Jerry McLean

Summary

I didn't plan on spending 20 yrs in Asia and then 6yrs in Europe, I was supposed to be that classic 3rd culture kid who'd found his life and soul in Africa. I was working for McDonalds South Africa at store #1, helping new management recruits be McDonaldized (they provided the best customer, business and team management grounding you could ever get). But then I got a call from an old friend asking me to work in fast paced dynamic HK, which was hard to resist. This move changed everything. Almost 30 yrs later I've had the privilege to work with some of the smartest most driven people, whilst travelling across almost every market within Asia. As a regional leader I have dealt with crises, economic slowdowns/upturns , mergers, turnarounds, board liaison and more. I wasn't permanently in HK either, there was major travel to Beijing and Shanghai. I was in China more than in Hong Kong for a year. Also spent a great deal of time doing new market entry and government affairs work in the Middle East, South Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore), not to mention time in Japan & Australia too. My skills were developed by leading large 60+ person teams in large MNCs to 18-person teams in mid-sized firms. I've been mentored as an equal opportunity leader, a firm believer in merit, effort & ability to work within a team. This in my mind counts more than just being the star quarterback hogging the limelight. Today: I'm here in Europe helping multi-national executives at C level and divisional level become strong, resilient and empathic leaders. I'm a consultant, a coach and a mentor. I am proud to say I am also a serial entrepreneur with a successful exit of an award winning Boutique Hotel-Three Pheasants Gotland. We built it from nothing into a leading edge sustainability focused hospitality destination that has also pushed the boundaries on "True" sustainability as a business both in terms of food and more. Here's a little more about me: --Innovative and accomplished entrepreneur and executive director, worked in strategic planning, business development, gov't lobbying and leadership. --I’ve advised, managed, trained, mentored and now coach internationally a large number of people over the last 30 years from junior through to senior leaders. --History of orchestrating successful marketing and new geography initiatives designed to increase revenue. Strong background in driving teams, growth and change. --Strategic thinker with a unique understanding of consumer trends & sustainability issues, using technology and planet aware sourcing.