Rachel Tan is ASL’s Senior Account Manager base
d in Malaysia. Rachel joined ASL in April 2019, primarily to support the Heineken Outsourcing contract which spans Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and several other APAC markets.
However, her role soon expanded to help develop ASL's wider business in the region and she is now involved with a variety of marketing activity for clients such as Shell, Abbott, Coca-Cola and Diageo.
We caught up with Rachel earlier in December, to discover more about her role within ASL and to reflect on her experiences as a female leader in a male-dominated industry:
1. How do you balance work and life responsibilities?
It’s important to understand how we share our time in different areas of our life. I try to hold on strong to the “The Five Hats” philosophy .
- Hat 1 : Spend quality time with family
- Hat 2 : Build and maintain meaningful friendships
- Hat 3 : My career path
- Hat 4 : Build Connections
- Hat 5 : Get new hobbies, interested and adventures!
2. As a female leader, what has been the highlight of your career (so far)?
I am lucky to be given some great opportunities and trust from both my clients and ASL Senior Management, to take up some important projects. In terms of highlights, the Heineken Malaysia Chinese New Year project is definitely one of them! Of course, working with great and supportive teammates from different cultures and regions is always a pleasure.
3. As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
I think, as a women in business, you sometimes have to work harder to prove yourself and earn the trust of your peers. But that's ok for me, I like to work hard!
4. What personal sacrifices have you made throughout your career?
Sleep and comfort! Without those periods of peace & quiet, it can be difficult to get everything done. New challenges always take up more time but I love to learn and grow. Sometimes it can mean sacrificing a little down time, but the rewarding feeling I get when I accomplish my goals always makes the reduced amount of sleep worth it!
5. Could you name a woman who’s inspired you the most?
My Mom! She has been the biggest influence on my life and still inspires me every day. She taught me how to be independent and stay motivated to grow, overcome barriers and become a strong women. As you grow up, we all have positive and negative experiences, but they are all life lessons which help you grow and improve.
6. What’s a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?
I think the balance of 'hard' and 'soft' power traits is very interesting. Being communicative, nurturing and patient are traditionally considered 'feminine' traits, but creating a healthy balance between these hard & soft traits can have a powerful, positive effect in the workplace.
7. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
- Keep Calm, But Alert
- Stay Relaxed But Ready
- Be Humble, But Confident!
8. What energises you about work?
Learning new things! Take up new challenge and opportunities, being part of important projects where I can contribute my skillset and have a sense of ownership. Working with great people and having fun while at work. A successful leader (You know who you are!) once told me, “If you love what you are doing, you’ll enjoy it. If you do not enjoy what you are doing, it will become your stress!”
9. Is there anything specifically about working for ASL that you’ve found beneficial as a female professional?
ASL gives all genders equal opportunities to progress their career and develop their leadership skills. I’m grateful for the opportunities and trust given to me in leading major projects, accomplishing important tasks, supporting my team members, and being given room to grow, personally & professionally.
10. How do you unplug from work?
Don’t text! I don’t send work emails while hanging out with family and friends after work and during weekends. Making true quality time is very important. Travelling and hunting for food makes me happy and helps to to minimize my stress!
Do you want to know more about ASL's female leaders? Click here to see how we encourage diversity, equity and inclusivity, both in our own business and the communities in which we operate.
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