The Art of Leadership: When CEOs of Large Corporations Learn from Harvard and Other Priceless Lessons

This May, ACB is set to host its second Leadership Summit, bringing together the bank’s leadership team, along with CEOs, successors, and entrepreneurs. The event marks ACB as the pioneer and only bank to invite leading Harvard professors to share their expertise with top executives. With attendees ranging from C-level executives, the summit also serves as a networking platform, fostering future business opportunities.

From Idea to Harvard Experience in Vietnam

Harvard Business School (HBS), a part of Harvard University (USA), has long been an ideal choice for leaders from various countries looking to enhance their management capabilities and make their mark in the business world. While it may not be the sole factor for success, it is undeniable that HBS has produced numerous exceptional leaders throughout history. Notable figures in business and politics, such as Bill Gates, Sheryl Sandberg, and Michael Bloomberg, who have attended or graduated from this prestigious institution, stand as a testament to its excellence.

ACB Leadership Summit 2024 brings together hundreds of senior leaders from Vietnam’s top enterprises. Photo: ACB

However, aside from the costly fees, the demanding schedule of leaders often poses a challenge to attending such valuable courses.

This reality inspired ACB to bring Harvard to Vietnam. In 2024, ACB successfully organized the Leadership Summit for Vietnamese leaders, guided by Professor Boris Groysberg from HBS. This distinction is noteworthy as ACB is the first and only organization to convince a leading Harvard expert to teach a leadership program in Vietnam.

ACB Chairman Tran Hung Huy (left) in conversation with Professor Boris Groysberg. Photo: ACB

ACB Chairman Tran Hung Huy believes that the process of managing a bank invariably entails business challenges. As enterprises grow, the need for self-improvement becomes more urgent, especially in a dynamic business environment. “Ultimately, the value we can be certain of is the knowledge accumulated through lifelong learning,” emphasized the chairman. “With this spirit, we strive to bring the best of the world to Vietnam.”

Aside from his leadership role at ACB, Mr. Huy is also a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), a global non-profit organization comprising over 35,000 young chief executives selected based on stringent criteria from more than 150 countries. YPO’s mission is to nurture excellent leaders through education and the exchange of ideas. Companies led by YPO members employ over 22 million people worldwide and generate annual revenues of approximately USD 9 trillion.

What Did Vietnamese CEOs Have to Say About the 2024 Leadership Summit?

As one of the first members of the 2024 Leadership Summit, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc, CEO of Ngoc Bien Steel, shared her impression of ACB’s unique approach to creating customer value through relationship-building. Ms. Ngoc’s company is currently one of the leading distributors in the steel industry and a strategic partner to prominent brands in Vietnam’s steel sector. Through this event, ACB fosters a robust business community where customers can find companionship and support. “This platform allows us to expand our network, share experiences, and learn advanced management knowledge,” emphasized Ms. Ngoc.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc, CEO of Ngoc Bien Steel. Photo: NVCC

Mr. Vo Anh Dan, CEO of Kim Thanh Textile and Garment Company, shared that last year’s summit brought about significant changes in his company’s management process. “I gained invaluable insights not only from the Harvard professor but also from the experiences shared by fellow participants,” said Mr. Dan. He further added that he has implemented several ideas in his company, such as leadership development programs and enhanced management thinking. “Many other tools that I’ve applied in my business had their genesis in the course I was fortunate to attend last year,” said the leader of the company established in 1993.

Mr. Vo Anh Dan, CEO of Kim Thanh Textile and Garment Company. Photo: NVCC

With HBS’s distinctive approach, learners are guided to think clearly and set defined goals, moving from a macro to a micro perspective. Many leaders agreed that the training program provided them with solutions to significant challenges their businesses faced or offered new management approaches applicable to their corporate models.

The female leader of Ngoc Bien Steel immediately applied the lesson of creating customer connections to her current enterprise. Through networking sessions, she could share management knowledge in the industry and introduce new products to the customer community. By connecting all customers, they could form strategic alliances and grow together. “Additionally, I learned how ACB cultivates a culture that ensures everything is always in order and conducted professionally,” said the CEO of the 35-year-old steel distribution company.