"With a good team you don’t need to fear challenges."

You are very experienced with business in China. What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a foreigner wanting to do business in China?

Choosing a good site is crucial. Making the wrong choice can be very expensive. If, a few years down the road, you find out that the site is not suitable for expansion or that no local qualified staff is available, this can be costly. But firstly, and most importantly, you should have experience in dealing with the locals. Working with Asians requires a different way of thinking than working with Europeans. You have to motivate them differently to people from Europe and the USA.

And how do you do that?

Asians want to know very precisely how they can get ahead. I try to illustrate this to them in a fair and transparent manner. For instance, I told a service engineer who only knew how to service energy pumps that he could earn more if he expanded his horizon and learned to repair other models too.

I also motivate staff to look at the overall picture. I want them to not only see their field of expertise but to think about how we can jointly support the company overall. I would like them to develop their own ideas and be creative. If staff members notice something our competitors do that we can also make use of to improve our service, they will tell me so.

Especially the younger generation places great value on discussing joint improvements on equal terms. This is why I like working closely with my staff. In the end, we all show our commitment day after day to succeed together.

In your time at KSB you have been working at sites and in regions that differ greatly from one another. What is different about doing in business in these regions?

China is a huge country with a population of 1.4 billion. Naturally, every city has got its own culture, customs, dialects and cuisine. I was born in Hong Kong. That means I behave more like a Westerner. For example, I tend to be very open and direct with my employees.

On the Chinese mainland this is not so common. Talking openly at eye level is important to me because everyone can make a wrong decision, me included. If that were to happen, I need someone who will tell me straight up that I may be taking the wrong step.

As a manager I have to remain humble, listen to people and understand their mentality. When colleagues notice that you are willing to listen to them, they will start speaking openly. This is the type of cooperation that will further the development of our company.

How does working at KSB differ from working at other companies?

For me, KSB is like family. When you work for this company for a long time, colleagues become friends. When working in such a good team full of trust and motivation, there is no need to fear uncertainties or challenges. Together we can always find a solution.

I was fortunate to get to know many great people from different nations, cultures and age groups at KSB. This is something I am very grateful for. It taught me to be open-minded, accept new things, and better understand our business. As a matter of fact, it is all of us who are responsible for the success of KSB in China, not just me. 

How has your adventure journey changed you personally?

I have travelled a lot and I have seen things I will never forget. It opened my eyes to the fact that – with a great team – nothing is impossible. These experiences have accelerated my personal and professional growth. They made me more courageous and more able – also in personal matters.

You are currently a financial controller in Hong Kong – what are your plans for the future?

When KSB needs me, I will be ready for a new challenge!