Our Listees 2023

Involved with welfare organisations from a young age, Coco founded non-profit Food Bank & Local Communities in 2020 to offer aid to her school’s staff members who suffered pay cuts due to COVID-19. She began by donating basic supplies – food, water and face masks – and then extended her efforts to help pet owners in her community, soon providing monthly donations to over 700 families in total. Authentic, consistent and trustworthy, Coco shows equal respect towards everyone she interacts with – from her teammates and mentors to school managing directors and government liaisons.

“Coco’s relationships with others have made her team successful. She never looks for flaws but instead tries to utilise the best characteristics of the group. Her teammates feel empowered by the opportunities she provides, and everyone feels like they are in the right place. She uses clear communication to build trust by speaking about exactly what she intends to do, how she intends to do it, and what the outcome could possibly be… Coco is the glue of her organisation.”

At Insignia Ventures Partners, a Southeast Asian early-to-growth stage venture capital firm, Yinglan leads a team that has partnered with more than 80 companies active across Southeast Asia and the globe, including technology market leaders GoTo, Appier, Carro and Ajaib. With a leadership style that is collaborative, results-driven, agile, future-oriented and trustworthy – with both clients and employees – he prioritises consistent partnership with entrepreneurs as well as a company culture of connectivity and empowerment that enables employees to be their best together.  

“Yinglan has always made it a point to recognise achievements and growth in his organisation, personally citing employees and awarding them appropriately. He also leads with an ethos of cross-functional collaboration and expects this kind of work approach to come naturally to everyone on his team… Yinglan places value not just in the work-related goals of people in their roles but, first and foremost, in how their work contributes to their overall personal development and life goals.”
– James Soh, Executive Director, National Youth Achievement Award Council

Growing up in a village facing many difficulties, Wangchuk has always strived to meet the needs of those around him. He went on to become a paramedic, serving in medical camps, rescue missions and food and emergency supply missions to hundreds of communities in rural Nepal; and later founded Kyimolung Foundation Nepal, a non-profit with a vision to provide education, healthcare services, and food security and assistance during disasters, while promoting environmental and spiritual awareness. To date, the foundation has benefited more than 80,000 individuals.

“Wangchuk is a very empathetic person; whenever he sees or meets people from deprived homes or regions, he tries to know their story and is always looking for ways and means to offer support. As a head of an organisation, he receives hundreds of requests for support. He tries his best, sometimes way beyond his capabilities because of the limitations of funds and time, making sure that those with the greatest need are served first.”

Social entrepreneur Vannary is passionate about her cultural heritage and ecotourism, and leads by example in a number of inspiring roles. As Founder of Lotus Silk Enterprise and Silk House Museum, she supports women weavers and promotes the upcycling of vintage fabrics and the production of natural, sustainable fibre textiles. She also heads up two eco-friendly, sustainability-focused holiday resorts, as well as the Cambodia Hotel Association Kampot Chapter, where she advocates for sustainable ecotourism and social responsibility. 

“Vannary’s positive leadership style recognises obstacles and challenges as opportunities to thrive, and she encourages her team to think creatively to find solutions. She empowers them to innovate and lead. There is no backstage crew or front-stage crew; everyone is treated equally and gets recognised. She shows her appreciation to her team by praising them when they achieve their goals.”

With a master’s degree in Economic Management and Social Sciences and a passion for empowering entrepreneurs and startups, Trang works as a trainer at IECD Vietnam, an NGO supporting human, economic and social development. Here, she helps develop micro and small entrepreneurs, supporting them on their business journeys. Authentic, empathetic and generous in sharing her expertise and network, Trang actively encourages others both within her team and outside the workplace, where she volunteers her time as a mentor to women entrepreneurs.

“Mrs Trang respects others and has a huge sense of empathy. She is always willing to share her knowledge and network if needed to support others. Mrs Trang understands what teamwork really means, enhancing and valuing each personality in the group. This creates a positive environment for every individual and helps them work towards the necessary objectives. Her flexibility invites and encourages each individual to actively work together to achieve the goals.”

Through her exceptional leadership at Selwyn District Council, Trish has cultivated an atmosphere of innovation and instilled a transformative cultural shift. Her generous, collaborative and visionary approach has empowered her team to embrace emerging technologies and initiatives that not only propelled the council forward but also provided real benefits for the community and inspired positive change within the industry as a whole. Always encouraging the growth of people, Trish also provides ongoing coaching and development opportunities for her staff.

“Trish’s leadership sets an exemplary standard of compassion and dedication. Her impact reaches her team, the wider organisation, and even further afield, creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth. Through her inclusive and supportive approach, she leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment and connection. The team, the organisation, and the community at large are fortunate to have Trish’s exceptional care and leadership.”

