Confidence, courage, and resilience: 7 women leaders on the career lessons that matter most

Confidence isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s the courage to stay authentic, speak up, and lift others along the way. This International Women’s Day, seven women leaders reflect on the lessons their careers have taught them about confidence, resilience, and using their voice at work.

- With inputs by Tracy Chan and Umairah Nasir.

What does it take to build a career as a woman in today’s workplace? 

For leaders we spoke to, the answer is shaped by resilience, self-belief, and the courage to challenge expectations.

This International Women’s Day, the HRO team asked women leaders across APAC to reflect on the lessons their careers have taught them about being a woman at work. Their responses reveal powerful insights about navigating bias, building confidence, and using leadership to open doors for others.

Meet the leaders featured in this video:

• Kira Li, Human Resources Director, Schneider Electric, Hong Kong
• Joanne Ho, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Meiyume Group
• Jo Ledarney, Head of People & Performance, Colliers Hong Kong
• Alicia Yip, Head Organisational Development & Culture, Proton
• Holly Both, National Export Manager, ADM Trading Australia
• Reena Talla, Employee Experience Service Lead for APMEA and Europe, Kerry
• Ushananthini Gunasegaran, Director of Human Resources, Asia Pacific, Speedcast

Watch the video below:

Check out our previous video, where we speak with dance academy founder Vicky Lee Ward, regional HR leader Sameen Khan, and skincare boutique founder Crystal Lee, as they reflect on what it means to be a woman at work today.

Keep up to date with our ongoing IWD special coverage here.