The Robb Report CEO Series convenes some of the city’s most accomplished industry leaders under one roof

Every boss is afraid of being a subpar leader. While it helps to take inspiration from some of the world’s most successful leaders, another way to become a great boss is to surround oneself with like-minded individuals who strive to set good examples on a daily basis.

Robb Report Singapore’s signature CEO series – luncheons and dinners hosted by the president of Indochine Media, Michael von Schlippe – brings together the city’s most inspiring industry stalwarts. This time round, we treated a select few to a lunch at Forlino, and took the opportunity to ask them what it takes to be a great leader. Here are words of advice for bosses, by bosses.

Lien Choong Luen, general manager of Gojek Singapore

“Across the different industries that I’ve worked in, the best bosses that I’ve had are the ones who are able to get the best out of their team – to help frame where the team should go and really help the overall group succeed.”

Michael Tay, founder of Foundation for the Arts and Social Enterprise

“I think a good boss is somebody who knows the people who work for him or her – and what makes them want to work for him, what makes them want to do something for the larger mission or the company.”

Florian Fenner, managing partner at UFG Asset Management

“The definition of a good boss is somebody who is brutally honest when things are going worse than expected. It’s very easy to be honest when things are good, but you have to be honest when you have to convey bad news. I think that’s the most important thing in a good boss.”