Finding Sources of Potential: Takeaways from In the Lead Asia 2026
The theme of evolving how leaders can tap into potential was woven throughout the event’s discussions and networking opportunities.
- The next generation’s technological capabilities and instincts are a source of untapped potential.
- When technology has cyclically made certain jobs obsolete, people have found new areas of growth.
- Staying invested can help ensure you don’t miss out on potential returns.
- Investors are looking at Asia as a potential growth area.
- Look to invest in founders who can see potential where others can’t.
- A strong support system can see your potential, even when you can’t.
The next generation’s technological capabilities and instincts are a source of untapped potential.
Christina Gaw, managing principal of Gaw Capital Partners, discussed how technology is reshaping pathways for young people. Their knowledge can help companies evolve and stay competitive. “The next generation is undergoing a transformative era because of AI and technological development. Our generation is still discovering that level of efficiency that young people already know.” Finding ways to include a variety of voices in the conversation can allow new perspectives to complement and enhance existing processes.
When technology has cyclically made certain jobs obsolete, people have found new areas of growth.
Evolving technology has always caused disruptions in jobs and the way we work and will continue to do so, David Solomon, president and CEO of Goldman Sachs, observed during a conversation about AI and the job market. He shared his view that, as technological advances impact labor markets and hiring trends, “we are great at creating new jobs, new ecosystems, new services, a new world.” Because the current pace of change is expedited, “that can make things a little bit more volatile.” But Solomon’s belief is that the workforce will always be dynamic, and that “in a world where the smartest people are directing AI agents, their ability to understand people, build relationships with people, communicate with people, and connect with people” is going to be “even more valuable.”
Staying invested can help ensure you don’t miss out on potential returns.
Timing the market is "almost impossible,” according to Jean Altier Bohm, global head of Managed Strategies in Asset & Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs. Exiting and reentering the market in an attempt to avoid lows can end up having a detrimental impact on returns. Bohm gave an example: Since March 2009, the S&P 500 has delivered annualized returns of 17% (with dividends reinvested) across over 6,000 days. “If you were out of the market for just the top 50 days over that time period, your returns go down to 3%.” Bohm shared, “Over the long haul, having the discipline to stay in risk assets can potentially let that compounding drive your wealth.”
Investors are looking at Asia as a potential growth area.
With US uncertainty tied to geopolitics, fluctuations in currencies, and inflation, investors are searching for additional ways to diversify. “People are starting to ask, ‘With the inflation that we’re seeing, where is the growth?’ Asia is getting quite a bit of attention here,” says Stephanie Hui, head of Private and Growth Equity in Asia Pacific, head of Asia Pacific Private Investing, and global co-head and co-chief investment officer of Growth Equity within Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Look to invest in founders who can see potential where others can’t.
Kathy Xu, founder of Capital Today Group and widely recognized as China's “Queen of Venture Capital,” is driven by a founder-centric investment philosophy. When considering an investment, Xu looks for founders with “killer instincts.” These instincts allow the founder to “see what others cannot see,” forge new paths into untapped markets, and capitalize on this vision—giving investors the chance to get involved early with a “category opportunity.”
A strong support system can see your potential, even when you can’t.
Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Advocate for Public Welfare Guo Jing Jing considered retiring from her diving career multiple times due to a critical physical injury, competitive losses, and concerns about not being strong enough to continue. As she considered retirement, her coach and her team encouraged her to keep going. Their support helped her look within herself to unlock additional drive—which culminated in four gold medals and numerous accolades. “It is actually a multidimensional ecosystem, like a flower. The referees, the coaches, the doctors…they are like the soil, the water, the sunshine. Everything needs to connect together.”
If you would like to attend future events, please reach out to your Goldman Sachs representative. If you do not currently have a Goldman Sachs representative, and would like to explore these topics, request an introduction.
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