Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, president and chief executive of Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev), has revealed his blueprint for turning the company into a leading beverage producer in Asean.
His blueprint comprises five key elements. First is focusing on gross profit margin, which reflects the company's competitiveness.
Second is managing a good cash flow, which Mr Thapana said was crucial. The company sells products to agents with a credit term. If agents delay the payments, this will eventually affect its cash flow.
Third is financial discipline. The company will be very cautious in making new investments, as they must be worthwhile and generate a reasonable return to ThaiBev.
For example, ThaiBev collaborated with TCC Assets Ltd to take over Singapore's Fraser and Neave Ltd, whose activities range from beverage to property. ThaiBev is interested only in beverage operations.
Fourth is the balance sheet. ThaiBev's strong financial status will allow it to invest more.
And the fifth element is to build a professional team to drive business growth and success.
In terms of management style, Mr Thapana said his father Charoen was his role model, and his work reflected his father's teaching and advice.
"My style reflects my great mentor, my father, who has always emphasised discipline," he said.
For Mr Charoen, the word "discipline" can be applied to many areas, from work and business to family and hobbies.
Discipline drives him always to repay his debts to bank creditors, Mr Thapana said.
"And financial discipline is most important to me. Having the right balance sheet will make our business stable and sustainable. But I cannot compete with my father. I can do only half what my father has done," Mr Thapana said.
Expressing optimism about the Thai economy, he said it was likely to go in a positive direction in 2015 from growing consumer confidence and the government's new economic stimulus package.
Implementation of the Asean Economic Community will also give Thailand a competitive edge as an investment centre connected to Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.
"Thailand has a geographical advantage," Mr Thapana said. "Traders from elsewhere in Asean as well as China, Europe and the US will use the country as a base from which to explore neighbouring countries."