Categories

Resilience and Growth: Celebrating Women This International Women’s Day

International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women across all fields. We’re proud to share the voices of the inspiring women on our team, whose insights offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of navigating this industry. We’ve asked them a series of questions about empowerment, advice, and inspiration, and their responses are both profound and illuminating. Their words offer a powerful glimpse into the diverse experiences that shape women’s professional journeys, from practical workplace insights to deeply personal stories of mentorship and life. Read their stories, share your own experiences, and let’s work together to #InspireInclusion this
#IWD2025.

Katie Tu, Managing Director
What advice would you give to employers who want to empower the women in their workforce?
We provide executive search services for the commodities and energy trading industry, a sector historically known for being heavily male dominated, with significantly lower representation of women across all functions and seniority levels. However, we have seen progress, as the trading sector has made changes in hiring practices and workplace policies aimed at attracting female employees.
 
We advise employers to implement flexible work arrangements, as it is important to acknowledge that individuals have different needs and responsibilities outside of work. Providing such flexibility allows women to effectively balance personal and professional responsibilities, empowering them to achieve their personal and career aspirations. It also facilitates a smoother transition back into the workforce after having children.

Employers should also provide training to managers and executives to ensure an unbiased hiring and promotion process. Some hiring managers may have unconscious biases when evaluating candidates during the interview process. Implementing a well-structured interview process that prioritises qualifications and skills can help ensure hiring decisions are made based on objective standards rather than personal biases. Additionally, the promotion process should incorporate competency-based assessments, clear promotional criteria, and customised learning and development initiatives to provide women with the essential skills and confidence needed to progress into leadership positions.

Dawn Gulanes, Executive Consultant
How can women empower each other in the workplace?
Empowering women in the workplace is often a quiet, ongoing process rather than a dramatic, one-time gesture. An impactful way to do this is by making women feel seen and heard. You can achieve this by noticing when they have something to say in meetings and discussions, encouraging them to speak up, and inviting them to share their ideas. Engaging with genuine curiosity by asking questions allows them to explore and elaborate on their thoughts in more detail.

Building a culture of respectful communication is essential. When interruptions and negative comments are minimized, it creates a space where everyone feels respected and confident in sharing their opinions. This doesn’t always have to happen in public either. Private conversations can be just as validating; recognizing someone’s ideas in a one-on-one setting can make them feel acknowledged and valued.

Regardless of the setting, when women are asked for their input, it shows that their perspectives are important. Being regularly acknowledged for ideas and contributions can strengthen someone’s confidence. When women recognize the power of their own voice and feel supported in using it, there’s a more inclusive and collaborative work environment where everyone thrives.

Nomulun Tungalag, Business Manager
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I know that it’s very daunting to enter the workforce, especially if you don’t have the relevant experience. I remember that I was getting quite nervous about a lot of things.  Like, for example, attending the meetings or leading the meetings, talking during the meetings. Everything was very daunting and nerve-wracking. But the advice I would give to my younger self is that ”you know what, it’s not a big deal”. Everyone has something that they’re not fully confident about. It’s fine, just speak up, ask questions.

Nicola Clarke, Executive Consultant
Which woman, past or present, has most inspired you, and why?
The woman who has most inspired me in my life is my mum. She has been my constant support, always there when I needed her, and her sacrifices and tenacity shaped who I am today. Growing up, I always knew how much she loved me, but it wasn’t until I looked back as an adult that I fully understood just how much she gave up helping me succeed.

My mum chose to be a stay-at-home mum, a decision that meant she stepped away from her career to focus on raising my sister and me. She helped me with everything, from homework to studying for exams. When I was struggling with a tough subject or feeling stressed about school, she was always there, patiently explaining things to me. She made sure that no matter how challenging things got, I never felt alone or unsupported.


Beyond everything, my mum taught me the value of patience and unconditional love. She always put our family first, and her example has influenced how I approach everything in life. She’s taught me to be kind, to care deeply for others, and to never give up, even when things seem hard, and I carry her lessons with me every day.


My mum is, without a doubt, the person who has had the greatest influence on me, and I’m so incredibly grateful for everything she did, and continues to do, for me.

