LEAD-IN and the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce organized their joint conference which explored Western and Chinese models of business leadership with an expert panel of business leaders and academics: “SHARING CHINESE & WESTERN LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS”.

Different cultures can have radically different leadership styles and it is important for international organisations to understand them. As European business continues to expand into China, and Chinese companies establish operations around Europe, employers need to integrate both Chinese and European perspectives into their leadership models.
Understanding the inherent differences between Chinese and European leadership styles is essential for successful talent management programs. Our conference gave participants a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between Chinese and European leadership styles and how to apply them to their company.

Mr. Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp, welcomed the participants. Mr. Bo Ji, Chief Representative for Europe and Assistant Dean of China’s top business school, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, introduced the Chinese & Western leadership models. A panel discussion followed his keynote speech, with the following participants:

• Bo Ji, Chief Representative for Europe and Assistant Dean, Cheung Kong
• Graduate School of Business.
• Charlene Wu, Chairman, Anbang Belgium
• Bernard Vanhecke, Global VP Talent Management and Learning, Bekaert
  Dirk Coorevits, General Manager, Soudal

A Q&A session, closing remarks by Mr Bart De Smet, Chairman Lead-In, Vice Chairman, Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce, and a cocktail reception concluded the event.