The HR Impact Show

Reimagining HR as Business Driver with Purpose and People: Li Lian Tan (CHRO at Mediacorp)

Lilian Tan is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Mediacorp, where she leads the organisation’s people strategy, culture transformation, and workforce development across Singapore’s largest national media network.She is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience across industries including real estate, aviation, technology, telecommunications, and professional services. Lilian began her career at Singapore Telecommunications and went on to hold senior leadership roles at KPMG Consulting, BearingPoint, SATS Ltd., and City Developments Limited. Prior to joining Mediacorp, she founded Mustard Seed Consulting Group, advising organisations on human capital transformation. She is also a Tripartite Mediation Advisor and sits on The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board. Li Lian Tan, CHRO of Mediacorp, shares her journey on how HR can transition from a cost centre to a strategic business driver, the significance of a people-first and purpose-driven culture, and the nuances of building connection and trust within diverse teams. The conversation delves into how Mediacorp approaches flexibility as a strategic enabler, transforming workplace dynamics post-pandemic. Key trends such as digital convergence, AI integration, and workforce adaptability are at the forefront of Li Lian's agenda as she prepares Mediacorp's workforce for future challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Welcome to the HR Impact Show 02:14 Li Lian Tan's Journey into HR 03:10 Transforming HR into a Profit Centre at SATS 06:44 Building a People-First Culture 12:27 Flexibility as a Business Strategy 14:40 Connecting at Scale in Mediacorp 18:17 Future Trends in the Media Industry 19:52 Career Forward: Empowering Career Transitions 21:53 The Ideal Workplace of the Future 23:28 Rapid Fire Questions with Li Lian Tan 25:24 Conclusion and Farewell Resources [Free] Get this episode key insights here: https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/reimagining-hr-as-business-driver-with-purpose-and-people-li-lian-tan [https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/reimagining-hr-as-business-driver-with-purpose-and-people-li-lian-tan] Connect with Li Lian Tan: linkedin.com/in/li-lian-tan-ihrp-mp-35475458 [linkedin.com/in/li-lian-tan-ihrp-mp-35475458] Connect with Dorothy Yiu: linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu [https://linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu] Youtube: youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow [https://youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show [https://linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show] Thank you for tuning into The HR Impact Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share with your friends. Are you hungry for more? Join our HR Impact Community for monthly insights from global HR leaders and event invites: https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact [https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact] About The HR Impact Show Join top global people leaders for honest conversations about how to build and transform high-performing cultures. Hear from CHROs and HR experts from global and world-renowned organisations as they share their top people analytics tips, leadership journeys, lessons and challenges while navigating the complexities of transformation and the multi-generational and diverse cultures in Asia. Hosted by Dorothy Yiu, EngageRocket's CEO & Co-founder and Fung Tai, EngageRocket's VP of Customer Success.

Inside Org Design: What Leaders Get Wrong and How to Fix It: Iwan de Leeuw, Global Organisation Design Leader, ABB

Iwan de Leeuw is the Global Organisation Design Leader at ABB, where he leads enterprise-wide strategies to optimise structures, capabilities, and performance. With over 2 decades of international HR experience, he has held senior roles across GE, Techcombank, and Toll Group, specialising in organisation design, talent development, and large-scale transformation. He began his career in executive search in Japan before joining GE in the U.S., later moving to Singapore where he led HR functions across ASEAN. His experience spans financial services, manufacturing, and logistics. Iwan holds a Master’s in Japanese and Management from Leiden University.  This conversation delves into the true essence of organizational design, debunking the misconception that it's merely about structure. Iwan shares insights from his diverse career journey, which spans the military, recruitment in Japan, and various HR roles across different countries. Iwan discuss the intricacies of HR transformation projects, the importance of iterative processes, and the ongoing need for adaptability in organizational design. Through real-world examples from ABB, the conversation highlights the significance of understanding current systems, involving stakeholders, and ensuring continuous feedback in achieving effective organizational change.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Welcome to the HR Impact Show 01:39 Guest Introduction: Iwan de Leeuw 02:02 Iwan's Unconventional Career Path 09:13 The Concept of Portfolio Career 10:24 Specialization vs. Generalization in HR 12:03 Design Thinking in HR 14:00 The Importance of Organizational Design 15:17 Challenges in Organizational Design 25:19 Big Bang vs. Iterative Approach 32:41 Ensuring Sustainable Change 36:26 The Ideal Workplace of the Future 39:56 Rapid Fire Questions 44:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources [Free] Get this episode key insights here: https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show [https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show] Connect with Iwan de Leeuw : linkedin.com/in/iwan-de-leeuw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwan-de-leeuw/] Connect with Dorothy Yiu: linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu [https://linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu] Youtube: youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow [https://youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show [https://linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show] Thank you for tuning into The HR Impact Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share with your friends. Are you hungry for more? Join our HR Impact Community for monthly insights from global HR leaders and event invites: https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact [https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact] About The HR Impact Show Join top global people leaders for honest conversations about how to build and transform high-performing cultures. Hear from CHROs and HR experts from global and world-renowned organisations as they share their top people analytics tips, leadership journeys, lessons and challenges while navigating the complexities of transformation and the multi-generational and diverse cultures in Asia. Hosted by Dorothy Yiu, EngageRocket's CEO & Co-founder and Fung Tai, EngageRocket's VP of Customer Success.

