As an advisor, I can say what I want. If I were a politician, I would constantly have to compromise, and I'm incapable of doing that.

The strategic initiatives we propose to undertake as part of our plan over the next few years position us well to lead this evolution.

We give people major responsibilities even if they are only 60 per cent ready. Our experience is that people are pretty elastic when you give them responsibility, and they just grow rapidly with the job.

If the United States wants access to Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese markets, we must get access to theirs. U.S. protectionism is very subtle but it is very much there.

I was 21 and had spent the last few years in Stanford University Engineering School at California. Many people advised me to take up a nice, cushy job rather than face the challenges of running a hydrogenated oil business. Looking back, I am glad I decided to take charge instead. Essentially leadership begins from within. It is a small voice that tells you where to go when you feel lost. If you believe in that voice, you believe in yourself.

My company believes in hiring people based on merit.

Leadership is the self-confidence of working with people smarter than you.