John L. Thornton delivered a speech and took part in a dialogue with students at Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua SEM) on "Talent, Education, and the Next Generation of Global Leaders," on October 17, 2025, attracting nearly 100 participants.

Thornton is a member of the Tsinghua SEM's Advisory Board, Chairman of Redbird Capital Partners, and Co-Chair of the Asia Society Board.

John L. Thornton in dialogue with Tsinghua students

Thornton began by reflecting on his own teaching experiences, emphasizing the importance of stimulating deeper thoughts among students. In an era of rising geopolitical tension, he said, communication and understanding are more critical than ever, because the world's future depends largely on how the next generation of leaders navigates China-US relations.

"Communication is the bridge that brings about change," Thornton, who has dedicated his efforts to improving relations between China and the United States since leaving Goldman Sachs, said.

Citing projections that the global population will reach 10 billion by 2050 — with most of the growth coming from developing regions, including Africa and Central Asia — he identified challenges such as inequality, climate change, disease, and terrorism as requiring the joint leadership of China and the US., the world's two most influential nations.

Despite profound transformations across the globe, Thornton argued, the modes of interaction among nations remain stagnant. He on called on every student and future leader to take responsibility for promoting global cooperation and progress.

John L. Thornton with the students

During the interactive Q&A session, students posed questions on topics such as the nature and tolerance of innovation, the philosophy of leadership, and China's evolving role in the global market.

Q&A session

On the issue of innovation, Thornton noted that the pace of development in China's auto industry — especially the electric vehicle segment — has been striking. Chinese entrepreneurs, he said, display remarkable adaptability and resilience when confronting challenges: they pivot strategies nimbly and keep probing for solutions even under pressure.

Thornton said US companies should establish direct connections with Chinese entrepreneurs to learn from their experiences. Recalling his early days expanding the London market at Goldman Sachs and later coming to China, Thornton shared his own journey of adapting to new cultural environments.

"Learning is a positive feedback loop," he said. "From the Asia Society to RedBird Capital Partners, the more I learn, the more I am committed to continuing learning."

When discussing leadership, Thornton underscored the importance of acquiring soft skills — the ability to perceive, understand, inspire, and guide others. "Leadership is about building genuine human relationships," he said, adding that effective leaders must balance emotions, remain humble, self-reflective, and sincere, always remembering that "success and failure both are determined by people."

Thornton advised young professionals to "choose the person, not the prestige," and urged talents at the start of their careers not to be distracted by superficial goals but to instead seek a mentor they truly admire and care about their growth. He echoed the advice he said he gives his own four children, "align yourself with somebody who has your interest at heart — who's going to train you, mentor you, and it'll pay you back a hundredfold no matter what you do in life."

Turning to entrepreneurship and investment, Thornton observed that company founders sometimes become overly focused on achieving their own goals and neglect the perspectives of their investors. He emphasized that listening and empathy are essential to communication, and that mutual understanding is the foundation for any meaningful relationship — especially under the current geopolitical conditions.

Speaking from his experience as a former board member of a US technology company, Thornton noted that taking a "tough stance on China" had become seen as a shortcut for US tech firms seeking success. He described this mindset as unproductive, called for a change in approach and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a more constructive US-China dialogue.

Finally, Thornton cited the example of a mining company partnering with Chinese firms to illustrate that China plays a pivotal role in the global market. He argued for forging cooperation with Chinese enterprises that goes beyond market share and technology — deep, strategic cooperation for mutual benefit.

"If I were 30 again," he joked, "I'd stick to learning Chinese and dive head-first into understanding Chinese culture."

A Global MBA student representative presented Thornton with a special gift — a 3D-printed artwork titled "Professor Thornton and the Tsinghua Old Gate," inspired by his 2023 visit and entirely created by students.

A GMBA student presents a gift to Thornton.

Group photo

Source: MBA Programs

Editor: Ren Zhongxi