Leadership Isn’t Automatic. It Is Intentional.

Set against the dynamic world of advertising, Leadership is Not Automatic presents a captivating fable for young leaders in the workplace.

Follow protagonist, Sam, on his leadership journey—from his role as a first-time manager of a boutique ad agency to a director of a large advertising firm—as he navigates tough conversations, challenging personnel decisions, and the complexities of aligning personal values with business goals. As Sam faces these pivotal moments, he learns that leadership is not automatic—it’s about making intentional choices that honour both the people and the business.

But the journey doesn’t end there. In a game-changing bonus section, the authors reimagine Sam’s toughest leadership moments—with the guidance of a coach. How could his decisions have shifted? How might the outcomes have been transformed? This powerful segment offers readers invaluable takeaways, showing how coaching can transform defining moments into leadership breakthroughs that can be applied in their own careers.

  • “This isn’t a book filled with buzzwords and corporate jargon. It’s one that tells the truth.”

    Timothy Tiah, Co-founder of Colony & Award-Winning Entrepreneur

  • “What makes this book a must-read for today’s leaders is the richness of its coaching conversations. It’s not just insightful—it’s a practical, empowering guide through the tough, messy situations every leader faces.

    Janet Lee, CEO & Culture Consultant, Ninety Five Percent, an award-winning corporate culture consultancy

  • “Both a mirror and a mentor within the pages”

    Peilin Lee, Head of Marketing, Coach

  • “Leadership is a muscle.” This book tackles leadership at its core showcasing the story of Sam. Sam’s progression from self-discovery and awareness to empathy managing both upwards and downwards illustrates a narrative that is highly relatable to those in the workforce.

    Andrew Lim, CFO of Gushcloud International

  • "This book is accessible and deeply practical. In today's day and age, individuals are thrust into many situations in office and outside office, and leaders are not just those with high positions. This book shows that a leader can be made through practical steps and support. This book is for everyone regardless of whether you hold a leadership title today."

    Eileen Ooi, APAC CEO, PHD Media

About the Authors

  • Kausern is the Founder and Managing Director of Building Better Leaders. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of a leading influencer and content marketing company in Malaysia, where he led the organisation for over eight years.

    With more than 20 years of experience leading young professionals in the marketing and advertising industries, Kausern believes the fastest way to make a meaningful impact on young people in the workplace is through intentional leadership and human connection.

    Kausern’s Ikigai is: Always try to leave people feeling better than when you first met them, because people will forget what you said or did—but they will never forget how you made them feel.

    He is an HRD Corp Accredited Trainer and an International Coach Federation (ICF) Accredited Coach. A movie buff at heart, Kausern often uses scenes from films in his training and coaching sessions to spark insight and inspiration.


  • Seok Hian is the founder of IKIGAI Consultancy Services Pte Ltd which specialises in organisation development, leadership training, and coaching.

    Drawing on more than 25 years of HR and leadership experience, she has taken on various roles ranging from generalist, business partner, regional role, coach, trainer, and consultant. She now works closely with co-founders, business owners, and young leaders to help them scale their leadership and build effective teams.

    Seok Hian’s Ikigai is to help people become better versions of themselves.

Keep Growing!

Kausern and Seok Hian also consults, run workshops and coach leaders — all designed to help managers become more influential, impactful, and deeply human in how they lead.

Whether you're looking to grow your team’s leadership capacity or collaborate on media, partnerships, or events — we’d love to connect.