Lawrence Lee on LinkedIn: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller… (2025)

“Leadership is not about being in charge.Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.”- Simon SinekSome years ago, when I was the global VP HR of a hotel group, based in Switzerland.I was preparing for my first trip to the US in my new role and was very committed to making it a success.Two days before I left for the trip with my boss, I received news that my father has just passed away in the middle of the night.First thing in the morning, I went to see my boss about the news and discuss on the impact on the trip and what needs to be done.Frankly, I was unsure on how to handle the situation as it was a new job role for me with a new boss.He stopped me in mid-sentence, called his secretary to book for me the first flight back to Singapore and he said:“Lawrence, don’t worry about anything, go home, your family needs you.”This was one of my first lessons in leadership: care for those you lead.There are many other valuable lessons I have learnt about leadership during my 30-year corporate career (about half of it as a VP or SVP HR) which I want to share with others.So, while planning and preparing for 2025, I developed a new training program called Empowered Leadership which Add Courage will roll out next year.I have learnt a lot from a few management gurus who have shared many secrets about leadership like Ken Blanchard, John Maxwell & Simon Sinek.Looking forward to share more in the months ahead!https://addcourage.com/

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“If the mountain seems too big todaythen climb a hill instead”- Laura Ding-EdwardsAs we move through the last quarter of this year, we start to make plans for 2025.What is every year like to me?It is like an adventure that is both fun and challenging.I try not to climb mountains but rather small hills.Each learning event, seminar, workshop and conference is like one of these hills.Most important for me is to enjoy the experience of fulfilling my life’s PURPOSE and see the positive impact being created for the community we are in.It’s truly a blessing to have partners like Dr David Foo and Alan YL Ng who are inspirations to me 😊👍“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into the water, the actions of individuals can have a far-reaching effect.”- Dalai Lama.https://addcourage.com/

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Wow, it was so much fun to return to school!I had such a blast conducting the Power of Purpose workshops for 160 students from my alma mater, Saint Andrew’s School. Up And On!The response from the students was really great and they made my day!Boys, don’t forget:Talent + Passion = PURPOSE !Looking forward to training another 120 students tomorrow 😊✌️https://addcourage.com/

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“What is done in love is done well.”- Vincent Van GoghI had a really interesting and jam-packed Friday last week.In the morning, I went for a walk in Singapore Botanic Gardens with my good friend Yau Boon Lim and we had a great time catching up and discussing possible future collaborations.After breakfast, I made my way to the Antioch Summit where I met up with old and new friends like Daniel Long . It was exciting to hear of innovative initiatives like Agathos.As I reviewed the many social interactions I had, one story remained clearly in my mind.Someone told me of a very successful businessman and philanthropist that he knew.When he asked him about his daily routine, the man told him that he meditates at least two hours a day.When my friend remarked that it must be a challenge to be able to do that on a daily basis, the man answered:“How can it be tough to spend time with the one you love?”Herein lies a secret to achieving one’s life’s PURPOSE.Love your PURPOSE and the One who gave it to you. This is true passion.When we are motivated by love, we achieve success that matters.“If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.”-Marc Anthonyhttps://addcourage.com/

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“A life not lived for others is not a life.”- Mother TeresaIt was a most inspiring and enjoyable evening at the ASEAN China India Youth Leadership Summit 2024 - Networking & Awards Dinner.What an encouragement to meet so many like-minded leaders who are committed and passionate to develop the young talent we have in Asia.It was also heartwarming to see, hear and feel the joyous response of the many youth delegates who have gathered for the summit.Congratulations to Dr TAN Eng Han . & OSG Youth Alliance for the drive and passion to build your vision into a reality.Your professionalism and commitment is an inspiration to me and to many. We truly look forward to future collaborations and opportunities to contribute to your admirable efforts. 😊👍“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”- Mother Teresahttps://addcourage.com/

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I heard this interesting and enlightening story a few days ago.When a famous golfer was asked by a king what he would like to have as an appreciation gift for playing in an invitational tournament, he stumbled for a few seconds and blurted out, “a golf club”.For the next few weeks, he expected to receive a beautifully crafted golf club in his mailbox at home.Finally, a package came but it was a registered mail marked “confidential”.Puzzled, the golfer opened the mail and found a letter from the king for a fully paid lease to a 500-acre golf club as an appreciation gift.It was truly a dream come true as he always wanted to build a golf club!✅ The moral of the story is to have big dreams and not to be limited by our own understanding 😊Add Courage was founded 15 years ago for the PURPOSE of encouraging and inspiring others to achieve their dreams and overcome challenges.As Walt Disney reminded us in this song by Ilene Woods:“A dream is a wish your heart makesWhen you're fast asleepIn dreams you will lose your heartachesWhatever you wish for, you keepHave faith in your dreams and somedayYour rainbow will come smiling throughNo matter how your heart is grievingIf you keep on believingThe dream that you wish will come true”✅ Note to myself: Dream bigger for 2025!

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A big thanks to Dr TAN Eng Han . for welcoming me to the ASEAN China India Youth Leadership Summit 2024 and also to Alan YL Ng .It is very motivating to meet someone who is so passionate and committed to the development of youth talent around Asia.It gives me renewed energy to pursue our PURPOSE to encourage and inspire others to fulfill their dreams and overcome challenges.The professionally-organised event was a great learning experience especially for all the youth delegates!Congratulations to OSG Youth Alliance and we look forward to future possible collaborations 😊🙏

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I spent 12 fantastic years studying in Saint Andrew’s School and Junior College in Singapore!My beloved alma mater has produced its fair share of government leaders and top professionals.So it is my great pleasure and privilege to contribute to the nurturing process for the students.Looking forward to running the Power of Purpose workshops for around 200 students on 7 & 9 October, Up And On!https://addcourage.com/

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“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.”– Barbara De AngelisLast Wednesday morning, I received a phone call which broke my heart.My dear friend Ricky, has just passed away. He fell at home and never recovered.His wife Janice, and him helped me tremendously when I was studying in Bible School.During that period (more than 20 years ago), I had resigned from my job to become a full time student.All I had was a $400 monthly allowance to survive on.It was a tough time as I was a married man (though I did not have children yet) and had to pay for my housing and daily needs.I also had to buy books for my studies.Ricky & Janice brought me to Sydney to the biggest book shop there and paid thousands of dollars for my books.They literally bought a whole personal library of study books for me.These were the days before the internet, online shopping and resources.They also paid for my airfare to Sydney and the serviced apartment we shared.In Singapore we attended Bible School together and they paid for most of my meals.Their kindness helped me greatly during my lean years.Their companionship kept me going everyday.I will never forget their generosity and encouragement during that period.Their example taught me to provide for others who were in need.It was a lesson that was the inspiration for my life’s PURPOSE and for Add Courage: https://addcourage.com/Ricky, I will miss you dearly and look forward to seeing you again in heaven 🙏“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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