· You've got to create the right environment so people can be successful and want to stay."
· "In Japan, trust takes longer to earn—but once you have it, it doesn't disappear."
· "You can't just come in and declare the solution—you've got to sit back and observe first."
· "I don't want to tell people what to do; I want them to lead and ask for advice."
· "Sometimes the informal conversations in Japan are more valuable than the formal meetings."
Previously Duncan was Senior Vice-President Corporate Real Estate Citi; Head of Project Management, Arup. He has a B.A. in Structural Engineering from the University of Strathclyde
Duncan approaches leadership with a steady, reflective, and culturally adaptive mindset. At the core of his philosophy is a deep appreciation for building trust and engaging teams through consistency, inclusivity, and authentic communication. His leadership journey began through project management, which served as a pivotal learning ground—teaching him to balance technical expertise with people management and cross-functional collaboration. This foundation shaped his belief that leadership is not about commanding from above but creating the right environment for others to succeed.
In Japan, Duncan learned that engagement stems less from directive behaviour and more from consistent demonstration of reliability, involvement, and fairness. He believes that showing up, being dependable, and participating alongside his team builds the relational credibility necessary for true collaboration. He avoids micromanagement, preferring to empower team members to lead in their roles while remaining present as a support and protector, particularly in situations where hierarchy or external pressures threaten team cohesion.
Cultural sensitivity is central to Duncan's leadership in Japan. He emphasizes the importance of understanding not only the language but also the deeper cultural signals—reading between the lines, noticing tone, body language, and the significance of what is left unsaid. This awareness allows him to foster trust and unlock informal communication channels, which in Japan often yield more insight than formal meetings. He views language less as a daily tool at senior levels and more as a symbolic bridge to understanding the nuances of how people think and behave.
Inclusion is another hallmark of Duncan's leadership. He actively ensures that all voices are heard, especially those who might otherwise be overshadowed in meetings—often the case with Japanese team members in global settings. He believes in creating a safe space for contributions and reinforces positive input to boost confidence. His approach includes coaching individuals to participate more and highlighting team achievements broadly, helping to build individual credibility and shared pride.
Duncan is also conscious of shaping culture at the micro-level. Within the broader framework of corporate and national cultures, he instils his own values—promoting enjoyment in work, fostering diverse personalities within teams, and clarifying how every role contributes to the bigger picture. He believes that trust in Japan takes longer to earn but is more enduring once established. For this reason, he prioritizes transparency, protects his team from undue pressure, and defends their interests when necessary, whether internally or with clients.
Ultimately, Duncan sees leadership as the act of creating environments where people can perform at their best, develop personally, and stay committed to the organization. His approach is adaptive, people-cantered, and anchored in a deep understanding of cultural context. Rather than imposing change quickly, he advocates for observation, thoughtful action, and gradual evolution—especially in environments like Japan, where time and process are deeply respected. In his view, effective leadership is less about control and more about guidance, protection, and amplifying the contributions of others.
