CBI CEO Inspired by Yongseung (Stanley) Han, Ph.D.

Yongseung (Stanley) Han, Ph.D . – Photo courtesy of University of North Georgia

As this year’s “Student Empowerment Speaker”, Jim Solomon, CEO, Chambers Bay Institute, shared his perspective for “Leading Today and Tomorrow”.

Much more than an invitation to be a presenter, Jim was humbled to be invited by one of the most inspirational leader-educators he has ever met.  Addressing the 49th Annual Georgia Association of Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship Conference (GABEE) April 22, 2021, Jim was one of 35 presenters that included leading experts in economics, business, and finance, from 10 universities.

The Inspiration

But this story is not about Jim’s presentation, it’s about the person who invited him to speak – Yongseung (Stanley) Han, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Department of Economics and Finance, Mike Cottrell College of Business, University of North Georgia, and President, GABEE.  Dr. Han is a passionate, caring leader – educator focused on preparing his students to be at their best as they launch into their careers.  He is concerned about developing our nation’s next generation of leaders.

Dr. Han brings his 14 years of experience, as an economist for the Bank of Korea, to the classroom as a professor of economics.  This, coupled with his experience having served as a Soldier in the Republic of Korea Army, allows him to share great wisdom with his students. Dr. Han has overcome much and accomplished even more.  A dedicated husband and father, he is a proud American who is passionate about teaching his students to contribute to their success.

“Economics guides us to make better choices,” Han said. “Economics provides a tool to quantify the benefits and costs of our choices.” While the practical nature of the field appeals to Han, he also enjoys helping students work toward their career goals and pursue advanced degrees.

“Whenever I stand and face my students in the classroom, I feel a deep responsibility as an educator to lead them toward a better future. They need to know lots of new things. They need to know what to do for their future,” Han said. “They need to know how to achieve their goals. To me, it is quite a responsibility to lead them.”

He appreciates the deliberative process of leadership. For Han, who earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in economics from Texas A&M University, his experience as a native South Korean shaped his perceptions of leadership.

“I grew up in a culture where one-sided, top-down communication was the norm in a strict hierarchy. In my experience in that culture, I learned how inefficient and how distorted one-sided decision-making is,” Han said. “Therefore, I like to listen and consider many voices in my decisions. In the classroom, I like to meet students’ needs. I can’t just say that ‘you need to know this.’ Instead, I like to say that ‘we need to learn this.'”

“Leadership must be authentic,” he said. “A leader must become an example to the group.”

The Rest of the Story

As Jim concluded his presentation with 3-truths that have guided him throughout his career and continue to guide him today, he could see Dr. Han affirming each with a nod. Especially as Jim explained his personal leadership philosophy, It’s all about We, not Me.

A huge thanks to my friend, Yongseung (Stanley) Han, Ph.D. for the invitation to speak and for continuing to inspire me through his story.

From the UNG Where I Lead series https://ung.edu/where-i-lead/faculty-staff/han-yongseung.php

Note: Founded in 1972, the Georgia Association of Business, Economics & Entrepreneurship is organized for the dual purpose of promoting all means whereby the teaching and learning of business, economics and entrepreneurship may be enhanced and of opening opportunities for business, economics, and entrepreneurship to be understood and disseminated broadly in society.

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