The Hawaii Business Podcast
Oct 13, 2022
S1E13, Chris Benjamin, Alexander & Baldwin
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Chris Benjamin’s inner compass of diverse thinking and willingness to hear diverse voices has helped him lead Alexander & Baldwin to becoming 100% Hawai‘i focused. Ten years ago, almost two-thirds of A&B’s commercial real estate were spread across the U.S., but now, the company is reinvesting its assets locally.
More episodes from The Hawaii Business Podcast
2 days ago
S2E20, Ken Sakurai, Coastal Construction
In the latest Hawaii Business Podcast episode, Ken Sakurai, CEO of Coastal Construction, discuses his experiences in the construction industry, the impact his family had on the success of the 50-year-old company, and how its collaboration with Castle & Cooke on a Mililani housing project paved the way for light-gauge steel framing in Hawaiʻi.
Sakurai also talks about his company’s dedication to its workforce, with employees boasting nearly half a century of service, and how Coastal Construction’s involvement in a $54.4 million affordable housing project in Kona reflects its commitment to community impact.
On Dec. 6, 2023, Hawaii Business Magazine recognized Sakurai as its 2023 CEO of the Year, an annual award that honors and celebrates outstanding CEOs for their exceptional leadership, strategic vision and overall contributions to their respective company, industry and the Hawaiʻi community.
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Nov 30, 2023
S2E19, Rick Ching, Servco Pacific Inc.
For Rick Ching, the senior advisor and global mobility board director of Servco Pacific, fostering servant leadership and advocating for inclusivity was all part of the journey.
He shares how Servco Pacific drew from Google’s principles of respect, service, team work and innovation to create and adopt a servant leadership framework. That work, plus Disney Institute training, has resulted in a workplace culture that goes beyond the traditional corporate paradigm. For example, Servco created allyship groups so that diverse teams can voice opinions on policy decisions. Ching says this demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and helps spearhead changes meant to foster a more diverse workplace.
Ching’s personal journey, from starting in 1985 to assuming the roles of CEO and President, reveals the challenges of leadership in a corporate setting. The discussion on decision-making made evident the delicate balance between information gathering and timely execution, with both experience and humility playing pivotal roles.
Beyond the corporate realm, the podcast provides a glimpse into Ching’s family history, education and career path. And, as he transitions into a senior advisory role, the podcast explores his reflections on retirement, future plans and the importance of family.
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Nov 16, 2023
S2E18, Peter Ho, Bank of Hawaiʻi
Peter Ho, the Chairman, President and CEO of Bank of Hawaiʻi, provides valuable insights into his family legacy, career path, and the bank's commitment to its employees and the community.
Ho grew up in a family of successful business leaders – his grandfather and father were self-made multi-millionaires – and he credits them for instilling in him a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Ho values surrounding himself with smart people, especially women, and highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance and leadership skills, which he believes can be developed through sports. He shares his experience working in the banking industry in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s and reflects on the impact of major events like the savings and loan crisis and the Gulf War.
Ho discusses the value proposition of a regional bank in Hawaiʻi, where a combination of local talent, deep understanding of the communities being served and technical expertise from the mainland are all needed. BOH is helping to build a more resilient and diverse economy through partnerships, such as its "all-in" involvement with Hawai‘i based accelerator Mana Up. Ho also talks about the bank's philanthropic efforts, including its dedicated trust division that administers foundations and charitable trusts. He shares the bank's commitment to helping legacy families and new businesses give back to the community.
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