(Please read About Me for a more concise introduction about me, or my Coach Profile for information about my coaching experience and credentials.)
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My Story
Empowering Leaders • Transforming Teams — the heartbeat behind everything I do.
When Leadership Fails, People Pay the Price
Most leaders don’t struggle with strategy; they struggle with people. They can draw the roadmap, but inspiring a team to own the journey is another matter.
I’ve watched gifted individuals burned out by toxic cultures (I was in one such team!) and talented teams reduced to second‑class people because of poor leadership.
The Challenge That Changed Everything
Years ago, I stepped in to lead a large, multi‑department team that was mission‑critical yet badly demoralised.
This talented team handled the larger organisation’s mission-critical functions, enabling front-line colleagues to do their work effectively. Yet front‑line colleagues looked down on them; a front-line team leader once referred to our team as the organisation’s “graveyard,” where underperforming staff were relegated. Sadly, some team members looked down on themselves, too!
I remember asking team members what they did and why they were on the team and receiving responses like, “I’m just an admin staff member.”, “I process the receipts people submitted.”, and “My previous team didn’t want me.” It broke my heart to see them feeling so disempowered!
Something has got to change!
I felt ill‑equipped, but I refused to let their potential be squandered.
From “Second‑Class” to High‑Impact
During the next few months, I prayed, learned relentlessly, and sought help. But it wasn’t just my efforts; it involved everyone on the team.
Some of the things we did included:
- Rallying the team around a Shared Purpose and crafting a story that resonated with team members.
- Forming a Core Leadership Team to strategise and take ownership together.
- Shifting to a coach-like leadership style that empowers team members and helps build ownership.
- Equipping team members to help them succeed in their roles.
- Valuing team members’ contributions and creating opportunities to recognise their accomplishments.
Within a year, we transformed the team into one with high engagement, trust, and ownership while changing front-line colleagues’ perception of the team.
I was filled with pride for the team when, during an organisation-wide town hall meeting, several of them stood up and shared about the meaningfulness of their work and how they contributed to accomplishing the organisation’s mission!
Soon, people were asking to join the very team they once avoided!
The Lesson: Lead by Empowering, Not Telling
For nearly 30 years, I served in leadership roles across multiple levels — national, regional, and global. I have led diverse teams, worked with and developed leaders from various cultures, and transformed teams.
Through it, I learned this truth: Leadership is not about position. It’s about impact. It’s about how you show up, how you develop others, and how you bring clarity and coherence to the teams you lead.
When leaders move from directing to empowering and developing their people, teams become engaged, accountable, and energised.
Great leadership multiplies impact while reducing burnout.
What I Believe
I believe that…
- Every leader has a unique edge they can discover and sharpen.
- Every team has untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
- Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely — you can lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.
Most of all, I believe that great leadership improves everything — for individuals, teams, and the world.
How This Helps You
Today, I coach leaders to do exactly that.
My mission is to help leaders leverage their strengths, maximise their potential, lead effectively, and build teams that create lasting value.
If you’re wrestling with culture, accountability, or performance, my Leadership Development and Team Development services provide the structure and support to turn your challenges into high‑impact results.
At‑a‑Glance
- 30+ years developing leaders and transforming teams
- ICF-Certified Coach (PCC)
- EMCC-Certified Coach (EIA & ITCA, Senior Practitioner)
- Gallup‑Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach
- Certified StandOut® Strengths Coach
- Fluent in English & Chinese‑Mandarin
(More information at my Coach Profile.)
Ready to Write Your Leadership Story?
Let’s explore how you can lead with confidence and build a high‑impact team.
Let’s Talk!
Schedule your exploratory session