Smooth sailing - from seafaring to strategic management

Top executive feels strongly about pursuing a path that aligns with his convictions

- Sue-Ann Tan

Mr Stephen Lin spent eight years navigating the perils of the high seas as a naval engineer, but when it comes to his investments, he opts for calm waters, with Central Provident Fund savings and capital protection as his lodestar.

"I just keep it safe with my home, investment-based insurance, CPF, savings. It is not very exciting. But I sleep well at night," he said.

Mr Lin, who is the Asian regional managing partner of the Haines Centre for Strategic Management, started his working life as an intern marine engineer on container ships sailing between Europe, South America and India.

He then became a naval engineering officer. In total, Mr Lin spent eight years as an engineer and engineering manager, with his last position as head of marine engineering in the Singapore navy.

"My childhood dream was to be a seafarer, which led me to pursue a career as a marine engineer," he said. "However, I soon realised that continuing as a professional engineer offered limited opportunities for career progression."

He also discovered a strong desire to work independently, as a person with firm convictions on the right way to approach things.

"This led me to transition to running my own business, focusing on improving management practices for small businesses. From there, I progressed to strategic management consulting, working with government bodies, large commercial enterprises, and non-profit organisations," he said.

"Moreover, I wanted the autonomy that comes with being my own boss. I felt strongly about doing things the right way and wanted to pursue a path that aligned with my convictions, free from the constraints of workplace politics."

He spent the next six years as a business owner running his parallel import and training businesses, before becoming a strategic management consultant for 22 years.