Transforming Schools, Shaping Cultures: Abhilasha Deshmukh (Group HR Director at Global Schools Group)

As Group HR Director at Global Schools Foundation, Abhilasha [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilasha-deshmukh-24b1813a/] leads people strategy, talent development, and organisational transformation across 12 international school brands in 11 countries, supporting more than 5,500 employees worldwide. Her career spans over two decades in senior HR leadership roles across Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, with expertise in digital HR transformation, global workforce expansion, and inclusive culture building. A certified ICF Professional Coach, Abhilasha is passionate about leadership development, coaching, and creating thriving workplaces. She holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University.  In this episode of the HR Impact Show, we explore the challenges and learnings of integrating schools across different cultures and countries with Abhilasha Deshmukh, Group HR Director at Global Schools Group. Abhilasha shares her journey from an early interest in HR to leading people and culture in 67 campuses across 11 countries. We dive into the nuances of managing fast-paced growth, fostering a unified purpose, and leveraging AI in education. Moreover, Abhilasha discusses creating psychological safety, building a coaching culture, and her personal evolution as a certified coach. Tune in to discover insights on maintaining global consistency while allowing local flexibility, and much more. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Welcome to the HR Impact Show 02:02 Abhilasha Deshmukh's HR Journey 05:13 Managing Growth and Diversity 11:10 Global Consistency and Local Flexibility 19:51 Coaching and Leadership Development 29:12 Future Trends in Education 32:42 Rapid Fire Questions 35:08 Conclusion and Farewell Resources [Free] Get this episode key insights here: https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/transforming-schools-shaping-cultures-abhilasha-deshmukh [https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/transforming-schools-shaping-cultures-abhilasha-deshmukh] Connect with Abhilasha Deshmukh: linkedin.com/in/abhilasha-deshmukh-24b1813a [https://linkedin.com/in/abhilasha-deshmukh-24b1813a] Connect with Dorothy Yiu: linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu [https://linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu] Youtube: youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow [https://youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show [https://linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show] Thank you for tuning into The HR Impact Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share with your friends. Are you hungry for more? Join our HR Impact Community for monthly insights from global HR leaders and event invites: https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact [https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact] About The HR Impact Show Join top global people leaders for honest conversations about how to build and transform high-performing cultures. Hear from CHROs and HR experts from global and world-renowned organisations as they share their top people analytics tips, leadership journeys, lessons and challenges while navigating the complexities of transformation and the multi-generational and diverse cultures in Asia. Hosted by Dorothy Yiu, EngageRocket's CEO & Co-founder and Fung Tai, EngageRocket's VP of Customer Success.

How Top HR Leaders Operationalize Wellness by Humanizing Leadership: Jolene Huang (Chief Talent Officer, SG & SEA at Publicis Groupe)

