Martijn Schouten

The capacity to learn is greatly assisted by the ability to unlearn…attend the Forecasting Masterclass Series to learn how to unlearn!

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“Our global research study revealed, I think unsuprisingly, that MSMEs are the backbone of the global economy, but also that they struggle with productivity," notes my colleague Anu Madgvkar. In fact, research from the McKinsey Global Institute finds that narrowing the MSME #productivity gap relative to large companies is equivalent to 5% GDP in advanced economies and 10% in emerging economies. Explore the report ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eZJr8pM8

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“Our global research study revealed, I think unsuprisingly, that MSMEs are the backbone of the global economy, but also that they struggle with productivity," notes my colleague Anu Madgvkar. In fact, research from the McKinsey Global Institute finds that narrowing the MSME #productivity gap relative to large companies is equivalent to 5% GDP in advanced economies and 10% in emerging economies. Explore the report ➡️ https://lnkd.in/enzjJE5N

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"Long hours, unwavering commitment, and a relentless pursuit of career goals were once the cornerstones of professional success. However, a new wave is rising, and it’s centred on the importance of prioritising well-being." Learn more about evolving trends in workplace in India in this article by The Indian Express, with insights from the McKinsey Health Institute's recent survey across 30 countries. #Wellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeWellbeing

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Along with my colleagues Angat Sandhu, Bernhard Kotanko, and Rahul Das, I just published a short piece the productivity imperative in insurance. We urge leaders to ask: • Is productivity a top five strategic priority for the organisation? • Is the business being bold enough—for example, aspiring to shift the cost base by 30 to 40 percent or more? • How are you using technology and AI to derisk and accelerate your progress? • How rigorously are you tracking the performance of your productivity program? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gdE_HCTv #Productivity #Insurance #Strategy #Technology #Australia

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Now, more than ever, HR leaders play a pivotal role in weaving sustainability into the organizational culture. HR leaders emerge as indispensable architects of positive change because people are the core of any transformation. EY's Asia-Pacific People Consulting Leader Shinichiro Uzawa told @Chief of Staff Asia how CHROs act as change agents for a sustainable future. Putting people at the center of the transformation is the key. #CHRO #humanresources #sustainability #transformation #humancenteredcxo #betterworkingworld

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What does good #leadership look like to you? What motivates and drives you as a #leader, especially when things get tough? Today we held a panel discussion on this topic with three brilliant purpose-driven leaders here in Singapore as part of a new #leadingforimpact program for 20 senior APAC-based leaders of a global organisation. There were so many great takeaways, but here are a few that resonated with our program participants: 🌟 Having a shared #purpose and #values as an organisation is essential, but it is also essential to allow flexibility underneath that to enable #localization 🌟 Knowing your own “why” is key to maintaining motivation over the longer term, and for keeping you focused when things go wrong 🌟 There is a difference between leading, managing and guiding - the real skill is recognizing when you need to show up in which role to be effective Massive thanks to Sann Carrière, Hendrick ‘DK’ Phua (Dhammakamo) and Chong Tee Lim for being such engaging and insightful panelists, and nice job Gavin Dixon on the moderating! Looking forward to taking the learnings forward into Day 2 of the program tomorrow… #mindsetshift #leadershipdevelopment #organisationalculture

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A very useful set of thought-starters for those leading a transformation journey in their organisations. Rishad Tobaccowala always enhances your perspective or gives you lenses for a new one! #leadership #transformation  https://lnkd.in/gPZR7pWV

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Thank you Elaine Lin Hering for sharing about your research and book at the Leadership Talk series. Key takeaways for leaders in building a culture of constructive voice behaviours: 1. To notice and observe what role does "silence" play on your teams? 2. Use a range of directness to avoid missing a mitigated speech 3. What changes in meeting design process can we make to unlock high performance? 4. Encourage constructive challenge safely by utilising better questions (this avoids the strain on relationships) If your team is seen, known, heard, supported- they are likely to show up to their full potential! #speakup #voiceofemployee #employeeengagement #teamperformance #behavioralrisk #unlearningsilence #riskmanagement #highperformance

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Listen to Jiak See Ng, Deloitte's Asia Pacific Strategy, Risk, and Transactions Leader, for insight on how geopolitical tensions, shareholder activism and pursuit of growth drives APAC companies to rebalance their business portfolios..

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The future of work is being shaped by AI. Don't get left behind. Join our exclusive thought leadership series, Transforming the world of work: AI and the people agenda to explore: • The impact of AI on skills and capability • Workforce change strategies • Leadership in the age of AI • Conditions for successful transformation Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gss_qfds #AI #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork

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Organizations across Asia Pacific are intensifying their scrutiny of portfolio holdings to rebalance for growth and resilience, and divesting assets that no longer fit. There is growing pressure to rebalance portfolios. Check out our latest report on how companies seeking to build resilience and achieve transformative growth must take a more active approach to portfolio management.

