“From a business leader’s perspective, I believe that success isn’t just about survival or pursuing profit. More importantly, it’s about empowering and giving back to society through the positive influence of both the business and the individual. Every enterprise has its unique strengths, and each entrepreneur specializes in their own field. If you can make society better because of your efforts, then you are a true leader.”

Inspired by His Mother’s Path of Philanthropy

Leo Wang’s philosophy of leadership was first inspired by one of the closest figures in his life — his mother.

“My mother transitioned from being a high-ranking executive to dedicating herself to charity work overnight. Throughout my upbringing, I witnessed numerous people seeking her help to overcome life’s challenges, finding new goals and purposes in their lives because of her guidance,” Wang recalled, noting that his mother had once been a top-performing sales executive in the life insurance industry. “However, at the peak of her career, she seemed to be called to a deeper mission. She decided to leave her flourishing career behind and turn toward public service, influencing more people to engage in charitable activities.”

Wang described his mother’s influence as profound and far-reaching: “The spirit of devotion my mother demonstrated is like something ingrained in my DNA from a young age. I came to understand that a true business leader not only achieves professional success but also carries a mission to make the world a better place. Simply put, it’s about social responsibility.”

Wang’s mother, who had achieved significant success in her career, also chose to support others in need, including providing scholarships for underprivileged students in various schools, giving them a chance to change their lives.

“In my heart, my mother gave everything she could — her time, energy, and financial support — to those in need. She transformed compassion and devotion into concrete actions, offering real opportunities for those who truly needed a chance to make a significant difference in their lives.”

Wang emphasized that his mother’s hands-on and down-to-earth approach in management extended to her charitable efforts as well. Beyond establishing scholarships, she also donated several ambulances to fire stations to support emergency rescue operations. “There are so many people in this world who need help. As long as you have the heart, you can create meaning not only in your life but also in others’. Inspired by my mother, Leo International also supports the CCSA (Chinese Childrenhome & Shelter Association). I hope more businesses will join us in these efforts.”

Leo International Group Establishes Healthcare Initiatives Focused on Human Well-being

Recognizing the rising demand for health and wellness, in 2024, Leo Wang selected six major cities in Taiwan—Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung City—as the locations for strategic partnerships with renowned medical groups and leading medical experts. They are establishing “Regenerative Medicine Centers,” “International Anti-Aging Centers,” and “Health Insurance & Aesthetic Composite Clinics.” These six major centers, along with 32 smaller clinics, will gradually open to provide clients with health insurance and premium anti-aging services. The group aims to accelerate its integration and acquisition of top ten partner brands across major industries, with plans to list on the NASDAQ within the next 30 months.

In response to the growing interest in anti-aging and water sports, Leo International signed an agreement in May 2024 with Malaysia’s largest logistics and real estate development group, Southeast Transport Group, to jointly develop two private yacht marinas in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The project includes a 20-story luxury yacht club and a five-star hotel complex. This investment expands their footprint in Singapore and Southeast Asia’s health and marine sports markets.

Additionally, Leo International’s Shanghai headquarters was established at the Shanghai International Financial Center (Shanghai IFC) in the third quarter of 2024. Plans are underway to introduce international high-end wellness services in early 2025, incorporating advanced medical technologies and healthcare systems from renowned international medical centers. The group will combine these services with its portfolio of 1,100 international luxury products, 100 brands, and services spanning 10 sectors: premium anti-aging, leisure and entertainment, asset management, resort dining, yachting and equestrian services, private aviation, and fine arts. This aligns with their vision of promoting “Healthy Living, Exciting Lives.”

Drawing Inspiration from Peter Drucker’s Business Model

Another influential figure in Leo Wang’s approach to leadership is Peter Drucker, the father of modern management. Wang feels a deep connection to Drucker’s wisdom:

“Learning from the past to guide the future, there have been countless iconic entrepreneurs in history. Peter Drucker’s vision transcends time, and I greatly admire his expansive perspective, particularly his ‘people-centered’ philosophy in business, which embodies the kind of leadership I aspire to.”

Drucker’s management principles have significantly influenced Wang, reflected in his keen strategy of integrating international resources. Since founding his business in 2016, Wang has gradually built the “Asian Elite” alliance with an international outlook, positioning Leo International as a leading agent for luxury services in Asia. This includes representing eight yacht brands, three equestrian clubs, six art expos, ten supercar brands, 250 golf courses, 4,600 private jets across 300 cities, and access to 5,000 luxury hotels offering exclusive membership benefits.

“I am deeply invested in the health and wellness industry. By continually investing in and acquiring outstanding companies, I aim to empower these businesses with more resources, creating higher value and ultimately achieving a vision of health for all.”

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The post Leo International Group Chairman Leo Wang: The Way of a Leader — Pursuing Business Profit While Also Changing the World! first appeared on The Icons.

