Leading With A Purpose

As we face new and diverse challenges more frequently and intensely, the need for leadership with a social and moral dimension rises

- Victor Chen

In 1992, Mr. Yoshito Hori decided to set up a school in a rented classroom in Tokyo. His motive was clear: Nurture leaders with a purpose to achieve personal and business success, an objective that supports his personal belief that good leaders lead with a purpose. The enterprise, which initially cost him US$8,000, saw the first batch of 20 students enrolling into the program.

Today, the school that grew into Globis University is one of Japan’s top institutions for high learning, offering business education and leadership programs that are delivered through top educators.

“(Globis) intends to produce entrepreneurial leaders who are driven by a personal mission and embody boldness to drive change,” Mr. Hori says. “It is fully committed to supporting the future growth of companies in Singapore and throughout Asia, and preparaing entrepreneurial minds to tackle new challenges.” Mr. Hori is directing the growth of Globis University in Asia in response to the growing need to develop local leaders in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, Globis University conducts the Globis Intensive Program on Critical Thinking & Leadership, and on Essentials of Strategy, Marketing & Accounting.

Besides being president of Globis University, Mr. Hori is also a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and business leader. He is managing partner, CEO and Chairman of Globis Capital Partners, which manages funds of over 16 billion yen.

Mr. Hori is a member of the Global Agenda Council on New Models of Leadership of the World Economic Forum, and serves as co-chair of its Global Growth Companies. He is also a Member of the World Economic Forum’s New Asian Leaders Executive Committee, and has initiated the G1 Summit, Japan’s version of Davos, of which he is a regular attendee and speaker.

Portfolio: What does “nurturing leaders with purpose” mean to Globis?