Mims Sidi co-founded Tebalik Plastik to reduce the disposal of single-use plastics by upcycling them into new products. In addition, he serves as Curator of GSCBSB, where, within just six months of his leadership, the organisation created 57 collaborations, engaged with over 1,800 event participants, and collected and distributed BND $23,784 worth of essential items for frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mims’s encouraging and selfless leadership has directly impacted individual team members, the success of GSCBSB’s initiatives and the community at large.

“Mims guides and encourages us to use our strengths to live life according to our values whilst giving us opportunities to work on our weaknesses. He also celebrates you for every single job well done. He never forgets to thank every contributing person and always ensures credit is given where it is due. Lastly he puts himself in others’ shoes when making decisions. Whether it is organising a skills workshop for youths or planning a get-together, he thinks of every person and goes miles to ensure their needs are met and they feel welcomed.”

Stella is the inspiring driving force behind the fast-growing Reo Group, whose mission is to elevate human potential – by working with executives to deliver value for their organisations through leadership, strategy and vision. She has also led a number of professional consortia over the last 12 years, and she has served as the chair of a platinum-level CFO peer advisory board at 2020 Exchange since 2016, and more recently with a new venture with HiveQ. Stella has been recognised as one of Australia’s Top Ten Women Entrepreneurs by My Entrepreneur Magazine. 

“Stella is generous on so many levels. These include her willingness to spend time with so many individuals from so many different backgrounds, to make them more effective as leaders. Further to this, her deep thinking and care that she imparts on all those she crosses paths with is evident. She is creating a movement on global best-practice leadership, built on the foundations of mindfulness and kindness. The impact she is creating on our leaders of tomorrow today is second to none.”

Having risen swiftly to a high-level leadership position in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the young and dynamic Vatey has proven herself highly adept in both a technical and leadership capacity, effectively overseeing multiple important projects. Continually sharpening her skills with additional training programmes, she is an excellent problem solver and equally respected for her kind and supportive engagement with all levels of staff, and her honest and effective communication that enables a safe and family-like environment in the workplace.

“Vatey takes time to identify problems before finding the exact suitable solution. She never leaves any of her staff behind and values everyone’s input. She teaches her staff to always train each other and share knowledge. With both subordinates and her superiors, she knows how to coordinate and deliver her messaging with kindness. She leads many different types of logistics workshops within the ministry and has earned admiration and appreciation from other leaders.” 

With over 30 years of experience and exceptional expertise in the field, Sharon oversees a massive recruitment team based in Australia as well as an onboarding team in India, a role she has taken on with the aim of strengthening the bond and synergy between the two departments to achieve a better end result for the business and its candidates. Besides being a problem solver willing to take on any challenge, she is an outstanding, people-first leader who, regardless of her own busy role, makes every individual feel seen, heard, respected and empowered in the workplace.

“I can’t think of a single person in our team who does not deeply appreciate the value Sharon brings, and I’m confident we’d be in unison saying we could not ask for a better leader… Despite her role being focused on strategy, process improvement, and anything else that comes with her managerial duties, I have seen her take the time to do the most menial tasks if it means helping out a team member who’s away sick or under pressure… Through her kindness and leadership I have felt empowered since day dot to be my best self and to be a team player.”

Puneet, a dedicated social changemaker, strives to revolutionise inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives worldwide. Drawing from his background, which was shaped by domestic and learning challenges, he advocates passionately for marginalised individuals, challenging assumptions about abilities and empowering those from economically weaker backgrounds, the disabled community and other underrepresented voices. His unconventional, empathy-driven approach redefines kindness in business and amplifies his organisation’s impact on social change.

“Drawing from his own experiences of marginalisation, Puneet cultivates an inclusive and equitable environment that challenges traditional power dynamics. He empowers his team to embrace radical ideas, defying assumptions about marginalised communities. Puneet’s approach not only fosters a compassionate culture, but also drives tangible change and business growth. By championing the voices of the underrepresented, he creates a sense of belonging that fuels creativity and productivity.”

Jimmy Choo is a luxury fashion brand that has become synonymous with worldwide prestige, quality and elegance, coveted by countless celebrities and winning numerous awards. As Founder of his eponymous brand, Jimmy is known not only for his talent and creativity but also for his kindness and generosity – as a leader who prioritises an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, as a mentor to emerging designers and entrepreneurs, and as a philanthropist working with charities including The Prince’s Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. 

“Jimmy is known not only for his talent and creativity but also for his kindness and generosity as a leader. He has always been committed to using his success to help others, particularly those less fortunate. He has supported numerous charities over the years, including The Prince’s Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He has also provided support to emerging designers and entrepreneurs, mentoring and advising them along the way. His kindness and commitment to giving back have made him a role model for many, and embody the best qualities of leadership.”

Under Elizabeth’s 30 years of leadership, SEG – one of Malaysia’s most prominent education establishments – has grown from just one institution into a dynamic group of 20 entities. An educator at heart, she is the driving force behind the Group’s mission to provide a holistic and inclusive learning environment for all as well as its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her kindness reaches beyond the workplace, where she fights passionately for various humanitarian causes and serves as the sole Asian representative on the Going Global Partners Group.

