their thoughts and comments,” says Tang.
The students also got the chance to see leaders in action during the three-day programme by attending internal meetings. “I hope they benefited from observing how other people prepare, design and deliver presentations,” he adds.
Clara Mak, chief operating officer (corporate management), was another senior manager who took part. “The programme was very thoughtful in terms of matching management and students in a way that was mutually beneficial. Hopefully, the students were able to reflect on whether a job fits your interests and abilities,” she says.
Director of corporate culture and talent development Mary Suen says that while the students may have excellent qualifications and previous industry experience, shadowing is still a novel experience.
“Offering a well-designed induction process can help the shadows transition into the world of work,” she says, adding that they attended its team weekly meeting and monthly group birthday party during their time at the company.
Suen was impressed by the initiative, communication skills, positive attitude and professionalism shown by all three.
“All exhibited self-confidence and maturity, displayed a willingness to learn and accepted constructive feedback.”
As a business student, shadow Lok Sze Wong was interested to see how Patina, a joint venture between Tang’s Living and Pine care group, will be managed. “Most Hongkongers, if not all, are facing skyrocketing property prices and an ageing population. It is a responsibility for everyone to solve this social problem,” she says.
She would advise future shadows to complete background information research on their targeted CEOs that extends beyond the company background and new project development.
What was particularly gratifying for Gracia Tsui was learning how a conglomerate diversifies business risks. She was also impressed by Tang’s versatility. “From meeting the press as the organiser for the Community Chest of Hong Kong to managing administrative matters, external and internal communications are crucial to the role,” she says. By organising fun activities such as birthday celebrations, the CEO earns the respect of employees, Tsui believes.
Shadow Miki Chan found the programme to be similarly enlightening. “I learned that the group takes a lot of initiatives to develop talent and enhance employee satisfaction, and has a credit system in place to encourage employee innovation.” Given that the company offers a wide variety of opportunities to employees, Chan would appreciate the opportunity to work there in the future.
