Developing global teams: 5 tips from John Collings, President, Asia Pacific

Updated: Nov 8, 2024

With over two decades of experience in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries,

John Collings has dedicated his career to improving healthcare and patient outcomes. After joining Stryker’s European leadership team in 2016, John now serves as the President of our Asia Pacific region, based in Singapore. His journey at Stryker spans eight years, during which he’s held leadership roles across both Europe and Asia.

In his current role, John is passionate about building high-performing, diverse teams and fostering a culture of inclusion. Below, he shares his top five career insights, drawing from his global leadership experience.

1. Find your voice and share it

Early in John’s career, he received valuable advice: Find your voice and share your ideas. Speaking up didn’t come naturally to him, but he realized he was holding back insights that could drive value. By voicing his thoughts, he felt recognized and contributed more effectively. Now, as a leader, he encourages others to find their voice and for leaders to create environments where speaking up is encouraged.

Key takeaway: Sharing your ideas and opinions not only enhances your visibility but also strengthens team dynamics.

2. Embrace a non-linear career path

John emphasizes the importance of varied experiences over a traditional, vertical career trajectory. “Career paths don’t have to be linear,” he explains. “I believe that gaining a breadth of experience is often more valuable than rushing up the corporate ladder.” Twice, John made the decision to take roles that were considered lateral moves or even steps down. These decisions provided him with a richer understanding of the business and ultimately accelerated his career growth.

Key takeaway: Building a well-rounded career through diverse experiences can make you a more adaptable and effective leader.

3. Curiosity is key to great leadership

John challenges the notion that leadership is about making all the decisions. He believes that curiosity and openness to different viewpoints are critical in leadership. “Surround yourself with trusted advisors and be open to alternative perspectives before making important decisions,” he advises. By seeking out diverse opinions, leaders can foster stronger teams and improve decision-making.

Key takeaway: Curiosity and inclusivity in leadership drive better decisions and create cohesive teams.

4. Prioritize self-care alongside leadership responsibilities

Leadership comes with its share of challenges and demands. John underscores the importance of both going the extra mile for your team and taking time to recharge. “Leaders need to be proud of the impact they make but also understand the importance of self-care,” he says. He encourages leaders to reflect, recharge, and ensure they’re at their best for their teams.

Key takeaway: Balancing professional demands with self-care is crucial for long-term success as a leader.

5. Develop and invest in talent

At Stryker, nurturing talent is a core value. Under John’s leadership, the Asia Pacific region recently launched the Global Assignment Program, which allows talent from across the region to spend several months with Stryker’s Global Divisions. “This program fosters cross-cultural exchange and brings diverse perspectives into the business, enhancing collaboration and ensuring our teams have the skills to meet customer needs globally,” John explains.

Key takeaway: Developing talent across regions promotes innovation, enhances collaboration, and ensures global success.