1 Jun 2015

Robert Chipman, the CEO of Asian Tigers Hong Kong, became the newest president of the FIDI {Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux} in April. With a wealth of experience and a new outlook he will bring into the role, it is a new chapter for the organization and for him personally.

“It’s humbling and daunting,” Chipman said of the mixed emotions that came with the very prestigious position, in an interview with Steve Jordan shortly after his inauguration, where he shared some insights into his new role and the challenges lying ahead. He knows there is so much talent and experience within FIDI and points out that it is a collective effort which is required to steer the organization.

Challenges of Leadership

Leadership of an organization such as FIDI still posed different challenges from managing a private business. Chipman explained that there was a very distinct difference in decision-making processes. Whereas in a business, decisions could be very quick with an action item associated, at an organization like FIDI, there was a bias toward politics and consensus-building. “You have to spend a lot of time making sure people are happy, even people on the fringe of any issue,” Chipman said. The consensus-driven approach can sometimes result in a decision being watered down to make sure everybody is included.

However, such challenges only cast doubt on Chipman’s faith in his vision and judgment. He knows the responsibility that comes, especially to decisions affecting member companies. “If I make a mistake here and it affects other people’s companies, how am I going to live with myself after that?” he pondered.

Workload and Commitment

The workload of a FIDI President is huge. The Board meets physically for a minimum of four weeks a year, supplemented by a raft of sub-committee meetings and conference calls. But Chipman does not blanch. His business in Hong Kong hums along nicely, courtesy of his ‘all-star’ team, so he has the time he needs to devote to FIDI.

This exposure to FIDI has broadened his horizons and learned to work with different opinions and within the complex bureaucracy that characterizes the organization. “FIDI is very process-oriented. It’s a good reminder of how important process is,” he said.

Vision for FIDI

For Chipman, the vision of FIDI represents a statesman and business leader in one image. He believes that FIDI needs to be a service association for its members and focus on how it can help its members improve in business and win more business. For him, the internal management is as important as external service, but the former tends to draw more attention due to its tangibility.

One of Chipman’s top priorities is to increase the value and recognition of FIDI’s FAIM certification. He feels FAIM has become a procedure of ticking boxes and he would like to see it transformed into a quality benchmark which corporates actually demand. “Our ultimate dream is for buyers to ask for FAIM certification,” he said. To do this will mean bringing FAIM’s requirements more in line with what affiliates and their customers need, making it more rigorous and relevant.

Balancing Statester and Businessman—Chipman has ambitions to lead by doing the right things, not merely doing things right. He is aware of the need to distill the FIDI message into clear, specific talking points, so corporates can understand the real benefit value brought in by FAIM certification; he has led in statesmanlike fashion.

Notwithstanding the inherent challenges, Chipman seems excited about his presidency. “I love working with the Board. It’s just the right size; it’s really productive,” he said, appreciating the high level of commitment that was radiating from the board members. Though he confessed feeling jittery, he felt that was what would drive him to give out his best.

Conclusion

Assuming the mantle of FIDI presidency, the initiatives of the organization will hence get an accord of leadership by Chipman. His enunciated vision, commitment, and strategic approach do hold out the promise of positive changes that will enhance the value of FIDI to its members and the broader industry. Under the helm of Chipman, the future of FIDI looks sure of growth and greater industry and market recognition in global relocation. You can check the interview on The Mover here.