With over two decades of dynamic experience in the tech industry, CP Lee has established himself as a technically sophisticated executive leader. As Chief Technology & Operations Officer at Mola, Lee has a proven track record of leading engagements with potential and existing partners to source new business, inspire customer loyalty, and drive positive impact to the top and bottom line.
Dr. Lee’s journey began as a research scholar at one of Asia’s premier universities. His sharp intellect and persistent quest for solutions have been a driving force. Moving from academia to the corporate world, he has worked with leading organizations like Apple, Motorola, and HBO, gaining diverse industry exposure. Despite the varying industries, a consistent theme of Change and Transformation has emerged, presenting a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of different worlds.
Throughout his professional journey, Dr Lee has consistently demonstrated his ability to take ownership of highly critical and visible projects and deliver optimal results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. His keen aptitude for leadership and innovative problem-solving has earned him multiple accolades and awards in the industry.
An Operational Efficient CTO
As a CTO, Dr. Lee understands that operational efficiency and performance are crucial aspects, not just technology. The ultimate goal is to let enhance and optimise technological operational efficiency to support the business growth and expansion. Balancing innovation, stability, and efficiency while juggling risks is a fine art that Dr. Lee excels in, making changes while ensuring optimal performance.
In CTO Role
As the CTO, Dr. Lee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly like clockwork, keeping the lights on without people realizing the challenges involved in achieving this feat. He makes it look easy, like A-B-C, so that users can seamlessly enjoy the products.
According to Dr. Lee, bringing a new team member onboard, even if they are highly experienced, can be disruptive to the team dynamics. However, there are three key traits that can help them succeed: adaptability to change, the ability to anticipate potential issues in a positive manner, and authenticity. These traits are crucial in empowering team members to navigate changes and overcome obstacles that arise along the way. By embracing these traits, new team members can effectively integrate into the team and contribute to the company’s success.
Dr. Lee is driven by the desire to see the company’s products evolve into something that’s not just usable, but also exciting and well-regarded by users. This daily motivation helps him strive towards achieving the best for the company and its users.
Risk with Every Tech Transformation
Dr. Lee believes that the emergence of AI tools will be heavily exploited by various organizations, both good and bad. While this reliance on AI may widen the gap between different social groups, it also has the potential to create new opportunities for those who previously did not have access to them.
Historically, technology has always been a tool to assist those who embrace it positively and adapt to it quickly. While there are always risks associated with new technology, Dr. Lee believes that the benefits of AI will outweigh the potential negative consequences.
Dr. Lee acknowledges that every technology change represents a risk for tech professionals, and with each evolving role and project, the risks become increasingly significant. However, he believes that taking risks is necessary for personal and professional growth.
For him, the greatest individual risk he took was leaving his full-time job at Apple and becoming a self-powered individual working on projects he never thought he could. This experience shaped his approach to people and responsibilities and informed how he approached his subsequent roles.
While taking risks can be challenging, Dr. Lee believes that it’s crucial to push oneself out of their comfort zone to achieve growth and success. By embracing new challenges and opportunities, individuals can develop new skills, expand their knowledge base, and ultimately reach their full potential.
Traits Required to be a CTO
Dr. Lee strongly believes that anything is possible if one strives towards it. Even if the exact end goal is not achieved, the journey itself will take one closer to it. This belief was particularly evident during his time at Apple, where a group of engineers came together with a renegade attitude of us against the world.
Another key trait that Dr. Lee values is the ability to navigate uncertainty. As businesses are fundamentally about people, uncertainties arise unexpectedly, and it’s essential to be prepared for anything. Staying alert, curious, and observant when things happen gives a sense of power in retaining control.
Finally, Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of authenticity. Being true to oneself and others is crucial in manifesting one’s role, work, and results in the grand scheme of things. Living by this motto ensures that one’s actions and achievements are genuine and aligned with one’s values.
Improving to Create a Positive Impact
According to Dr. Lee, the desire to learn is a constant process, and each day brings an opportunity to discover something new that enriches our lives, whether it’s technology-related or not. As a technology leader, it’s crucial to not just focus on the technical aspects in isolation but also have a deep understanding of the business world and current trends. This ability sets one apart from others.
As a leader grows, their qualities must evolve to meet the changing demands. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new situations are key ingredients for success.
Dr. Lee values kindness over niceness, and this motto serves as a guiding principle in both his professional and personal life. While niceness might be superficial and focused on pleasing others, kindness is rooted in empathy and concern for others’ well-being. By prioritizing kindness over niceness, Dr. Lee strives to build authentic connections with others and create a positive impact in the world around him.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
