3 March 2025
Gen Z Women Leading the Charge: Empowering the Future of Leadership
At the NUS Women in Power Series 2 event, experts and trailblazers discussed how Gen Z women are redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of work through inclusivity, innovation and purpose.
The Women in Power event, organised by the NUS Office of Human Resources, offered participants actionable strategies, forward-thinking insights, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Held on 19 February 2025, at Guoco Midtown Network Hub, the NUS Women in Power Series 2 event focused on the emerging role of Gen Z women in leadership, exploring how they are shaping the future with their innovative, inclusive, and purpose-driven approaches. The session, organised by the NUS Office of Human Resources, gathered key thought leaders who shared their experiences and insights on leadership, female empowerment and the challenges women face in today's fast-evolving workforce.
NAVIGATING COMPLEX FUTURES
In his opening address, Dr Janson Yap, Chief People Officer at NUS, emphasised the importance of having women in leadership roles as we approach a demographic shift. “While men tend to look at things from the past, present and future in a linear fashion, women examine things in a different way,” said Dr Yap, adding that women tend to view and tackle challenges from a more holistic and multifaceted perspective. He also noted that by 2035, Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce and assume senior leadership roles. “So it’s very timely to think about the generational shift of the ‘Z women’ and how they play their part in the workforce,” he noted.
As workplace realities change, Dr Yap highlighted the need for adaptability in leadership and stressed the power of serendipity — being at the right place at the right time — as a key factor in navigating today’s complex professional landscape. “Having women in leadership is very important, not just for the workplace but for shaping the future," he said.
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Ms Theodora Lai
REDEFINING LEADERSHIP
Also speaking at the event was Ms Theodora Lai, Principal at Tembusu Partners, who shared her journey in venture capital, from taking on roles from chief strategy officer to investor, and now leading the launch of a deep tech venture builder. Her keynote presentation focused on the true essence of leadership, which is not about titles or power, but the ability to build trust, take the initiative and create lasting impact.
Citing her own experience when she left her job to pursue postgraduate studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, she encouraged women to find mentors and gain global experience. “When I moved to Beijing for two years to pursue my MBA, it was a transformative experience,” she shared. “I immersed myself in China's business landscape to understand its economic rise and cultural nuances. Often, small differences reflect something bigger — and that is why it is important to immerse yourself in a new environment, learn from different cultures and build a global network,” said Ms Lai.
She also encouraged women to find informal mentors. “A mentor is someone who has walked the path before you and the person that you go to advice for,” she explained. “For example, when I had my 4-year-old daughter, and now my four-month-old son, I didn't turn to my parents to ask about the latest baby products. I turned to a friend who just recently had a baby because relevance and timely advice matters.”
Ms Lai also hoped to see more people embrace leadership roles, not for the sake of hierarchy but for the value they can create. “Leadership is not about titles,” she emphasised. “When it comes to trusting someone with real responsibility, we look at who is capable. We also look at who is willing to do the work, and who is responsive and takes initiative.”
She also shared how leadership goes beyond the corporate world, emphasising the value of community leadership through her volunteer work with the Sengkang GRC Grassroots Organisation. Through this volunteering experience, Ms Lai revealed that she has developed fundamental skills such as listening to others, supporting others and working within limited resources.
FINDING PASSION, PURPOSE, AND ALLYSHIP
In her presentation, Ms Lee See Ting, Founder of Kidztarter, began by asking the audience what comes to mind when they think about leadership. Most of the attendees said that effective leaders are extroverted and charismatic. They also mentioned that a leader should possess a good amount of knowledge, or at least have the answers to solving a problem, and should always appear confident.
Ms Lee later shared her story growing up in a male-dominated family. Her father wanted her brothers to work for others to gain work experience and then start their own businesses. “I thought my father had the same expectation for me, but all he wanted was for me to find a stable job,” said Ms Lee, who struggled with choosing the right university course to study and finding the right job due to family and society stereotypes. She then spoke passionately about the unique traits of Gen Z leaders, such as authenticity, vulnerability and a purpose-driven mindset.
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Ms Lee See Ting
She also discussed the biases women still face, including being labelled as ‘bossy’ or ‘aggressive’, and the need for Gen Z men to actively support women in leadership by challenging stereotypes, amplifying voices and advocating for gender equality.
“The next generation of leaders are driven by purpose and impact as much as profits. "They lead the way and create their own opportunity,” said Ms Lee. “They challenge the traditional norms and power structure, especially when it comes to age, gender and power. They also champion sustainability, inclusivity and social change."
Ms Shagun Agrawal
EMPATHISING WITH AND UNDERSTANDING TODAY'S DIGITAL NATIVES
To give the audience a better understanding of Gen Z, fellow presenter Ms Shagun Agrawal, Regional HR Director at Tata Communications, identified their defining traits as being digital natives, purpose-driven and highly vocal. She emphasised the importance of empathy and open communication in leadership, especially in creating an inclusive work environment. “Well-being is central to how I approach my work, and this is something that many in Gen Z value in the workplace,” she said. “Flexibility isn't about being lazy — it's about prioritising time with family and ensuring a balance that promotes personal fulfilment. For Gen Z, flexibility should be embraced by employers, as it's not just a preference but an essential part of how we choose to work and live."
She also shared how Gen Z men can support women by normalising ambition, providing affirmation and pushing for equity and women's visibility in the workplace. “Gen Z men can call out biases and stereotypes when they see them, rather than remaining silent. They can also actively make space for women to contribute, and ensure their voices are heard in meetings and discussions,” shared Ms Agrawal. “Gen Z men have an opportunity to help redefine the future of leadership — one that is not about hierarchy or prestige, but about values, connection and purpose," she added.