How Adobe leaders will make time in the Year of the Rabbit

Image taken by @hasinghaa

For business leaders, the Year of the Rabbit is a chance to re-evaluate goals and look to the future with clarity and purpose. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to make time for themselves and their teams. We asked Adobe leaders to share what characteristics of the rabbit they will embrace, and how they plan to support their teams and strengthen relationships in the year ahead.

Opportunities for leaders in 2023

After a face-paced year, Adobe leaders are confident in the opportunities the new year will bring. Professionally, it’s a chance to connect with team members, be open to advice, ask for help when needed and learn from the diverse perspectives of their peers. Personally, it’s a chance to make time for new experiences and learning.

Headshot of Janie Lim

“Having been in Singapore all my life, I made a difficult and bold decision in 2022 to take on a global role in San Francisco living on my own away from family and friends. I found myself totally out of my comfort zone and everyday was a learning experience for me. Putting all ego and insecurity aside, I pushed myself to do new things, bounce back from mistakes and be open to accept help and advice. I entered 2023 feeling like a different person. Humbled, yet more confident of my inner strength. Vulnerable but more resilient. Ready to take on more and have fun doing it because I am less afraid to fail. I have learnt to keep progressing and be less concerned about getting it right the first time.”

Janie Lim, Sr. Director, Global Campaign Strategy, Education & Creator Economy

Headshot of Hannah Elsakr

“Every solar and Lunar New Year is a time of reflection and renewal. I embrace thinking of life, career & leadership as a beautiful mosaic shaped by upbringing, culture and enriched through life & learning. I believe my diverse experiences brings a diversity of thought which makes me a better steward for Adobe. I am excited for all the unknown experiences that will stretch me in 2023. Life is short. I encourage everyone to take time for things that matter to you and seek out learning opportunities. What will you add to your mosaic in 2023?”

Hannah Elsakr, Vice President, Corporate Development, Direct Investing and M&A

Headshot of Cameron Williams

“Soliciting feedback is key. I get so much value from the perspectives of my peers and others… I think this is the most valuable tool for self-awareness and getting a handle on what my own growth areas are.”

Cameron Williams, Managing Director, DMe Sales, APAC

Skills modern leaders need to harness in 2023

Adobe leaders are leaning on some of the rabbits’ core characteristics to support their teams and business objectives in 2023. Agility, vulnerability, and patience are key capabilities they believe will be crucial for success in the new year.

Quote from Tony Ng, Managing Director, Greater China Region: One of the things that I think is critical this year is for us to think about empowerment. When I think about empowerment, I think about joint leadership and the ability for employees and organisations to have a shared common goal.

Headshot of Simon Tate

“The Year of the Rabbit is all around being measured, considered, patient. I think those three attributes will surface well in 2023. It’s a hard reset… and an opportunity to carry ourselves a little differently. Not with any fewer expectations, but with a different pace and mindset.”

Simon Tate, President, Asia Pacific

Headshot of Simon Morris

“Vulnerability, because the perfect leader doesn’t exist. A leader who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, who demonstrates doubt and acknowledges when they’ve got it wrong, empowers others to be bold; to experiment freely, without the restrictive fear that everything must be perfect.”

Simon Morris, Vice President International Marketing

How to grow as a leader in 2023

Business leaders are looking for new ways to challenge their perspectives, build connections, and practice focus.

Quote from Dana Rao, EVP, General Counsel & Chief Trust Officer: One way to grow as a leader is by constantly making sure we have outside-in influences that inform, and in some cases, challenge our perspectives.

Headshot of Simon Dale

“To quote Zun Kuang, “the person attempting to travel two roads at once will get nowhere”. It's all about focus and practising focus. To say, just do one thing really well at a time.”

Simon Dale, Managing Director, Southeast Asia (SEA)

As we enter the new year, business leaders are looking to embody the agility, patience and clarity of the rabbit. Those who will find success will welcome the spirit of reflection and take the time to embrace new opportunities for relationships and growth. What will you make time for this year?