“Elizabeth’s kindness is far-reaching, and she has passionately fought for various causes. She is currently on the Board of Trustees of MERCY Malaysia (Medical Relief Society Malaysia), an internationally renowned humanitarian organisation where she provides advice and support on widening access to quality education for those in need. She is also the sole Asian representative on the Going Global Partners Group under the British Council, and is alternate Chair of the 30% Club, a movement to increase women’s participation in public company boards.”

With an extensive career and academic history that includes multiple prestigious scholarships, Prerna now heads up a leadership institution intent on developing ethical public sector leaders, where her courageous, visionary and generous leadership has cultivated a collaborative work culture, and a sense of belonging. Prerna’s work has directly impacted 3 million individuals and enterprises, earning her numerous awards, including Oxford University’s Vice Chancellor’s Social Impact Award – making her the first female MBA student to receive this accolade.

“Prerna is a courageous, visionary leader who always puts the welfare of others before personal gain. Her choice to work in social enterprises supporting rural youth in India or low-income farmers in Ethiopia is a testimony to this. She creates strategic innovative initiatives that enable business growth and facilitates a collaborative culture, empowering employees to respect each other and derive purpose in their workplaces, thereby developing a strong sense of belonging.”

Within 18 months of joining LSEG, Pooja built from scratch a team of five to design, develop and deploy a number of leadership and talent programmes, including the group’s first flagship New People Leader Development Curriculum and Compass, an exploratory programme on leadership that now boasts over 1,000 active participants. Pooja’s empathetic, consistent and empowering leadership approach has enabled this award-winning team to make a direct positive impact on company culture and performance. In addition, she leads the DEI agenda for Asia Pacific.

“In the last 18 months, one of us was grieving the loss of a husband, one of us was made redundant, one became a dad, one shifted house, and one was based in Sri Lanka and facing unprecedented economic turmoil. We still were arguably the best performing team in the Talent function in 2023, receiving multiple internal awards. This was because Pooja kept us connected, fostered an environment of high psychological safety by being mindful and empathetic of our situations, generous in giving each of us space and inspiring resilience, being consistent and empowering in her leadership approach.”

As a woman with disabilities, PhouthAlee has overcome personal obstacles to become an inspiring leader making a significant impact in her community. Her environmentally friendly Laotian handicraft business, XonPhao, creates job opportunities for people living with disabilities, helping them enjoy stable livelihoods and a supportive, inclusive culture, while preserving the unique hand-made cloth and cultural heritage of the Lao ethnic group. PhouthAlee’s leadership style demonstrates how kindness can positively impact organisations, communities and the environment. 

“PhouthAlee prioritises the wellbeing of her team and empowers those who are often marginalised in society. She is a woman with disabilities herself, but rather than letting it defeat her, she has empowered others with disabilities and created a culture of inclusivity, support, and empathy. She understands the struggles of people with disabilities and has created a safe space for them to thrive. Additionally, her commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Lao ethnic group has helped to promote a sense of pride and identity within the team.”

Phearong’s outstanding 10-year track record as an advocate for women’s rights and youth empowerment secured her recent appointment as Executive Director of Banteay Srei, a women’s empowerment NGO. She is also Co-founder of the Joint of Youth Cambodia campaign to promote gender equality and access to professional development opportunities, and in 2012, she was appointed as a Young Champion by UN Women Cambodia for increasing youth participation in initiatives to end gender-based violence. Encouraging, kind and trustworthy, she creates a positive and impactful atmosphere at work.
“When Banteay Srei requested I join the Advisory Board, knowing that Phearong was Executive Director I said yes without hesitation. Being an advisory board member has given me a chance to take a closer look at Phearong’s leadership in action. She is younger than the majority of her team, but she shows respect to everyone and earns respect back. Her team appreciates how she listens to them and values their opinions, how she always encourages them to think creatively when responding to problems, and how she creates an open and positive atmosphere at work.” 

AT, Strategic Program Advisor, USAID’s Digital Asia Accelerator, DAI Global LLC

Intent on empowering women in technology and creating an inclusive culture of growth, Myo serves as a volunteer advisor for Women in AI (Myanmar), as Founder of Myanmar Data Tech and as leader of the Myanmar Women in Tech project, where she trains women in data analytics and software engineering. Her dedicated leadership approach fosters collaboration, mentorship and knowledge exchange, and also makes business sense, driving innovation and productivity. Myo has been recognised as an ASEAN Science Diplomat and an ASEAN Science and Technology Fellow. 

“Dr Myo exemplifies true leadership by creating an environment where individuals are supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to grow and succeed. Her initiatives, such as Women in AI (Myanmar) and Myanmar Data Tech, create an inclusive culture of growth. Leading the Myanmar Women in Tech project, she trains women in data analytics and software engineering. Her commitment to empowering others demonstrates how kindness in leadership can create a lasting impact on individuals, team culture, and business success.”

