ROSS SWAN

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG)

INTERVIEW WITH: ROSS SWAN (RS)

Ross Swan at the Powerhouse Global Awards Event in London, UK

Ross is the co-founder of Soul-Inspired Leadership Organisation based in Singapore. He is an author, podcaster, international speaker, mentor and coach to top executives in various industries.

PGMAG: We are honoured to have you as our guest today.

RS: Thank you for having me as part of this month's Powerhouse Global Magazine. Its special for me because I like what the magazine stands for and the work you are doing on the global stage.

PGMAG: Only a few months ago we were together at Powerhouse Global Leadership Summit in Dubai, UAE. Little did we know that the world of travels will never be the same again. We know that your work requires you to travel to different countries of the world. But due to the pandemic (COVID-19) you have been unable to do so (travel), what are some the steps taken by you in order to stay relevant in the marketplace?

RS: For starters, honing my online meeting skills in using Zoom, Microsoft Teams,

Ross Swan and Lady Anita plus guest at the Soul-Inspired Leadership Conference in Singapore

I am now fulfilling my client obligations remotely but with the travel time saved, I now have more time to connect with my creative side, which is fun to do. And of course, staying connected with people through my podcasts and social media such as twitter.

WebEx, to name a few. I am now fulfilling my client obligations remotely but with the travel time saved, I now have more time to connect with my creative side, which is fun to do. And of course, staying connected with people through my podcasts and social media such as twitter.

PGMAG: What are the three lessons you have learned from the current global challenge?

RS: Firstly, the world is more connected than ever before. Secondly, I see people valuing people more, including business. With basic social connections taken away, it has enabled people to reflect and see how much they value others. Thirdly, the creativity that people have displayed, My hope is that they continue that creative journey and not sit back and let others do it for them.

PGMAG: What are some of the measures needed to aid economic recovery?

RS: I think most Governments have done the best they can in helping people and businesses survive. What they can do to

Ross Swan with his Partner (Noako Ito) at Powerhouse Global Awards event in London, UK continual change. We shouldn't

stimulate the global economy - time will tell. It's all new ground for them.

The most important factor I believe, will be people's mindset. The more people that have a positive outlook, the more the economy with be stimulated. Its not just up to business or governments, its up

PGMAG: What makes a leader a change agent?

RS: Having an open mind to allow in new data. Having a growth mindset and knowing that very little is static anymore should underpins a person being proactive towards

to individuals to get it moving. change for change sake, but change because of the impact the change will have.

PGMAG: What are the top three books that changed your life?

RS: Upon reflection, I can't seem to name any. This is because my life learning has been a gradual process. My learning has come from many books, articles, human interactions and the lists goes

The most important factor I believe, will be people's mindset. The more people that have a positive outlook, the more the economy with be stimulated. Its not just up to business or governments, its up to individuals to get it moving.

on. Maybe that is where my “one peanut at a time” asked in a later question comes from. In saying that, books such as “I am “ and “Notes to a Younger Me” authored by Gary Hensel and of course the books you have compiled such as “Tough Road Creates tough People” all adds value and help people on their personal journey.

PGMAG: August is your birth month and as one of Powerhouse Global Ambassadors, we wish you every good thing life has to offer. You have actively played and continued to play the role of a teacher, mentor and coach to me, and you have helped steer our organisation in the right direction. Thank you for being a true servant leader and happy birthday to you.

RS: Thank you Lady Anita. I have certainly had a few birthday months now. It’s a good month for me as my three children are all born in August as well.

It is rewarding to coach and mentor such a willing student like yourself. I mentioned before about the value of a growth mindset and you certainly have that in spades. PGMAG: What is your message for aspiring leaders?

RS: See the value in yourself, while at the same time, know you can always get better. Be open to receiving and giving constructive feedback, learn it as a critical skill. Stay true to your inner self, that is, don't live your life based on the opinions of others, live it based on what is within you.

PGMAG: "One peanut at a time'' says you. What is the best way to deal with overwhelming situations?

RS: If a situation overwhelms you, then break it down and go through it one step at a time. Smaller bite size steps are far more easily to manage than jumping the grand canyon. And generally, in life, one peanut at a time simply means don't take things on all at once, break it down and savour the journey, it is meant to be enjoyed.

PGMAG: What would you say to your younger self?

RS: Ah, this question has shades of my good friend Gary Hensel. No different to what I said earlier in my message to aspiring leaders. I will repeat it as it's so important.

See the value in yourself, while at the same time, know you can always get better. Be open to receiving and giving constructive feedback, learn it as a critical skill.

“See the value in yourself, while at the same time, know you can always get better. Be open to receiving and giving constructive feedback, learn it as a critical skill. Stay true to your inner self, that is, don't live your life based on the opinions of others, live it based on what is within you”.

My younger self didn't really understand and appreciate that as much as my older self does.

PGMAG: It's always a joy to listen to you - thank you for your time. Please share your links with our readers.

RS:

Podcasts: https://soul-inspiredleadership.com/episodes/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RossSwan2 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin. com/in/rossswan1/