Why Asia is Where Its At!

I forget how to capitalize a title...

Anyways. I have had some deep thoughts lately about asia and why its a great place for me to be given my new drive to go into management. Simply put.. I look around, I see very few people who can communicate well, build relationships, and run a team effectively.

There are two types of managers I've had. 1 is a good communicator/manager who happens to be in the industry or entered the industry late (kinda like me). Lack of domain expertise in banking is holding them back. The other (more common type) is someone who has been around for a while and knows the systems and business and has slowly but surely graduated to the top due to many factors (attrition, length of stay, acquired knowledge, etc). The latter is not a good manager and often not even a good people person, communicator, mentor, nor leader.

Asia has a significant dearth of leadership in general. It makes it clear to me why my future in Asia is very bright simply because I have the significant edge in ability to communicate in this still white-man's world (at a US bank). Why? Its simple.. I look around.. about 1/2 immediately are disqualified because they can't talk, dress, walk, etc... speech problems, no charisma.. etc etc. The drive and dedication is often there... but honestly, without too much pride, I say that I lead 98% of these guys around me. Ie, I could be running the show here in 3-5yrs. But don't get me wrong its not just me. You put Kawaker or Wonger in the same position and no doubt in my mind he would be running a group just like me in a few years. Tombo I'm not sure, but yeah why not. Haha

When I was in SF, there were leaders everywhere. Lots of smart, ambitious, well rounded folk all competing like bloodthirsty hounds so much so that I was happy hacking code and not having to deal w/ the bullshit of political BS (bullshit + backstabbing) to reach the top.

Things change.. I need to arrange to meet w/ my old Global Head for coffee or something. Relationships are key.