Amplifying Hong Kong’s Spirit

“Hi, we’re from HKTV. We’re hosting our biggest-ever Vision Day, and we’re looking for a presentation coach for our senior leadership team. Would you be interested in submitting a proposal?”

I still remember reading this email from our summer home in Luxembourg.

My immediate reaction was a mix of excitement and concern — similar to how Jelly, the CEO (Hong Kong) of HKTV, described their sentiment about future competition. It is a high stake project that excites me yet I know it would require full energy and attention.

I said YES.

From September to November, this project became my top priority – not only because I love what I do, but because as a Hong Konger, I was determined to support a Hong Kong-grown company to thrive.

We often call HKTVmall “the Amazon of Hong Kong,” and I wanted to bring global perspectives to help their senior leaders shine on one of their most important stages.

Before the coaching began, I met each leader individually. Here were the most common concerns:

• “I’ve never presented on a four-sided stage.”

• “I have stage fright.”

• “I don’t know what to do with my hands.”

• “I’m worried about my body language.”

• “I can’t speak to inspire.”

Fast-forward two and a half months.

On the 11th of November, I sat in the front row of the Vision Day stadium, cheering, waving, and feeling deeply moved as each leader stepped onto that four-sided stage… transformed. 

They:

• Became the lighthouse whose energy lifted the entire room

• Let their “why” guide the speech, not the slides

• Owned the stage with confident voices and intentional postures and gestures

• Connected with the audience through sincerity and intention

• Showed fearlessness – even they are still learning to trust themselves

For six leaders who had never done anything close to this, conquering a four-sided stage in front of 2,500 people is an extraordinary example of the Hong Kong spirit.

“How is Hong Kong now?”

I get asked this question all the time by international clients, partners, and friends.

Working with the HKTV team made me reflect deeply – especially against the backdrop of recent, heartbreaking news in our city.

Here is what I’ve observed:

• The past few years have been challenging in every possible way

• We Hong Kongers don’t always know the answers — but we keep trying

• Though many have left, yet many remain deeply rooted in this city

• We are fearless when facing adversity

• We don’t give up — we work harder, aim higher, push further

• We are agile, versatile and innovative; We keep reinventing ourselves until we find the next way forward

To HKTV management team and the six speaking leaders — thank you for trusting me with this meaningful project and showing what Hong Kongers are truly capable of when purpose meets determination.

Whenever you are ready, here are the ways we can support you (or your business) to thrive in your industry:

• Review your customer loyalty strategy

• Design Clienteling Curriculum

• Master The Art and Science of Clienteling

• The Art and Science of Leadership Presentation

• Deliver an Inspiring Keynote

• Support your leadership and communication development