John Hung, NB Head of South Asia & Middle East of MSI – Leaders In Tech & Auto

1. What’s your leadership mantra in the fast-evolving tech landscape?

In today’s ever-evolving tech world, my leadership mantra revolves around adaptability and strategic responsiveness. The key to lasting success is not sticking to a rigid plan but staying alert to market shifts—whether it’s emerging tech, changing user behavior, or new competitors—and reacting in a timely, thoughtful manner. I encourage a culture of agility, experimentation, and data-backed decisions. This not only helps teams stay relevant but also ensures they’re ready to grab opportunities as they come. At its core, leadership today is about cultivating resilience and innovation by remaining flexible and empowering others to grow with the market.

2. How do you inspire and motivate your team during challenging times?

During difficult times, I find the strongest motivator is reconnecting with purpose. When teams are reminded of why they began the journey, persistence becomes a shared belief, not just an act of endurance. I focus on celebrating small wins, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and making sure everyone feels acknowledged. It’s not about pushing harder—it’s about staying aligned, building trust, and turning challenges into learning moments. That’s where real motivation comes from.

3. Tell us about a major screw-up in your career—what went wrong and what did you learn?

One early career misstep involved overestimating the potential of certain products without proper market research. I assumed success would follow, which led to unsold inventory and a financial hit. That experience taught me a vital lesson: optimism must be grounded in data. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to dive deep into market trends, validate demand, and avoid assumptions. Preparation and insight are now non-negotiables in my decision-making process.

4. What’s a mistake you see many young tech entrepreneurs making?

I see it more as a stage in the learning curve. Many young entrepreneurs, driven by excitement, scale too fast—expanding teams or marketing efforts before proving their business model or securing revenue. At MSI, we value meaningful impact and sustainable growth. I always advise new founders to keep operations lean, maintain financial discipline, and scale only when it makes strategic sense. Growth should be structured, not rushed.

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5. How do you handle failure, and how do you encourage a failure-friendly culture?

Failure is part of the journey. Personally, I try to break it down: what went wrong, what can be learned, and how can I apply those insights moving forward? I see every failure as a steppingstone, not a dead-end. Culturally, I promote openness—team members should feel safe to take risks and share setbacks without fear. We talk about failures, give constructive feedback, and focus on solutions. By celebrating the process and not just the outcome, we create space for real growth.

6. How do you unplug from the tech world? Or do you? Any non-negotiable habits?

I do unplug—and it’s important. I find peace in simple things like listening to classical music, which helps reset my mind. I also make time for offline conversations with close friends—usually over a drink or two. These habits keep me grounded and give me a break from the digital noise. Disconnecting is key to staying balanced.

7. What books changed your perspective on leadership & technology?

One book that made a big impact is Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell. It’s a modern take on timeless leadership values, blended with insights that apply perfectly to today’s tech-driven environment.

8. Podcasts and inspiring quotes you want to recommend to our readers?

A quote I always come back to is from NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: “Failure is not the end—it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.” It perfectly captures the mindset that turns challenges into breakthroughs.