Influence and inspiration
Tell us about a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?
My previous supervisor once told me, ‘Wherever you go, leave a LEGACY’. This simple yet powerful statement inspires me to work harder, so that my contribution can have a sustainable impact and benefit others for the long run. Later on, as I landed in a leadership position, I was motivated to empower my team to unlock their full potential so that eventually they can leave their legacy too. Each legacy would be unique on its own and that’s okay, cause that’s the beauty of it.
Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you
Parwati Surjaudaja, President Director/CEO of Bank OCBC NISP. She’s the epitome of a great leader who’s not only competent, humble, compassionate, but also strives to give the best for her company and her people. She leads by example and inherits this spirit of ‘No such thing as Cannot’ from her father, or simply put, nothing is impossible. From her, I learnt that no matter how difficult the situation might be, no matter how stuck we feel, keep persevering and search for the way out, because there’s no such thing as can’t.
Career
What energises you about work?
I love the opportunity to impact the company, my team, and surroundings. Moreover, the unsolved problems or bottlenecks allow me to hone my problem-solving skills and grow.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
- Don’t be afraid to try, take chances, make bold decisions, and be different.
- Spend your time wisely – we cannot get time back, but we can be intentional on how to use it – to develop and enrich ourselves, spend time with our loved ones, and so on.
- Your past does not define your future, choices and actions you make today will. Focus on developing yourself and be better today than you were yesterday.
- Be true to yourself – it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Embrace your feelings and emerge stronger.
Women empowerment
How has Funding Societies | Modalku (FSMK) empowered you to #breakthebias and be the leader you are today?
In FSMK, I feel that it is a safe space for women to voice out their opinions, take their stand, and make tough decisions. FSMK also facilitates workshops and training to further equip women in leadership with the right skillset to lead, influence, and transform.
How should women support other women in their organizations?
I feel that we can celebrate each woman’s milestones together to show appreciation and at the same time to motivate others to achieve their goals. Aside from this, creating a small care group (biweekly or monthly session) to share about our problems or anything we’re grateful for.
Speaking of celebration, Here’s a fun fact, today the 20th of October is Vietnam’s official Womens’ Day. So in our next issue of #MakingHERStory we’ll be doing a special appreciation post to honour all the women working out of our Vietnam office. Stay tuned!
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