【Article by CICII】
On December 2, the Center for Industry Collaboration and Innovation-Incubation (CICII) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted a seminar featuring Rahil Ansari,
CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group Taiwan and Managing Director of Audi Taiwan, at Jen-Wei Lecture Hall. Ansari shared his entrepreneurial journey, focusing on cross-cultural growth and the importance of diversity in leadership. The seminar was organized by CICII at NCCU and hosted by Kimberly Chen and Suarlin Garcia.

The seminar opened with remarks from CICII Director Lin Shi-Yuan, who welcomed Ansari and highlighted his contributions to the automotive industry and beyond. “We are honored to invite Mr. Rahil Ansari today. Not only has he excelled in the automotive industry, but he also actively shares valuable insights on navigating new paths in a rapidly changing world,” Lin stated.

Ansari began his speech with the statement, “We live in diversity,” which set the tone for his discussion on the profound impact of his multicultural upbringing. Born to Indian parents in Germany, Ansari was immersed in a multicultural environment from a young age. He pursued his studies across Germany, France, and Sweden, gaining a global perspective that has shaped his career. Ansari also emphasized his multilingual abilities—fluent in German, English, French, Hindi, and Spanish—which have been essential for effective cross-cultural communication. “I always knew I would pursue a career that connects people and cultures,” he shared, reflecting on how these experiences became the foundation of his professional journey.

Reflecting on his career, Ansari spoke about his active engagement in internships and community service during his student years, which provided him with valuable hands-on experience. He shared a pivotal moment from his university days, where he leveraged an opportunity to connect with a guest speaker during a seminar, leading to an internship that ultimately helped him complete his master’s thesis in the United States. “Although I had no prior background in the automotive industry, having a passion for learning and the right mindset was the key to overcoming challenges,” he noted.

During an interactive segment, Ansari posed a thought-provoking question to the students: “If given the opportunity to work abroad, would you take it?” This sparked enthusiastic discussions among the audience. Drawing from his own experience of relocating from Germany to India early in his career, Ansari said, “For me, the answer was a resounding yes. Such decisions can transform your life in unpredictable ways.” He encouraged students to embrace challenges and explore opportunities that broaden their horizons.

Ansari also highlighted the importance of diversity in corporate management, using Volkswagen Taiwan as a case study. He pointed out that 40% of the company’s workforce is female, showcasing the organization’s commitment to inclusive practices. “Diversity is our strength,” he remarked, explaining how varied perspectives drive innovation. He advised students to maintain a curious and explorative mindset, adding, “Questioning your choices is a natural part of growth. If the answers are unclear, step back, explore new possibilities, and revisit with a fresh perspective.”

He concluded with advice on mentorship, urging students to seek mentors who provide honest and constructive feedback. “Choose mentors who tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear,” he emphasized.

As the event came to a close, Ansari invited the audience for a group selfie, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. CICII Director Lin and the Hult Prize committee members joined Ansari on stage to express their gratitude and present him with a certificate of appreciation. The seminar concluded with a spirited group photo, leaving students inspired and equipped with valuable insights for their future careers.

Ansari’s talk provided a deep understanding of the power of cross-cultural experiences and diversity, encouraging students to think boldly about their professional journeys while embracing the transformative possibilities that come with challenges and opportunities.