Leo International Group Chairman and Founder Leo Wang, who has had a passion for studying history since his youth, discovered in the process of exploring the management of century-old brands from both China and abroad that the key to a century-old enterprise’s enduring success lies not only in the constant innovation of the business model to meet the needs of customers across different eras but more importantly, in the mission and vision of the company’s leaders. In the transmission through the sands of time, facing the process of iterative transformation, it is crucial to continue contributing value to the world and creating more virtuous cycles.

“Learning from the example of my family’s elders, from social charity and public welfare, all the way to my role as a general manager in century-old foreign companies in Europe and America, we are now joining hands with hundreds of listed international groups to create a new pattern of global luxury services. The core concept in my heart is ‘altruism’, where ‘others’ does not refer to a single person but to the world,” he shared.

Leo Wang, who single-handedly built the Leo International Group, has, in just over five years since its inception in 2016, risen to become Asia’s largest top-tier brand agency distribution group. He joyfully shares that the reason for achieving such impressive global development in such a short time is because he has engraved the ‘altruistic’ spirit of a century-old business into the DNA of Leo International Group, forging a ‘win-win’ situation in collaboration with hundreds of partner brands.

“If you gently uncover the thoughts of the founders of these century-old classic brands, you will definitely see two sides: one is the continuous improvement in their pursuit of business and aspirations; the other, inevitably, is the dedication to the world, and even to the era.” Leo Wang emotionally stated, “A century-old inheritance’s core soul must be empathy with the world.”

From Century-old Family Enterprises to Century-old Foreign companies, Embarking Again on Leo International’s Centennial Journey

Before setting sail with Leo International Group, Leo Wang ascended to the position of General Manager of a European global luxury group at an unusually rapid pace within nine years, taking charge of key markets in Asia-Pacific regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau before the age of 40. It’s well-known that coming from what seems like a picturesque historical backdrop, century-old European luxury brands, with their unique fashion craftsmanship and patented cutting techniques, have transformed quartz minerals into crystal products that embody romance, fashion, classic, and practicality, establishing the world’s most representative crystal kingdom. What Leo Wang often shares is the brand spirit behind this European luxury crystal kingdom, which has given him deep insights:

“The process of making crystal involves the use of 90% water, hence, the founders of European luxury brands have a special affection for water.” Leo Wang shared that in 1907, the first large hydroelectric power station was established, providing clean energy for cutting machines and lighting energy for nearby mountain areas. Subsequently, several hydroelectric power stations were established in various locations, all recognized as eco-friendly energy plants by European authorities. Additionally, the first cooling tower used to cool air compressors in European luxury started operating in 1970, saving about 90% of water for the cooling process.

“What moves me even more is that European luxury brands have successively opened water resource schools in many countries, including Austria, India, China, and Brazil, providing locals with access to clean water and introducing educational programs to teach people of different ages about the importance of water scarcity. Notice this? While taking care of the Earth, they elevate such kindness to the level of education, thus potentially maximizing the cycle of goodness.”

Having also served as the General Manager of a century-old listed American brand, managing numerous markets in the Asia-Pacific region, Leo Wang is deeply touched by the spirit of these enterprise founders. Over the centuries, these companies have always taken care of banana farmers and other partners in their supply chain, even when they could not guarantee their own profitability, and have continuously strived to develop more sustainable products. 

“They keep communicating with their supply chain, and even in their interactions with banana farmers worldwide, they always maintain an educational perspective. At that time, there wasn’t a clear concept like the United Nations’ SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), but these entrepreneurs, with the world in their hearts, knew that while their businesses prospered, they also had to contribute to maintaining a better world.”

Leo Wang says that this spirit is also at the core of Leo International Group. His international team is making utmost efforts to integrate influential companies and leadership partners from various countries. He sincerely calls on top enterprises and outstanding talents to collaborate on cross-industry innovations, engage in philanthropy, participate in global sustainability efforts, and help improve lives worldwide.

Leo Wang: Education is the Source of Everything

Leo Wang’s family conglomerate is swiftly approaching its centenary, and under his stewardship, Leo International Group has also begun to flourish, with footholds across Asia. Like other centenarian enterprise leaders, Leo Wang never forgets his worldly concerns within his business and aspirations, particularly valuing “education”. Hence, Leo International Group has been a long-term sponsor of the Chinese Childrenhome & Shelter Association (CCSA), dedicated to child welfare.

“Orphanages typically care for ‘lost children’ until they turn 15. However, I believe the decade following their departure from the orphanages is just as crucial in shaping their entire lives. In other words, during these critical ten years, the people they meet and the experiences they undergo will undoubtedly affect them for life. I am deeply moved by CCSA’s mission and vision, and thus, I am willing to support the association to the best of my ability, enabling social workers to assist these children during their critical decade.”

