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2022.12.22
｜CEP
With an approachable smile and a wise, far-reaching gaze.
A man who knows astronomy above and geography below, affectionately known within GMC as the "Company Historian" and "Star Prince."
Our interviewee today is Michael, Manager of the Overseas Department! Well-read and deeply knowledgeable, he is also a trusted mentor and spiritual guide to many.
Let’s sit down and listen as Michael shares the insights and memories gathered over his more than 30 years at GMC.
"When I first entered the workforce, my personality was rather reserved and cautious. I wasn't really suited to be a salesperson."
Majoring in Business Administration at university, Michael never envisioned pursuing a sales career. Through a twist of fate, he joined a Singaporean shipping company, marking his first exposure to maritime industry sales. Handling GMC’s business back then, he met GMC’s Chairman, Mr. Chen, and General Manager, Jennifer.
At the time, Mr. Chen made repeated personal efforts to invite Michael to join GMC. Facing a hesitant Michael who didn't feel quite ready, Mr. Chen told him, "Opportunity waits for no one." That proved to be the turning point. "Besides being moved by Mr. Chen’s sincerity, I realized that while both were in shipping, they represented different sectors—it was worth a shot."
Thus, Michael pushed open the doors to GMC, beginning a long and storied chapter.
As a member of the founding generation, Michael walked a long path with GMC. That journey resembled a knight riding into battle—facing continuous challenges and conquering hurdle after hurdle.
Upon arriving at GMC as a entry-level salesperson, Michael worked tirelessly to survive. "Surviving as a salesperson at GMC was extraordinarily tough!" he recalls. "Many before us didn't make it, and many after us fell as well. It took immense perseverance to survive."
At GMC, new tasks and challenges were constant. One had to continuously learn and grow to overcome each obstacle.
As years passed, Michael rose from a entry-level salesperson to Manager of the Sales Department. He still remembers the announcement assembly where Mr. Chen handed him the department files—symbolizing the passing of leadership and immense responsibility. At the assembly, Michael quoted author Stanley Yen from The Heart of the President:
"I do not ask for smooth sailing or that everything goes my way, but when faced with problems, difficulties, and setbacks, I pray for the courage and perseverance to keep pushing forward."
That was Michael’s first time stepping into a managerial role. A manager's task is to lead the team to conquer mountains and hit targets. In learning to manage, Michael encountered diverse challenges, facing setbacks before overcoming them one by one.
"Before I knew it, things I couldn't do in the past became second nature. That was how I gained experience while accepting challenges."
Michael knew deeply that whether as a front-line salesperson or a manager, hardships were inevitable. "Sales is not an easy path; it is a trial of learning and challenge, but also a platform for personal growth and fulfillment."
When the manager position in Air Freight opened up, it became Michael's opportunity to cross over from ocean freight into air freight. This new mission required leaving his familiar domain and adapting to colleagues with different working styles—a true test of adaptability, which Michael accepted decisively.
Reflecting on the differences between "ocean freight people" and "air freight people," Michael observes that due to operational differences, the two groups think quite differently. Ocean freight professionals tend to be more detail-oriented, whereas air freight personnel operate with higher agility.
Air freight moves much faster than ocean cargo and involves end-to-end service—handling pickup, customs clearance, flight loading, arrival, trade terms, and duty payments.
While the fundamental processes share similarities, ocean freight allows a buffer of 7 to 10 days from customs entry to vessel departure. Air freight, by contrast, often involves cargo arriving at the warehouse today and reaching its destination tomorrow. Such tight timelines demand swift resolution whenever issues arise.
Air freight professionals often find ocean freight operations difficult to learn, while ocean freight personnel find air freight equally challenging. Because the mindsets and procedures differed vastly, Michael initially struggled to keep up. Yet as he gradually grasped the nuances, he struck a strong balance between the two.
"Though ocean and air freight operate differently, serving with genuine care remains unchanged."
Currently, Michael serves as Manager of the Overseas Department, handling relationships with international partners and agents. With a lean team, bond among members is tighter, goals are aligned, and mutual understanding runs deep.
The core mission of the Overseas Department is maintaining relations with agents and vendors, frequently hosting international guests or traveling abroad. Michael shares a lighthearted story from hosting an agent. Since conversations were conducted in English, Michael carefully prepared a joke in English.
Michael’s Joke Time:
What is the difference between 'finished' and 'completed'?
If you marry the wrong person, you are finished; If you marry the right person, your life is completed! (Applause)
When it comes to hosting overseas agents, "showing warmth and enthusiasm" is Michael’s golden rule—making guests feel right at home. Michael puts immense care into every visit, organizing not just meetings and meals but also suggesting local city tours.
