A Conversation on Leadership in a Changing World

In this episode of Leaders with Ambition Asia, Matthew Cooper, Managing Director of Ambition Malaysia, sits down with Chris Auckland, Group Managing Director of Ambition, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, careers and the evolving world of work across Asia.

As the inaugural guest of our new podcast series, Chris reflects on his career journey and the experiences that have shaped his leadership approach, before sharing observations from across the region’s employment market. Drawing on insights from Ambition’s 2026 Market Insights & Salary Guide and findings from the firm’s Quick Pulse Survey, the discussion explores why people leave organisations, the role workplace culture plays in retention, and how contracting is becoming a more deliberate part of workforce strategies.

The conversation also turns to the growing influence of AI in recruitment and the wider professional world, before closing with reflections on growth, learning through mistakes and the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Early life and career beginnings

Chris’s early years in the UK, studying civil engineering and starting his career in consulting, and how early exposure to different environments shaped his curiosity and willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

From consulting to recruitment in Asia

The pivotal decision to move to Hong Kong, work in the charity sector, and eventually transition into recruitment, laying the foundations for a long-term career across Asia.

Developing a leadership mindset

How Chris’s experiences managing teams through growth and downturns shaped his leadership philosophy, including the importance of communication, trust and clarity.

Insights from the market

Key observations drawn from Ambition’s 2026 Market Insights & Salary Guide and Quick Pulse Survey, including why professionals leave organisations, the role of culture and leadership in retention, and evolving workforce expectations across Asia.

Culture, performance and purpose

Why strong cultures must balance psychological safety with accountability and high performance, and how purpose-led organisations are better positioned to attract and retain talent.

AI and the future of work

Chris’s perspective on the growing influence of AI in recruitment and professional roles, why AI literacy matters, and why human skills will become even more critical as technology advances.

Growth mindset and learning through mistakes

Why pushing beyond comfort zones, challenging limiting beliefs and learning from mistakes are essential for long-term personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

Careers don’t have to be linear; some of the biggest growth moments come from stepping into uncertainty
Leadership is about listening as much as speaking, and reinforcing direction consistently
Strong cultures balance psychological safety with accountability and performance
Mistakes are essential for growth; avoiding them often means playing it too safe
AI will augment, not replace, most roles, making human skills more important than ever

Key Quotes from the Episode

“Some of the biggest growth moments in my career came from stepping into situations where I didn’t have all the answers."

“Speaking isn’t the same as communicating. You have to listen and build trust.”

“A strong culture isn’t just about being supportive. It’s about everyone pushing themselves and each other to be better.”

“If you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably not pushing yourself far enough.”

About Chris Auckland

Chris Aukland is Group Managing Director at Ambition, an international recruitment firm with offices across Australia, Asia, the UK, and the US. With over two decades of experience, Chris is passionate about helping organisations grow by securing the right talent and supporting professionals in achieving their career goals. A strong advocate for lifelong learning and innovation, he’s committed to leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enhance recruitment solutions and build better futures for clients, candidates, and teams alike.

About Matthew Cooper

Matthew Cooper is the Managing Director of Ambition Malaysia, leading recruitment across Commerce & Industry, Global Business Services, and Banking & Financial Services.

With more than 20 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Asia, Matthew is passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening long-term client partnerships, and helping organisations navigate increasingly complex talent challenges.

Under his leadership, the Malaysia business has built a strong reputation for specialist market knowledge, trusted relationships, and a steadfast commitment to Ambition’s purpose of Building Better Futures.