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As I stepped through the doors of the Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong, a profound sense of emotion overwhelmed me. The vibrant colors, the warm smiles of the staff, and the shuffling sound of toys of children playing - all combined to create an atmosphere that felt like a much-needed oasis amidst the harsh realities these families were facing. In that moment, I was truly touched by the palpable spirit of compassion and community that permeated every corner of this remarkable place.
The Ronald McDonald House is so much more than just a roof over the heads of families with sick children. As I learned about its holistic approach to supporting these parents, I was filled with a deep and humbling sense of gratitude. From alleviating the immense financial burden through free accommodations, to fostering an environment of understanding and empowerment, this organization serves as a true lifeline for those navigating one of the most unimaginably difficult experiences.
One mother I spoke with, whose elder daughter was undergoing a cancer treatment, shared her profound appreciation for the House. "I used to juggle between my home in Tsuen Wan and Shatin Hospital for my daughter's treatment. My daughter had no time to take rest while her younger brother was eager to have my attention," she said, her eyes shining with tears of gratitude. "The stress of traveling for treatment and finding a place to stay was overwhelming, but here, we found not just a roof over our heads, but a community of support that lifted us up when we needed it most."
What resonated with me most was the way the House recognizes the multifaceted nature of these families' struggles. The on-site kitchen, for instance, allows parents to prepare meals tailored to their child's needs and preferences - a simple luxury that can make all the difference when a child is suffering from the side effects of cancer, like sore mouth and diarrhea. Beyond that practical support, the House serves as a gathering space where families can connect, share meals, and build a network of mutual understanding and care.
In witnessing the power of this communal experience, I felt a profound sense of hope that in the midst of so much uncertainty, these parents could find solace, strength, and belonging. In a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving, the Ronald McDonald House stands as a beacon of kindness, empathy, and the unwavering belief that no one should have to face such challenges alone. As I left, my heart was simultaneously heavy with the weight of the struggles these families endure, and uplifted by the knowledge that there are organizations like this, driven by a spirit of service and a dedication to making a real, meaningful difference. It is a testament to the power of compassion, and a reminder that when we come together as a community, we can overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.
We were taken into the winding maze behind the park, leading us into the backstage areas of Hong Kong Disneyland. Here, we saw all the costumes and met the people who bring the magic to life, revealing the heart of Hong Kong Disneyland.
During the event, we had the privilege to hear from Michael Moriarty, the Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Mary Lam, the Director of Merchandising. They shared insights into the park’s strong, adaptable organisational culture and its deep connection to the local community. Hong Kong Disneyland embodies the principle of "Think Global, Act Local," from the unique merchandise in its stores to its positioning in the regional theme park landscape, and the distinct experience it offers within the broader context of Hong Kong tourism.
Attention to detail is a hallmark of Hong Kong Disneyland, evident in everything from the culinary offerings to the intricate design of the castle, featuring subtle Bauhinia flowers. Michael, known for his frequent walks around the park, observes visitor interactions firsthand. His keen observation noted how guests often dress as characters on their own initiative, a detail that enriches the park experience but was missed by data and traditional research.
Hong Kong Disneyland values its employees, fostering a strong sense of loyalty to its mission of bringing happiness. This commitment is reflected in how interns are treated and the special drone shows held for employees.
During our discussion, Michael emphasised Walt Disney’s words, “To all who come to this happy place.” It is not uncommon for employees at Disney to stay for several years. Michael shared how he started his career at Disney as a lifeguard during the summer, while Mary mentioned how during COVID-19 there was no other company she’d rather work for. It’s evident that the park understands the importance of its people, attracting individuals who are selfless, dedicated to spreading joy, and possess a philanthropic spirit. Mary’s involvement with Make-A-Wish, both professionally and personally, and the organisation’s contributions to local charities, attest to this ethos.
As someone who grew up in Hong Kong, I have witnessed Hong Kong Disneyland's evolution over the years, from the rides that have come and gone to the new exhibits that have opened. The park has weathered various challenges alongside the city, continually adapting while staying true to its core values and vision. This event wasn’t merely an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. It was a reaffirmation of Hong Kong Disneyland’s commitment to authenticity, youth involvement, and philanthropy. Hearing directly from the leaders who shape the park’s direction reinforced how integral these values are to its success and resilience.