Michaela Salazar, Marketing Specialist
What empowers you in your career?
It’s not just one thing, it’s a whole bunch of stuff coming together, and equality plays a crucial role. First off, it’s having that feeling of control over what I do. Being trusted to make decisions and seeing them make a difference, that’s huge – especially when that trust is given equally, regardless of gender. Then, it’s about constantly learning and growing. I love that feeling when I pick up a new skill or figure out a better way to do something. It keeps things exciting. 


And honestly, knowing my work is valued? That makes a massive difference, particularly when that value is recognized fairly and without bias. When you feel like your contributions matter, it pushes you to do even better. Of course, a supportive environment is key. Working with people who lift you, who are there to help, that makes all the difference. And, at the end of the day, it’s about purpose. Knowing that what I’m doing has a positive impact, that’s what truly drives me. It’s that feeling of contributing to something bigger than myself, a society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Eva Toledo, Researcher
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Being a mother is my proudest achievement because it has shaped me in ways I never imagined. Watching my child grow, learn, and develop into a kind, curious, and resilient person fills me with an indescribable sense of pride. From the sleepless nights of infancy to the joyful milestones of childhood, every challenge has strengthened my patience, love, and determination. Motherhood has taught me to be selfless, adaptable, and strong, even in moments of doubt or exhaustion.

Beyond the daily responsibilities, the most rewarding part is knowing that I am shaping a future filled with love and kindness. Balancing motherhood with work and personal growth has been challenging, but every sacrifice is worth it when I see my child’s happiness and confidence. The little moments—like bedtime stories, laughter at the dinner table, and the simple “I love you”—remind me that this journey, though tough, is the most meaningful and fulfilling one of all.

Leela Vanmuhilan, Researcher

What changes would you like to see in the workplace to create a more equitable environment for women?
Workplaces should be fair and supportive for women. That means equal pay, more opportunities for growth and leadership, and a better work-life balance with things like flexible schedules and good parental leave. But beyond policies, the culture matters too. Women should feel valued, respected, and heard, without having to work twice as hard to prove themselves. When these changes happen, the workplace becomes better for everyone.


Conclusion:

As we reflect on these powerful insights from our team, it’s clear that empowering women isn’t a singular act, but a continuous commitment. It’s about fostering a culture of respect, providing equal opportunities, and recognizing the unique contributions that women bring to the workplace. From practical advice on flexible work arrangements and unbiased hiring processes, to the quiet power of making women feel seen and heard, our colleagues have offered invaluable guidance. Their stories, from the inspiring influence of a mother’s love to the profound joy of motherhood itself, remind us of the strength and resilience that women embody.

Let us all take these lessons to heart, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day, as we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive world. By listening, learning, and acting, we can ensure that every woman can thrive, both personally and professionally. Thank you to our remarkable team for sharing your wisdom and inspiring us all.

Need Expertise in Hiring Top Talent? Or Are You Ready to Advance Your Career?

Embark on your journey with confidence! Contact us for a confidential discussion, whether you’re ready to make your next career move or are seeking assistance in hiring top-tier executive talent.

Kepler Search is a boutique executive search firm based in Asia with global reach providing unrivalled access to premier talent, market insights, and local knowledge to support business growth. We deliver top talent across key business functions and industries, including Commodities & Energy, Oil & Gas, LNG, Utilities, Power, Natural Resources, Metals & MIning, Renewables, Agribusiness, Data Centers, and Infrastructure Investments.
Share on linkedin

Recent Posts

Why Choose Kepler Search

The Smart Way to Get Hired: Choose Kepler Search

September 26, 2024 No Comments

Kepler Search is a leading specialist executive search firm, delivering tailored recruitment solutions across the Energy & Natural Resources, Food & Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, and Investment sectors. Our team of seasoned experts comes with extensive experience in the industry a … Read More

Read More »

Join the Club

Join the Club

Subscribe to our mailing list to stay at the forefront of industry insights.

Phone-alt Envelope Linkedin

2024 Singapore Commodity Trading Industry Talent Survey Report

Download Now