As CEO of Morunda, I had the privilege of interviewing Bill Schuster, Country Manager of Viatris in Korea. Our conversation delved into the multifaceted nature of leadership in the healthcare industry, exploring challenges, successes, and the power of authenticity.
A Career Forged in Challenge
Bill shared his experiences, particularly a pivotal role at Novo Nordisk. He discussed the importance of clarifying expectations, securing leadership buy-in, and building a strong, skilled team when taking on a challenging leadership role. He emphasized the need for strategic thinking, adaptability, and effective communication to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
When reflecting on his early career challenges, Bill shared, “It’s important to remember that leadership is not just about titles or positions. It’s about influence, and that influence comes from building trust and respect with your team.”
The Power of Authentic Leadership
One of the most striking themes of our conversation was the significance of authenticity in leadership. Bill highlighted the importance of passion, drive, and genuine listening in inspiring and motivating teams. He shared his admiration for a former manager who possessed these qualities, creating a highly engaged and loyal team.
This sentiment aligns with the insights of renowned leadership experts like Warren Bennis, who emphasized the importance of self-awareness, genuineness, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence. Bennis further highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, emphasizing the ability to understand and manage emotions.
Bill also discussed the pitfalls of inauthentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of owning up to mistakes and being vulnerable. He stated, “Authenticity is not about perfection; it’s about being real. When people see that you’re genuine and willing to learn from your mistakes, they’re more likely to trust you and follow your lead.”
Building Trust and Navigating Cultural Differences
As a country manager in Korea, Bill faced the unique challenges of leading a multinational team in a culturally diverse environment. He emphasized the importance of building strong relationships, understanding informal networks, and making timely decisions. He also stressed the need to embrace a culture of innovation and risk-taking to drive growth and adaptability.
Building trust is a cornerstone of effective leadership, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. Stephen Covey, the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” highlighted the crucial role of trust in effective communication and building lasting relationships. Additionally, John C. Maxwell emphasized the power of influence through relationships and the importance of being known, liked, and trusted.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders
Based on our conversation, here are some key takeaways for aspiring leaders:
- Embrace Challenges: Seek opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and take on challenging roles.
- Cultivate Authenticity: Be genuine, passionate, and empathetic.
- Build Strong Relationships: Invest in building trust and rapport with your team members.
- Embrace Innovation: Encourage a culture of creativity and risk-taking.
- Make Timely Decisions: Avoid procrastination and take decisive action.
- Develop Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations.
- Practice Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
- Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your vision and expectations, and actively seek feedback.
- Lead by Example: Model the behaviors you expect from your team.
- Foster a Positive Culture: Create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Adapt to Change: Be agile and flexible in the face of uncertainty.
- Develop Your Team: Invest in the growth and development of your team members.
By embracing these principles, leaders can navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and inspire their teams to achieve great results.