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It’s undeniable the significant influence that Cathay Pacific has over the Aviation industry in Hong Kong. On a scorching hot Friday afternoon, a fortunate group of Melo Fest attendees got the exclusive opportunity to visit Cathay Pacific’s prestigious corporate office: Cathay Pacific City, located near the Hong Kong International Airport. They were able to gain a sneak peek into the aviation industry under the captivating theme of “Aviation Excellence Unveiled – Insights, Experience, and Leadership”.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Patricia Hwang, the Director People at Cathay Pacific. She held a small online quiz on some intriguing facts about Cathay. Who knew that Cathay Pacific was involved in e-commerce and hospitality, but not cleaning its aircrafts which we found out was outsourced to another company?
Following this, attendees engaged in a Fireside Chat with three remarkable Cathay Pacific employees, each holding distinct roles: a Pilot, a Digital Manager, and the Head of End-to-End Customer Experience & Strategy. They shared their experiences at Cathay and the inspiring stories that led them there. The insightful conversation between the three individuals highlighted the central focuses of Cathay: their customers and their leadership. The company places a strong emphasis on customer-centric design, ensuring the best possible customer experience.
After the captivating Fireside Chat, attendees split into two groups to explore various offices and facilities at Cathay Pacific City. They visited the beautifully designed Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) office, the bustling "Street" where employees pass by on their way to their offices, and the Mock Flight Cabin used by Cabin Crew to simulate the in-flight experience for passengers.
The IOC office was incredibly designed to facilitate seamless communication between closely related teams. Attendees also got to meet Francesc Torres, Head of IOC, who shared insights about the department's purpose and values.
The "Street" served as a common area for Cathay employees, featuring restaurants, cafes, a souvenir shop, a promotion area, and other facilities. It also led to a Cabin Crew Lounge, where Cabin Crew and the Pilot and his team come to relax and get a break from work.
Lastly, attendees visited the Mock Flight Cabin, where they had the opportunity to enjoy Cathay Delight, the iconic mocktail, and learned how to serve drinks to passengers. The whole tour provided an eye-opening experience into the diverse roles and places that fuel Cathay.
As attendees reconvened in the meeting room where the Fireside Chat took place, they were privileged to meet the CEO of Cathay Group, Ronald Lam. They gained valuable insights into his journey coming into Cathay and the discipline required to sustain peak performance in a CEO role. Originally an Investment Banker, Ronald found that the industry lacked purpose, leading him to apply for the role of Management Trainee at Cathay, a decision he never regretted. Ronald emphasized the unique and supportive work culture at Cathay, stating that many employees who leave end up returning due to its can-do, thoughtful, and progressive environment.
Towards the end of the discussion, two quotes from Ronald resonated deeply with the attendees. Firstly, "Do what you love, then love what you do." This reminded them to persevere through challenges and obstacles by remembering their passion. Secondly, "Leading yourself comes first." This emphasized the importance of aligning one's actions with leadership values in order to effectively influence others.
Overall, the event provided an enriching experience, leaving attendees inspired and motivated by the remarkable culture and achievements of Cathay Pacific.
Amidst small talk and joyous laughter, the joint discovery with Nan Fung Group and the D. H. Chen Foundation commences with a tour through Nan Fung's latest landmark project – AIRSIDE. Led by senior docents, the tour encapsulates multiple sustainable highlights within the mall. An urban farm allows tenants and nearby residents to plant their own vegetables, while a unique insect hotel enhances biodiversity in the city. Decorative bronze-coloured fibre coatings made from recycled plastic bottles are omnipresent throughout the mall. The occasional meeting with fluffy friends inside the premises and provision of outdoor spaces has proven that AIRSIDE aims to provide a pet-friendly environment. These features go beyond what one would typically expect to find in a shopping complex.
After the tour, we were brought to the office tower above the mall. With the topic of the joint discovery, you may wonder about the relationship between Nan Fung Group and the D. H. Chen Foundation. The answer lies here – in fact, Dr. D. H. Chen is the founder of the Nan Fung Group, and his family members now lead both entities.
