Victor shares how he grew as a leader in the workplace and at home through the LEAD programme.

Victor Chan, 36, Head of Corporate Banking, OCBC Wing Hang Macau is responsible for providing banking services to corporate customers in lending and non-lending areas, including loan and transaction banking products. He has been with the Bank for 12 years.

Progressing in the Bank

Over the last dozen years, I have had a great ride at OCBC Bank. I started my career at the Bank as a relationship manager. I was soon leading a small team. When my department head retired in 2020, I was appointed the acting department head. In April 2021, I was formally promoted to be the department head.

Victor and his team at OCBC Wing Hang Macau.

Getting prepared to lead

I learned a lot from my supervisors over the years, especially in corporate lending. However, when I was promoted, I hungered to learn even more and specifically, in sharpening my leadership abilities. When I was given the opportunity to take part in the LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development) programme, I recognised that it would be a great platform for me to garner the skills necessary to succeed in my new role as department head.

The three-month LEAD programme was designed to build key leadership competencies through modules such as Leading Courageously, Adaptability, Building Talents, Fostering Talents and Strategic Thinking.

It felt like the LEAD programme was tailor-made to help me transition into my new role. It was a comprehensive summary of my last 10 years of experience and, at the same time, it opened a new chapter of learning where I had to think and act as a leader. Not pretend to be a leader—but to be prepared to be one.

Cross divisional learning

The great thing about the programme is that it takes in leaders from across all OCBC entities. This meant I could learn from the experiences of leaders in other fields. Together with fellow participants, we conceptualised, planned and implemented project assignments. This made for a much richer experience rather than being in a cohort of students from the same discipline. I enjoyed connecting with and learning from colleagues across different countries, something much valued through the pandemic.

Passing it on

During the LEAD programme, I uncovered my greatest talents and strengths through the CliftonStrengths assessment tool which led me to apply strength-based management practices. I developed strategic thinking skills through the Impact Initiative project.

I intend to use the CliftonStrengths assessment tool with my colleagues to identify their greatest talents. We will use the findings for their career planning and to improve work effectiveness. Ultimately, it is to build each of their futures as an employee and as a person.

Victor Chan and family

For me, leadership is a joyful journey of self-improvement. We must want to grow and thus the journey must be joyful. Leadership is not a position. Leadership entails learning throughout our lives. Some things I had learned during the LEAD programme were so useful that I shared them with my wife for her personal growth. Someday, I hope to share the lessons with my son. In the meantime, we will continue with our favourite hobby—building Lego structures as we build our future together. I hope to lead my family well.