In a recent interview with Chan Leong Teng, the Chief Executive Officer of Skribble Group, we delved into his journey in the corporate world and the values that have shaped his leadership approach. From his passion for problem-solving to his belief in steward leadership, Teng shared insights on overcoming challenges and offering advice to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore the story behind his success and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Interviewee Name: Chan Leong Teng
Company: Skribble Group
Chan Leong’s favourite quote: In Malay, it is “Kalau ada kerja, buat; kalau tiada, jangan buat-buat”.
It translates to if there’s work to be done, get it done, if there’s none, don’t pretend like there is. I like this deep quote because it carries so much meaning to an entreprenuer.
It means
1. We don’t stop as long as there’s work to be done.
2. Our heart and priority is in the work.
3. Don’t do unproductive work just to seem busy and feel less guilty.
4. Stop and rest if you need to.
5. Be true to the work, purpose and goal.
and many more hidden lessons behind a simple quote.
The Interview
Before we dive into the future, let’s rewind a bit! Tell us a story: what sparked your passion for your industry and led you to where you are today?
Chan Leong Teng : As an Engineer at heart, I’ve always been a keen problem solver, but I couldn’t quite figure out which domains I want to problem solve in. Having built my rigor through large conglomerates, I found my passion at the intersection of corporate strategy, consumer experience, data and tech. Many passion projects later, I decided that there is a good fit between my passion for problem soling in the fascinating yet complex world of business, where I now specialize in helping business through corporate consultancy and corporate transformation.
What core values and leadership principles have guided you in your journey as a CEO, and how have they shaped your approach to leading your company?
Chan Leong Teng : I subscribe to steward leadership. I believe that I have a responsibility to care and grow the each employee as they strive to better and grow the company and serve our clients. So there is a lot of focus on people and their developmental needs. It means that other than being a visionary leader in setting the direction of the business, I make it a priority to ensure that we are careful in selecting who we choose to work with us and put in place programs and opportunities that will lead to their well being and growth. That in turn translates to a better service, better product, and better experience for our clients.
Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge you faced as a CEO, and the strategies you employed to overcome it while maintaining your leadership vision and guiding your team?
Chan Leong Teng : While everyone is good at heart, not everyone works and grow at the pace we need. One of the pivotal moment is when people that I groom, churn. While it is natural for employees to churn, it is a challenge when key talents do, and for reasons out of my control. I come to the realization that we have spread wider when it comes to talent management and succession planning. that With that realization, we invest deeper into ensuring that we see each employee as a talent and diversify the risk by building a strong talent development process. This ensures that while each employee is valued, there isn’t a single failing point no matter who has to leave.
What advice would you offer to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs who are looking to make an impact in their industries and lead their companies to success, based on your own experiences and insights?
Chan Leong Teng : Having clarity of thoughts is very important. The entrepreneurship journey is one that is complex, confusing, challenging, and often life-changing. There will be many people who will try to dictate what you do, and many a moments where you’re going to be lonely. Having this clarity of thoughts ensure that you’re grounded to your own beliefs system, principles and core purpose. No matter what they are, as long as you’re committed and sure, it’d be a much more interesting and fulfilling journey.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Chan Leong Teng. At Featured Leaders, we are committed to bringing you closer to the minds shaping our world. Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and stories that inspire, inform, and ignite your passion for leadership. To keep up with our latest features, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Thank you for reading!
