KUCHING: In a recent episode of the podcast series “The Game of Impossible”, Leon Jala delves into a deep discussion with his father, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, about the latter’s extensive experience in the corporate realm, focusing on leadership, people management, and corporate strategy.
Idris, 65, who is currently taking a one-year sabbatical, shared his insights into tackling formidable challenges in the corporate world. He outlined his three core strategies: setting seemingly unattainable goals, innovating to find new solutions, and facilitating transformation within organisations.
“Pursuing the ‘game of impossible’ makes you the best version of yourself,” said Idris.
Throughout the conversation, Idris emphasised the importance of unconventional methods to extract the best performance from teams, referring to these challenges as ‘the game of impossible.’
One notable experience shared by Idris involved his interaction with Singapore’s former Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. He discussed how Lee’s visionary leadership transformed Singapore into a key oil trading hub within ASEAN, boasting significant trade through its ports and establishing Changi Airport as a major air hub.
Idris also recounted his tenure as CEO of Shell Middle Distillates (SMDS) Bintulu. Despite the company’s decade-long streak of losses, Idris motivated his team to aim for profitability within a year — a goal which, at first, seemed unattainable to his colleagues. Through innovative strategies and a departure from conventional methods, the company not only achieved profitability within the year but also went on to record profits in the following years.
On the importance of preparation, Idris highlighted that thorough planning and early arrival to meetings are crucial for success.
“Preparation is key. By preparing well in advance, you can ensure a calm and collected response when the time comes,” he added.
For those inspired to undertake their own ‘game of impossible,’ Idris offered five practical tips: envision the future to manage the present, overcome the fear of failure, continuously push beyond current targets, challenge existing assumptions and thought patterns, and harness the collective strength of your team to achieve common goals.
Idris Jala is a former minister and chairman of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU), as well as co-chairman of Sunway Group and former chairman of Heineken Malaysia, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion.
Meanwhile his son, Leon, a pastor at HTBB Church, serves as the director of content and co-head of creatives, and is a board member of PEMANDU Associates.
