Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company (USA)

Video link: https://youtu.be/6ry8WCsquUg [4:03 minutes]

In this video, Robert Iger provides tips for self-management as well as for leading others and organizations.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- Which of Iger’s “7 super tips” would you see as the most useful for your own career development?

- Do you agree with Iger that managers should strive for perfectionism?

Article link: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/business/03corner.html

This New York Times interview with Robert Iger includes leadership and self-management lessons.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- What is the role of optimism, pessimism, and realism for becoming an effective manager?

- What can you learn from Iger’s approach to managing his time effectively?

Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Uniqlo (Japan)

Video link: https://youtu.be/o-XEv9Qj9YQ [2:38 minutes]

In this short video, Tadashi Yanai explains key elements of his management and leadership philosophy. In particular, he highlights the importance of making mistakes and learning from failure.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- Why is Yanai fascinated by failure? How are failures related to self-management?

- Do you agree with Yanai that it is a good idea to be “a tough boss”?

Article link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/brands/the-plain-truth-uniqlo-boss-tadashi-yanei-explains-his-plans-for/

This article from the Telegraph provides additional insights into Tadashi Yanai’s entrepreneurial path and business approach.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- From what we can read in the article, which values do you think Yanai holds? How might these values have helped Yanai to build his successful business?

- Can you identify any clues about Yanai’s attitude and approach toward self-development in the text?

Lucy Quist, CEO of Airtel Ghana (Ghana)

Video link 1: https://youtu.be/yWhUx_Ryf8Q [18:21 minutes]

In this video, Airtel Ghana CEO Lucy Quist explains how ambition, determination and perseverance helped her to become a successful top manager of an African telecommunications company.

Video link 2: https://youtu.be/-BiRx_9-k9k [1:15 minutes]

In this video, Lucy Quist shares her five top life lessons (have faith, dare to dream, have fun, work for a greater purpose, and laugh a lot).

Reflection and discussion questions:

- What were the main milestones of Quist’s “journey to success”?

- How can fun and laughter contribute to becoming an effective manager?

- Referring to the interview with Quist in Video link 1, what role do challenges play in self-development?

Article link: https://sheleadsafrica.org/lucy-quist-ceo-at-airtel-ghana-it-is-important-for-africans-to-have-visibility-in-big-businesses/

In this article, Lucy Quist talks about personal matters and offers career advice.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- What might Quist mean when she gives the advice to “develop a consistent routine”?

- In the interview, Quist says: “make sure that you’re known for some great things.” Which “great things” would you like to be known for?

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX (USA)

Video link: https://youtu.be/khjR5_cSdOs [13:48 minutes]

In this video, Elon Musk, who is the CEO of two major companies (Tesla and SpaceX), talks about how he manages his time and priorities.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- Which of Musk’s ideas about how to manage your time and priorities do you find useful for yourself?

- How can the work environment influence your personal productivity? Which kind of work environment do you need in order to be productive?

Article link: https://qz.com/1000370/the-days-and-nights-of-elon-musk-how-he-spends-his-time-at-work-and-play/

This article summarizes how Elon Musk spends his time.

Reflection and discussion questions:

- What is your opinion on managers who (like Elon Musk) work for 12 hours or more per day?

- What is the role of sleep in keeping your personal energy levels high?