Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership
Entering the corporate arena as a woman presents distinct hurdles, including asserting one’s voice in predominantly male industries and juggling various obligations. Jocelyne Loh, the Chief People Officer at Trust Bank, has dedicated over 20 years to developing a leadership philosophy grounded in confidence, authenticity, and presence. Her robust experience in human resources and organizational strategy spans renowned global organizations like Accenture, Apple, and Willis Towers Watson before she brought her expertise to Trust Bank.
Building a People-First Culture
As one of the first employees at Trust Bank, Jocelyne was instrumental in crafting the company’s HR strategy from the ground up. Utilizing her profound knowledge of talent development, compensation, and leadership coaching, she has fostered a culture that prioritizes inclusivity, engagement, and meaningful career advancement. Under her guidance, Trust Bank has approached near gender parity—a notable achievement in the finance and tech sectors—with women constituting nearly 50 percent of the workforce and around 40 percent of the executive team, according to Human Resources Online.
Valuing Transparency and Collaboration
Beyond the implementation of policies and protocols, Jocelyne advocates for a workplace that encourages transparency, collaboration, and innovation. She contends that true achievement is not about dominating the conversation but about clarity, conviction, and making an impactful difference. Here, she reflects on her leadership journey, the obstacles she faced, and the mindset transformations that empowered her to flourish in the corporate environment.
Overcoming Early Challenges in Her Career
Reflecting on her career path, Jocelyne recalls the challenges she confronted as a woman aspiring to assume leadership positions. Early in her career, she was soft-spoken and often found it difficult to make her voice heard in male-dominated settings. The more vocal men around her tended to have their views prioritized, prompting her to realize the necessity of stepping up—but not by mimicking others. Instead, she focused on honing her unique strengths.
Jocelyne consciously worked to build her confidence, refine her skill set, and articulate her viewpoints with both clarity and conviction. Rather than forcing herself into a mold that didn’t suit her, she embraced authenticity. This approach allowed her to gain the trust of her colleagues and establish credibility through the impact of her contributions.
Mindset Shift: The Value of Presence
A key strategy that has propelled Jocelyne’s professional success is the power of being fully present. In a culture that often celebrates multitasking, she has discovered that dedicating attention to one task at a time results in transformative outcomes. Whether leading a discussion, making pivotal decisions, or connecting with a colleague, giving focused attention yields deeper understanding and more meaningful interactions.
Empowering Women Through Intentional Presence
Today’s fast-paced corporate landscape can easily overwhelm women who juggle various roles—professional, personal, and everything in between—often feeling pressured to be omnipresent. However, true effectiveness arises from mindful management of time and energy.
By cultivating a practice of presence, women enhance their listening abilities, leadership qualities, and problem-solving skills. As a Chief People Officer, Jocelyne has recognized that being genuinely engaged in dialogue nurtures trust and understanding. By showing up wholeheartedly in every moment, stronger relationships are forged, thoughtful decisions are made, and an environment is created where every employee feels seen and valued—this is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace.
