Building bridges

Josette Sheeran (left) says understanding has to come from the fabric of relationships. Sheeran is pictured at a welcome reception for her in Hong Kong. Photo / Asia Society Hong Kong Center

Eight months after her appointment as CEO of the Asia Society, Josette Sheeran talks with Rebecca Lo about the organization's ideals in promoting closer ties between cultures.

Josette Sheeran recalls visiting Beijing for the first time in 1981.

"There seemed to be a million bicycles and no cars," she recalls. "There was one shop in the city, run by the government. Beijing's transformation has been incredible. Seeing China's re-emergence into the world has been phenomenal. It is the greatest story of our time. And it is a privilege to be working with China through the Asia Society."

Sheeran became the Asia Society's seventh president and CEO last June. Prior to her appointment, she was vice-chair of the World Economic Forum. Before that, she was executive director of the United Nations World Food Program.

The Princeton, New Jersey native has also worked for the United States government as US undersecretary of state for economic, business and agricultural affairs as well as deputy US trade representative.

She has been named by Forbes as the world's 30th most powerful woman. She has received numerous accolades for her work in fighting hunger and malnutrition, including Japan's Niigata International Food Award.

Along with her extensive experience in both NGOs and government, Sheeran brings a wealth of diplomatic skills to the Asia Society. She has previously negotiated with virtually every Asian nation.

She describes her new role as a dream job. "It brings together all of my interests," she says. "My passion is how to empower people through economic opportunity. Trade can transform poverty."

Sheeran had previously been a member of the Asia Society and long admired its work, though she didn't realize its global impact or how things operated within the organization until she took on her current role.