Leaders stepping into bigger roles
The skills that got you promoted aren't the ones that make you successful at the next level. I coach leaders through that shift: from doing the work to building the people and systems that do it.
Kevin Yao · Leadership coach · Global enterprise operations
There is no finish line. Only the next percent.
Leadership coaching and operations consulting from someone who has led behavior change at scale, from the strategy in the boardroom to the habits on the front line.
US · Asia · EuropeEnterprise operations leadership across Nike, Apple and start-ups
$2.1B+P&L portfolio led
Guest lecturerRollins Crummer and the University of Hong Kong · Design thinking, market entry, strategy
ICF ACCCertified leadership coach · HKU MBA
About Kevin
I'm a third-culture kid who grew up between Taiwan and the US, and I've built my career leading operations and teams for global brands: Nike in North America and Greater China, Apple in Hong Kong, Bloomingdale's and H&M. With my father, I also built Densmart Dental, a Taiwan dental equipment maker, taking it into the US, Europe, India and the Philippines, so I know what it takes to grow a business market by market.
The thread through all of it is connecting what an organization decides with what its people actually do. That gap is where most strategies fail, and it's where I help leaders now.
I'm an ICF ACC certified coach, hold an MBA from the University of Hong Kong, and have been a guest lecturer at the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business and the University of Hong Kong, teaching design thinking, market entry and strategy. I work in English and Mandarin.
Where I help
Strategy that stalls in execution
The plan is right on paper and nothing changes on the ground. I find where execution breaks between headquarters and the front line, and build the routines that close the gap.
Teams that need to work across borders
Having led teams in the US, mainland China and Hong Kong, I help leaders operate across cultures, time zones and very different ways of working, in English or Mandarin.
Services
01
Leadership Coaching
For: Managers, directors and senior leaders, especially anyone stepping into a bigger role.
How it works: One-on-one sessions focused on the goal you bring, with a written summary and agreed actions after every session.
Outcome: Clearer decisions, a stronger team, and a leader ready for the next level.
02
Operations & Change Consulting
For: Organizations rolling out a new operating model, process or standard across many sites or teams.
How it works: I diagnose where execution breaks down, design the rollout with your field leaders, and build the operating rhythm that makes it stick.
Outcome: Change that shows up in the work and in the numbers, not just in the launch deck.
03
Workshops & Speaking
For: Leadership teams, MBA classes and conferences.
How it works: Sessions on leadership, operational execution and US–China business, built around your real challenges rather than generic exercises.
Outcome: A team that agrees on priorities and holds each other to them.
What people say
“He has the natural ability to ask thought provoking questions, dare to challenge and facilitate the client's growth.”
Margie Edmonson PoonICF MCC · CEO, Paradigm21 Group“His ability to navigate through the thicket to find solutions is uncanny and swift.”
Bobby TangCoaching client“He recognizes the importance of investing in his "team" and I've appreciated him mentoring me in my own career.”
Terrie NevilleService & retail management leaderStart with a 20-minute call
Bring the goal or problem you want solved. If we're a fit, I'll send a proposal with scope and fees. If not, you'll leave with at least one useful idea.
Prefer email? Write to nextpercentbetter@gmail.com. Calendar not loading? Book here.