In this special episode recorded live in Taipei, host Wenchi Yu speaks with Lora Ho, former Chief Financial Officer of TSMC. Lora reflects on nearly three decades helping guide TSMC from a rising Taiwanese chipmaker into a company central to the global digital economy. She explains how TSMC built customer relationships on integrity, commitment, innovation, and trust—often without formal contracts—and why the company continued to invest through semiconductor downturns despite short-term financial pressure. Ho also shares lessons from her work across finance, global business, human resources, and ESG: sustainable success depends not only on technology and operational discipline, but also on empathy, respectful communication, cultural adaptability, and the ability to bring people together around a common purpose. In the AI era, she argues, there is more than one way to win—and human connection, courage, and trust remain indispensable.

00:00 Introduction to Laura and TSMC's Global Impact

00:27 Laura's Career and Leadership Philosophy

01:42 The Concept of Going with the Flow in Leadership

02:35 Passing on Leadership and Organizational Culture

03:48 Building Customer Trust Without Contracts

06:36 Balancing Financial Discipline and Long-term Investment

09:31 The Human Element in Technology and Leadership

10:26 Managing People and Leadership Challenges

12:20 Creating a Culture of Respect and Communication

13:24 Global Cultural Adaptation and Localization

15:28 Women in Leadership at TSMC

16:54 Supporting Women and Diversity Initiatives

18:05 Leadership Style and Cultural Differences

19:18 Winning Through Empathy and Collaboration

20:15 The Personal Practice of Sunrise Photography

22:21 Closing Remarks and Inspirational Insights

Perspectives with Wenchi Yu

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