Leo Wang notes that CCSA provides not only care, counseling, and financial assistance for living and education but crucially, fosters a positive cycle where numerous self-reliant youths serve as mentors, returning to help their younger counterparts:

“These stable, independent young individuals, who have entered companies like TSMC and Microsoft or have become outstanding leaders in their fields, use their summer vacations to visit various orphanages, foster care institutions, and correctional schools to share their stories. Seeing them narrate how they overcame setbacks, healed from their wounds, and gradually transformed their lives, and how they can turn around to encourage and support their younger brothers and sisters, convinces me that the future of this world lies with these children.”

Leo Wang recalls his desire to help underprivileged children, a sentiment rooted in his upbringing by his mother, “My mother was a nun who had embarked on the path of social welfare long before taking her vows. From a young age, I saw a diverse array of people, young and old, seeking my mother’s assistance with various life issues at our home. Witnessing their struggles and feeling my mother’s love for them, she expected me to ‘take from society and give back to society’, always embedding care for the community into our business.”

Leo Wang hopes his actions to improve the world will inspire more capable and willing individuals to join in giving back to society and supporting the vulnerable. With funding from Leo International Group, CCSA appointed Olympic gold medalist Kuo Hsing-chun as their spokesperson, launching the “Hope Heritage, Walk Across Taiwan” press conference in June last year to call for wider support. In March this year, they plan to hold a consensus camp in central Taiwan, where colleagues and volunteers from various locations will gather to plan further future visions, aiming to elevate children to new heights. Leo Wang can barely contain his excitement:

“We also support the preparation of a special book for the association, looking forward to its presentation to everyone soon. Ultimately, I’m willing to invest significant time and resources in these meaningful activities, both to honor my mother’s beliefs in giving back to society and to encourage more outstanding entrepreneurs to care for the next generation through Leo International.”

Leo Wang often shares with his partners that the United Nations SDGs are a common direction of effort, emphasizing the importance of doing as much as one can, “The UN has 17 SDGs, each of paramount importance, and Leo International Group’s business scope encompasses many aspects of ESG and SDGs. However, personally, I place special emphasis on the ‘education’ sector. Knowledge changes destinies, and this is the power to change the world.”

Heading Towards a NASDAQ Listing: Ultimate Altruism

Reflecting on the scope of services provided by Leo International Group, it’s easy to see Leo Wang’s international perspective and proactive approach in the group’s development. Since its establishment in 2016, the group has gradually built a cross-industry alliance, becoming Asia’s leading luxury service agency group. It represents 170 international luxury brands, 8 yacht brands, 3 equestrian and 10 supercar brands, manages 4,600 private jets across 300 cities worldwide, and offers membership booking privileges at over 5,000 luxury hotels. With top 100 global luxury brand partners, it integrates ten major sectors including “health seminar, asset trends seminar, technology, art, equestrianism, yachting, supercars, private jets, luxury goods, and resort dining”, providing comprehensive top-tier services to Asia’s elite, akin to having a family private butler, and is acclaimed as Asia’s “leading guide to top-tier lifestyle”.

Currently, Leo International Group’s cross-border services are expanding across major Asian cities. With the 2023 Nasdaq IPO guidance initiated, the establishment of US and Hong Kong holding companies includes services in Taiwan’s northern, central, and southern regions, as well as in Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other locations with clubhouses opening in succession. Applying for a Nasdaq listing in 2024, the company will continue its acquisition operations, with new openings in Sanya, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Jakarta, Tokyo, Osaka, Guangzhou, Seoul, and Dubai. Early 2024 will see tours in major Asian cities—Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, etc., in collaboration with private banks, investment banks, and yacht clubs to host VIP events, offering health seminar, asset trends seminar, luxury travel seminar, and numerous luxury private services. After the 2025 listing, there will be further expansion into the Europe and America regions, including London, Paris, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Madrid, Rome, Milan, and Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand more clubhouses in these areas.

Leo Wang states that the group will continue to merge ten major sectors and a total of over 33 industry-crossing brand partners, operating like a “comprehensive top-tier lifestyle service version of Berkshire Hathaway”, rapidly acquiring a variety of enterprises for listing. After listing, the company will continue investing in excellent listed companies and startups with growth potential, becoming a comprehensive holding company. It is expected to list on the main board of the US NASDAQ within 18 to 36 months, achieving the listing plan.

As the business scope rapidly expands, garnering widespread optimism, Leo Wang remains true to his original intention, embracing the “altruism” belief that is indispensable in the annals of century-old enterprises:

“I’ve always held a vision that capable people integrate resources for mutual benefit, making the world a better place. Sun Yat-sen said, ‘Politics is the affair of the people,’ and managing the affairs of the people is politics. I often quote this to share that improving people’s lives is indeed the affair of the people and also the common social responsibility of entrepreneurs.”

Leo Wang says, as Leo International’s scope grows, so does its responsibility:

“But I will definitely persist and continue to invite outstanding leaders from all walks of society to change the world together.”

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The post Leo International Group Chairman and Founder Leo Wang: A Century-Old Business’s DNA Must Be Etched with Empathy for the World first appeared on The Icons.