With the goal of creating a global message of hope and an empathetic, inclusive and diverse community of interaction through common experiences, Murshidul established Team Bertho. This platform gathers and disseminates the wisdom and anecdotes of individuals across the globe, tackling societal challenges by using storytelling through visual, audio, reading and kinaesthetic means. To date, the platform has reached 450,000 people across 79 countries, and Murshidul has received numerous distinctions for his work, including The Diana Award and the UNICEF Meena Media Award.

“All of Murshidul’s projects seek to highlight the good among humans and work to inspire the youth to dream of a world full of possibilities to achieve their goals… Under his direction, Team Bertho forges connections between citizens of every nation and continent, serving as the platform for change, development, inspiration, and involvement by harvesting gems of insight from around the globe.”

Miranda is a highly accomplished hospital CEO who has dedicated her 28-year career to revolutionising healthcare delivery. With an unwavering commitment to developing a culture of care and inclusivity throughout the organisation, and to putting the needs of patients first, she spearheads operations and marketing projects that have significantly improved healthcare access. Her collaborative, transformative leadership style has boosted employee morale, increased innovation, secured the organisation’s socially responsible reputation and impacted the greater community.

“Miranda has made significant changes within the organisation to create a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and kindness. Her leadership style has resulted in a boost in employee morale, an increase in innovation, and a reputation for social responsibility. Miranda has also prioritised ethical leadership, which has helped Ara Damansara Medical Centre to gain its position as one of the preferred healthcare providers in industry.”

As General Manager of The Eton Academy, Meimei is committed to promoting a healthy learning environment for children and instilling a lifelong love of learning – that goes beyond exam success – by developing engaging and fun curricula. Under her stewardship, the academy has grown significantly, and in addition to her day-to-day activities, her actions in supporting her employees, contributing to various causes, nurturing a respectful culture and engaging in sustainable programmes demonstrate her profound dedication to kindness and social impact. 

“Mei’s leadership exemplifies kindness as she remains authentic and selflessly devotes her time to others. She sets a powerful example by treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their age or background. Actively fostering a positive work culture, she consistently displays her commitment to uplifting others. Mei’s strength lies in her ability to embrace diverse perspectives with an open mind, effectively connecting with everyone around her.” 

Marky is an exemplary leader who has made significant contributions to his organisation, industry and society, transforming countless lives by empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and championing Sustainable Development Goals. His inclusive and compassionate approach to leadership has fostered a culture of collaboration, trust and innovation within his team, and his unwavering commitment to kindness extends beyond the workplace – as evidenced through his Back-to-School projects, which provided educational opportunities to impoverished students during the pandemic. 

“Marky Angeles embodies kindness in leadership through his empathetic approach, selfless actions, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. His leadership style has created a culture of compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity within his team, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. By prioritising the well-being and growth of his team members, Marky has nurtured a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.”

Driven by the conviction that kindness plays a pivotal role in effective leadership, Mahzabin is a compassionate leader with an unwavering dedication to improving people’s lives, especially Bangladesh’s underserved. She has worked tirelessly to sustain Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust, establishing the country’s first holistic cancer caregiving home – Alok Nibash – which has significantly impacted the cancer community and beyond. Mahzabin also built Ucchash School in one of the country’s most remote locations to bring education to an underdeveloped community.

“Mahzabin embodies kindness in her leadership. Her every action is a reflection of genuine care and compassion. This kindness not only enhances team dynamics but also yields tangible business benefits. Her noteworthy commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility with leading brands and focus on projects with positive societal impact demonstrate her dedication. Establishing Alok Nibash, the first holistic cancer caregiving home for marginalised communities, exemplifies her commitment to sustainable change.”

MZ is a mathematician, data scientist, serial entrepreneur and artist – and the CEO of FRT, the award-winning software house. In just five years of her passionate and compassionate leadership, the company has seen growth of 400% and female workforce growth of 50%, becoming a successful company that promotes diversity, inclusion and women-friendly policies in a male-dominated sector. In addition, MZ has mentored over 124 women technologists and launched two unique digital platform ventures that promote women’s creative work and ideas.

“MZ is a people’s person, and her compassion for women led her to change the dynamics of her organisation. From a small services firm, with a handful of employees, FRT now stands at 170 employees, encouraging diversity, inclusion, and promoting women technologists. MZ has implemented woman-friendly policies and grew her female workforce by 50%. FRT has now become an internationally acclaimed top software firm.”

As a gay man who witnessed the difficulties faced by his LGBTQ+ classmates seeking employment, Kento started JobRainbow, a job hunting website. The platform now boasts over 660,000 active monthly users and over 500 registered companies, making it Japan’s largest DEI-focused HR service. Beyond supporting job seekers, it offers consulting and training for government agencies, educational institutions and corporations including Facebook, Adobe and Google. Kento’s empathy, generosity and proactive approach have made a significant impact on his colleagues and beyond.

