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Listen "#111 - PART 1: Wisdom from the Leader’s Soul: Lessons on Purpose, Presence, and People with Dr. James Shin"
Episode Synopsis
In this conversation, Dr. James Shin author of ...The Leader’s Soul ... shares how integrity and compassion form the bedrock of sustainable leadership. We explore his journey from South Korea to Penn State and into 25+ years of global manufacturing leadership, why long-term thinking beats short-term wins, and how simple human practices (walking the floor, listening, closing the loop) transform culture and results. He also unpacks wisdom from The Little Prince and Hope for the Flowers, the difference between climbing and becoming, and what work–life balance really looks like when you’re leading people.
Guest
James Shin, Founder & CEO, Blue Koi Global Partners. Blue Koi Global
Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-shin LinkedIn
Learn more about Blue Koi Global Partners: https://www.bluekoiglobal.com Blue Koi Global
Buy the Book
The Leader’s Soul (Paperback/Kindle): https://a.co/d/i1tGcu4
What We Cover
Integrity + compassion as the “soul” of leadership and why strategy fails without them
Long-term culture vs. short-term targets: how to avoid “chasing numbers”
Practical trust-building: be visible, listen, and always close the loop
Authenticity = consistency between words and actions
The “ladder-climbing” trap (Hope for the Flowers) and redefining success on your terms
Rediscovering wonder (The Little Prince) and keeping a cadence of reflection
Prioritization in a noisy world: Eisenhower Matrix, boundaries, and continuous improvement
Entrepreneurship lessons from launching Blue Koi and learning the sales side
Quick Takeaways
People first, always. Put “P-Q-V-C” in that order: People, Quality, Velocity, Cost.
Celebrate, then center the ideal. Milestones matter, but meaning sustains momentum.
Visibility builds trust. Walk the floor; solve real problems; report back—even when the answer is “not yet.”
Balance is dynamic. Health, family, and work shift by season; design habits and schedules that flex.
Links & Resources
Guest: James Shin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-shin LinkedIn
Company: Blue Koi Global Partners — https://www.bluekoiglobal.com Blue Koi Global
Book: The Leader’s Soul — https://a.co/d/i1tGcu4
In God we trust