The Dramatic Turnaround
In 2018, Hanyang Securities had just 5 billion won in annual operating profit — an industry wallflower. Six years later: 54.8 billion won, a 10x increase. At the center: CEO Im Jae-taek, a 38-year securities veteran.
His formula: Man, Money, Mechanism — but when all three were lacking, he chose unbalanced growth strategy.
1. Unbalanced Growth and Risk Management
Im chose real estate project financing (PF) — high risk but high reward. Unlike competitors who held deals for 3 years, Hanyang held for just 3 months and sold quickly.
"Buy at the ankle, sell below the knee."
This conservative approach yielded 0% contingent liabilities — an industry benchmark for risk management.
2. Talent: The 'Strict Entry Gate'
A "good player" isn't just skilled — they have self-regulation: clear goals that govern behavior, mood, and decisions.
- Low performers: Given 2 years of opportunity; if no change, a natural parting.
- High performers: Strong motivation and rewards, but managed strictly — coddling drives them away.
"Many leaders waste excessive energy on 'special management of low performers.' Pouring energy into unsolvable problems destroys teams quickly."
3. Reviving a Defeated Team
When Im arrived, staff believed "nothing can be done here." His bold move: renovating the entire office — spending 3.8 billion won when annual profit was only 5.3 billion.
"People submit to voluntary servitude. Too many give up thinking 'it'll never work anyway.'"
He learned that acting boldly without seeking approval actually earns more trust.
"Your boss is a 'moving target.' Don't work for recognition from superiors — seek recognition from the market and industry."
4. Career Longevity: Find Work That Matches Your Heartbeat
Im has never felt bored in 38 years of securities work because it matches his natural rhythm.
"I always run, never walk. I love working intensely with total focus. Securities work matches my heartbeat perfectly."
Career advice:
- Opportunity comes to those who persist tenaciously in one place
- More options actually make success harder
- Endure life's body checks — opportunities will come
"Find work that matches your heartbeat." "Endure life's body checks — opportunities will come." "Your boss is a moving target. Don't work for their recognition."