When I was young, we didn’t have much money for toys, but my mother, seeking to save our walls from my scribbles, bought me drawing materials. This simple act wasn’t just about keeping the house clean; it was the start of a lifelong passion for drawing that became much more than a hobby—it shaped my philosophy as a CEO.
Drawing taught me the art of stoicism and the power of being fully present. When sketching from life, you learn to see the world in terms of shapes and spaces, not just objects and people. This shift in perspective trains you to capture the essence of a moment before it changes, just like the fleeting nature of shadows.
These lessons from art have translated into my leadership style. To ‘see’ clearly in business means to strip away personal biases and emotional distractions. It requires quick, tactical decision-making—a skill honed through experience and learning from failures.
In essence, drawing is about learning to see, and seeing is the foundation of drawing. This ability to perceive things accurately is a skill anyone can master, and it’s crucial in business. As a leader, it’s my job to see the essence of any challenge or opportunity and to act swiftly and strategically. Just like in drawing, where each line matters, in business, every decision counts.