During one agent’s visit, Michael made his usual tour proposal, only to learn the agent had a meeting scheduled with another company on their final day, leaving no free time.
Over the remaining two days, Michael led his team in showing the utmost warmth and sincerity. Beyond airport transfers and hotel escorts, they arranged dedicated private transport and High-Speed Rail tickets when the agent visited a client in Hsinchu Science Park. Amusingly, the agent later sent an email jokingly remarking that while it was meant to be a simple courtesy visit, Michael and his team treated it with the grand diplomacy of a state visit!
Perhaps because the other company lacked the warmth of GMC’s team, the agent later contacted Michael to say his final meeting was canceled, asking if Michael could take him on that "city tour."
"He said he wanted to visit a Mazu Temple. Surprised, I asked if he worshipped Mazu. He explained that as shipping professionals, Mazu protects travelers at sea, so he wanted to pay his respects."
Together, they visited Songshan Ciyou Temple, enjoyed night market delicacies, and drank boba milk tea. The entire trip was a delight for both host and guest.
Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm makes a lasting impression. Afterward, the agent shared how enjoyable the trip was, praising GMC’s high efficiency and seamless arrangements.
"The joint force of our Taichung and Taipei teams is incredibly powerful. Properly arranging an agent's itinerary demonstrates our strength, showing that GMC is a partner worth trusting."
"Hosting overseas agents is an art form—you must master a wide array of skills."
When speaking of memorable client interactions, Michael shares two distinct examples.
The first involves a US-based client who travels to Taiwan annually and takes trips with Michael every time. Michael smiles: "Each time he returns, we quickly finish business and transition to catching up on life, work, and family. I also take him out to explore the countryside."
On one occasion, Michael kept the destination a secret to surprise the client, bringing him and his wife to a hidden Kaiseki restaurant in the mountains of Xizhi—a serene spot featuring mountain and lake views. To Michael's surprise, the client revealed that right before traveling to Taiwan, he met a tour group that insisted he visit a specific restaurant in Taiwan—which turned out to be the exact place Michael brought him to!
"That couple is wonderful; every time they return, I try to arrange a surprise for them. I’ve taken them to hot springs in Wulai, waterfalls in Neidong, Lengshuikeng, Xiaoyoukeng, and Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan—even buying a bouquet of calla lilies for him to give to his wife."
Evolving from business partners into friends who share personal lives and travel together represents a precious friendship to Michael.
Of course, great relationships don't always start smoothly.
Another client initially resisted Michael’s team because he already had preferred vendors, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with the team's approach. Facing these criticisms, Michael deployed his strongest strategy—"sincerity"—using kindness to gradually transform the relationship.
He wrote heartfelt letters explaining that any shortcomings would be rectified to perfection. When meetings prevented him from taking client calls immediately, he created a team group chat with operational staff so a contact person was always available. He meticulously logged the client's requests and catered to every detail to ease tension.
Moved by Michael’s dedication, the client's attitude shifted dramatically, eventually becoming a friend with whom Michael could share heart-to-heart conversations.
"Barriers naturally exist between people, and sales professionals meet all kinds of individuals—so you must face them. Kindness and sincerity can touch any heart, and combined with team effort, a way forward will always be found."
Having navigated trials across three departments at GMC, Michael is a seasoned veteran. He shares how he overcame hurdles upon becoming a department manager.
He established a departmental book club where members selected books and subscribed to Business Weekly, taking turns sharing insights during meetings. By creating a safe, trusting environment for exchange, team members came to understand one another better, sparking fresh ideas.
When Michael assumed his managerial role, the department housed many experienced veterans with deep roots in the industry. Differing opinions were natural during discussions, and Michael chose to resolve them by "building consensus."
"Building consensus means establishing shared goals, a common language, and unified approaches."
As a manager, Michael constantly reminds his team that work is not a solo show—it requires collective effort. Everyone can realize their worth to build a stronger team that goes further together.
"Success belongs not to me, but to 'us.' If you encounter difficulties or problems, don't worry—I am right behind you."
Michael often says: "GMC is a mountain of treasures; do not leave a treasure mountain empty-handed."
"Mining this mountain of treasure at GMC requires filling two bags. First, fill your mind."
GMC’s training programs are diverse. Beyond comprehensive job-specific technical training, eager learners can engage in cross-departmental learning, with senior experts acting as instructors to pass down professional knowledge fused with practical experience.