“Kento embodies kindness in leadership through their dedication to creating a more inclusive and accepting workplace for LGBT individuals. By establishing the first and only LGBT recruiting company in Japan, they have provided a platform where LGBT individuals can find job opportunities and work comfortably as their authentic selves. Their efforts have garnered support from numerous companies, fostering diversity and innovation.”

Kay Thari is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, best-selling author and public speaker passionate about women’s empowerment and the development of young leaders. Kind-hearted and highly active, she supports both her employees and society at large. During COVID-19, she offered over 10,000 students a free online course in leadership and personal development, and provided 36 paid internships. For her work, she has won both the Myanmar Young Entrepreneur Award and the ASEAN Youth Award.

“Kay Thari is a highly active and passionate young leader. She is a role model for her team leaders. Her mindset and attitude always inspire and motivate others. Her leadership style creates a feeling of family. She always teaches her coworkers and employees to learn by doing. Yearly, she also provides educational supplies and textbooks to her employees’ children and donates to causes supporting the elderly.”

Passionate about the future of ASEAN, Kaushik serves clients in the areas of sustainability, growth, competitiveness and productivity and has worked across multiple industries including energy, basic materials, logistics, consumer products and the public sector. He demonstrates exemplary empathy and mindfulness, both with his clients and his team, and he has mentored many leaders at McKinsey, actively promoting diversity. Kaushik is also deeply committed to youth development and supports Young Leaders for Indonesia.

“Kaushik is helping solve a range of very complex issues for his clients that impact societies at large. He has deeply inspired many of us at McKinsey, mentoring innumerable leaders – supporting us when we needed support and watching with pride when we excelled. He is the epitome of what an authentic, respectful and mindful leader is, and his kindness has touched many hearts.” 

After a promising career in sport, Kath suffered multiple life-threatening injuries along with unimaginable personal trauma. In her darkest days it was the kindness and compassion of others that saved her – and then inspired her to launch the Kindness Factory, a non-profit that helps foster a kinder community through research-based educational programmes for schools and universities across Australia, USA and the UK. Today, the organisation’s website has over six million acts of kindness logged, and Kath further champions the movement as a renowned keynote speaker. 

“Through her incredible story, Kath has touched the lives of people from all walks of life. Whether presenting to corporates, schools, communities or elite sportspeople, her genuineness, authenticity and touch of humour inspire action. Her work with organisations ensures every member feels that they can contribute in some way to a culture of belonging and kindness. The free downloadable Kindness Curriculum… is leading to a generational shift in the kindness skills of future leaders.”

Karl’s exceptional and empathetic leadership skills saw him promoted to Second Officer at the age of just 24. He excels in the position, even using his spare time to empower his subordinates to advance their own careers, and continually advocating for mental health. Alongside his formal employment, Karl is involved in a number of initiatives, serving as Director of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Philippines hub, founding an online initiative to assist seafarers during the height of the pandemic and working as both a youth advocate and an environmentalist. 

“Despite the social stigma of mental wellbeing, Karl never ceases to talk about it during meetings and normal conversation. With the alarming statistics showing that seafarers are more likely to commit suicide than land-based jobs, this is something that is crucial in the workplace… Although I hold a higher position onboard, following his lead is something that doesn’t hurt my pride. His leadership is not only based on his rank, but on his traits as a human being; and for that, we respect him so much.”

Karin is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the mining industry. In her current role, she is instrumental in driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration across teams, and in under three years, she has effectively managed integration initiatives and streamlining processes to enhance overall performance for Rio Tinto Aluminium. Karin possesses a unique ability to infuse kindness into every business decision, and she extends this empathy and understanding not only to her direct team but also to individuals across the extended team, function and company.

“Kindness permeates every aspect of Karin’s life, making her a truly remarkable leader. Her compassionate leadership style has left a lasting impact on me and the entire team. Life presents us with various challenges, but Karin has consistently been there to offer unwavering support, both professionally and personally… By considering the human impact of decisions, Karin creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.”

Kamille reports directly to senior executives of her company, with her leadership and expertise proving invaluable. In her role, she exceeds programme targets while managing successful collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, establishing impactful partnerships with various NGOs, CSOs and government units. Ever dedicated and compassionate, she has also spearheaded various advocacy and employee engagement programmes, promoting sustainability and relief operations, running mentoring initiatives, and offering pro bono consulting to various NGOs and ventures. 

“In leading projects that promote sustainability and environmental protection, Kamille has a high awareness of how one’s environment significantly affects an individual. Her leadership style translates exactly to what she values: a supportive, encouraging, and inclusive approach that reflects how nature influences nurture, which, in turn, contributes to development. Under her supervision, she not only drives results but also inspires the team, making her an exceptional and compassionate leader.” 

