We hosted an intimate session with our new members, where they connected and shared both their current journeys and future aspirations in pursuing board roles. Despite coming from diverse areas of expertise, their challenges and stories resonated deeply with one another.

The small-group setting also gave us valuable insight into what women board directors are seeking from LeadWomen’s programmes—and how we can continue strengthening our support, community, and learning spaces for them.

Featured Speaker: Shelmina Babai Abji, Founder and CEO of ShowYourWorth.ai

LeadWomen’s community members had the privilege of meeting Shelmina Babai Abji, Founder/CEO of ShowYourWorth.ai, in Kuala Lumpur. Anne Abraham, Founder and Chairperson of LeadWomen, opened the session by reflecting on her corporate and leadership journey, where she realised the importance of contributing to the women’s space and later championing DEI. She emphasised the need for a sustainable pipeline of empowered talent.

Shelmina shared her transformational journey, emphasising intentional leadership, defining success on your own terms, and securing meaningful recognition. The discussion highlighted advancing inclusive leadership, shifting from incremental to transformational change, and balancing ambition with self-care. 

Participants reflected on elevating leadership presence, overcoming internal barriers, and intentionally shaping careers aligned with impact and inclusion.

LeadWomen held its Meet & Greet on "Conversations with the Board: PLC vs. NGO" with our esteemed speakers Fatimah Merican and Raja Singham, moderated by Anne Abraham. 

Throughout the insightful session, they shared their experiences navigating the intricacies of both boards. Fatimah discussed her transition from being a PLC board director to serving on NGO boards, highlighting the unique challenges but also the immense purpose that drives her passion.

Raja, deeply passionate about his NGO work, emphasised the importance of collaboration between PLC boards and NGOs, regardless of their focus. He shared how there is often a deeper story behind charity initiatives that many do not see or understand.

Both speakers reflected on the rewarding yet demanding task of fundraising in the NGO space and echoed each other’s sentiments on the critical importance of this work. It was agreed that both types of boards bring their own unique value, and the potential for collaboration between PLCs and NGOs can lead to impactful initiatives for the greater good. 

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LeadWomen's community entered the new year with a vibrant Meet & Greet session featuring Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Sta Maria.

Our members seized the opportunity to connect and engage in open, honest discussions with Tan Sri, gaining valuable insights into her groundbreaking journey as the first woman Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat and her other inspiring board and leadership experiences. 

Acknowledging the crucial role of ongoing discussions about DEI at the board level, Anne Abraham emphasised that there is a pressing need for sustained efforts in advancing the women's leadership pipeline for a sustainable future. 

Adding to the enriching event, we also had representatives from Robert Walters Malaysia, Ai Rene Tan, and Sammie Sam, sharing invaluable information on current board search trends and demands with our members.

We express our heartfelt thank you to Tan Sri Dr Rebecca and all our dedicated members and we look forward to a year of growth, collaboration, and empowerment! 

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LeadWomen organised a Members' Meet & Greet session that reflects how "women supporting women" may aid in navigating challenging situations. In addition to expertise sharing, practical suggestions were offered to the challenges women directors continue to face.

The small and intimate session hosted by our chairperson and founder Anne Abraham and participated by our Director Members, illustrates the importance of having a support network which nurtures a sense of awareness, empowerment, and alliance-building that positively influences board relations as well as connections with other women. 

LeadWomen remains committed to providing support to our Director Members as they navigate their professional journeys.

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Hosted by our founder and chairperson Anne Abraham, discussions centered on expertise sharing, providing each other constructive tips on navigating their way with unique proficiencies and spurring growth as they began 2023. What's more, members shared about the challenges they've faced and still face as female or aspiring directors, offering practical suggestions and recommendations to increase women's board representation.

LeadWomen will continue to support our Director Members in their respective capacity, and persistently address the diversity at board and leadership positions!

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