Why did you join Allianz Trade?
Could you tell us about your journey to leadership?
Leadership was a natural progression for me, but it didn’t happen overnight. I am, and always have been, aware of my strengths and where I can add value. Of course, it always takes time for a company to get to know you and understand that, too. For example, when I first joined Allianz Trade, I was recognized for my achievements in sales but not beyond that – so I had to prove myself.
Over the course of my first four years, I successfully managed diverse business portfolios and established new multinational ventures across Asia. That enabled me to demonstrate my capabilities in driving business growth from the ground up, from articulating an initial goal to structuring and coordinating projects for a successful outcome. The company noticed that I could really add value across the board, which put me in a strong position.
In 2018, I received my first promotion to Regional Director for Sales and Marketing, Multinationals. That led to a move to Regional Director for Account Management, Multinationals just a year later, and then my promotion in 2021 to my current role.
How have other people shaped your leadership approach?
Very early on in my career I worked with a commercial director who encouraged me to think holistically about people’s strengths. He explained to me that a colleague may not excel in one area, yet bring other qualities that we need in a team. And that one mistake doesn’t determine someone’s capability. He believed in giving individuals the opportunity to try again, recognizing that external factors could have influenced their performance on a given day.
That’s really important to me, especially as a woman because I understand the challenges and inequalities that we face in different parts of our lives, and how they can impact us in the workplace. However, with a more understanding approach to leadership we can foster inclusion and make sure everyone on our teams is set up to succeed. Ultimately, he taught me to strike a balance between the business and human aspects of leadership, and this has enabled me to make fairer judgment calls.
How do you continue to grow professionally in your role at Allianz Trade?
I have always been someone who watched and learned from others. From day one of my career, I would make lists of areas I’d like to explore, such as successful management techniques and how to leverage the strengths of my team to achieve a goal. I keep this up today to ensure I continue learning and growing.
I’ve also had two official mentors through Allianz Trade’s program. They never told me what to do, but when I shared my challenges, they helped by opening up about their experiences and thoughts on the situation. That helped me to come at issues with a fresh perspective.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
First, I would say, spend more time understanding what you truly want to do. Clarity in my career came later for me – but the flipside of that is I have the maturity and experience to excel in my role. So perhaps that worked out well!
Second: make sure you never settle. I’m not afraid of asking for what I truly want. It takes courage and it takes practice. I believe it’s in my DNA, but a reminder never hurts.
What are your thoughts on the future of women in leadership, and how do you perceive your role in advancing gender equality and empowering women?
On a personal level, I’m exceptionally proud to be a female Asian regional director. I’m no stranger to being the only woman in a meeting, and it’s unfortunately still true that women have to work exceptionally hard to prove themselves. Changing this is a collective effort in my opinion.
On the company side, Allianz Trade is fostering a culture of inclusion and promoting women to leadership positions. And when I announced my promotion, I got lots of messages from people saying that they looked up to me.
Every person, and every woman, has their own unique strengths – and the only way to leverage strengths is to recognize and celebrate differences.
Got questions? Connect with our experts
Chloe Lin
Regional Director for Asia-Pacific
Allianz Trade for Multinationals