For more than 40 years, Jessupha has led Thonglor-Ramintra Co. Ltd., a company operating several Mercedes Benz sales and service centres. With a number of prestigious degrees in business administration and leadership as well as Buddhist philosophy, she is an extremely kind leader – not working solely for profits, but inspired to create a kind society starting with herself and extending to society at large. By establishing a strong, close-knit workforce founded on ethical values, her company has in turn built a strong base of loyal customers and won awards for its high-quality service. 

“Dr Jessupha has created a strong culture of respect, trust, and kindness in her organisation, and the management and technical teams collaborate based on these principles. To embed this ethos in employee practices, Dr Jessupha has set up several learning groups with a focus on demonstrating mutual respect, mutual trust, and kindness. A focus on team collaboration creates solid foundations for providing high quality services to customers, and the company has won several awards for service quality.”

In her role at Schneider Electric, Giuliana leverages her extensive expertise in management consulting and corporate strategy to drive decarbonisation efforts in large organisations. Not only is she instrumental in driving the business’s growth, but her dedication to excellence; empathetic, inclusive leadership style; and commitment to fostering young talent have made a profound impact in the workplace – and beyond. In addition to mentoring students and lecturing on climate change, Giuliana collaborates with NGOs and supports startups dedicated to sustainability and social impact. 

“Giuliana’s compassionate leadership has fostered a supportive environment at Schneider Electric, where individuals thrive professionally and contribute to a sustainable future. Her efforts to empower the next generation of leaders and her commitment to raising climate change awareness have had a profound impact, and her unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to others, in business and the wider community.”

As a member of the APAC Integration Management Office, Eri’s dedication and expertise have played a critical role in the success of NTT Ltd. integration, the largest global business integration in the ICT sector. She is responsible for implementing initiatives that align with new organisational goals, and her exceptional leadership skills have facilitated a seamless integration process, overcoming cultural differences, fostering a supportive culture of inclusivity and creativity, helping the organisation increase employee engagement and achieving operational efficiency and improved profitability. 

“Eri’s open-mindedness and willingness to listen to diverse perspectives foster a culture of inclusivity that encourages individuals to freely express their opinions. Eri’s leadership style has helped to cultivate a positive and supportive environment, strengthening the team’s resilience and eliminating any silo mentality. As a result, employee engagement has increased, and innovation has been stimulated through the team’s diversified dynamics.” 

A multi-award-winning international speaker who has delivered keynote addresses at events including the One Young World Summit, Elvis is also a member of several government and community sector boards, and an advocate for numerous social justice and social responsibility issues. He influences decision makers on policies and reforms that affect the most marginalised communities, lobbies for diversity and gender equality, and develops strategies that help advance sustainable employment and youth engagement as well as prevent domestic violence, homelessness and suicide. 

“Elvis is a great humanitarian and changemaker. His story of personal hardship, including experiences of homelessness and mental illness, is extremely impactful and powerful. It educates the community while encouraging other people who have faced similar hardships to seek support and speak about their experiences… Through his leadership, advocacy, community education and support, Elvis has shown a commitment to social justice I have not seen before. He is one of the most passionate, dedicated, and committed young people I’ve ever met.” 

With a professional foundation in public health, research and academia, and project management, Rishad currently works for The Leprosy Mission International, where he oversees research initiatives, leads project teams and collaborates with stakeholders to drive evidence-based interventions. His previous roles include that of Public Health Officer at the World Health Organization, where he worked closely with refugees. His kindness, empathy, concern for wellbeing and emphasis on connection and relationship infiltrates every aspect of his leadership style.

“Rishad’s impact on others has been profound. By leading with kindness, he inspires his team members to go above and beyond, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. He encourages open communication, actively listens to different perspectives, and empowers others to contribute their ideas and talents. His inclusive leadership style promotes diversity and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.”

Khadizah fosters innovation and continuous improvement in nursing and midwifery education, research and healthcare services. Her contributions to the sector have significantly impacted the academic community, both locally and internationally, and her nation as a whole, and her work has been recognised with multiple awards. Beyond her formal position, Khadizah has profoundly impacted the development of individuals under her mentorship, her empathy and encouragement empowering others to excel.
“Khadizah is an empathetic and considerate person who deeply understands others’ needs, respects their dignity and acknowledges their strengths, encourages them to proudly excel, fosters a strong sense of belonging, and bonds them cohesively. She endlessly empowers others, igniting a sense of self-belief, and inspiring them to embrace challenges, overcome obstacles, and surpass their expectations. Her unbiased approach ensures that everyone feels valued and supported.”

Besides working full time for Timor-Leste’s National Directorate of Climate Change, climate activist and influencer Dircia is also a founder and co-founder of two national youth movements, where she works voluntarily to lead environmental and climate initiatives and provide programmes in mentoring and leadership development. Through workshops, conferences and social media, she has educated more than a thousand young people about climate change, encouraging them to become environmental leaders and instilling them with confidence by creating safe, inclusive and supportive spaces. 

