On February 25, 38 CBS alumni and guests came together in Hong Kong to welcome Professor Adam Galinsky for an engaging session based on his new book Inspire, and to reflect on what truly separates inspiring leaders from the rest. Professor Galinsky opened with two crisis captains - one reassured passengers mid-emergency with just 10 words: “We are not going down. We are going to Philly.” The other abandoned ship. Same pressure, very different outcomes.

Drawing on global research, he shared three universal qualities of inspiring leadership:

1) being Visionary (creating clarity and meaning)

2) being an Exemplar (living your values with authenticity and passion)

3) being a Mentor (elevating others rather than exerting force)

His closing reminder was simple but powerful - inspiration isn’t reserved for moments of crisis. It’s built in the small, daily choices we make (how we communicate, how we react, and how we show up for others). Thank you to everyone who joined us - stay tuned for more engaging events in the months ahead!