In this exclusive interview with CEIBS, Andrew Miles, former President of Sam’s Club China and CEO, Health & Beauty Division Asia of Watsons, shares hard-earned leadership lessons. Drawing on real executive experience, Andrew explains why taking risks, learning from failure, and empowering diverse teams are essential to long-term success.

He discusses how great leaders create safe environments for innovation, balance clear strategy with local freedom, and ensure every team member understands their role in delivering the company vision. Andrew also offers practical advice for emerging leaders and CEIBS MBA students on stepping outside their comfort zone, making smarter decisions, and growing through challenges.

Key topics covered:

• Leadership lessons from a former global retail CEO
• Why failure accelerates leadership growth
• How to scale teams while maintaining strategy and culture
• The power of diversity in high-performing teams
• Risk-taking, career growth, and moving beyond your comfort zone
• Strategy, vision alignment, and decision-making under pressure

This conversation is especially valuable for MBA students, business leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone aspiring to lead teams in complex, fast-growing markets.

Learn more about the CEIBS MBA programme, ranked #1 in Asia for nine consecutive years by the Financial Times, here