Professor Wendong Li’s MBA Leadership Course: Guest Lectures by Ms Loretta Fong and Dr. Peter So

Are leaders born or made?

In Professor Wendong Li‘s MBA Leadership course, this age-old question came to life through the experiences of Ms Loretta Fong (MBA 1993), Partner at PwC Hong Kong and Mainland China, and Dr. Peter So, CESGA, CSFM, CIIA,CPA, CMktr, CGP, CIFE (MBA 1986), former Managing Director at CCB International Securities Limited. Both leaders shared their transformative journeys, demonstrating how leadership is shaped over time—through adaptability, resilience, and a focus on sustainability. From market fluctuations to organisational growth, their stories proved that leadership is not an inherited trait but a skill developed through learning and experience.

Key insights shared included —
📈 Adapting to Market Cycles: Peter reflected on his career milestones aligned with the Hang Seng Index over the past three decades, showcasing the opportunities and challenges that come with every market high and low.
📈 Leadership in a VUCA World: Peter emphasised the importance of risk management, resilience, and a sustainability mindset to identify opportunities and develop new markets amid volatility.
📈 Sustainability in Leadership: Loretta highlighted the dual importance of sustainability—not only in business strategy but also in talent retention and development—as essential to corporate and industry-wide growth.
📈 Leadership Beyond Age: Loretta shared that leadership is not defined by age but by contribution. Rising to leadership early in her career, she stressed the importance of letting your actions and capabilities speak for themselves, inspiring trust and confidence within the team.

Their journeys remind us that leaders are made—through challenges, learning, and a mindset to adapt and grow.