Managing Succession with Asian Tigers Korea: A Transition of Legacy and Leadership
Managing Succession with Asian Tigers Korea
Having made a strong leading performance for 53 long years in the moving industry, Joseph Song announced his retirement. He was the founder and owner of Asian Tigers Korea. He now passes on the baton to his daughter, Saenah Song, who has been serving as CEO for the last two years or so. This is a milestone move, considering that in Asia, it is relatively rare for any business to be passed down through generations, let alone from father to daughter. Joseph believes his company is the first moving company in Korea to make this kind of transition.
For years, Saenah Song has been intensely training for this role. Her first experience of the moving industry had been in 2001 when she visited Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK to gain experience of English culture. Visiting the UK, Joseph took her with him to the BAR conference in Manchester where she met many of his international colleagues and business partners. For her, it was interesting to know the moving industry.
After completing her university education, Saenah had an opportunity to intern with some companies: Ole Jensen at AMJ Campbell in Canada, Chuck Lawrence at Security Storage in the USA, and Eric Lim at K.C. Dat in Singapore. She also became involved in a Household Goods Forwarders Association of America meeting in Hawaii. “I wanted her to be interested in the business before coming into the company,” Joseph said. These internships built upon the enriching experiences that would solidify her interest in the moving industry.
Saenah joined the business officially in 2003, learning the entire industry, starting with packing. It wasn’t a given, though, that she would assume the leadership. Joseph contributed to the discussion of cultural challenges, saying, “It’s more difficult for women because, culturally in Asia, women rely on men in a family setting.” He advised her to get married first and seek the blessings of her extended family members before taking up the top job. Saenah got married in 2011, and with support from her family, she was now ready to take over the business.
Looking back, Saenah reflected, “I knew the opportunity was there for me, but I wasn’t 100% certain. There were other career paths and opportunities that I was considering, but life has a funny way of bringing everything and everyone together for a reason and the timing was just right. That is why I am here now.”
Joseph stepped down as CEO 18 months ago, telling the staff then to report directly to Saenah. Since then, he has not become involved in day-to-day operations, working only to make sure the company remains financially viable. Saenah knows she faces an uphill battle and said one of the biggest challenges will be managing a staff of 70 people. “The biggest challenge is with the people. Everybody respects Joseph, but my leadership style is very different. In the end, it relies on personal relationships. I am trying to build trust in my own way. Everyone has their own style, and I will respect that. My mission is to make sure that we’re heading in the right direction.” she noted.
Joseph has been an exemplary mentor, hammering home leadership by listening, learning, and collaboration. “I have always told Saenah that leaders should not be the judge. They should listen to the people, learn how to give in, work together, and ask questions instead of dictating what to do,” he counselled.
Planning for the Future and Riding out Uncertainties with Flexibility and Innovation–This is what Saenah is determined to do for the company. “We need to work to the best of our ability and incorporate as much flexibility as possible. We should consider expanding into other business areas and seize the opportunities that come in front,” she added.
As for Joseph, he plans to enjoy his retirement by obtaining a real estate broker’s license, traveling a bit, catching up with friends, and possibly playing some golf. With Joseph’s retirement and Saenah at the helm, Asian Tigers Korea is not only going to continue that tradition but with a fresh outlook and much energy. Good job, Joseph. Good luck, Saenah.
You can check the interview on The Mover.
