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#111 - PART 1: Wisdom from the Leader’s Soul: Lessons on Purpose, Presence, and People with Dr. James Shin

In this conversation, Dr. James Shin author of ...The Leader’s Soul ... shares how integrity and compassion form the bedrock of sustainable leadership. We explore his journey from South Korea to Penn State and into 25+ years of global manufacturing leadership, why long-term thinking beats short-term wins, and how simple human practices (walking the floor, listening, closing the loop) transform culture and results. He also unpacks wisdom from The Little Prince and Hope for the Flowers, the difference between climbing and becoming, and what work–life balance really looks like when you’re leading people.

Guest

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What We Cover

  • Integrity + compassion as the “soul” of leadership and why strategy fails without them

  • Long-term culture vs. short-term targets: how to avoid “chasing numbers”

  • Practical trust-building: be visible, listen, and always close the loop

  • Authenticity = consistency between words and actions

  • The “ladder-climbing” trap (Hope for the Flowers) and redefining success on your terms

  • Rediscovering wonder (The Little Prince) and keeping a cadence of reflection

  • Prioritization in a noisy world: Eisenhower Matrix, boundaries, and continuous improvement

  • Entrepreneurship lessons from launching Blue Koi and learning the sales side

Quick Takeaways

  • People first, always. Put “P-Q-V-C” in that order: People, Quality, Velocity, Cost.

  • Celebrate, then center the ideal. Milestones matter, but meaning sustains momentum.

  • Visibility builds trust. Walk the floor; solve real problems; report back—even when the answer is “not yet.”

  • Balance is dynamic. Health, family, and work shift by season; design habits and schedules that flex.

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