This case follows the entrepreneurial journey of SmartHR founder Shoji Miyata as he led his company to become the leading cloud player in the human resources space and one of only a handful of tech unicorns in Japan. By automating, digitalizing, and streamlining traditional HR functions such as onboarding new employees and managing social insurance, SmartHR was at the forefront of reducing manual HR-related paperwork in the country. Among the 1.87 million business entities in Japan, most of which still relied on manual paperwork in their HR processes, SmartHR's product offerings quickly gained traction and the company experienced exponential growth. SmartHR grew to a 45.8% market share in the labor management cloud space overall and a 71.7% market share in the enterprise segment. Although Miyata felt it was an honor to have led SmartHR, he saw the merits of voluntarily relinquishing the CEO role and passing the baton to a successor as the company became larger and might seek an IPO in the future. He felt that he could not adapt to the changes in the macro environment, ultimately deciding to let go and focus on a new venture in a rare move in business succession.

Redress is an environmental charity that aims to encourage consumers, the fashion industry and manufacturers, to take a more sustainable approach to garment and textile manufacturing. Every day, thousands of tonnes of unwanted garments and textiles are dumped in landfills, an issue that has escalated due to fast-fashion production. Textile manufacturing consumes valuable resources such as water and releases harmful pollutants, while worldwide shipments account for 10% of global carbon emissions. Redress encourages consumers, both corporates and individuals, to take a more responsible attitude to fashion, through clothing drives, redistribution of garments, and pop up stores in Hong Kong. It also works with the global manufacturing and textile industry to encourage greater sustainability through key initiatives, events and forums.

Mapxus is an award-winning innovative smart tech start-up whose research and development is based in Hong Kong. Using a combination of artificial intelligence, algorithms, and digital technology, Mapxus creates high-quality digital maps of the interior of buildings at a significantly lower cost than traditional methods of indoor mapping. Mapxus technicians have now mapped the interiors of hundreds of urban building where keeping up to date records is vital for building owners, safety and emergency services. Its smart technology also has an important social benefit since visually impaired people can use its data to help them find their way safely through city buildings. The venture's success relies on a unique partnership between its two experienced cofounders--serial entrepreneur and academic Dr. John Chan, and Chief Executive Officer and the company's Chief Operating Officer, Ocean Ng. While each has different leadership skills, their success demonstrates how a complementary partnership can create the leadership needed to build a successful start-up. In just six years, the company has expanded its indoor mapping and navigation services to Japan, Singapore and Taiwan and it now plans to expand globally. To do this, the company might need to undergo significant change.

Food Angel is a Hong Kong based social venture that recycles food into cooked meals for Hong Kong's poor. Founded by Gigi Tung, Food Angel has growth so a successful organisation employing over 200 paid staff and 20,000 volunteers who process over 10,000 meals and 200 food packs daily. Gigi believes her philosophy and leadership are working successfully. But going forward, as the charity expands, she wants to develop leadership from within. Can institutional culture, once established, be changed?