In this episode of the YPO Leader of Leaders podcast, Diana Daniels sits down with Alan Hepburn—CEO advisor, hospitality veteran, and YPO Singapore Integrated member who has spent over three decades shaping leadership across Asia—to explore what it truly means to lead without borders. They discuss why cultural intelligence is becoming the new leadership currency, how global CEOs can intentionally build trust, communication, and teamwork across cultures, and why diversity of thought is the key to innovation and agility in an age of AI. Alan shares grounded insights on adapting across continents, leading with authenticity, and building organizations that thrive beyond limits and beyond borders.
Here are the things that we talked about:
Cultural intelligence is the new leadership currency in a borderless world.
Trust, communication, and teamwork are the foundation of any high-performing global culture.
CEOs—not just IT leaders—must take ownership of their organization’s AI strategy.
Diversity of thought, not just demographics, drives innovation and agility.
Effective boards welcome challenge and disagreement to spark better decisions.
Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths that build trust and connection.
Leaders must create intentional spaces for dialogue across levels and regions.
In a fast-changing world, agility and curiosity—not fixed five-year plans—define success.
Learn more about Alan Hepburn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-hepburn-8a552a3
Learn more about Diana Daniels:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianadaniels/Website: https://cronosgroup.net/