“Dircia is a powerful influencer and motivator. Every time she learns something new from global programs, she always considers how to transfer that knowledge to her fellow young people…She provides a safe and inclusive space for young people to lead and improve their confidence. She serves as an inspiration for many young people in Timor-Leste who want to pursue careers in environmental studies, and some of them now have the opportunities to participate in global programs because of her support.”

At Accenture, Denise supports clients in their digital transformation journeys, where she navigates seamlessly between strategic and tactical approaches and embodies people-oriented, trustworthy and genuinely caring leadership. Passionate about equality and gender inclusion in the workplace, she serves as an inclusion and diversity sponsor for women at Accenture, a Pride Ally and a mentor to women returning to the workforce. Outside the workplace, Denise has been involved with NGOs and church programmes that champion children’s education, wellbeing and safety. 

“The biggest acts of kindness are often invisible yet sow a seed of change through the people touched by them. This defines Denise’s people-oriented leadership style. Staying close to the team and frequent interactions have helped Denise in her role as an inclusion and diversity sponsor for our women at Accenture. She demonstrates truly human behaviour in all her interactions, irrespective of the background people herald from… Working with Denise on a team yields an environment to think and a motivation to excel.” 

With a PhD in Biochemistry and senior position at Accenture, Deepa develops business improvement strategies for top pharmaceutical companies. Beyond this technical role, she is dedicated to bringing out the best in people through leadership training, inclusivity programmes and crisis support; and her commitment has also made a significant impact externally, through education initiatives for underprivileged children and girls as well as support programmes for women entrepreneurs. Deepa is widely published and has received multiple awards for her work in science and inspiring leadership.

“Deepa identifies her purpose as ‘bringing the best out of people.’ She dedicates her time to constructing training programs to nurture leadership skills and creates platforms for employees to showcase their talent. She also coaches employees on speaking up for rights and preventing microaggression. She has been a part of the Covid Care team, supporting several employees during the pandemic. Being a sponsor for the Pride program, she is also committed to uplifting and strengthening the pride community.”

Driven by a strong sense of social justice and a love of her people, Mony co-founded ACT Cambodia to provide opportunities and quality education for children from varying economic backgrounds. Under her courageous and kind leadership, the organisation has provided over 200 scholarships; trained youths and adults in essential business skills; provided employment opportunities to single, at-risk mothers; and become financially sustainable. Nationally revered, Mony has also assisted the government in formulating curricula to assist drop-out students.

“Mony is recognised by the local government and community as an exemplary leader. For the last two years, she has trained a group of 15–17 year old students in entrepreneurship, accounting, and business management skills. These students started as timid, shy, and unable to use computers at all. Fast forward to today – they have become aspiring, courageous, and inspiring young businessmen/women. In the past year, Mony also has trained four young women leaders for management positions and supported them on their journey for growth.”

In her multifaceted role at KonsultaMD, the Philippine’s largest healthcare app, Chelsea engages various healthcare providers, institutions and government bodies around public health concerns and the delivery of end-to-end healthcare, in addition to improving healthcare financing through public and private partnerships. She is also a sustainability champion across the workplace and is committed to uplifting the healthcare journeys of every Filipino. Chelsea embodies kindness in her leadership, fostering a positive work culture and unity through encouraging communication and camaraderie.

“Ever sensitive to others’ needs, Chelsea goes above and beyond through acts of kindness. She is everyone’s doctor in the company – the one people call when they are ill or need medical advice whatever time of day. It is second nature to her to go the extra mile to make each team member feel special and known, whether through her words of recognition and encouragement, or sending gift baskets to colleagues who are ill. She is generous with her time and talents, as well, helping not only her direct reports but also other departments with her innovative and creative ideas.”

Throughout more than 11 years of employment at Rio Tinto, Camilo has been consistently described as the company’s kindest leader. He started out in Colombia as a production supervisor, working largely on a dewatering project in coal, then migrated to Queensland to work in coal mines. During this time, he has used his skills and his incredibly personable approach to coach and guide the people he works with, promoting honest communication and inspiring confidence and trust – resulting in an effective team that produces results in line with business goals.

“Despite being spread over four different sites, Camilo is available when you need to contact him and gives advice on how to deal with situations that come up. If a team member is struggling, we only need to let him know, and he urgently checks in with that team member regardless of his own workload at that time. He promotes teamwork and actively encourages each of us to be kind, courteous, and supportive of each other.”

At just 23 years old, Bushra is a dedicated and visionary leader and Founder of Mahwari Justice, a groundbreaking campaign for menstrual justice in Pakistan that challenges stigma, provides education and ensures access to safe periods during crises, to date reaching over 150,000 menstruators in flood-affected areas. Her impact extends beyond advocacy; she also works with women facing gender-based violence, providing employment in the creation of eco-friendly pads. Bushra’s compassion is felt widely – not only among the individuals she serves but also among the team she leads.

“Bushra’s embodiment of kindness in leadership is nothing short of transformative. Her relentless advocacy for period rights has extended to the most vulnerable and marginalised individuals, including incarcerated women, trans men, and disabled individuals. Bushra’s unwavering commitment to amplifying voices and fighting for period rights amidst disasters has shattered societal barriers, ushering in a culture of inclusivity and compassion.”