Kicking off the session, Garrick, the Head of Sustainability and Shared Values at Nan Fung Group, delivers an insightful presentation on the company's sustainability framework. With an engaging opening, his sharing goes beyond the typical sustainability talk you would expect from a corporation. It refrains from flaunting enormous numbers and instead generously shares the framework for creating sustainability impact. Not only does it provide me with a deeper understanding of what sustainability truly entails, but it also sparks me to rethink effective strategies for creating a material impact within an institution.
The session is followed by a fireside chat with Karen, the Chief Strategist of the D. H. Chen Foundation, moderated by Melo Co-founder Kenny. The D. H. Chen Foundation, which aims to build a compassionate society, consists of five institutes that organize and engage in multiple social initiatives. For instance, Project Fuel provides financial aid to small NGOs during COVID to facilitate their sustainable operation, the scholarship program supports local undergraduates who aspire to make a greater social commitment, and various events promote the idea of mindfulness and wellbeing.
In contrast to many family businesses that tend to operate their business and charity arms separately, the Nan Fung Group and the D. H. Chen Foundation are an exception. The family firmly believes in building synergies between the two entities to amplify their impact. This shared approach is evident in their collaborative efforts. For example, youth empowerment cannot be fully achieved without adequate career support, and the involvement of corporations is deemed crucial in this regard.
The joint discovery provided us with space to reimagine – reimagining the character of a mall in the urban setting, reimagining the significance of sustainability in the corporate context, and reimagining the impact that could be brought by collaboration between a business arm and philanthropic arm. I believe that's the spirit of youth – be open-minded and be reflective.
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In McKinsey…
The future isn't always what you expect. When Arthur joined McKinsey as his first job, he envisioned it as a stepping stone into private equity or hedge funds. Fast forward 15 years, and he's still there, captivated by the learning journey, the diversity, and the inspiring workspace. At McKinsey, projects shift every six months, spanning industries from pharmaceuticals to logistics and countries from Brazil to India. The variety of problems to solve keeps the work endlessly fascinating.
The Intrigue of Consulting
Having spent some time in the consulting industry myself, I find such problem-solving processes intriguing. It involves quickly grasping the crucial aspects of a subject and devising holistic solutions. I break down subjects, connect the dots, and develop my own perspective. Best practices, methodologies from books, or observations from daily life—all contribute to the solution. Finally, when advising people, it’s crucial to be direct and concise, especially when dealing with executives who have limited time and attention.
Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones
As a consultant and problem-solver, continuous learning is essential. Arthur, as a partner, constantly pushes himself out of his comfort zone to stay ahead and adapt to changing environments. It's crucial to convey this to CEOs as well: past success doesn't guarantee future success. Convincing experienced leaders to change their tried-and-true methods is tough but necessary. Practices and perspectives must evolve with the world, maintaining an open mind and a learning mindset.
The Power of an Inspiring Environment
Learning alone can be demotivating, which is why I resonated with Arthur's point about an inspiring environment. Being surrounded by motivated, like-minded individuals who think critically and are open-minded is invaluable. This applies not just to work but to life as well.
I once worked in such an environment, where we researched industries and companies, identifying opportunities and challenges amidst vast information. We shared ideas, challenged each other's research, and enjoyed the synergy. This is what I understand about McKinsey—it’s a place for talented individuals to synergize.
Continuing to Make an Impact
"McKinsey is in the position of making impacts." It gathers talented problem-solvers and thinkers from around the world and has established expertise and status. Corporations and CEOs often turn to McKinsey consultants for solutions, making necessary changes to maintain success. I value this a lot, about being able to turn my perspectives into societal value.
However, scaling such a network while maintaining quality is challenging. Arthur mentioned the growing partnership structure at McKinsey, built on trust. Aligning values, interests, and conduct is critical for long-term success. Job seekers often mold themselves to fit elite companies like McKinsey, but how sustainable and genuine is that? I think as a student, we should pause and consider our ultimate goals and McKinsey's role in our journey, rather than just following a predefined path to success.
Finally, I'd like to thank Melo for facilitating this discussion. It gave us a moment to reflect, ask, and learn. I hope that through such opportunities, we can all find and pave our own paths to success, guided by the wisdom of successful leaders
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