"Second, fill your pockets."
Once you master specialized knowledge, management skills, communication abilities, and leadership—filling your mind—your pockets naturally follow.
GMC is a meritocratic company that rewards performance; hard work is always recognized. When your mind is enriched with expertise, your pockets will naturally be filled.
"Even after 30 years at GMC, I am still filling my mind and learning. You can rarely catch a breath here because new missions arrive endlessly. This work environment suits those who embrace challenges."
Speaking of his proudest career achievements, Michael smiles—yet rather than highlighting business metrics, he speaks of his interactions with colleagues.
"Perhaps because of my personality, colleagues come to me when they feel down or need to confide," Michael says. When perspectives differ, communication hurdles arise, often requiring a third-party viewpoint to clarify matters.
Deeply trusted by colleagues, Michael became a confidant to many. "I talk things through to broaden their perspective, then ask, 'Is there anything else I can do for you?'" Providing objective insights while leaving room for personal processing, helping colleagues untangle internal conflicts brings Michael a deep sense of fulfillment.
Handling his own emotions, Michael shares a quote from author Zhang Defen during a company seminar:
"Treat setbacks like a dark cloud—watch it float in, and watch it float away."
Coexist with setbacks rather than rejecting them. Gradually practice shortening the time a dark cloud casts a shadow over your heart until it no longer affects you. Most importantly, don't overanalyze every word spoken by others to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Things are rarely as severe as imagined—there's no need to overthink. If conflicts arise, address them through appropriate channels.
Besides acting as a spiritual mentor to colleagues, Michael takes pride in his courage to accept diverse challenges. This courage enabled him to learn across departments, test his limits in various fields, and thrive.
Facing challenges and overcoming difficulties has become second nature to Michael, yet he still thoroughly enjoys delivering for clients every single time.
Assisting clients with shipments requires balancing multiple aspects while resolving potential issues beforehand. Maintaining professionalism and ensuring zero errors is Michael’s duty. The fulfillment derived from completing a mission is even more gratifying than client praise.
"This isn't validation from others—it is validation I give to myself."
Having navigated countless storms at GMC, Michael holds deep gratitude for many people. First and foremost is GMC’s patriarch, Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen once said, "If you seek comfort, please look elsewhere." Michael believes this statement requires real experience to truly appreciate. Working at GMC is not a one-and-done deal; the company constantly evolves, and standing still means being left behind.
"Mr. Chen’s expectations and goals represent long-term vision that might not be visible to us right away," Michael says. "In the short term, we might not understand his intent; but in the long run, after completing these missions and challenges, we realize we've grown and crossed a mountain. Mr. Chen constantly leads employees toward growth—that is his brilliant quality."
Michael is also deeply grateful to General Manager Jennifer, who recently retired.
"Her leadership style combined spurring us on with guiding us forward—resilient and rigorous. Beyond encouragement, praise, and care, setting high standards and guidance are equally crucial. Constructive pressure inspires self-reflection and growth. That was her way of leading, and a quality worth learning from."
With Mr. Chen paving the road and the General Manager driving everyone forward, alongside the dedication of the entire team, GMC built its present success.
With new talents emerging in every generation, Michael deeply senses the importance of legacy, offering these words to retired colleagues:
"What you passed down was a great example and a culture worth learning from. We will pass it down generation by generation, growing stronger with each era."
Whether tangible assets like client relationships or intangible ones like values, mindsets, and culture—building a sustainable enterprise through generational inheritance is a remarkable achievement.
When he first joined GMC, Michael set two personal mottos as self-expectations.
The first was "Learn through hardship, practice through diligence" (困知勉行), meaning learning through trial and applying knowledge through earnest effort.
"I wasn't born brilliant; I belong to those who cultivate success through effort—growing step by step through observation, perception, and hard work."
The second was "Pick up a flower and smile" (拈花微笑).
"Flowers bloom and fade just like a lifetime. The flower represents life; picking up the flower means mastering your own life, while a smile represents facing life with optimism."
As Michael came to know himself better, he embraced the concept "A noble persona is not a rigid vessel" (君子不器), meaning one should not restrict oneself within a fixed mold—a reflection of his journey at GMC.
"Do not limit yourself; create unlimited possibilities, or you will miss out on many opportunities."
Spring has flowers, autumn has the moon, summer has cool breezes, and winter has snow; if no idle worries cloud your mind, every season is a fine time. Maintaining an open mind with calm composure unlocks infinite potential.
