Aileen Tan of AIA Singapore on the power of inclusive leadership

From navigating unconscious bias to championing diversity, Aileen Tan, CHRO at AIA Singapore, offers insights for aspiring leaders, most especially women aiming to break through the corporate glass ceiling.

Her leadership journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and inclusive leadership.

“For me, growth comes from pushing past self-doubt and seizing opportunities, even when they feel daunting,” she shared in an exclusive interview with People Matters.

“I learnt to embrace the mindset of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ and have encouraged others to step up, take risks, and trust in their own potential.”

This belief not only defines her career but also shapes the way she nurtures talent at AIA Singapore.

Aileen’s leadership philosophy revolves around creating an inclusive environment where every voice matters. With women making up 40% of AIA Singapore’s senior leadership, her commitment to gender diversity and empowerment is more than just rhetoric – it’s embedded in the company’s culture.

As she aptly puts it: “Representation matters; when women see other women in leadership, it normalises ambition and reinforces their confidence to step up.”

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Having a network of support

Behind every successful leader is a network of unwavering support. For Aileen, her rise to the C-suite was fuelled by both professional mentors and personal anchors.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me – my mentors, colleagues, family, and friends,” she said. “At work, I’ve had leaders who challenged me to take on greater responsibilities while offering guidance and constructive feedback.”

Her support system, however, extends beyond the workplace. “My family has been my anchor, especially my parents and my husband, who gave me the space to pursue my career,” she said.

“Spending time with them offers a refuge from the daily stresses of work, allowing me to recharge and return with renewed energy and clarity.”

Such a holistic approach to leadership illustrates the importance of maintaining work-life balance.

Building resilience in leadership

Navigating the corporate world as a female leader often means confronting unconscious bias. Aileen acknowledges this challenge but emphasises resilience as the key to overcoming it.

“These biases, deeply ingrained in both systemic structures and individual perceptions, can shape how abilities and achievements are recognised,” she said.

“To overcome this, I’ve had to build resilience, lean on a strong support network, and commit to continuous personal growth.”

Rather than allowing bias to dictate her path, she turned challenges into learning opportunities. “Today, I take pride in actively fostering a culture where diversity is not just encouraged but prioritised – where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

The power of inclusive leadership

At AIA Singapore, the commitment to diversity is evident in both policy and practice. Aileen highlights three key enablers that empower women to lead: inclusive hiring, a supportive culture, and flexible work structures.

“Ensuring gender diversity across all levels begins with unbiased hiring practices,” she explained. “When women see other women in leadership, it reinforces their confidence to step up.”

Equally important is creating an inclusive culture where employees feel psychologically safe. “At AIA, we ensure that employees know their voices are valued and their ideas are heard without bias or judgment. Providing clear avenues for employees to express concerns without fear of retaliation is also essential,” Aileen said.

Supportive work structures further bolster this inclusive environment. “Flexible work arrangements enable women to balance multiple responsibilities without compromising their career growth,” she said.

“We recognise the diverse roles that women play – whether it’s family, caregiving, or personal wellbeing – and offer policies that allow them to thrive both professionally and personally.”

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How mentorship paves the way for future leaders

Mentorship and sponsorship have been pivotal in advancing women leaders at AIA Singapore.

“With 40% of senior leadership roles held by women, our success in gender diversity stems from strategic, intentional action,” Aileen noted.

Through the AIA Singapore EXCO mentorship programme, leaders like Wong Sze Keed, CEO of AIA Singapore, provide guidance to rising talent. Key successors have received invaluable mentorship from Wong.

The programme equips mentees with the skills and experience necessary to step into senior leadership roles with confidence. The structured nature of the initiative ensures equitable opportunities for all and contributes to a diverse talent pipeline.

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Accelerating gender balance

The theme of IWD2025, #AccelerateAction, resonates deeply with Aileen’s leadership ethos. For organisations seeking to accelerate gender balance at the top, her advice is clear: “Take an intentional and proactive approach to embedding DEI at every stage of the employee lifecycle – from recruitment to career advancement.”

Assessing existing policies, identifying gaps, and fostering open dialogue are crucial steps. “Creating open channels for dialogue where employees can share feedback and insights will help leadership better understand the support needed to drive meaningful change,” she said.

Achieving gender parity requires more than words – it demands consistent and deliberate action.

Advice for aspiring women leaders

For women navigating their own leadership journey, Aileen’s advice is both practical and inspiring.

“Embrace discomfort – it’s in stepping beyond your comfort zone that you develop new skills, build resilience, and uncover strengths you didn’t know you had,” she said. “Continuous learning often means putting yourself in challenging or unfamiliar situations.”

Aileen also highlighted the importance of intentional relationships. “Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who will support, guide, and challenge you to reach your full potential. The right people can make all the difference in your journey.”

A leadership legacy rooted in inclusion

Aileen’s leadership story is not merely one of personal achievement but a reflection of the transformative power of inclusive leadership. She not only empowers others but also contributes to AIA Singapore’s success as a forward-thinking, people-centric organisation.

“Believe in yourself, seek out growth opportunities, and never underestimate the impact you can have,” she said.