Pacific Business News Names Su Shin One of Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders 2023
Pacific Business News Names Su Shin One of Hawai‘i’s Most Admired Leaders 2023
Su Shin, president and general manager, Hawaiian Telcom
Leading the utility in its 140th anniversary year, Shin has overseen the completed expansion of fiber optic cable for broadband on Lanai, launched an $87 million expansion of broadband fiber statewide, and facilitated corporate contributions to nonprofits, including $3 million to aid Maui.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
Passionate, authentic, collaborative.
Describe your top accomplishment and/or a difficult decision or major change you made as a leader this past year. How did it impact your business?
It’s difficult to think about this past year without thinking about the profound impact the wildfires on Maui have had and continue to have on our employees, customers and community. I’m so proud of our teams across the state that stepped up not just to restore vital services on Maui, but to get wifi up at Red Cross shelters, and volunteer and give in so many ways.
What volunteer efforts are you most proud of?
I’m passionate about the role that Aloha United Way plays to improve lives as a fundraiser, connector and advocate to more than 300 nonprofit organizations doing great work in our communities. AUW recently produced a report highlighting the economic impact of Covid on Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations: 12% of Hawaii’s households live below the Federal Poverty Level and 30% fall into the ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, category, which are households that earn above the FPL but can’t afford the basic cost of living in their county. To make matters worse, despite struggling to make ends meet, ALICE households often do not qualify for public assistance. So shining a spotlight on this population is essential to ensuring they don’t fall through the cracks. This is the type of really meaningful work I’m proud to be a part of as a board member of AUW.
What is your best piece of advice for future leaders? Be humble, build trust and just be you. Figure out and lean into what your super power is.
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This article first appeared in the Pacific Business News November 10-16, 2023 edition.
© 2023 Pacific Business News
