Gerald Lema
Corporate vice president for Baxter International / president
Baxter Asia Pacific

What is your leadership style is like?
I think I am a person that shares a good direction, goals and strategies. At the same time I delegate strongly to people that I trust. I think I am resource-driven but also very people-driven.

What do you think the one thing HR function needs to improve upon?
The HR function can always benefit from being more factual-based and more numbers based. So when HR people are giving good ideas, that they can back it up with data, like how the impact of the initiatives can improve something, such as revenue, retention or satisfaction - then it goes a long way.

Leadership: Is it nurtured or nature?
I think leadership can be nurtured, and people can learn what the right traits of behaviours are. Obviously it helps to have some good starting points, but I believe that people can learn leadership skills.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to become a CEO?
I think the single most important of advice is: You cannot do it alone. You are only as strong as your team is and therefore you should devote a fair amount of time to make sure that your team is strong and can perform according to expectations.  

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love the complexity, opportunity and diversity in Asia Pacific and of course leading the team to success.

What is your proudest achievement at work?

Being able to make and deliver on our commitments to patients, medical professionals, governments and employees. Also, to be able to see individuals' growth and development into world class contributors.