Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Smart and Connected cities conjure visions where an algorithm plots daily drives to the store, school, or work—and not soon enough in an autonomous vehicle as one sips coffee and check emails. Others see it as the seamless integration of urban digital technology populated with buzzwords like blockchain, AI, and Big Data.   Still, many of us see Smart as an ecosystem blending infrastructure, software, and yes, massive amounts of data working its way across a sea of semiconductors—and that’s just in our car or SUV.  Stepping Back My first experience with the idea of the Smart City reaches back to the mid-2000s when I was fortunate to serve as an advisor to the New York City and the Seoul Gale International teams—the majority partner in the development of Incheon’s Songdo International District.  Envisioned as a Green, high-technology city of the future—at the time it was one of the world’s and Korea's largest foreign real estate development projects.  Built on reclaime...

When confronted, It’s very common for western teams and leadership to learn as much about a problem or situation, pull apart, then work works toward a solution.     For leaders, they listen to the issue at hand and then based on their past experience provide what they see are work thoughts and a direction for the team.  This works well but does get complicated when we layer doing business internationally—as others may see things differently.   For Korea and this does apply well globally, looking beyond the apparent issue at hand is critical.   For instance, if I was asked  to move a Korea project forward or resolve an issue, I’d first step back and look at the big picture.  They do impact decisions, and not to be dismissed.    Then, I’d look at if there any local geo-political and economic dimensions—trade, political tensions, or currently how  the Biden Administration will view the Koreas, China and Japan.  ...

Like many of you, my day has pivoted to tech and especially the EV and Smart sectors.     I am fortunate as Korea has traditionally invested in innovation and in addition to the major Groups like Hyundai, Samsung. SK and LG it is now a growing hub for startups and SME companies transitioning to mobility.    Like many of you, too, I ponder on widespread EVs acceptance as well as the high costs associated with AV and smart technologies. Funding as a kick-starter is key.    Stepping back… As many in the US are drilling into Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan, Korea, too, is willing to spend 2.7 trillion won (US$11.7 billion) this year as part of its digital New Deal program. South Korea aims to foster new tech industries for job creation.    The Korean government last year unveiled their ambitious stimulus projects, under its Korean New Deal initiative, amounting to 160 trillion won ( US$140 billion)   Monies will be spent on developing tec...

This week our Office Chat centers on my most recent read, technology professor Cal Newport’s A World Without Email.   Cal’s other works include Digital Minimalism and Deep Work. As we would expect, he does remind us of the limits and downside of email as well as what has become an in-box-driven workday. For many of us, we sometimes confuse email with real work and EM is working.  That said, Part 2 in A World Without Email provides some fixes.  By fixes, I am not talking about what I was expecting--streamlining and putting in place a productivity process that addressing workflow – and as an example some new APP or the familiar strategy “ I only answer or check emails 2 twice a day, etc.” So, what’s a better solution. Cal Newport proposes a number but for starters. He notes, and I quote A better strategy… is to consistently deliver what you promise instead of constantly explaining how you are working.  Become known as someone who never drops the ball, not someone who t...