On November 19, 2024, H.E. Karl Hendrik Margareta Van den Bossche – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Vietnam, and Professor Patrick Faniel – Executive Director of the Management Centre Europe (MCE) and author of the book What Leadership is For: Identifying the Three Drivers for Stand-out Performance, visited FTU to participate in a talk show titled “What Leadership Is For: From Different Perspectives.”

The event provided students and faculty with diverse and profound insights into leadership in the modern world.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of International Affairs; and Ms. Nguyen Huyen Minh – Head of the Department of Media and External Relations.

In her opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, faculty, and students, emphasizing the university’s commitment to inspiring future leaders. She highlighted that leadership is not just about power but about guiding others, making sound decisions, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy encouraged students to learn from the speakers' stories and lessons.

Ambassador Karl Hendrik Margareta Van den Bossche shared insights from over 20 years in diplomacy at international organizations such as the WTO and the United Nations. He stressed that leadership in geopolitics requires adaptability, trust-building, and collaboration rather than coercion. Using examples from key events, such as the WTO Cancun Conference in 2002 and the TRIPS Agreement on healthcare, the Ambassador underscored the importance of unity and creativity in addressing global challenges. He encouraged FTU students to “embrace optimism and innovative yet practical thinking” to prepare for leadership roles in the future.

Professor Patrick Faniel presented the “Enhanced Leadership Model” and shared data from a 2023 Gartner survey, which revealed leadership priorities such as effective leadership and management (60%), organizational design (53%), and employee experience (47%). He emphasized selecting and focusing on three main drivers for optimal performance and shared strategies to navigate challenges such as new technologies, generational shifts, and sustainability demands. Drawing from his book, What Leadership is For, Professor Faniel emphasized the importance of agility and data-driven decision-making for successful leadership.

At the end of his session, Professor Faniel gifted his book to participating students, offering them valuable tools for personal and professional growth.

The Q&A session enabled students to interact directly with the speakers, gaining insights into leadership challenges and qualities required for success in today’s world. The event motivated students to aspire to leadership roles that contribute to Vietnam’s development.