The Leadership Journey: Talking Transformation with James Jung

As seasons change, I’m reminded of the importance of transformation in a person’s professional journey. This cycle of renewal and growth mirrors the essential shifts we undergo as leaders, continually learning from our experiences, recalibrating our strategies, and evolving to better meet the needs of those we lead and serve.

For the latest post in my “Leadership Journey” series, I am pleased to introduce James Jung, a country leader for Eurofins Group in Korea.

With more than 20 years of business management in the life sciences, biopharmaceuticals, and material science industries, he has a successful track record of developing strategies and programs in the Asia Pacific, holding key responsibilities in Japan in the past, and currently in South Korea.

James’ expertise in resolving organisational challenges and spearheading transformative initiatives on behalf of Eurofins has clear relevance for leaders everywhere — no matter what industry you are in. And his story of professional growth is one that will stick with me for some time.?

Can you tell us more about your career path and reasons for joining Eurofins?

After completing my master's degree in molecular cellular biology, I worked as a researcher at a South Korean multinational electronics corporation before exploring the world of start-ups. This allowed me to thrive in a multitasking environment and gain extensive knowledge in market dynamics, company operations, and finance. Seeking structured learning, I joined a consumer-focused company in Korea and later became the country manager at a global biotech company at age 32.

In 2019, I joined Eurofins in Tokyo as a managing director, drawn to the company's potential for professional growth.

With a background in managing multiple countries and a passion for decentralised structures, I saw an opportunity to bring a global perspective to Eurofins. In 2022, I was entrusted with dual responsibilities in South Korea and Japan, opening new avenues for growth in these thriving markets.

What is one valuable lesson that you have learned throughout your career and still remember to this day?

One valuable lesson I've learned in my career is the importance of developing others and scalability. Hard work and individual performance can bring positive results for a team, but investing in training and development is crucial to unlock growth. Effective people management and recruiting the right individuals are key to success. I have also learned the significance of empathy in collaborative work, particularly when working with my Asian peers. By promoting an open and supportive culture, we can encourage employees to be honest about their difficulties and create an environment where growth and improvement can thrive.

How do Eurofins’ biggest strengths differentiate us from our competitors?

The Eurofins network is known for providing exceptional career development opportunities. With our proactive approach to expansion and acquiring new companies, employees have the chance to take on diverse roles and responsibilities. In just two years, I managed to transition from overseeing one group’s company to a much larger scope.

Furthermore, Eurofins cultivates a dynamic environment that fosters continuous learning and professional growth.

This attracts top-tier candidates who are eager to embrace challenges and seize opportunities for rapid progression. We value and invest in our people, ensuring that their contributions are recognized. I have seen several individuals promoted within just two years to business unit manager or even managing director.

How would you describe your team, and what is the most common piece of mentoring advice you share with them??

My teams comprises of capable and passionate individuals focused on task accomplishment and problem-solving. Upon joining Eurofins in Japan, I was impressed by the team's caliber, organizational structure, and established processes.

I consistently emphasize the importance of empowerment within my teams. I encourage team members to assess their work quality, performance, and results, fostering meaningful discussions for improvement. Recognition and rewards, including considerations of salaries and benefits, are crucial for acknowledging their diligent efforts.

Additionally, I actively recommend personal and professional development, extending this guidance to team managers. One recommendation is for our leaders to read Adam Grant's Give and Take, which explores the impact of our interactions with others on our overall success.

What does the Eurofins spirit mean to you?

For me, the Eurofins spirit represents a growth-oriented environment where experienced professionals can leverage their skills to solve challenges and find satisfaction. While the fast-paced environment of companies like Eurofins can be demanding, we are actively working to bridge that gap and create a space where all employees can thrive. The Eurofins spirit is a continuous evolution, driven by our dedication to creating a fulfilling experience for every member of our organisation.

How do you like to spend your free time outside of work?

I enjoy travelling and exploring the energy and culture of new cities. I am also always on the lookout for ways to continue my learning. I have also started to learn piano and have taken the opportunity to enhance my business acumen by completing a two-year online course offered by the Harvard Business School.

Key Takeaways

I’ve enjoyed getting to know James and cheering on his professional growth over the years. Here are my two key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Consider candidates with non-linear career paths. James brings a wealth of knowledge to Eurofins. His vast and varied career path — from a multinational corporation to startups and ultimately to Eurofins — enabled him to amass the skills needed to succeed in his role. As a result, he thrives at multitasking and brings a broad understanding of market dynamics, company operations, and finance. This underscores a common theme I’ve observed throughout my career: often, the most qualified candidate is the one whose journey is anything but linear.
2. Unlock growth potential with scalability and empathy. Scalability and empathy play a pivotal role in achieving success. As James mentioned, while hard work and individual performance are important, the ability to scale by investing in training and developing the right people matters more. Additionally, empathy — especially in a collaborative setting — is vital for creating an open and supportive culture that encourages honesty and facilitates improvement and growth. This approach enhances team performance and fosters a healthy workplace environment.

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?Read my previous Leadership Journey Q&As below:

• February 2024: Patricia Grace, multi-country business leader for Eurofins Professional Scientific Services
• January 2024: Yves Gonnissen, multi-country business leader for Eurofins CDMO Europe
• December 2023: Thanh Nguyen, regional leader at Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang in Vietnam