About the event

In the 21st century, we are transitioning into the new era— an era that calls for a paradigm shift in people’s way of thinking, way of life, and way of being. What would the world be like when the population is aging and starting to shrink, or when AI comes into full force, or when sustainability is severely challenged? More than ever, leadership is required to shed lights on the path forward, bringing the world together with a clear vision, mindfulness and well-being. To answer these questions, Mr. Tsao will share his insights on how changing a person’s consciousness is the most powerful lever for unlocking his or her leadership potential to create wealth and serve humankind, and many more insights from his new book “Quantum Leadership - New Consciousness in Business”.

Chavalit Tsao, known as Fred, is the fourth-generation steward of a family business that started in The Shanghai Bund before 1906. Fred joined the family business at the age of twenty after graduating from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Engineering.

His early business successes include the startup of a highly-profitable palm oil business in Thailand and the turnaround and listing of a bankrupt Thai national shipping line.  In 1995, at the age of thirty-seven, Fred took over as Chairman of IMC Group. Under his stewardship, the traditional shipping company transformed into a multi-national conglomerate with diverse business interests. 

Today, IMC Pan Asia Alliance Group has interests in four strategic business areas—IMC Industrial, an integrated industrial supply chain group; OCTAVE, a sustainable living lifestyle and real estate group and a platform of curated well-being to help people find clarity, harmony and a new level of consciousness and freedom; AITIA Institute, a learning institute dedicated to shifting consciousness of leadership and organizations in pursuit of sustainability; Heritas Capital Management, an investment and fund management group. 

Fred is passionate about cutting-edge business economics and sustainability. As Founder of Family Business Network (FBN) in Asia, he also served as President of FBN Asia, Member of FBN International Board and Chairman of FBN Foundation, to promote sustainable family businesses. He believes that family business can make a difference to the evolution of business in society.

Fred believes thriving, sustainable businesses can serve human well-being and create wealth at the same time. He advocates that evolution is the key and consciousness is the ultimate capital. Hence in 1995 Fred formed a research center, the East West Cultural Development Centre, as an extension of his own evolutionary journey. To date there is ongoing research in the areas of globalization, sustainability, societal and management issues.

In terms of understanding issues of human development, Fred is deeply interested in the connection between Western science and traditional Chinese philosophy. In the emerging fields of quantum physics, evolutionary biology, neurophysiology, and consciousness research, he sees evidence in the interconnectedness and essential oneness of the world. 

Fred is the co-author of Quantum Leadership with Chris Laszlo, currently available for sale on Amazon. In this book, Fred argues that current approaches to leadership fail to produce positive outcomes for either businesses or the communities they serve. Drawing on extensive research, he shows how changing a person’s consciousness is the most powerful lever for unlocking his or her leadership potential to create wealth and serve humankind.

CFLD Hall, Schwarzman College, Level B1

Guests from both Tsinghua and other universities may register for this event by scanning the QR code. Attendees must show their confirmed reservation and valid university ID to access this event. Attendees will be admitted to Schwarzman College on condition that they adhere to all building and event policies. This event is not open to members of the media and will be held off the record. No attributions or descriptions of this event may be published or shared online without the written consent of both Tsinghua University and Schwarzman College. This lecture will be delivered in English.