Having overcome real-life challenges at a young age, Bharti went on to become an empathetic, accomplished leader who inspires both her team and countless others across the globe. A multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, she founded a non-profit  that empowers women and girls across India through innovative and sustainable solutions in education, health and safety and sustainable livelihoods. Her work has made a difference in the lives of more than 1 million women and girls, and in addition, she serves in a number of ambassadorial roles, including as a Global Goodwill Ambassador. 

“Bharti actively listens to her team, her beneficiaries, her partners, and the communities she works with, creating specific solutions by sharing constructive feedback. She is a role model for others and leads by example. Her positivity creates a positive work environment, and she recognises and appreciates each of her team members for all the hard work they do and offers support and guidance as and when it is needed. Her leadership skills are highly appreciated, and she has a golden heart of kindness to drive change.”

Beverly oversees the NCMH’s daily operations, working with the Executive Committee to plan, approve, monitor and evaluate programmes and activities to ensure quality mental health services to patients. She is the epitome of a kind leader, providing steady leadership in the changing environment, prioritising the wellbeing of others and generously providing opportunities for staff to explore ideas. Beyond the hospital, she is a member of a number of sectoral committees, including the Philippine Mental Health Council.

“Dr Azucena has served at least three medical directors as their Chief of Medical and Professional Staff. She maintained her integrity amidst all the issues and problems she and the hospital faced. Being one of the few women leaders in the hospital, she often experienced discrimination from people in power, but she persevered and continued to do what she does best – serve in the best interest of the patients.”

As President of ALBBS, Pakistan’s first children’s library on wheels, Basarat wears many hats: She contributes her storybooks and early childhood education learning materials, designs innovative literacy projects for the community’s most underserved children, raises awareness, mentors her team in essential leadership skills and even teaches girls creative skills via a mobile maker space. Under Basarat’s leadership, ALBBS has impacted over one million children and trained over 1,000 teachers, and has overcome every obstacle – from COVID-19 to catastrophic floods – thanks to her imagination and empathy.

“Basarat is the resilient volunteer behind Alif Laila Book Bus Society, the brain behind its success and innovative ventures, and the empathetic warrior gracefully pulling it through every obstacle to fulfil the very meaningful purpose of brightening the lives of Pakistan’s underprivileged children with colourful story books…She is an advocate for promoting literacy for the young and a motherly guide and a mentor to her team.”

Architect and environmental planner Arlene founded TAO-Pilipinas, a women-led NGO of architects and planners that provides humanitarian and shelter assistance to vulnerable communities and has helped build close to 200 disaster-resilient structures. She is a groundbreaker in the participatory approach to planning and design in social housing, driven by compassion and an unwavering commitment to capacity building that empowers communities. Arlene also initiated an internship and mentoring programme that exposes students and graduates to community development work.  

“Arlene’s unwavering commitment and compassion for the underserved is what inspires the women architects who make up TAO-Pilipinas. With Arlene at the helm, design is a process that gives voice to and values people; it is a journey to their empowerment. Architects working in the margins and bringing the benefits of good design to those who need it most (but cannot afford the services of architects) require a lot of courage and resilience. Arlene has been the driving force that keeps TAO’s giving spirit alive.”

Named as one of Forbes Asia’s 2016 Heroes of Philanthropy, Anton is a practising veterinary surgeon by profession – and also a businessman, humanitarian and community volunteer throughout the Philippines, where he advocates tirelessly for the disadvantaged. In 2010, he co-founded the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation to meet the needs of students forced to swim to and from school; his kind, warm and inclusive mindset extending beyond his team to the communities he works with, where his approachability fosters open dialogue and collaboration. 

“Dr Anton is a leader who exudes kindness, effortlessly embodying approachability and warmth. He cultivates an environment where our team feels safe to voice their thoughts and concerns, knowing they will be heard and valued. This inclusive mindset extends beyond our immediate team… With a deep understanding of our communities’ unique needs, he tirelessly fundraises to catalyse positive societal transformation. His unwavering dedication to uplifting the marginalised is a testament to his pure kindness.”

As the award-winning founder of NGO Conversation For Change, Aisha works to prevent child abuse and provide support for its victims. She visits schools, religious madrasas and coaching centres, guiding students about good and bad touch, conducting parents’ meetings and performing practical activities that help students tackle potentially dangerous situations. In addition, Aisha has been involved with numerous diverse activities including promoting menstrual health and offering free tuition and medical services. Intent on driving positive change, she is generous with her expertise.

“Aisha works with different national and international organisations to create a better, inclusive, and equal society for all. The recent floods in Pakistan affected thousands of families. At the time she distributed menstrual kits and promoted period hygiene. Despite her meaningful contributions, Aisha remains humble, approachable, and always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with social activists working for the same cause.”