Leadership Odyssey Book 1 (Paperback)

What does it take to turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth?

In Leadership Odyssey, Peter Seong-ho Kim shares the remarkable true-to-life journey of an ordinary leader who transformed challenges into opportunities across Korea, Europe, and beyond. In this first volume, he recounts his experience revitalizing an Italian fashion brand after a global acquisition—an inside look at resilience, strategy, and the human side of leadership.

Far from a glossy success story, this book captures failures, doubts, and detours that shaped a CFO-turned-entrepreneur into a global leader. Through vivid storytelling, readers follow his path from resigning as CFO in Korea, to running a restaurant, to leading a fashion turnaround in Italy. Each chapter weaves together narrative, leadership insights, and reflection questions designed for managers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring global professionals.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• How to lead change in a foreign culture and win trust.

• Why true leadership begins with humility and listening.

• The hidden risks behind financial reports—and how to uncover them.

• What inventory, cash flow, and “unsold bags” can teach about resilience.

• Why failures and detours often prepare leaders for greater challenges.

Whether you are a business executive, startup founder, or MBA student preparing for a global career, this book provides inspiration and practical lessons on leadership that endures through uncertainty.

Take the first step into the Leadership Odyssey series—because leadership is not about the destination, but the journey itself.

INDEX

Prologue.
Chapter 1. Preparing for Farewell
Chapter 2. From CFO to Self-Employed, Then Back Again
Chapter 3. Setting Out for Italy
Chapter 4. Deal Closing
Chapter 5. Antonio’s Intention
Chapter 6. A New Beginning
Chapter 7. The Not-So-Trivial Issue of Titles
Chapter 8. The First Step to Understanding the Company
Chapter 9. Start with the Money
Chapter 10. A Different Reading of the Cash Situation
Chapter 11. The One Who Exposes the Shadows
Chapter 12. A Conversation with the Warehouse Manager
Chapter 13. Overwhelmed by Inventory
Chapter 14. What Does He Really Believe?
Chapter 15. Advice Can Come from Anyone
Chapter 16. People on the Frontline
Chapter 17. A Sense of Hidden Problems
Chapter 18. Her Second Advice
Chapter 19. Preparing for Change
Chapter 20. Exposing the Problem Publicly
Chapter 21. Then What’s the Alternative?
Chapter 22. Time to Think About What Must Be Done
Chapter 23. Transformation with Mauris
Chapter 24. Building the Team
Chapter 25. The Village as a Company, the Company as a Village
Chapter 26. The Saboteur Is Always Close at Hand
Chapter 27. Sharing the Shock Makes a Team
Chapter 28. There Is Always a Way
Chapter 29. The Right Person for the Right Job
Chapter 30. A Hidden Trap Inside the Organization
Chapter 31. Anna’s Dedication and Trust
Chapter 32. The Schemes Closing In
Chapter 33. The Doubt of Our Largest Client
Chapter 34. Life, Not Words, Is the Answer
Chapter 35. I Will Take the Storm
Chapter 36. Peter Leaves for England
Chapter 37. Finding a Spark
Chapter 38. It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over
Chapter 39. Not the End, but a New Beginning
Epilogue.

Author
Peter Sungho Kim
: From Global Executive to Business Storyteller
His story is compelling for his unique journey through the global fashion industry, bridging Korean business expertise with European luxury craftsmanship. His career trajectory demonstrates remarkable versatility—having served as CEO and CFO across international markets, he developed deep expertise in navigating both operational and financial leadership in the luxury sector.