Breaking Barriers Between Students & Leaders: CEO "Ask Me Anything" with Sam Hanna

By: Sachhyam Shrestha, Chair of the SOM Student Ambassadors (SSA)

CEOs are often seen as figures of authority, standing on a pedestal, always in the spotlight. Their presence can be intimidating at times, making it difficult for students to engage in open conversations without fear of asking the “wrong” question.

To bridge this gap, SOM Student Ambassadors have launched the CEO: Ask Me Anything series—an initiative designed to create a comfortable space for students to interact with top executives, gain insights from their experiences, and ask candid questions without hesitation.

We recently had our first session on March 25 with Sam Hanna (former CEO of Shell Autoserv & Global Lubricants in Thailand & VP Strategy for Asia), a leader who has spearheaded multiple companies and ventures. His insights on leadership, decision-making, and business management were incredibly valuable. One key takeaway that resonated with me: “Compartmentalize and Prioritize.” A simple yet powerful principle that can help shape our careers and decision-making processes.

A big thank you to Sam Hanna for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us. Looking forward to many more insightful conversations in this series!