Tony Fernandes CEO Blog

The Entrepreneur

Dec 31, 2010

Categories: Employees

Once in a while some asks me: what do you consider the best thing you have accomplished in your life?

It's a question that always makes me reflect. And it happened again recently at Epsom College during a lecture.

I believe that probably the most satisfying moments for me have been the development of people. Seeing a boy who carried bags for us at AirAsia and is now a pilot, or a call centre agent who is now a head of operations gives me immense pleasure.

But in all this Lotus mess, one of the highlights of has been the development of Riad Asmat, our CEO at Team Lotus.

I met Riad when I went to meet the CEO of Proton, Syed. Riad made such an impact on me that within five minutes, I said to him: why are you wasting your time here, come work for us.

He was then special assistant to the CEO. But in my mind, I figured Riad was way smarter. No ego. No hangups. Decisive. And a young man who believed in doing real work rather than what others thought about him. Made rational decisions and had a great persona about him. Very honest and smart but terribly under utilized at Proton.

Riad was the raw diamond that I love polishing into a sparking gem.

In the last year, he has proved himself many times over. He has shown that he can go from being just a glorified secretary to sitting in the same room as the bosses of Ferrari, McClaren, Red Bull and Williams. Not just holding his own in such company, but contributing to the discussions and resolution of issues. This coming year, I expect him to really come into his own and dazzle all as he moves from Malaysia to Lotus headquarters in Norfolk, England.

It's a lesson to all: There's tremendous talent in all your organizations. Identify it. Provide the opportunities. Use it. And watch them take flight.

Riad, well done. I'm proud of you.

Tags: 1malaysia, f1, lotus, riad asmat

11 comments »

11 comments

braveheart from New Zealand wroteon Jan 02, 2011 at 15:56

Throughout history, only the truely great leaders recognise that strength of any organisation (be it a company, military, race etc) lies in the development of its greatest asset - its people. Too many past and present look at the material aspects of their surroundings (be it $$ in the bank, portfolios they can build..) and measure their success by what they have. I suspect that who look at WHO you have around you, put your energy in that area, and success flows out from there. A simple philosophy Tony, but one which the world can see, has bourne much fruit.... and will do for years to come. A Kilted Kiwi Follower... Regards Gavin

afmanaug from Philippines wroteon Jan 03, 2011 at 09:46

I don't know you, I only learned about you when I chanced to read an item about formula 1 in Malaysia. My son happened to be so passionate about the sport and have always been a dreamer since 2. Then I heard of you again recently relative to AirAsia's coming over to my country, the Philippines. If only for this blog that I must say you are the kind of boss every employee would dream of. I have been an Executive Assistant for a long time before I practiced my profession as Accountant. I happened to work with dynamic bosses with typical aristocratic, demanding pinoy/chinese style of management. Only once did a boss write a note for me attached to an urgent dox he forgot to sign before leaving for US and it says "good job keep it up". I'm still keeping it years after I left his company. If only Filipino-Chinese bosses think like you.... wishful thinking or am I just unlucky??

sedwildflower from Malaysia wroteon Jan 03, 2011 at 23:01

Cheers to you that you take the time to acknowledge the achievements, work and efforts of others. It sets a precedent for all to follow and for each one to fully exploit their dreams and visions, thus explosive growth in the business. It's always about PEOPLE :)

vvarthana from Bahrain wroteon Jan 03, 2011 at 23:30

Thats a brilliant piece Tony.Just felt motivated.One of my resolutions this year is to start something on my own.Even if its small.Just want to realise my dream.Your note here just made me think anything is possible.Drea big!..is my motto this year.Cheers!

abbyliu from Japan wroteon Jan 04, 2011 at 14:54

great boss, ideal leader.

iawani from Malaysia wroteon Jan 04, 2011 at 18:55

I was highly inspired by this post. Team Lotus and Air Asia has been my personal inspiration. I'm a Malay blogger, my dream is, to become part of Team Lotus, someday!.

kevindass from Malaysia wroteon Jan 05, 2011 at 13:57

Chief, this is to publicly declare that you are not alone in the lotus name rights issues that has become such a highlight in the formula one circus lately. we know how struggle and hard for you to actually made it happen at the track and how much global attraction you invited to see the name again in the fast track after many years of absence. To come from nowhere and buying out the whole credits is such a shame and im not sure if they even realize it. but knowing how f1 circus work, this is how things done. But you are been an inspirational figure that one-man standing while the others are making such attacks etc. just to share the article here.. goo.gl/oKEKk understand that changing the name now would cost the prize money, but i really hope that you would take-over the team like Sir Frank Williams and re-brand the team - while Red Bull - Gives You Wings, Air Asia F1 Racing Team, TONY - MAKES YOU FLY! ( i tried to send this message various ways before i found this portal of yours to give it directly here. ) hope to see Team Lotus to whack the Groupies come season 2011! May-The-Force be with you.

lynnzarina from Malaysia wroteon Jan 10, 2011 at 17:58

Sometime i wonder if wonders can actually happend to me. im so proud of you that successfully tap the gift of our young racer, but i think it is imposibble to tap the gift of the older "racer wanna be" kind of person like me. or shall i say i like to be the olderst woman racer in the world. As my passion to race is burning unstoppable i think it is too much to ask for as i ride into the paddock on open track day. it hurts but i dont know my limit. I also spent sometime at Bologna and Modena to feel close to the origine of my most dreamed and favorite RSV last year. Infact my first experience riding superbike was at Modena on RSV Mille right after i get my full B lisence. Now i wish to visit the birth place of my passion for superbike riding and spend sometime with our young talented racer in Bologna. BE ABLE TO RIDE/RACE IN ALL TRACK CIRCUITS IN THE WORLD IS MY ULTIMATE DREAM. ok so u can say that it is imposibble but i think i can achieve it, i just knew that i could (if i still alive by then) but dont ask me how....cuz i dont know either.

aaronteng from Malaysia wroteon Jan 18, 2011 at 21:09

After reading this post, I'm truly harm warmed by your modesty and being a believer of believing your employees. It is like Arsene Wenger having immense faith to his Arsenal squad, watching his young players grow from raw talents to worldwide superstars, and yes I'm an Arsenal supporter! ;) I'm redirected to this blog from Wikipedia, as I'm looking for information for my leadership essay assignment. Seeing you're proud of your employee, Riad and here I just want to voice out, I'm pretty much sure Malaysia is proud of you Mr Fernandez. Keep the good work up! Aaron Teng

aaronteng from Malaysia wroteon Jan 18, 2011 at 21:09

alfred from Malaysia wroteon Oct 14, 2011 at 14:10

the most impact statement in this post is :"come work for us" instead of work for "me". I believe that reflect very well that you see your business belongs to your team and not just yourselves. would be great to work for you or for you. :)

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Hi guys. Thanks for stopping by. This is where I plan to share my ideas, thoughts and observations on a variety of topics with anyone who cares to listen.

There's just so much to say these days and with new developments in areas of sports such as QPR, Caterham F1 and the ABL as well as new ventures like Tune Talk and more, stay tuned. Cheers!

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Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the views and opinions of Tony Fernandes, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AirAsia and Tune Groups of Companies.

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and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AirAsia and Tune Groups of Companies.

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