Kwon Young-soo, former Vice Chairman of LG Energy Solution, has released a new book titled “I Wish You Well,” offering insights from his 45-year career at LG. In an interview with The Guru, Kwon described management as “the art of winning people’s hearts,” a belief that forms the core message of his latest work.
The book chronicles Kwon’s journey from his early days as a junior employee to his tenure as CEO across several LG affiliates, including display, telecommunications, and battery businesses. It serves as both a memoir and a leadership guide, capturing lessons learned through decades on the frontlines of Korea’s corporate world.
Kwon recalled one of the toughest moments in his career — in 2007, when he became CEO of LG.Philips LCD (now LG Display) during a severe industry downturn. The company had just posted a massive ₩800 billion (about $570 million) loss due to a sharp decline in LCD panel prices. “It was total chaos,” Kwon said. “There was a day I couldn’t even remember my home’s passcode — or whether I lived in an apartment or a villa.”
Facing skepticism from employees who saw his appointment as a sign of restructuring, Kwon realized he needed to rebuild trust. “I learned that people must first feel your sincerity,” he said. “Without winning their hearts, any action could easily be misunderstood.”
To close the gap, Kwon dispatched team leaders to major plants in Paju and Gumi to listen to workers’ concerns and communicate directly with union representatives. After several months of personal engagement, employees began to recognize his genuine commitment.
That philosophy — what Kwon calls “management through empathy” — became a defining feature of his leadership. As CEO of LG Energy Solution in 2021, he visited the company’s Ochang plant and Daejeon R&D center at least once a week to stay closely connected with field employees. In his office, a framed sign with the word “consideration” served as a constant reminder of his values.
When Kwon later moved to LG Uplus, his focus remained on people. Seeking to break the company’s long-held image as Korea’s “perennial No. 3” telecom provider, he pursued an ambitious partnership with Netflix. “I wanted to give my employees courage and confidence,” he said. “Even if the odds were low, success would give the organization tremendous confidence.”
Asked how he managed to persuade Netflix, known for its strict global standards, Kwon replied, “Always think from the other side’s perspective. After each meeting, we would ask ourselves, ‘What are they thinking now? What should we say next?’ Understanding their mindset shaped our strategy.”
Kwon’s people-first mindset now extends beyond corporate walls. The title “I Wish You Well” encapsulates his belief that true success lies in helping others succeed. “In the past, ‘you’ meant people I personally knew,” he said. “Now, it means anyone I can help. I want to dedicate the rest of my life to supporting others.”
Reflecting on corporate culture today, Kwon emphasized the critical role of leadership. “Employee motivation comes from leaders,” he said. “When leadership and company culture are strong, people naturally want to stay and grow within the organization.”
