SARA LEE D. SAN JOSE 

Head, Culture and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB),

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore

(In her 40's)

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Her story (as shared by her nominator)

Sara started as a lawyer and was the Head- Legal for Prudential Singapore for many years. Despite a successful career in law, she was passionate about organisation psychology and made the brave decision to take a sabbatical in her 40s and reskill completely in organisation psychology. She returned from her sabbatical with a Masters in Organisational Psychology at the University of London and re-joined us as Organisational Behavioural Strategist. She then took on the role of Head-Culture and Diversity Inclusion & Belonging this year, further evolving her capabilities. In her role, Sara applies organisation science principles to help leaders and teams create and sustain well-being and high performance within the organisation amidst an increasingly complex working environment. She leads the design and implementation of Culture and DIB initiatives across the organisation.

 

Despite a successful career in law, she was passionate about organisation psychology and made the brave decision to take a sabbatical in her 40s and reskill completely. That takes courage, perseverance and resilience. Hats off to her!

 

In her own words:

Greatest achievement

Successfully pivoting from very diverse contributions: from being Head of Legal to Head of Culture, Diversity, inclusion and Belonging at the same organization.

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Biggest challenge thus far

I struggle with being vulnerable in the workplace as I grew up in a professional environment where being alpha and assertive was rewarded. I have evolved professionally to (still) be a challenger but now have a strong nurturing streak. I've learned that role modelling vulnerability and demonstrating authenticity, helps to build psychologically safe teams, opening up to higher performance.

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