What is your current role?
I am a Group Senior Corporate Counsel at AIA Group. I have lived and worked in Asia for over 20 years, and have been involved in a broad range of legal and business projects and initiatives, typically involving leading large, multi-disciplinary teams across numerous countries. In addition to my legal role, I am one of the founders of the AIA Group internal diversity network, which was established in 2015. I spearhead both AIA’s sponsorship of WiFA and am a co-chair of the WiFA Mentor Mentee Program. I am very excited about the opportunities to work with WiFA on building closer relationships for women in insurance within the broader financial services sector, as well as providing our internal teams with access to WiFA’s diversity and inclusion events and programs.
When and why did AIA start to support WiFA? How do you think the staff are benefiting from the programs/ events?
AIA began sponsoring WiFA in 2019. We were their first Insurance company sponsor, and we are continuing to support WiFA in 2020. Being a WiFA sponsor has provided opportunities for AIA staff to participate in the WiFA Mentor Mentee Program, as well experience broader access to diversity and inclusion events and programs.
Tell us one thing that is important for #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture
Technology continues to introduce many new ways of working and interacting with others, including changes in what a “workplace” actually constitutes. As things become more reliant on virtual interactions, I feel it is important not to forget that successful working relationships will still require humanity, consideration of others’ views, and compromise. These are important now and will remain so in the future.
What advice would you give to women who want to lead?
While there are many different styles and definitions of what constitutes leadership, there is no one-size-fits-all, or one way to manage all situations. The old adage “treat others how you would like to be treated” always resonates with me, together with the awareness that how you may like to be treated is not always the same as how another person may like to be treated. Therefore, think about what your values are and how these can help empower others to become leaders too, being sensitive to each situation.