You possibly can by no means be completely ready for a management function, says HP Singapore’s managing director

“At work, I’m often called ‘tiger mum’. It’s not as a result of I’m fierce and demanding, however as a result of I’m very protecting,” she mentioned. 

Taking over the function of the nurturer got here naturally for Chua – the second of 5 siblings – who grew up in a one-bedroom flat in Seashore Street.

“I realized to tackle tasks. In my each day interactions with members of the group, together with butchers and fishball noodle distributors, I witnessed life in all its quirks and challenges and I developed the drive to work laborious.

“Humble backgrounds are sometimes considered as limitations. However for me, having 4 different siblings cultivated my habits of teamwork and the capability to look after others,” mentioned Chua.

Nonetheless, Chua discovered herself having to adapt her “mama bear” private model to skilled life. 

“I’ve had mentors inform me I’m manner too protecting. One in all them mentioned I needed to let folks realise themselves that they’ve to vary – that I can’t maintain telling them to vary. 

“I’ve realized that you just simply must level folks in the fitting course in order that they will realise on their very own that they must make sure modifications. It’s extra highly effective than telling them to vary,” she mentioned. 

ON LEADERSHIP AND MOTHERHOOD

Many years of expertise working in the identical firm is a part of the inspiration on which she builds her success as a managing director, however Chua insists nobody is ever 100 per cent ready for a brand new function. 

“Earlier than we go into a brand new function, there’s loads of self-doubt. That’s completely fantastic. I discover that ladies specifically like to ensure we’re 110 per cent ready earlier than we go into a task. 

“However take it from me – you might be by no means going to be absolutely ready,” she mentioned. 

Regardless of shifting gender perceptions, the mom of two mentioned that ladies who step into new roles are inclined to have “much more consideration” in terms of their youngsters and household, in comparison with their male counterparts.

To take away “roadblocks” in order that such ladies don’t have to decide on between tasks at residence and taking up a management function at work, Chua has cultivated a tradition of teamwork and adaptability.