Leading with a Grateful Heart

GM & Director of Sales for Reflex Winkelmann APAC and a self-professed “Mr Fix-It”, Kevin Wee, encourages rising corporate leaders to embrace gratitude as a guiding force that can turn leadership into a fulfilling and impactful endeavour with rippling effects.

Leaders often face a multitude of tough and thankless tasks—navigating turbulent waters, taking on the weight of decisions, shouldering the responsibility for livelihoods, and the relentless pressure for profits. Accolades are scarce and the spotlight is often harsh.

Baptism by Fire

No stranger to this isolating and demanding environment, Wee recalls the first time, in his early 30s, when he was thrust to revive a struggling organisation. The board members doubted his capabilities, and the challenges were immense—from addressing the financial deficit and potential shutdown of operations to dealing with the concerns of workers, clients, and board members.

“In the journey of leadership, where challenges are aplenty and recognition is rare, the role of a mentor becomes paramount,” Wee asserts.

He adds, “For me, that mentor was Chang Yew Kong. His teachings have left an indelible mark on my leadership philosophy.”

Amidst the chaos, Chang imparted a timeless lesson for Wee: Leaders don’t just DO more; they have to BE more.

Becoming More

“For a good leader to become a great one, it is not merely about actions. A leader’s character needs to be stronger, with a higher stress threshold, more patient, more appreciative. More everything,” Wee explains.

Transparency, weekly updates, and tough conversations with the team became his tools for overcoming the challenges.

“The experience was a crucible, forging my leadership skills and resilience,” Wee shares.

“My commitment to the team’s success, coupled with admitting mistakes and taking responsibility, helped foster an environment where everyone could thrive.

“Mr. Chang’s guidance was invaluable. He not only believed in me but also coached me on preparing for board meetings and stood by me, keeping me honest and stayed focused on the bigger picture. There was no time to dwell on setbacks; it was about facing the next step and the next problem.”

This experience taught Wee that sustainable growth requires a tremendous amount of human element—a genuine concern for the well-being and success of the team. It reinforces the principles Chang instilled in him: be humble, believe in your team, show empathy, be authentic, and create an environment for people to succeed.

The outcome was the successful turnaround of the company in just one year.

“Mr. Chang’s impact extended beyond that crucial period. His lessons shaped my long-term approach to leadership. Beyond a personal sentiment, the gratitude I feel towards him has become the driving force in my personal leadership legacy,” says Wee.

“Thank you, boss.”

“As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that leadership is not a solo endeavour but a collective effort, nurtured by the wisdom of good mentors like Mr. Chang and the dedication of a committed team. Gratitude, I have come to realise, is more than a feeling; it is a catalyst for personal and collective success.

“To Mr. Chang Yew Kong, I express my deepest gratitude. You taught me how to lead and showed me the heart of leadership, one filled with humility, belief in others, and a genuine commitment to their success.”

Kevin Wee’s Leadership Principals:

  1. Be Humble and Grateful: Humility, admitting mistakes, and expressing gratitude builds a leader’s character and sense of integrity.
  2. Believe in Your Team: Nurture trust and create an environment for your team’s success.
  3. Put Yourself in Others’ Shoes: Empathy and understanding foster a positive work environment. People excel because they genuinely feel cared for.
  4. Create Opportunities for Success: Empower individuals to succeed. Recognising and leveraging their strengths, compensating for their weakness
  5. Set Realistic Expectations: Do not expect individuals to perform beyond their current skills. Understand the capabilities of the team is crucial, and more importantly create room for growth
  6. Walk the Talk: Consistency in actions and words is vital for a leader’s credibility and influence.
  7. Develop Other Leaders: Look for opportunities to raise other leaders.
  8. Plan Ahead: Ensure longevity and succession.
  9. Stay Driven: Never lose sight of your purpose. Keep your job fulfilling and fun.

Gratitude is Contagious One profound aspect of Kevin Wee’s leadership philosophy is the understanding that gratitude is contagious. When a leader embodies gratitude, expressing it in words and actions, it creates a ripple effect throughout and beyond the organisation. Team members gravitate towards gratitude and are more likely to adopt a positive and appreciative mindset, fostering a collaborative and supportive culture