Leadership Reflections

By Dr. Jian Zhang This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the 2026 Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) Conference and Gala at Stanford University. For three inspiring days, Nobel laureates, pioneering scientists, AI visionaries, entrepreneurs, educators, physicians, and public leaders gathered to discuss some of the most important questions of our time—from artificial intelligence and scientific discovery to energy, education, and the future of humanity. Among them wer

By Dr. Jian Zhang Zeng Guofan is one of the best historical figures from China in Qing Dynasty. Not because he lived a life of uninterrupted success, but because he experienced repeated failures without ever giving up on growth. Most people remember Zeng Guofan as the statesman who helped suppress the Taiping Rebellion, founded the Xiang Army, and rose to the highest ranks of the Qing government. Yet I believe his greatest legacy is not his military victories or political ach

六韬与组织领导力：建设能够永续发展的组织 By Dr. Jian Zhang Building Organizations, Not Just Winning Battles Among China’s ancient classics, The Art of War is perhaps the best known around the world. Yet another remarkable work, The Six Secret Teachings (六韜), traditionally attributed to Jiang Ziya（姜子牙), offers a broader vision of leadership. While The Art of War focuses on achieving victory, The Six Secret Teachings explores how leaders build organizations, cultivate talent, establish governance,

《春秋》与战略领导力：在复杂与不确定中作出正确决策的古老智慧–古为今用，中西结合篇 By Dr. Jian Zhang 名不正，则言不顺；言不顺，则事不成。 ——孔子论《春秋》 “When names are not correct, language is not in accordance with reality; when language is not in accordance with reality, affairs cannot be successfully carried out.” — Confucius on the Spring and Autumn Annals Introduction: A Book About More Than History At first glance, the Spring and Autumn Annals appears to be little more than a historical chronicle. Compiled during the Zhou Dynasty a

By Dr. Jian Zhang For decades, discussions about success have focused primarily on individual capability. We talk about intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), hard work, resilience, and leadership. Modern management theory has helped us understand why some individuals consistently outperform others. Yet these explanations are incomplete. If success were determined solely by personal ability, why do highly talented individuals sometimes fail to thrive? Why do organiza

By Dr. Jian Zhang “The people are the foundation of the nation; when the foundation is secure, the nation is at peace.” — Shang Shu (Book of Documents) Introduction: One of the World's Earliest Books on Governance If the I Ching teaches leaders how to navigate change, the Shang Shu teaches leaders how to govern. Compiled more than three thousand years ago, the Shang Shu (Book of Documents) is one of the oldest classics in Chinese civilization. It records speeches, proclamatio

By Dr. Jian Zhang “As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a leader should constantly strive for self- improvement.” 天行健，君子以自强不息。 ——《易经》I Ching (Book of Changes) Introduction: The World's Oldest Book on Change For more than three thousand years, the I Ching (Book of Changes) has been one of the most influential texts in Chinese civilization. It has guided emperors, scholars, military strategists, philosophers, and leaders through periods of uncertainty and transformation.

古为今用，中西结合篇《管子》与人才培养：领导者最大的事业，是培养下一代领导者 By Dr. Jian Zhang "A one-year plan is to grow grain. A ten-year plan is to grow trees. A lifetime plan is to cultivate people." (“一年之计，莫如树谷；十年之计，莫如树木；终身之计，莫如树人。”) ——《管子·权修》/ Guanzi, Quan Xiu As healthcare leaders, executives, educators, and mentors, we often spend enormous amounts of time developing strategies, managing operations, and solving immediate problems. Yet one of the most profound leadership lessons was articulated more than 2

By: Dr. Jian Zhang After decades as a healthcare executive, I have come to believe that building corporate culture is the most important responsibility of a CEO. Strategies change. Technologies evolve. AI will continue to transform industries. But culture ultimately determines whether an organization: thrives, survives, or collapses under pressure. Over the years, I have seen organizations struggle not because they lacked intelligence, strategy, or resources, but because they

By: Dr. Jian Zhang The Four Books and Five Classics, written more than two thousand years ago, are not “outdated ancient texts.” They are timeless reflections on human nature, leadership, self-cultivation, education, and how people relate to one another. Among them, The Analects may be the text most closely connected to everyday human life. It does not focus on power or quick success. Instead, it asks a deeper question: What kind of person should we become? In today’s world

By: Dr. Jian Zhang Why the Wisdom of Mencius Matters More Than Ever Today As I continue rereading the Four Books, I find myself increasingly amazed by how relevant these ancient texts remain in today’s world. They are not simply philosophical classics. They are deeply practical reflections on: human nature, leadership, pressure, responsibility, and how to remain grounded in a complex and uncertain world. Among the Four Books, Mencius has impacted me especially deeply. If: The

By: Dr. Jian Zhang Today’s workplace is more complex than ever. AI is transforming industries and careers. Organizations are changing rapidly. Competition is intensifying. And many professionals live under constant: Pressure, Uncertainty, and anxiety. People often ask: How do I stay grounded in a competitive environment? How do I manage workplace politics? How do I work with difficult personalities? How do I remain calm under pressure? How do I stay principled without becomin

By: Dr. Jian Zhang Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders After retiring, I decided to do something I had wanted to do for many years: reread the Four Books and Five Classics (四書五經) systematically. This time, however, I approached them differently. When I was younger, I read them intellectually. Now, after decades of life and leadership experience, I read them through a very different lens — one shaped by responsibility, uncertainty, crisis, growth, and reflection. I chose to

By: Dr. Jian Zhang Recently, while serving on the planning committee for the Monkey King opera produced by the San Francisco Opera , I found myself returning to a book I first read as a child: Journey to the West . Like many people, I grew up captivated by the adventures of Sun Wukong—the magic, the battles with demons, and his fearless personality. But rereading the story now, at a very different stage of life, I began to see something deeper. At its core, Journey to the Wes