A multinational executive to global strategist in private enterprises; a 25-year banking career achieved while gracefully balancing family roles; making waves at global forums while pioneering leadership innovation; embracing self-discovery, and conquering career-academia dual challenges—each of these journeys uniquely redefines the essence of "HEROIC Leadership."

A Strategic Juggler

In June 2025, I will celebrate my 25th work anniversary at Standard Chartered Bank. In today's increasingly fluid and dynamic employment market, I think it is increasingly rare for people to stay with a single employer for most of their working life. I have worked in 5 different countries across Asia, Africa & Middle East and UK/Europe; I have performed roles in Credit Risk Management, Relationship Management Sales, Product Management, Non-Executive Director Governance, and now Operations Management. I've enjoyed many careers, all with the same employer! This is still the case today, where I'm working on fascinating projects that look at introducing AI into our existing processes.

My toughest challenge in recent years was balancing career ambitions with motherhood, especially during COVID when my family needed me. I took a 15-month sabbatical—a strategic pause, not a retreat. My philosophy: Life is juggling "rubber balls" (career) and "crystal balls" (family/health). Drop a rubber ball? It bounces back. Drop a crystal ball? It shatters irreparably. Protect the crystal; rubber can wait. Don't drop your crystal balls, take the time you need to protect them. You can always throw your rubber balls back into the air any time you want.

Question: What personal trait has been most critical?
Louise Vogler: A “Solution oriented” mindset when approaching complex challenges.

A Local to Global Breakthrough

These past two years represent both a defining chapter in my life and a dual transformation. I transitioned from a multinational corporation to a Chinese enterprise, shifted from finance to business development, and expanded from an APAC focus to global mandates. This wasn't just career chess - it was a conscious choice to shatter career ceilings as Chinese enterprises accelerate their overseas expansion. My CEIBS GEMBA experience became the catalyst: when launching into the global market, I leveraged CEIBS’ alumni networks to secure strategic partnerships. That's the power of global connectivity in action.

Behind the spotlight lies the real work. Last year's dual pivot—from MNC to private enterprise, across industries and functions—tested every leadership muscle. Navigating cultural fault lines between process-driven systems and people-centric agility felt like relearning all the business fundamentals. When facing operational whiplash (new clients, alien workflows), I adopted a new mantra: "Shape the environment, don't wait for it to shape you." The breakthrough came through hybrid leadership: blending MNC-grade frameworks with entrepreneurial speed. GEMBA taught me this - transformation isn't about credentials, but contextual intelligence.

Question: What personal trait has been most critical?
Theresa Cai: Being quick to learn, quick to adapt.

A Cycle of Mentorship

One of my highlight moments in recent years was being selected as an outstanding alumni mentor representative to deliver the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the CEIBS MBA programme, sharing over two decades of my professional insights with the incoming students: "The path to growth  begins with a self-transcendence, is shaped by guidance from mentors, and is refined through lifelong learning." As a female leader, embracing the GEMBA Women's Leadership Club's philosophy of "To Dare, To Support, To Grow," it is my great honor to support the development of the younger generation. I aspire to be a strong source of support for them, passing forward the legacy of mentorship I once received, to build a spirit of “given" as a gesture that completes the circle of my career journey. 

In 2016, transitioning from the role of GE's Asia-Pacific Trade Compliance Head to pioneering a startup consulting firm was the most thrilling metamorphosis of my career. By day, I transformed from a "guardian" of a multinational corporation to a "pioneer" of a startup, tasked with both client acquisition and solution refinement. By night, I cared for my critically ill father in the hospital. The GEMBA classroom became my sanctuary, teaching me that "true leadership emerges from rebuilding after being broken." With resilience and compassion, I steered the company to profitability a testament to perseverance that gifted me both professional accolades and the courage to reinvent myself. Through GEMBA, I not only gained knowledge but, more importantly, forged lifelong friendships rooted in mutual understanding, empathy, and affection. 

Question: What personal trait has been most critical?
Cindy Chen: Resilience and warmth. Business requires resilience, while management needs warmth.

A Double Dose of Success 

Among my most profound achievements in recent years are the following: Firstly, the brand I championed, Domino’s Pizza in China, achieved recognition and was successfully listed on the Hong Kong Exchange in 2023, more than doubling its value within two years. Secondly, I completed my GEMBA studies at CEIBS in 2024, an intellectually transformative journey that not only expanded my horizons but also profoundly deepened my sense of purpose and mission. The challenge lies in authentically fostering trust and cultivating influence across all levels, excelling in business leadership, empowering both teams and family through coaching oriented guidance, while demonstrating boundless vitality.

Question: What personal trait has been most critical?
Gening Wang: Delving into the root cause. There is always a path to greater excellence and efficiency.

A Journey of Discovery 

I’m very proud that I’ve learned how to love myself and to bet on myself. Mental wellbeing is such an important part of being an effective businessperson. You make difficult decisions and manage business relationships all the time, and to do that effectively you have to know and love yourself. I’ve been in business for around 20 years, and self-doubt or ‘imposter syndrome’ is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. I used to doubt my capabilities and overall worth, but through experience, intentional growth, and immersing myself in transformational spaces, I have come to embrace that I am more than enough and have so much to offer to create an impact in our world.

Question: What personal trait has been most critical?
Dedo Kofi: Composure. This steadiness allows me to assess situations objectively and respond with clarity rather than react with emotion.

Advice for the Next Generation of Female Leaders

The phrase "girls help girls" frequently appears in social media discussions, bringing the act of mutual assistance among women into the spotlight. Female leaders, with their unique qualities, have not only achieved remarkable success in their personal careers but also set examples for those who follow. For young individuals who are just starting out in their careers or feeling lost in the workplace, these leaders have shared invaluable advice, hoping to illuminate the path ahead for the next generation.

Despite the tremendous energy women have exhibited on the global career stage, in most corporations, the number of women truly standing at the centre remains small. Women face a series of unique challenges on their path to senior leadership positions, including conflicts between family and career, internalised biases, and as they ascend to higher ranks, the shrinking pool of women, diminished support, and the lack of female role models.

Enhancing Leadership Skills  

The CEIBS Global EMBA programme, which consistently maintains a female student ratio of 40% or higher with successive cohorts, tailors courses for women aspiring to enhance their leadership skills. These courses aim to inspire and strengthen the management and leadership capabilities of mid-to-senior level female managers, exploring how women can confront challenges, self-improve, unleash their potential, and bravely forge ahead to higher levels in the current cultural and business environment.

Exploring Future Directions  

CEIBS hosts an annual Women's Leadership Forum, bringing together outstanding female leaders from around the globe to share experiences, wisdom, and insights. Through diverse perspectives, the forum delves into the charm and challenges of female leadership, shares practical cases and cutting-edge research, collectively ignites the inner strength of women, and explores the future direction of female leadership.

Empowering Female Leaders  

Alumni of the CEIBS Global EMBA have jointly established the Female Leadership Club, providing a platform for female leaders to exchange experiences, broaden horizons, and deepen insights, empowering them to continue moving forward and create a better future together. The club is also committed to assisting younger generations of women, conveying goodwill, and helping more women achieve self-growth.