Michael candidly admits he used to be reserved and solemn; today, he lights up the atmosphere as the office mood-maker. "Enthusiasm was a trait I lacked in the past, but gradually I opened up and let my passion shine." Thanks to this transformation, whether hosting overseas agents or traveling abroad, Michael thoroughly enjoys the experience and leaves a lasting impression.
Michael’s advice to young professionals today is: "Know yourself, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and embrace yourself."
"By knowing yourself, you can leverage your strengths, while refined weaknesses can become unique characteristics."
Today, various psychological tools—such as the Enneagram, MBTI, values exploration, or personal development courses—offer pathways to self-discovery.
"Someone who speaks up boldly isn't necessarily articulate—they simply have the courage to speak. Reserved individuals differ from vocal ones; both need to find the right entry point to know and express themselves."
Michael adds that everyone needs their own "Ziman" (自慢)—their signature specialty.
For sales professionals, a signature specialty means confidence in expertise. In freight forwarding, expertise encompasses practical shipping experience across six major operations (ocean and air import/export, plus triangle trade), alongside familiarity with trade term shifts and operational differences.
Possessing a signature specialty provides a platform to stand firmly with confidence.
"There are two types of confidence: validation from others, and validation you give to yourself."
Michael describes confidence as a slight curve of the lips and a glowing countenance. Once confidence is established, breakthrough must follow.
"Doing what you’ve never done is growth; Doing what you’re unwilling to do is change; Doing what you dare not do is a breakthrough."
People often stay within their comfort zones and familiar fields, yet stepping across domains to accept challenges is necessary. GMC houses many talented individuals who developed across disciplines.
"Take Pei-Zhen, for example—from a front-desk part-timer to an OP staff member, and now a Co-load Team Leader. Her cross-disciplinary learning allowed us to witness her progress and achievements. Take Tina, who transitioned from an Accounting Department Secretary to a member of the Overseas Management Team; or Vivian, who moved from ocean freight OP to challenge herself as a salesperson. That is breaking through oneself after building expertise and confidence."
Life presents diverse challenges, and the courage to face them head-on is cultivated through the process of overcoming them.
Countless experiences and growth are intangible. By learning humbly while embracing challenges, all hardships ultimately ripen into the sweetest fruits.
🪐 Why do you love stars? (Origin of the "Star Prince" title 🌟)
🤴 When hiking and seeing bright stars, just thinking "Wow, so many stars!" feels like a missed opportunity. Knowing more about stars sparks fascination and deeper understanding. The largest planet in the solar system is Jupiter, while the brightest star is Sirius in Canis Major—the brightest point of the Winter Triangle. When you look at the bright stars with knowledge, you recognize Orion’s Belt or his dagger. Knowing them creates an emotional connection, like seeing old friends.
🪐 Share a piece of astronomy trivia?
🤴 Vega, together with Deneb in Cygnus, forms the Summer Triangle. Cygnus resembles spread wings and an elongated neck, while Altair has two smaller stars on either side representing two children.
⛰️ How do you balance work and life?
🤴 I belong to a hiking club, so I go hiking every month. I also enjoy reading or watching historical dramas—Spring and Autumn period, Warring States, Three Kingdoms, Chu-Han Contention, Qin Shi Huang. Watching these gets my blood pumping; historical dramas hold immense wisdom.
📺 What else do you like to watch besides historical dramas?
🤴 Corporate lectures, TED Talks, or cultural forums. Hearing people from various industries share their expertise offers many valuable lessons. For example, GMC holds monthly executive development seminars where management team members share their journeys. Treating a speech as a chore makes it feel daunting, but sharing experiences like a cultural forum provides a unique opportunity to reflect on one's career.
📚 What books do you usually read?
🤴 I enjoy various genres—such as Xi Murong’s poetry collections, or the Ziman series by the publisher of Business Weekly, spanning from entry-level staff to management and life philosophy. Because I’m interested in Chinese classical studies, it serves as my bedside reading, which I look through daily.
✏️ Where does your inspiration for writing poetry come from?
🤴 Poetry cannot be forced; it requires genuine feeling. For instance, when the General Manager retired, I expressed my understanding of her, her character, and her achievements through poetry based on our time working together. Recently, handling my community management committee, someone didn't recycle properly or flatten cardboard boxes, so I wrote a poem in the group chat to remind everyone. Things written from the heart come together quickly.
😵 How do you recharge when feeling mentally drained?
🤴 I read in a book that "Self-motivation is like eating—you must do it daily so you aren't negatively impacted by hardships." There are many ways to discover what self-motivation style suits you best to achieve the desired effect.
