The First Word: Cultivating a modern, connected workplace with technology

Our workplaces are no longer defined by walls or office hours. Flexibility – in location, time, and structure – has become essential in today’s dynamic work environment. Technology has long been an enabler of flexible work models, and the urgency has grown, especially with Singapore’s pending Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Requests that will […]
The First Word: Embracing diversity and speed drive high-performance teams

With ever-rapid change and easy access to anywhere in the world, today’s workforce is far more culturally diverse and fast-paced than ever before. Having spent some 20 years in personal development and team coaching, I find that it is imperative to harness this diversity to optimise innovation and maintain a work environment that is conducive and productive. Enhancing […]
Transforming leadership, building ‘human-centred workplaces’

With over 20 years of experience in consulting, leadership development and teaching, Nitin Goil has become a strong advocate for creating more human-centred workplaces.Having worked in the United States, India, and Singapore, Nitin’s career spans continents, industries, and diverse perspectives. Currently, as a Senior Advisor with the NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI) in Asia Pacific and founder […]
Five strategies to improve workplace Diversity and Inclusion

In today’s globalised work environment, fostering diversity and inclusion (D&I) is more crucial than ever. Southeast Asian companies are leading the charge in creating workplaces where every employee feels valued and included, regardless of their background. This Chief of Staff Five explores five actionable strategies that organisations across the region are implementing to boost their […]
The First Word: How are women adapting to the new leadership landscape?

While organisations have made progress on gender diversity, Center for Creative Leadership’s (CCL) recent Elevate the System report found a troubling reality: hidden biases and societal pressures persist, creating an uneven playing field for women in leadership. Women continue to be under-represented at top levels across the private and public sector. According to Fortune, in […]
The First Word: Raising gender inclusivity in Southeast Asian startup

With the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem in flux, it stands at a pivotal moment where gender diversity is not merely an aspiration but a fundamental driver for innovation and sustainable growth. According to Innoven Capital’s Southeast Asia Startup Outlook Report, only 6 percent of surveyed startups are predominantly led by women, and a mere 25 […]
Case in Point: How Globe Telecom utilises employee training for societal gender inclusivity

As Globe Telecom sought to intensify their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy Commitment, the company joined forces with nonprofit Metro Manila Pride to further engage its employees in developing a greater understanding for gender diversity and deeper respect for all gender identities. The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) 101/Sensitivity Training is […]
The First Word: Advancing gender diversity at the highest levels of leadership

The business case for diversity has long been established. Companies with more diverse leadership tend to perform better financially, as having a breadth of perspectives helps with better decision-making. As organisations navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, harnessing the full spectrum of talent is not just a moral imperative – it’s a competitive edge. Driven […]
The First Word: Understanding the Significance of Employer Branding for Law Firms in Singapore

Beyond the accolades of prestigious clientele and landmark cases, a law firm’s true triumph rests upon its ability to attract, retain, and empower its most invaluable asset—its people. In the past year, we have seen law firms like Spanish-based Perez-Llorca and Beijing-headquartered Han Kun Law opening up offices in Singapore. If law firms in Singapore […]
The First Word: HR leaders have a crucial role to play in corporate sustainability agenda. Here’s why.

People can make or break corporate transformation toward a sustainable future. The pursuit of corporate sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a strategic imperative in recent years. As organizations grapple with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, social inequality and governance issues, we are, more than ever, at a critical juncture where we […]