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We know the significant impact that Team Norms have on performance, especially for senior leadership teams. Yet, many still treat this as a ‘tick the box’ exercise, done at an offsite and then forgotten. In reality, well-defined norms—shared expectations for how we interact, make decisions, and solve problems—are essential. They foster open communication, constructive feedback, and psychological safety, empowering teams to address issues directly rather than through unproductive back-channel conversations. Teams that establish and uphold these norms build trust, resolve conflicts, and align their actions with shared goals. Let’s stop treating this as a formality and start using it as a tool for team success. #TeamPerformance #Leadership #TeamNorms #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #6TeamConditions

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💡 70% 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠. Let that sink in. It’s not just about adopting the latest tech or AI or whatever. It’s about connecting with the people who make that tech work. In a recent chat on the Career Shifts Podcast with D N Prasad, we explored this deeper truth. He shared insights from a keynote he delivered at a mental health festival in Singapore—insights that every leader today should consider. Leaders face a 𝐭𝐰𝐨-𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐝 challenge: 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 and 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. DN highlighted that to succeed; leaders must wear 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬 to build not only a tech-savvy organization but also a healthy and thriving one. Here’s what he said: 🎩 1. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐭 Your actions set the tone. If you’re balancing well-being and performance, your team will follow. Ask yourself: 👉🏻Am I openly demonstrating the importance of balance? 👉🏻Do my actions reflect the culture I want to create? 🎩 2. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 & 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐭 Decisions shape futures. Ensure your strategies prioritize both business goals and your people’s well-being. 👉🏻How do my decisions impact my team’s mental health? 👉🏻Am I balancing innovation with empathy? 🎩 3. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐭 Culture is your foundation. It’s your responsibility to create a space where people feel valued, safe, and heard. 👉🏻Am I fostering open dialogue and mental health conversations? 👉🏻Is psychological safety a priority in my team? In the rush to embrace technology, let’s not forget that 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Lead with empathy, act with intention, and success will follow. Let’s create organizations where people feel part of the journey. 🤝 What do you think? How are you wearing your three hats? 🎩 #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #PeopleFirst #MentalHealthMatters #EmpathyInLeadership #CultureMatters #AI #FutureOfWork

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Despite the potential for technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency and productivity, Mercer’s latest Global Talent Trends survey found that 62% of Asia’s executives and HR say they adopt new technology without transforming how they work. What can organisations do to unlock organisational agility and boost workforce productivity? Read our latest article on this topic. #skillspoweredorganisations #skillstransformation #jobredesign #futureofwork #HR #peoplerisk #talentmanagement

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Had a detailed conversation with our fellow consulting leaders last Friday on this specific issue around mental health. Unfortunately, we are seeing more cases these days. Recognising employee well-being's pivotal role in the workplace is key, and leaders are essential in crafting effective initiatives. These 17 tried-and-true mental health and wellness programs showcase the variety of offerings that can meet the needs of a diverse workplace. The success stories highlight significant, positive impacts and reaffirm the power of genuine well-being initiatives. It's our responsibility to be informed and proactive about fostering a supportive working environment! https://lnkd.in/gnxAbZBv #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #EmployeeWellbeing

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It has been a journey learning how we human beings have different levels of capabilities and capacities of caring, giving, understanding and communicating. I have defined wisdom and maturity many times in my classes when we are discussing information systems. It still challenges me to see how I, as an organism, can be so complex let alone others around me… and then the further complex systems, organisations and institutions that we mastered to create. Ah! Somewhere we all do need a break to break away into a singular component that is neither dependent or interdependent to exist. The questions are, are we ready to give a thought to creating spaces, are we as a society will let it or we’ll always be disrupting in the illusion of control that we desperately desire?

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In a rapidly evolving landscape where companies face geopolitical volatility, technological advancements, and ever-rising workforce expectations, CEOs are called to navigate transformation with boldness and clarity. Last week, at BCG’s Transformation CEO Forum in Singapore, we brought together 12 CEOs to explore what it takes. I had the privilege of co-hosting the discussion alongside my colleagues Alpesh Shah and Rahul Aggarwal, with topic experts Rajesh Gopinathan, Peter Mumford, Dr Marcus T Richards, Peter Cho and Aparna Kapoor sharing their perspectives. The discussions ranged from crafting a blueprint for transformation that ensures value delivery while reshaping mindsets and behaviors, to building high-performing leadership teams that champion the CEO's vision. We also explored the power of Board-CEO partnerships in driving successful transformations and discussed how to leverage (Gen)AI to scale impact. The biggest takeaway - while transformation begins at the top, its success depends on alignment deep in the organization. CEOs must be relentless in their communication with purposeful, effective storytelling. ‘At the point where you get tired having told your story 105 times, you can start to believe that 10% of the organization has gotten it’, is how one of the CEOs in our group framed their experience. We left the forum inspired, re-energized, and equipped with fresh perspectives on how to build resilient, future-ready organizations. #Leadership #Teamwork #CEOForum #Innovation #Resilience #Transformation #CEOAdvisory

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