Jolene is Publicis Groupe’s Chief Talent Officer for Singapore and the Southeast Asia markets. She is passionate about creating positive change that is practical yet engaging and fun for employees. She has more than 20 years of experience in the HR field, driving company-wide changes and building HR teams across varied industries, from government and insurance to advertising. She is skilled in Talent Management, Total Rewards Design, Business Partnering, People Management, and Employee Engagement. Join host Dorothy Yiu, CEO and co-founder of EngageRocket, as she speaks with Jolene Huang, Chief Talent Officer for Singapore and Southeast Asia at the Publicis Groupe. In this episode, Jolene shares her journey in HR, spanning over 20 years and diverse industries. The conversation dives into her core beliefs about treating employees well, the importance of employee wellness, and how Publicis Group fosters a people-centric culture. Jolene also discusses the impact of the pandemic on workplace wellness, the significance of flexible working arrangements, and innovative employee engagement initiatives. Tune in to learn how Publicis Group's initiatives, such as the 'Working With Cancer' pledge and 'Work Your World', contribute to a supportive and thriving work environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Guest Introduction: Jolene Huang 00:39 Jolene's Journey in HR 01:55 Core Beliefs and Industry Insights 03:35 Employee Wellness: A Collective Responsibility 04:19 Operationalizing Wellness at Publicis Group 06:10 Cultural Nuances in Employee Wellness 08:31 Impact of Wellness Initiatives 11:27 Popular Wellness Activities 13:11 Working With Cancer Pledge 14:06 Convincing C-Suite for Wellness Initiatives 21:01 Employee Experience and Development 23:42 Work Your World Initiative 27:21 AI and Automation in HR 29:05 Staying Relevant as an HR Leader 29:39 Rapid Fire Questions 34:09 Conclusion and Farewell Resources [Free] Get this episode key insights here: https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/how-top-hr-leaders-operationalize-wellness-by-humanizing-leadership-jolene-huang [https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show/how-top-hr-leaders-operationalize-wellness-by-humanizing-leadership-jolene-huang] Connect with Jolene Huang: linkedin.com/in/jolene-huang-b8a37776 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-huang-b8a37776/] Connect with Dorothy Yiu: linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu [https://linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu] Youtube: youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow [https://youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show [https://linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show] Thank you for tuning into The HR Impact Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share with your friends. Are you hungry for more? Join our HR Impact Community for monthly insights from global HR leaders and event invites: https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact [https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact] About The HR Impact Show Join top global people leaders for honest conversations about how to build and transform high-performing cultures. Hear from CHROs and HR experts from global and world-renowned organisations as they share their top people analytics tips, leadership journeys, lessons and challenges while navigating the complexities of transformation and the multi-generational and diverse cultures in Asia. Hosted by Dorothy Yiu, EngageRocket's CEO & Co-founder and Fung Tai, EngageRocket's VP of Customer Success.

From Complexity to Empowerment: Airbus’ Approach to Decentralized Leadership: Paul Coignec (Head of HR, APAC at Airbus)

Paul Coignec is the Head of Human Resources for Asia-Pacific at Airbus, a role he has held since February 2023. Based in Singapore, he leads the people strategy and HR operations across all business divisions, supporting over 3,500 employees in 11 countries. Having spent his entire career with Airbus, Paul has held diverse HR leadership roles across France, Germany, and Singapore, giving him a deep understanding of the company’s culture, operations, and people. A strong advocate for building inclusive and high-performing workplaces, Paul continues to champion initiatives that align business goals with employee experience—ensuring that Airbus remains an employer of choice across the region. In this episode of The HR Impact Show, Paul reflects on his career journey and the company’s evolving people strategy. He shares how Airbus is navigating complexity by decentralizing decision-making, empowering local leaders, and driving leadership development through its regional Leadership University. Paul also discusses the use of employee engagement insights to shape continuous improvement and innovation across a 160,000-strong global workforce. He highlights how Airbus is integrating technology and AI into HR—not to replace people, but to enhance performance, agility, and connection—showcasing how one of the world’s largest organizations continues to empower its people while pioneering the future of work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Airbus' Decentralization Efforts 01:05 Welcome to the HR Impact Show 01:27 Meet Paul Coignec: Head of Human Resources for Asia-Pacific at Airbus 01:55 Paul's Journey at Airbus 09:19 Employee Engagement and Complexity at Airbus 11:24 Airbus' Leadership University and Decentralization 13:52 Leadership Development and Succession Planning 17:20 AI and Future Skills in Aerospace 22:16 Resilience and Wellbeing at Airbus 31:36 The Ideal Workplace of the Future 34:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion Resources [Free] Get this episode key insights here: https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show [https://blog.engagerocket.co/the-hr-impact-show] Connect with Paul Coignec : linkedin.com/in/paul-coignec-62142827/ [https://linkedin.com/in/paul-coignec-62142827/] Connect with Dorothy Yiu: linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu [https://linkedin.com/in/dorothy-yiu] Youtube: youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow [https://youtube.com/@TheHRImpactShow] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show [https://linkedin.com/company/the-hr-impact-show] Thank you for tuning into The HR Impact Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe! If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share with your friends. Are you hungry for more? Join our HR Impact Community for monthly insights from global HR leaders and event invites: https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact [https://www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact] About The HR Impact Show Join top global people leaders for honest conversations about how to build and transform high-performing cultures. Hear from CHROs and HR experts from global and world-renowned organisations as they share their top people analytics tips, leadership journeys, lessons and challenges while navigating the complexities of transformation and the multi-generational and diverse cultures in Asia. Hosted by Dorothy Yiu, EngageRocket's CEO & Co-founder and Fung Tai, EngageRocket's VP of Customer Success.